Computing and IT Support Policy:

The UB SPPS Office of Information Technology provides technical support for students, faculty and staff. A full listing of the support they provide can be found on the Office of Information Technology website.

Laptop Requirement:

• It is mandatory for students to possess a laptop that runs on PC or Mac operating system. iPads are not supported.
• Students must have access to a personal computer with full administrative rights. Please note that computers owned or managed by an employer, school district, or other organization may have security policies that restrict installation or access to certain software or online resources required for University at Buffalo coursework.
• See UB Student Computer Standards for the University at Buffalo's minimum recommendations for student owned computers.
• Students are required to acquire and utilize a privacy screen.

Requirements for ExamSoft (IF NEEDED):

Students enrolled in certain classes, such as PHC 531, 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 linked below.  

See ExamSoft Minimum System Requirements

See ExamSoft Installing and Registering

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.

The Institution identifier, which is necessary for initial registration, for UB SPPS is ubpharm.

ExamSoft Minimum System Requirements (MSRs) Requirements change periodically, therefore it is recommended that students review these at the start of each semester.

UBIT Software
Find UB-licensed and UB-recommended software to download and install for free: UBIT Software for Personally Owned Devices.

Listserv and Email Policy:

UB SPPS uses listservs to communicate with students, faculty and staff. LISTSERV® is a commercial mailing list management system and each subscriber of a listserv receives a copy of every message sent to that list via email. A students’ class listserv is the MAIN venue for communication pertaining to professional information for everyone in your class as well as faculty and staff. All students are automatically subscribed to their class listserv.

User Guidelines and Expectations

• The listserv is "open" which means anyone receiving messages from the list can send messages to the list. The list contains members of the class as well as faculty, staff and school leadership, including the Dean.  
• You have been assigned a UB email address. Check this email every day for important messages. All messages will be sent to this UB email ONLY. If you have another email (e.g., Gmail) you can have messages forwarded BUT it is your responsibility to ensure you are receiving the messages. It is best to check your UB email directly. UB IT has mentioned that some outside email services can confound the listserv so please be sure to use your UB address when communicating on listservs. 
• Listserv messages are for information related to pharmacy, the school, or your class. They are not intended to be used to sell any products, services, or to promote non-school related gatherings/events.
• Listserv messages should not be utilized to direct complaints, grievances, or venting. We encourage students to voice concerns, address issues and ask for assistance through the appropriate channels in the school. See Feedback & Grievances or email the Office of Student Success & Engagement.
• No profanity or "bad" language (or angry tones).
• If you are composing an email and you are emotional (i.e., angry, sad, agitated), wait 24 hours before sending the email. Re-read it before sending to ensure the tone and language are professional.
• You may refer to the UB Student Code of Conduct for email policies as well.
• You are strongly encouraged to develop a professional email signature.
  

You are now considered professionals, and school emails/listserv communication, is a place where professional communication should be aptly practiced and adhered to. 

A professional email is similar to a professional letter and is not informal or overly casual such as when communicating by text message/direct message in social media apps.

Be kind, courteous and to the point. Always preface it with "Hi" "Hello" or "Dear." Always end your email with your name and class:
Sincerely, (or similar)
Mary Smith, PharmD
Class of 2029

Note: If you are elected to a student organization or office positions, such as president of your class, you may include this title in your email signature.

Students are responsible for checking their UB email regularly to track and manage all school, course, student organization and program information. SPPS faculty and staff will communicate through email messaging, so make a habit of checking your email daily.