PharmD Advising

How was my advisor assignment determined?
Your advisor is primarily based on your choices indicated on the post-acceptance form. If you selected multiple interests or did not indicate a specific advisor (or if your chosen advisor is not available for new advisees), other assignments were made.

Can I switch/change advisors?
No. You are assigned to one faculty advisor, but you are also encouraged to meet with other faculty members and seek advice from multiple sources. We do reassign advisors if accepted into a micro-credential or dual/collaborative degree program. We can also help facilitate meetings between you and faculty or alumni, so if you are having difficulty getting in touch with someone, ask us to help. Email pharm-advise@buffalo.edu.

How often do I have to meet with my advisor?
P1 - P3 students must meet with their advisor at least once per semester; once per year encouraged for P4 students. Keeping in close contact with your advisor gives them the basis for supporting you in the future, which may result in letters of reference or referrals. Advising is  about career advisement and continuous professional development.

Do I have to meet with my advisor even though I do not have any concerns?
Yes, we require students to meet with their advisor at least once a semester (P4 students are encouraged to meet only once a year) to discuss progress. Students are responsible for scheduling individual appointments as needed. Group advising sessions will be scheduled for you. Faculty Advisors provide perspective on the curriculum including elective, career advising and continuous professional development. They can also share academic tips and can help you prepare to enter the field and share opportunities with you. It is important to meet regularly with your advisor to establish a relationship so that faculty can provide you with individualized recommendations and referrals.

What should I expect in my advisor meeting?
Advising can help you explore career options, investigate postgraduate opportunities, choose appropriate electives and programs, identify research opportunities and find university resources and support.  Come prepared to your advisement meeting with a list of questions.

What should I bring to my individually scheduled appointment?
Come prepared with questions about courses, special programs, career options, etc. Bring your grades if you have grade concerns, your updated CV, transcript, and/or CPD plan.

What should I bring to my group advising session?
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the topic(s) being discussed. These will be provided to you prior to the meeting and differ semester to semester.

Do I have to meet with my advisor if I am a dual degree student in another program? 
Yes, you must check in with your advisor at least once a semester – even if you are in the other school.  

Are P4’s required to meet with their advisor? 
No, but they are encouraged to meet with their advisor once during the academic year.

Can my advisor help me with financial or tuition questions?
No, advisors will not be able to assist you in these matters. These questions can only be handled by the UB Office of Student Accounts. If you have questions about scholarships, check out our scholarship page.

Is an advisor the same as a mentor? 
No. In short, an advisor is assigned to with a specific outline of topics to discuss to provide you with career and professional development. A mentor is someone that you might connect with based on similar interests or activities and usually more informal and last beyond your time at UB SPPS.

How can my advisor help me with a personal concern? 
Your advisor’s role is for academic, career and professional development, they are not counselors or wellness coaches. However, they are familiar with the existing resources and can easily refer you to those. For personal concerns, students are encouraged to email the Office of Student Success and Engagement for a supportive conversation.

How can my advisor help me with an academic concern?
Advisors want to see you succeed but may not have the content expertise for your specific academic concern. However, they are familiar with the existing resources and can easily refer you to those. For additional academic concerns, students are encouraged to email the Office of Student Success and Engagement for coaching, resources and other support.

Who can I contact about the SPPS PharmD advising program or if I need additional information?
Please refer to the Student webpages.

For general questions, please email pharm-advise@buffalo.edu.