This website serves as a resource for graduate students and advisors. It includes policies related to registration, grading, student records, degree requirements, and academic integrity.
Student Support Resources: Links to career development, computing, counseling, scholarships, accessibility resources, campus living, and more.
Policies are subject to revision by SPPS.
Financial Aid reviews student grades after each fall and spring term. All periods of enrollment are considered for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Student pharmacists must attain 62.5% of their credits scored as H or S.
For questions about financial aid, please see Financial Aid.
All students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the SPPS Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct Policy. These procedures are to be followed for each and every instance of suspected academic integrity. The University community depends upon shared academic standards. Academic dishonesty in any form by any member of the University community represents a fundamental impairment of these standards.
Violation of this policy
A proven case of an academic/professional conduct violation against a student may result in his/her expulsion from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the University at Buffalo.
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure fairness, accuracy, and ethical conduct in the University at Bufalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS) PharmD and graduate programs admissions process by establishing clear expectations for applicant integrity and outlining procedures for addressing misrepresentation, falsification, or other violations related to admissions applications.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
3. Policy Statement
Any form of misrepresentation, omission, falsification, or unethical conduct undermines the integrity of the admissions process and may result in denial of admission or rescission of an offer.
Applicants to the PharmD program are expected to adhere to the PharmCAS Applicant Code of Conduct.
4. Definitions
Application Integrity Violation includes but is not limited to:
5. Review and Investigation Process
a) Identification of Concern
Potential integrity issues may be identified through routine verification, third-party reports, institutional records, or self-disclosure.
b) Preliminary Review
The UB SPPS Office of Student Success and Engagement will conduct an initial review to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant further investigation.
c) Notification to Applicant or Student
If concerns persist, the applicant or student will be notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond by providing clarification or supporting documentation within 10 academic days* from the date of identification of concern. *From the UB Graduate Admissions Integrity Policy Procedures, academic days are defined as weekdays, when classes are in session, not including the summer or winter sessions.
d) Formal Evaluation
The UB SPPS PharmD Recruitment and Admissions Committee (for the PharmD program) or Graduate Education Committee (for graduate programs) will review all available information and determine whether a violation occurred within 20 academic days from the date of identification of concern.
6. Possible Outcomes
Depending on the severity and timing of the violation, outcomes may include but are not limited to:
7. Confidentiality
All application integrity reviews will be conducted in accordance with institutional privacy policies and applicable laws. Information will be shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational or administrative need to know.
8. Relationship to Other Policies
This policy operates in conjunction with:
9. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with accreditation standards, legal requirements, and institutional best practices.
Reviewed by the PharmD Recruitment & Admissions Committee and the Graduate Education Committee, March 2026.
See course syllabus for attendance policy.
Audience: All students at UB SPPS
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the process for submitting feedback about the School or its degree programs.
Policy: Below you will find procedures for student feedback, use of the grievance form, general feedback, course/faculty feedback, grade changes/appeals, student services, administration, admissions, ACPE, and Middle States.
Provide Feedback or Report on an Issue
For feedback, grievances or complaints for matters within the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS), please use the Feedback or Grievance Form. To submit anonymously, do not enter your name or person number.
In the case of student complaints/grievances, when all established procedures within the School have been exhausted, either principal may file an appeal. The UB Graduate School may be contacted for information on applicable policies and procedures. See UB Academic Grievance Policy Grievances resulting from decisions of the Committee and the Dean may be appealed. The student has ten academic days following formal notification of the action taken by the Dean of the School to appeal.
Click here for the Feedback or Grievance Form
General Feedback
UB SPPS openly welcomes feedback from its faculty members, staff members, and students in all aspects related to the educational and professional activities in all the programs. Students, faculty members, and staff members should use the proper channels to provide their comments and opinions and to express any complaints. Comments and/or complaints that are in writing (not email) will be addressed and a response will be sent to the appropriate person in a timely manner, but no later than thirty days from when the communication was received. A record of the comment/complaint and its response will be made and archived in the School.
Faculty and Course Feedback
All students will be given the opportunity to evaluate both the course and faculty instructing the course. Student pharmacists on experiential rotations are also given the opportunity to evaluate the rotation and the rotation preceptor. If other than this process, students should utilize their class officers, specifically the Curriculum Coordinator (specific to the PharmD program) when lodging any complaint or comment as other students may have similar comments.
