Advising Information for Students

What Is The Purpose Of The Academic Advising Program?

The mission of the academic advising program is to provide increased interaction between faculty and students, promote retention to a diverse student population, and enhance the positive outcomes of the educational experience as students progress through the curriculum.

The advising program is to provide an opportunity for advisors to share their expertise on careers and for students to evaluate their academic progress and performance and receive accurate information about the School's academic policies and procedures. 

How Does the Academic Advising Program Work?

This is how it works:

• The two Student Affairs administrators: the Director of Student Educational Services & Outreach and the Office Manager will serve to guide you during the first year through the administrative aspects of the School's curriculum. 
• You will select an individual advisor towards the end of your 1st year to further develop the Plan of Study, network, and assist with your career planning.
• Your individual advisor will meet with you as needed during your 2nd, 3rd and 4th years.
• During your advising sessions, you and your advisor will discuss registration, career planning, other issues, and  develop your Plan of Study.

Who Is My Academic Advisor?

Your academic advisor is a faculty member or a Student Affairs administrator who is assigned to you at the time of enrollment or is a faculty member you choose towards the end of your 1st year. You are encouraged to contact your advisor to discuss academic and career goals.

Who are the First Year Advisors?

How Do I Change Advisors?

If you are a first-year student, your advisor is assigned. During the spring semester of your 1st year, you must identify a faculty advisor whose research and professional interests matches yours. During your 2nd, 3rd and 4th year, you may change advisors at any time by following the procedure below:

• Print the Advisor Change Form or pick up the form from the wall pocket outside the Student Affairs Office.
• Complete the form.
• Get the new advisor's signature.
• Return the completed form to the front desk staff in the Student Affairs Office, Pharmacy Hall, Suite 722.

What is the Plan of Study?

The Plan of Study is a process that will help organize your electives towards your potential career goals. The plan consists of a form, which should be revised each semester. On the worksheet, you list a minimum of 17 hours of didactic (PHMY) electives and 16 hours of experiential electives (8 credits must be Patient Care).

Each semester, with input from your academic advisor, preceptors, and other faculty, you must update or complete the Plan of Study form. Below is the procedure for completing the form:

1st Year Students

• Access the Plan of Study form through the Portal.
• Complete the form
• Get your advisor's electronic approval.

2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students

• Download the Plan of Study form.
• Complete the form.
• Get your advisor's signature and date on the form each semester.
• Return the completed form to the Student Affairs Office, 722PH by the deadline given in your registration materials. (Click here for the registration page.)

You will not be able to register if you do not submit the Plan of Study form to the Student Affairs Office by the stated deadline.

Who Advises Me After My First Year?

You may choose a faculty advisor from a list of faculty whose area of specialization matches your area of career interest. See the list of Faculty Areas of Expertise.