Information for Accepted PharmD Students

Log in to the Application Status Portal and submit the PHAR Reply to Offer of Admission form. Students will soon receive instructions in an email titled Confirm Your Acceptance and Join Our UB Community!

>> Join Us for Accepted Student Events

We participate in the Cooperative Admissions Guidelines. If accepted to multiple schools, students may choose to hold multiple acceptances until March 1. After March 1, students may hold only a single acceptance.

UB requires all students, excluding current and re-entering UB students, to submit a $150 tuition deposit by March 1. A UB Person Number is required to pay this deposit, which will be emailed.

If offered admission after March 1, submit the PHAR Reply to Offer of Admission form and tuition deposit within 10 days from the date of the offer of admission.

UB email is the official method of communication between students and the university. Students must check it regularly to receive important messages and updates!

• Students can login to UBmail, MyUB, UB Learns, campus Wi-Fi (eduroam), etc. using their UBITName.
• Single use password and instructions will be emailed beginning March prior to fall matriculation (check spam folder).
• Visit buffalo.edu/ubit/new for information to learn more about IT tools and services at UB. 
  

Note for International Students: Visit Activate your UBIT Name

International students (including Canadians) must provide the following materials as electronic uploads.

• Photocopy of passport (photo page) to the portal application checklist
• Copy of current I-20 and visa
  If currently studying in the United States, upload a copy of current I-20 and visa to the application checklist.
• International Applicant Financial Form and Bank Documents (not required for PhD applicants)
  Submit the Financial Form and bank documents showing funding for the first year of academic study (minus any scholarships). Check I-20 status through the portal.
  For MS, the I-20 has the program/major as "51.2010 Pharmaceutical Sciences" for MS Pharmacometrics & Personalized Pharmacotherapy or "26.1099 Pharmacology and Toxicology, Other" for MS Pharmaceutical Sciences.
  
• As the Fall Semester approaches, we request that you update us on your Visa Appointments and Travel Plans. This will allow us to plan for your arrival better. Remember to start the New International Student Check-In process with ISS on UB Global.

Immunizations
New/Incoming Students: In accordance with New York State Public Health Law, UB requires that all students submit a University’s Health Background Form - submit as soon as possible, due June 30. Students cannot register for classes until proof of immunizations are submitted. Please check the HUB system for the current status of your service indicators. See Immunization and Meningitis Requirements.

Continuing UB Students: UB students must complete the Annual Immunization Review Form due November 1. Review SPPS Immunization Policies.

Meningitis Information
All students must receive information about meningococcal disease and make an informed decision about whether to receive immunization against the disease. Review Immunization and Meningitis Requirements.

COVID-19 Vaccinations
UB requires students to demonstrate proof of receiving primary series COVID-19 vaccine or receive approval for a medical or religious exemption before they can register for classes. See COVID-19 Immunization Requirements.

Students who receive approved medical or religious exemptions should be aware that some clinical placements may have stricter vaccination requirements than the university and do not accept UB’s exemptions. In these instances, students who receive UB-approved medical or religious exemptions may not be able to complete their degree.

Flu Immunizations
UB SPPS requires all PharmD students to receive an annual flu immunization by November 1 of each year. Students must send all health requirements to Health Services.

Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for full-time graduate domestic students and all international students. See Health Insurance.

• Submit the UB SPPS PharmD Program Post-Acceptance Response Form on the Application Status Portal. To review login instructions, revisit the email titled: Confirm Your Acceptance and Join Our UB Community! This important form includes information for faculty advisor pairing, White Coat Ceremony, and intern permits/licensing.
  Submission is required before we register you for your first semester for all required courses.
• Watch online orientation videos by August 1. We will let you know when the videos become available.
• International students will also particpate in the International Orientation and Welcome Series
  

Billing

• Login to MyUB for billing, financial aid and course registration transactions.
  International students will obtain access to MyUB at the International Student Welcome Series.
  
• Tuition e-bill notifications will be e-mailed to your buffalo.edu account.
• Direct deposit of refunds