Non-academic OR curricular issues concerning a particular course must be discussed in writing (not email) and submitted in order to the following people [process: if you do not get a timely or satisfactory response from #1, then submit to #2 and so on]:
1. The instructor of the section of the course.
2. The course coordinator
3. The Chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and/or Pharmaceutical Sciences
4. For non-academic: Contact the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement, who will forward the course complaint to the appropriate person(s) and an appropriate response will be issued. For academic/curricular issues contact the Associate Dean for Professional Education.
Grade Changes/Appeals
Grade changes are made at the discretion of the instructor only. Appeals are not permitted.
Student Success and Engagement Center
Issues regarding student services comprise a multitude of areas. These include but are not limited to: student life, student organizations, academic integrity, grades, scholarships, professional affairs, harassment, emergencies, illness, and family issues. Students should forward comments and/or complaints to the Office of Student Success and Engagement. The issue will be addressed, and an appropriate response will be issued in a timely manner.
Administration Issues
Comments regarding the policies and procedures of the UB SPPS should be sent in writing to the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement. The issue will be forwarded to the appropriate person(s) and an appropriate response will be issued.
Admissions Issues
Comments or complaints regarding the policies and procedures related to admissions should be sent in writing to the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement. The issue will be forwarded to the appropriate person and an appropriate response will be issued in a timely manner.
Comments or Complaints Against Standards of Policies and Procedures of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Student pharmacists may also contact the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) with comments or complaints. Complaints from students against the school of pharmacy, including tuition and fee policies, and as related to ACPE standards, policies, or procedures must be in writing in detail by the complainant and submitted to the ACPE office. The complaint shall be submitted to the institution for response. Requests for confidentiality shall be respected to the extent any such information is not necessary for the resolution of the complaint. See www.acpe-accredit.org/complaints. ACPE's mailing address is: 190 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, Illinois 60603-3446.
Comments or Complaints Against Standards of Policies and Procedures of Middle States Commission on Higher Education
UB SPPS students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs governed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Commission) may also contact the Commission with comments or complaints. The Commission accepts complaints involving an applicant or member institution’s compliance with the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation, Requirements of Affiliation, Commission policies and procedures, or the institution’s own policies and procedures. See: https://www.msche.org/complaints/
Confidential Reporting (UB EthicsPoint)
Confidential reporting for Student Pharmacists about several academic and professional issues such as academic misconduct, sexual harassment, and professionalism.
You will be directed to EthicsPoint, a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool. UB and EthicsPoint are focused on cultivating a positive work environment.
- Select the category that most closely matches your situation. This is not an exhaustive list, the category is simply used for administrative purposes.
- Complete your report with as much detail as you can provide
- After completion, you will be assigned a unique code called a "report key." Write down your report key and password and keep them in a safe place. After 5-6 business days, use your report key and password to check your report for feedback or questions.
Or, call EthicsPoint at (844) 678-0455.
Do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response.
For an emergency mental health crisis, call Crisis Services of Erie County at (716) 834-3131.
Concerns of Discrimination or Harassment
Report your concerns to the UB Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) office at (716) 645-2266 or submit an Information Intake Form.
Additionally, you may consult with an EDI representative about the situation without revealing your name.
Revised and approved by the Student Success and Engagement Committee, July 2024.
All students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the SPPS Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct Policy. These procedures are to be followed for each and every instance of suspected academic integrity. The University community depends upon shared academic standards. Academic dishonesty in any form by any member of the University community represents a fundamental impairment of these standards.
Violation of this policy
A proven case of an academic/professional conduct violation against a student may result in his/her expulsion from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the University at Buffalo.
Class of 2025: See Academic Progression.
Class of 2026 and later: See Academic Success.
Class of 2025: See Academic Progression
Class of 2026 and later: See Academic Success
Class of 2025: See Academic Progression (PDF).
Class of 2026 and later: See Academic Success
See Academic Success.
