EDUCATING LEADERS IN PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES SINCE 1886
2026 Orientation
Welcome to the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS)!
On this page, you will find information to help you get started on your pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences career journey. If you have any questions, email us at pharm-admit@buffalo.edu.
On This Page
Orientation Sponsors
2026 White Coat Ceremony: Thursday, August 20
PharmD students, see also: White Coat Ceremony.
Important Notes
- Dress: Casual dress is permitted during orientation. On Thursday, August 20, Pharmacy students are required to wear professional attire for the White Coat Ceremony.
- Bring: Bring a laptop, to be used during designated session(s).
- Mandatory Attendance: All sessions are required. Orientation is mandatory. It is optional (but encouraged) for BS/MS and PharmD/MS students who are starting the MS program.
- Registration: not required
- Food: A light breakfast and a lunch will be provided. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions that we should be aware of, please email us at pharm-admit@buffalo.edu.
- Parking: Arrive promptly and park in Parker Lot. Enter through the doorway to the left as you face the building from Parker Lot.
Pre-Orientation Online Course Requirement
Completion of the SPPS online integration course is required prior to the start of in-person Orientation, starting Monday, June 8th.
Log in to UB Learns with your UBITName and password and select course "SPPS PharmD Orientation."
Agendas
Pharmacy Orientation
Thursday, 8/20/26: SPPS Orientation & White Coat Ceremony
| Start Time | End Time | Title | Location |
| 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM | Check-in | Outside Rm 190 |
| 9:00 AM | 9:20 AM | Welcome & Orientation Outlook | 190 |
| 9:20 AM | 10:20 AM | Community, Professional Standards & Conduct | 190 |
| 10:20 AM | 10:35 AM | Break & Icebreaker | 190 |
| 10:35 AM | 11:05 AM | Experiential Education & Employment | 190 |
| 11:05 AM | 12:05 PM | Lunch & Building Tour | Cafe |
| 12:05 PM | 1:05 PM | Oath of a Pharmacist Activity | 190 |
| 1:05 PM | 1:50 PM | Professional Communication | 190 |
| 1:50 PM | 2:05 PM | White Coat Ceremony Prep | 190 |
| 2:05 PM | 3:45 PM | Travel to White Coat Ceremony (Arrive by 3:45 PM) | |
| 4:00 | 5:30 PM | White Coat Ceremony and Reception | Center for the Arts |
The White Coat Ceremony is for new Pharmacy students and their guests, as well as SPPS faculty and staff. It will also be live-streamed for family and friends who cannot attend.
Friday, 8/21/26: SPPS Orientation
| Start Time | End Time | Title | Location |
| 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | Welcome & Top Hat Introduction | 190 |
| 9:30 AM | 9:40 AM | Class Photo | PB Stairs |
| 9:40 AM | 10:10 AM | Advisement & Mentoring Program Overview | 190 |
| 10:10 AM | 11:40 AM | Rotation of Professional Headshots & Small Group Activities | 190 |
| 11:40 AM | 12:55 PM | Narcan Training | 190 |
SPPS All-School Ice Cream Social
Thursday, September 10, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
The School of Pharmacy Student Association invites all students, faculty and staff to an All-School Ice Cream Social on the Pharmacy Building lawn!
Enjoy a variety of ice cream options, plus lawn games and activities provided by student leaders. Feel free to bring your own games, too!
Parking and Directions
Photography Policy
UB will occasionally have a photographer at events such as this. Please be advised that UB may use photographs taken during events for publication in print and online, including social media. Please alert the photographer at the event should you not wish to have your photograph taken.
Important Links
School Videos
Watch our school videos to learn about the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS). Get to know our school, programs and students to discover why UB SPPS is the top choice in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences!