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Academic Affairs

About The Office of Academic Affairs

The Office of Academic Affairs provides guidance and leadership over academic programs, educational initiatives and academic policy within the School of Pharmacy while advancing the mission and vision of the School. The Office leads the administrative and academic functions of the Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Double Degree (PharmD/MBA) programs while supporting the faculty and teaching staff at the School, which ultimately leads to student success.

The Office of Academic Affairs works together with the Office of Student Affairs to provide faculty advising and counseling to School of Pharmacy students. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor prior to Orientation Week. This advisor serves as the student’s first line of communication, assisting with professional and personal successes and addressing potential problems. Academic and professional advisement is successful when there is a coordinated effort that involves the student, the advisor and the Office of Academic Affairs. Meetings between students and advisors help them get to know each other better and provide a means to collect feedback from students on current issues in the School. Many advisors are prepared to be mentors and go beyond routine advising for academic matters and professional development.

The roles of the faculty advisor are to:

  • Advise students of course requirements, policies and procedures.
  • Monitor academic progress.
  • Answer questions about School policies and curricular goals.
  • Provide counseling and guidance in situations that may affect academic performance.
  • Assist students with preparing a plan of action to correct academic or professional deficiencies.
  • Review and evaluate student portfolios at the end of each semester.
  • Discuss and assist with career development plans. 

Faculty Advisors

Once a student is enrolled in the program, the Offices of Academic and Student Affairs collaborate to select a faculty adviser for each professional student pharmacist. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisers periodically, at least once a semester, to discuss academic, personal, career and professional goals.

Instructional Design and Support Services

Instructional Design and Support Services (IDSS) is a subunit in the Office of Academic Affairs. IDSS is dedicated to helping advance the college’s teaching mission by introducing and supporting appropriate instructional technologies and related instructional design services. IDSS is also committed to offering creative digital media services. IDSS serves the faculty, staff and students at both campuses and all satellite sites.