Grading Policy, Grade Transparency Policy, Honors and Recognition Policy, Academic Standing Policy, Progression, Academic Performance Review, Course Re-Engagement/Course Repeat, Course Intervention Policy, Course Intervention, Early Warning and Identification of Students Struggling Academically, Mid-Term Grading, Academic Success Interventions for Identified Students, Course Re-Engagement Template, Individual Intervention Plan, Student Exam Reflection Form
Reviewed by the Progression and Curriculum Committees, July 2024.
Audience: All PharmD professional degree students at UB SPPS
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to provide notice of what would be considered grounds for dismissal.
Policy: The following represent grounds for removal of a student from the PharmD professional degree program.
Dismissal of a student from PharmD Professional degree program must be approved by PharmD Progression Committee.
Right to Appeal
See Due Process and Right of Appeal Policy
See additional related policies:
Code of Ethics
Comprehensive Conduct and Respect Policy
Oath of a Pharmacist
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Harassment and Discrimination
Professionalism Assurance
UB Student Code of Conduct
Revised and approved by the Student Success and Engagement Committee, July 2024.
All students are responsible for checking their grades at the end of each term. Should a student discover a "missing grade" they should consult immediately with the instructor or the staff in the associated department. If blank, at the end of the following term an F grade will be recorded on the student’s record.
Audience: All PharmD professional students at UB SPPS
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the amount of time you should be prepared to engage with coursework based on credit hours.
Policy: For time management purposes, 1 credit (one semester credit hour) is equal to a minimum of 3 hours of work per week for a semester (1 hour lecture plus 2 hours of homework, or 3 hours of lab) for 15 weeks. Anticipate that some weeks may require more or less effort, depending on content and assignments.
Revised and approved by the Student Success and Engagement Committee, July 2024.
Changes to previously recorded grades must be submitted within 12 months following the end of the term during which the student was registered for the class. After one year, grades are considered final.
Changes are made by faculty using the electronic grade change tool and must include a justification. The request must be approved by the instructor, the department chair and then submitted to the Graduate School for formal review.
Faculty are to maintain copies of student exams, reports and other assignments submitted to the course instructor but not returned to the student that are determinants of a student’s course grade for six months following the term in which the course is offered. Faculty are to maintain records of all graded assignments and other student assessments that are determinants of a student’s course grade for 12 months following the end of the term in which the course is offered.
Faculty must submit grades for all courses by the due date scheduled for each term, which shall be no less than seven days (including weekends and holidays) after the last day of the term's final examination sessions or the last day of classes of a term not having separately scheduled final examination sessions.
Courses offered in a non-standard term, e.g., a non-standard summer session, may have a shorter time for grade submission.
Grades may be obtained by students and advisors through the HUB Student Center available through the "MyUB" portal the day after they are submitted. They are also available in Navigate.
Faculty can review the Registrar's Critical Dates.
See Academic Success.
See Academic Success.
Assignment of an incomplete grade is at the discretion of the instructor. Faculty may assign an incomplete grade, with a default grade if not completed (e.g., I/F = incomplete, fail if not completed). A default grade is the letter grade the student will receive if no additional coursework is completed and/or a grade change form is not filed by the instructor.
Any course graded with incomplete that will count toward a graduate degree must be changed to a permanent grade before that degree is conferred. Faculty can update the grade using the Grade Change Tool.
Courses Taken in (Semester): | Will default in 12 months on: |
|---|---|
Summer | Aug. 31 |
Fall | Dec. 31 |
| Winter | Jan. 31 |
Spring | May 31 |
When assigning an incomplete grade, the instructor may set an earlier deadline for completion of the outstanding course requirements. If an earlier date for completion is set, the instructor shall inform the student thereof in writing.
If an extension to the incomplete timeframe is sought, the above chart indicates the due date for the corresponding Petition for Incomplete Extension Download pdf form to be filed with the Graduate School.
See Academic Success.
This guidance is for International (F-1) Students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at UB. This policy may change without notice, to comply with local, state and federal mandates and regulations. International Student Services (ISS) is the authority for current policy.