Cost of Attendance/Tuition

• UB Tuition and Fees
  • Financial Aid Cost of Attendance
  • PharmD: Students are considered Pharmacy/Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for tuition and fees.
  • MS: Students are considered graduate for tuition and fees.
  • BS/MS: Students will still be considered an undergraduate for tuition and fees for this upcoming spring semester. Starting next fall semester, you will be considered a graduate student. When submitting the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline, you must indicate your graduate status. This change permits eligibility for graduate student loans. Students will *not* receive TAP, NYS aid, or other undergraduate financial aid packages once a graduate student. 
  • Non New York residents may seek to establish New York State residency for tuition. See New York State Residency Requirements for Tuition Purposes for more information. 
• Verifying New York State Residency
  • In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, admitted students are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.
  • If you indicated on your application that you are a New York State resident, and you are not a continuing UB student, you will be required to upload three documents to verify your residency and obtain the in-state tuition rate. See Verifying New York State Residency for more information. Upload documents to your application portal checklist as “NYS Residency Materials.”
  • All admitted students will be deemed an out-of-state resident for tuition billing purposes until sufficient documentation is provided to verify New York State residency in advance of class registration. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid information is available post-acceptance and during orientation. Financial aid advisors are available for students to discuss their financial aid award summary and/or for questions about loan options. Call 716-645-8232 or email ubfa@buffalo.edu. We also offer walk-in appointments at 1Capen on North Campus. Financial Aid begins sending out award notices in February/March.

Loans
Graduate students will qualify for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Students may also apply for a Graduate PLUS loan. Additionally, students can apply for a private loan (see Alternative/Private Loans).

FAFSA
The FAFSA is an application for student aid that collects the basic information needed to determine your eligibility for all of the financial aid programs sponsored by the federal government. As a PharmD student, you are regarded as a graduate, independent student for federal financial aid purposes for all four professional years (P1, P2, P3 and P4). If you need additional help financing your education, U.S. citizens should apply for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online (school code 002837).

Students can begin the FAFSA application process in October and we encourage prior to March 1 (late submissions may still qualify).

Here are questions that will appear on the FAFSA along with how they should be answered:

• Will you have your first bachelor’s degree before July 1? Answer YES.
• When you begin the school year, what will be your grade level? Enter 6 for first-year graduate/professional as a P1.
• When you begin the school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on?  Enter 8- for graduate or professional degree.
• At the beginning of the school year will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)? Answer YES.

1. Visit Application Station
   Make sure the following matches your PharmCAS application: PharmCAS ID Number, Last Name, City Of Birth, and Permanent Address Postal Code. 
2. Enter the Code: CERTAACP2023 in the Application Station Code field.
3. Click the "SIGN UP NOW" button to create an account. Or, click "SIGN BACK IN."
   
4. Follow the instructions on the Application Station site.
5. We will receive your results directly from Certiphi.
   Note: If already completed for another school, results will be released to us.
   

Important Notes:

• Certiphi will procure a national background check once students provide consent.
  
• Students who do not consent, or fail to in a timely manner, may jeopardize their acceptance status.
• Students will be required to submit annual criminal background checks at their own expense. See Criminal Background Checks policy (UBIT Name and password required).
• The system will automatically send reminder emails to students.
  

For additional information about the criminal background check, visit the PharmCAS Applicant Help Center.

Our prerequisites include: Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Calculus, Statistics, Social Behavioral Science, and English Composition. We do not waive courses (except English Composition is waived if entering with bachelor's degree).

• Complete the PharmCAS Academic Update for the fall, winter and spring semesters to reflect newly completed or planned/in-progress courses. Due February 15 for fall/winter or June 30 for spring/summer. Note: UB Early Assurance Program students are exempt from the Academic Update. 
  
• Students who do not have all coursework on their PharmCAS application or if they are taking a summer course(s) at an institution other than UB must have official electronic transcripts with all grades sent directly to UB SPPS from a national clearinghouse to pharm-admit@buffalo.edu. Electronic transcripts received from a student are not official.  During the summer, international students receive a portal link to upload final, official academic documents to UB’s Office of International Admissions. Students must use this form to submit documents even if already submitted to SPPS. Documents will only be accepted electronically via this form; paper documents are not required and will not be accepted.
  

Any offer of admission is provisional pending receipt of all official transcripts.

Email us with concerns about grades for in-progress or newly completed prerequisite courses.

Registration Requirements

Service Indicators/Holds:
Students will not be able to register if there is a hold on their account (view holds). Holds include immunization records - see Step 5 above. International students will submit their U.S Visa Stamp via the New International Student Check-In to resolve the international student hold.  

Continuous Registration:
Students must register each semester or else submit a leave of absence until they confer.    

Resigning Courses:
Students should not resign from courses after the add/drop deadline without discussing the underlying reasons with the Director of Student, Professional and Community Affairs. Resignations can affect the visa status of international students.

Registering for Classes:
First semester registration will be completed by the UB SPPS Registrar.