CPT authorization is required for Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs), Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) and any pharmacy related employment. One cannot work without CPT authorization. CPT requirements are specified fully here: Curricular Practical Training for F1 International Students
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for IPPEs and APPEs
The Office of Experiential Education will apply for IPPE and APPE CPT on the student's behalf. Depending on the IPPE rotation assignment, one may be approved for part time (<20 hours per week) or full time (40 hours/week) CPT. APPEs require full time CPT authorization.
To preserve eligibility for Optional Practical Training (post graduation employment authorization), one must not exceed 364 days of full time CPT authorization. The current maximum full time days for all IPPEs and APPEs is 336 days in the revised integrated curriculum (as of July 2024).
It is strongly recommended that international students with CPT authorization maintain independent records of full time days worked for IPPEs, APPEs and part-time days worked for employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for Employment
One requirement for employment CPT is that international student pharmacists must be registered for an approved course that requires a work experience related to their academic studies. CPT authorization is required even if one volunteers. Not all student pharmacists can qualify. For off-campus work, students are considered eligible after they complete the P1 year.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
In brief, an employment CPT application requires:
NOTE: The deadline for submitting the CPT application is the last day of Drop/Add of the semester. This deadline is strictly enforced by International Student Services. If one receives an employment offer during the semester, the earliest employment start date would be for the next semester. See CPT Application Deadlines.
Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Authorization
OPT is available to newly graduated international PharmDs. For details see: Optional Practical Training for Graduates.
As of July 2024, PharmD graduates with a Masters degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Clinical Translational Therapeutics are eligible for a STEM OPT extension. For details see: OPT Stem Extension
Reviewed by the Progression and Curriculum Committees, July 2024.
Repeating Courses – Class of 2025
If a student pharmacist repeats a course, all grades earned will be used to calculate the grade point average associated with the graduate degree program requirements and progression policy. The student's official graduate transcript will record all courses attempted (including repeated courses).
All resulting grades are calculated in the cumulative GPA reflected on the student's final official transcript (including any D’s or F’s). Depending on the course remediation or repeat policy, student pharmacists who have earned a D or F grade must repeat or remediate the course the next time it is offered. This may delay the anticipated graduation date.
Course Repetition Effects on Financial Aid
Repeat courses affect academic progress and financial aid. To determine the UB GPA for Financial Aid eligibility (a minimum of a 2.50 for all terms enrolled in Pharmacy), a student must successfully complete at least 75 percent of all cumulative attempted credit hours. Repeat courses will be counted as attempted credit hours. The following designations are considered to be attempted credit hours but are not considered to be successfully completed: W, I, J, R, U and F grades. For more information, see UB Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress for Pharmacy.
Repeating Courses – Class of 2026 and beyond
Commencing with the Class of 2026 and future classes, all resulting grades are recorded on the student's final official transcript (including any U’s). Student pharmacists who earned a U grade must repeat or re-engage (remediate) the course the next time it is offered. This may delay the anticipated graduation date.
Course Repetition Effects on Financial Aid
Retaking courses a second time has implications for academic progress and financial aid. The “Unsatisfactory” grade is denoted as U1, U2, U3, depending on the extent of student participation in the course. Financial aid is dependent on a student maintaining satisfactory academic progress towards the degree, and dependent on satisfactory completion of ≥ 75% of their course credits scored as Honors (H) or Satisfactory (S).
For more information, see UB Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress for Pharmacy.
Students should also consult with a UB financial aid advisor.
Reviewed by the Progression and Curriculum Committees, July 2024.
Student pharmacists shall not resign from required courses after the university Add/Drop deadline without discussing the underlying reasons with the Office of Student Success and Engagement (OSSE). Resignations can affect the visa status of international students.
Student pharmacists who resign from required courses after the Add/Drop deadline without prior approval will receive an academic intervention / notice and are not eligible for course re-engagement. An unapproved resignation from a required course may result in a delayed graduation date.
Instructions for resigning: First, be sure to meet with OSSE. To officially resign from your courses, log into HUB and navigate to Manage Classes. Select the Drop Class feature and choose the courses you wish to resign from. When prompted, provide a reason for resignation—this selection is for record-keeping purposes and does not impact your status. Upon completion, all resigned courses will be assigned a grade of "R" on your transcript.
See also: Academic Term Withdrawal and Withdrawal/Non-Returning
Reviewed by the Progression and Curriculum Committees, July 2024.
Revisions to the pharmacy curriculum leading to the PharmD degree offered by the University of Buffalo, State University of New York were approved by the University of Buffalo Graduate School, the State University of New York and the New York State Education Department. Final approval of the most recent curriculum was July 25, 2023 with official curriculum implementation on August 23, 2023.
Registration: Program - Pharmacy; Degree - PharmD; SED 21484, HEGIS 1211
Reviewed by the Progression and Curriculum Committees, July 2024.
Under extraordinary circumstances, students may petition for total academic withdrawal from a given term. Academic withdrawal is for the entirety of a student's registration in that term (i.e., these cases are considered on an all or nothing basis).
Academic withdrawal from the term will be indicated on the transcript by the symbol W (withdrawal) next to each registered class. For the purposes of determining good academic standing/satisfactory academic progress, courses given W grades are considered to be attempted credit hours but are not considered to be successfully completed.
International Students must speak to an ISS advisor first. An approved academic withdrawal, in most cases, results in a violation of F-1 status. It may have an immediate impact on their legal status in the U.S. and future requests for benefits like CPT and OPT.
Continuous registration is required in each fall and spring term until students complete the program. For international students, summer enrollment is also required if a student is using the summer semester as their last semester.
Exemptions:
If continuous registration is not possible, the student must secure an approved leave of absence. Students may not be on a leave of absence during the semester in which a degree is to be conferred.
In rare instances, a student may petition for a waiver of the continuous registration requirement for the semester immediately prior to degree conferral. The Graduate School will consider if the student has an incomplete from a previous semester, is an approved candidate for degree conferral, will not be using any university services or faculty time and has submitted all required conferral materials to the Graduate School prior to the first day of the semester.
See Academic Success.
See Academic Success.
See Academic Success.
Audience: All students at UB SPPS.
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the process a student should take if they receive a jury summons.
Policy:
Letter for Postponement: If you are called for jury duty, we can provide a letter asking the municipality for a postponement. Some municipalities accept such letters, others do not. You are not guaranteed a postponement. Also, you may be called again before you graduate (even though we state your graduation date in the letter). Please keep in mind that most courts will allow only one postponement. It is your responsibility to contact the court and explain your situation and ask their advice on requesting a postponement.
Student Responsibility: If you get a jury duty summons, do the following IMMEDIATELY...
Remember that timely communication and adherence to court procedures are crucial when dealing with jury duty.
Revised and approved by the Student Success and Engagement Committee, July 2024.
Audience: All students at UB SPPS.
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the requirements and process for seeking a leave of absence.
Policy: Current students who will not be enrolling at the university in a particular semester should file a Leave of Absence Form to secure their status. It eliminates the reapplication processes and paperwork when you return, and maintains access to your UB email during your time away. Students who did not submit a Leave of Absence form and wish to return to SPPS, please contact the Office of Student Success and Engagement regarding the re-admission process.
Requirements
International Students
Revised and approved by the Student Success and Engagement Committee, July 2024.
For official transcripts, request from the Registrar's Office. See Transcripts.
For unofficial transcripts, see the HUB Student Center via the MyUB portal.
Transcripts cannot be issued for any student whose financial obligations to the university have not been met.
Students choosing to withdraw from the program should consult with their faculty advisor and the Office of Student Success and Engagement.
Continuous registration is required in each fall and spring semester until all degree requirements have been completed.
Leave of Absence: If you wish to temporarily leave the university, you may request a leave of absence to maintain your current program and registration eligibility by contacting the Office of Student Success and Engagement. See the Leave of Absence Policy for more information.
Resign (R): Dropping a course after the add/drop period through the end of the 11 week of the fall or spring term. An 'R ' notation will be on all grade reports, transcripts and other official university documents. Resignation from all courses should be done through the HUB Student Center, which students may access through the MyUB portal. Students must consult with the Office of Student Success and Engagement.
Academic Term Withdrawal: Under extraordinary circumstances with proper documentation, students may petition for total academic withdrawal from a given term. A 'W' will remain next to each registered class.
Checklist
Use this checklist as a guide as you prepare to exit the program.
Revised and approved by the Student Success and Engagement Committee, July 2024.