• Communication Skills
  It is critical all students possess the ability to communicate effectively using both the oral and written English language. Written communication skills will also be assessed in a standardized manner.
• Academic Integrity
  All UB students are expected to uphold standards of academic integrity. As a result, students are responsible for knowing what constitutes an act of dishonesty, and a lack of awareness is not considered an excuse. See Academic Integrity Violations for what academic dishonesty includes. PharmCAS applicants must adhere to the Applicant Code of Conduct. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to rescind a PharmD offer of admission if students do not uphold standards of academic integrity. Students who do not demonstrate these proficiencies and attributes will not be eligible for admission.
• Harassment and Discrimination Policies
  Harassment creates a hostile or intimidating environment, which interferes significantly with an individual's work or adversely affects an individual's living conditions. Such an atmosphere can be created by verbal or physical conduct. Physical harassment constitutes unwelcome physical contact or verbal threats, menacing or otherwise. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome acts of a sexual nature including sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct, including written communications, of an intimidating, hostile or offensive nature, or action taken in retaliation for the reporting of such behavior.  This policy applies to all faculty, staff, administrators, and students on the university grounds or at university affiliated functions.  Sexual harassment is prohibited by Title IV Civil Rights Act of 1964 and by title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  See Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment.
• Technical Standards
  Review our Personal Attributes and Capabilities Essential for Admission, Progression and Graduation for our PharmD degree.
• Licensing Requirements
  See important information on student intern permits and pharmacy practice licensing requirements.
• Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosure
  See important information on Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosure.
  
• Non-Discrimination Policy
  UB SPPS is committed to a nondiscriminatory admission policy and philosophy. Review our Non-Discrimination Policy.
• Social Media Policy
  Ensuring all users have a positive and engaging social media experiences on official as well as affiliated channels is needed to achieve the school's goals. Understanding and supporting social media best practice policies are important for all University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences community members. Review Social Media Policy.
  
• Transportation Policy
  As a student, you will be responsible for providing your own transportation throughout professional years 2, 3 and 4. See Transportation Policy.
  

UB Card
Students use the UB Card across campus. Students should obtain their UB Card before orientation. The UB Card office is located in 1Diefendorf (Room 114) on South Campus (limited hours) and 1Capen on North Campus.

Parking Permit
Students should obtain their parking permit before orientation. Parking permits are included in the transportation fee. There is no additional cost to students. Permits will be mailed if registered before July. Students may also register in person at any Parking and Transportation Services Office, located in 106 Spaulding Quad in the Ellicott Complex and 1Capen on the North Campus.

Students may apply for on-campus housing after acceptance. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first served basis. Campus Living provides application deadlines, deposits, live chat support and apartment locations. Students are eligible for an early arrival waiver one day before Orientation. Submit the early arrival application when available (early August). Early arrival charges will be reversed after check-in. Students may move in earlier, but fees apply.

Students may also rent off-campus with roommates, reside in villages such as Collegiate Village or Axis 360, Auden Buffalo, and in other houses/apartments in the surrounding areas. 

Our P1-P4 students are invited to join the UB PharmD Housing and Roommate Search on GroupMe to find roommates. Click here to join.

Technology Recommendations

• See UB Student Computer Standards for the University at Buffalo's minimum recommendations for student owned computers. 
• Find UB-licensed and UB-recommended software to download and install for free: UB CIT Software for Personally Owned Devices
• Also note:
  • A privacy screen is required
  • Beta operating systems are not supported

Requirements for ExamSoft
Students enrolled in the PharmD program at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are required to use electronic testing software (currently ExamSoft/Examplify) for exams and assessments. Students will be required to have either a laptop (PC or Mac) to bring and use in the examination room, for the purposes of assessment. Students are responsible for the maintenance of their personal computing devices; the school is unable to provide computing support. The minimum computer specifications to run ExamSoft/Examplify are listed below. 

The minimum computer specifications to run ExamSoft/Examplify are listed below.  Examsoft may update requirements periodically.

• Mac OS X Requirements [Click here for a full list of Mac requirements]
  • Only genuine OS devices are compatible
  • iPad tablets are not supported at UB SPPS.
  • For the best experience, we recommend that you take your exam on the same OS version that you have completed a recent successful mock exam.
• PC Requirements [Click here for a full list of PC requirements]
  • Only genuine, U.S.-English, French, Portuguese, Swedish, and British versions of Windows Operating Systems are supported
  • ExamSoft does not support Tablet devices other than Surface Pro as detailed below
• Other Operating Systems
  • Other operating systems, including Linux and Android, are not supported.

Best Practices for Students

• Installing and Registering
  You will receive an email that will provide information on how to install and register Examplify. It is recommended that you not use your UBIT password for your Examsoft password, as the password is visible to SPPS staff. The Institution identifier, which is necessary for initial registration, for UB SPPS is ubpharm.
• Disable antivirus prior to opening Examplify.
  
• UB CIT recommends Windows Defender Antivirus, built into the Windows 10 operating system. For macOS, UB’s Information Security Office recommends AVG Antivirus Free or Sophos Home Free. 
• More information on Examplify best practices.