Class Attendance

 Students should refer to the UMKC Attendance Policy under the Academic Regulations section of this catalog as well as the School of Pharmacy Attendance Policy.

Absences from Scheduled Examinations

Students must refer to the individual course policies within the syllabus.  

Policy for Examination Process

Students must refer to the individual course policies within the syllabus.

Inclement Weather Policy

Please refer to the School of Pharmacy inclement weather policy related to campus closures because of weather related issues - Inclement Weather Policy

Academic Loads

All coursework in the pharmacy curriculum is sequential and success depends upon the instruction and content from the previous semester and builds upon knowledge needed for subsequent semesters. Pharmacy students must enroll for the total program as outlined for each semester in the most current version of the curriculum. Therefore, all coursework and related requirements must be successfully completed in sequence, as outlined, before matriculating to the next professional year.

Time to Complete the Pharm.D. Degree

The degree requirements must be completed in no more than six years from admission into the program, absent extenuating circumstances as determined by the School of Pharmacy.

Grading System 

Refer to the grade-point system listed in the General Undergraduate Academic Regulations and Information section of this catalog and to the individual course syllabi. Note: Letter grade changes must be made no later than four weeks from the beginning of the next semester, to include summers, unless a shorter time frame be affixed by a course coordinator. This policy applies to School of Pharmacy departmental courses only and does not apply to incomplete grades.

Doctor of Pharmacy students are not eligible for GPA Adjustment through the UMKC repeated courses policy.

Academic Standing for Doctor of Pharmacy Students

A student’s academic standing is determined by their academic performance while progressing through the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy (UMKC SOP) Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.

The UMKC SOP recognizes that students admitted to professional studies may encounter academic difficulty or need a leave to attend to personal issues. The SOP has established Progression Policies and Procedures designed to give students an opportunity to be reinstated following a leave of absence, withdrawal or poor academic performance.

Pharm.D. Course Remediation Policy

The School offers a Remediation Policy to provide Pharm.D. students an opportunity to rectify failure in a required didactic course offered by the School of Pharmacy. The Course Remediation Policy allows students to demonstrate competency while minimizing disruption to their progression in the professional degree program.

Appeal of Disputed Grades

Policy Statement

The School of Pharmacy affirms the principle that students are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established for each course. Further, the course coordinator is responsible for setting the criteria for grades, evaluation of student performance, and assignment of grades.

Students have the right to appeal for change of the grade they received in a course. Grade appeal is only available for reviewing allegedly capricious grading, and not to review the instructor's evaluation of the student's academic performance.

Capricious grading, as that term is used here, consists only of any of the following:

1. the assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than the performance in the course;
2. the assignment of a grade to a particular student by resorting to more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in the course; (Note: Additional and/or different grading criteria may be applied to graduate students enrolled for graduate credit in 300 and 400 level courses.)
3. the assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the instructor's previously announced standards.

Procedures for Appeal of a Disputed Grade

Informal Disposition

Students are encouraged to meet with the course coordinator to discuss the disputed grade prior to formally initiating a grade appeal. If the student is still not satisfied with the grade, they can then initiate the formal grade appeal process as outlined below. The student can also discuss their case with their faculty advisor* as they seek informal resolution.

Pre Appeal Meetings

The student and their faculty advisor may meet with Associate Dean for Student Affairs before entering Step 1a or 1b or at any other time throughout the process to ensure all parties understand the processes involved in a grade appeal. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs is also available to meet with the course coordinator and the relevant division chair to discuss procedural issues.

Appeal Step 1 – Appeal to Course Coordinator

Step 1a - Appeals involving didactic courses

The student will first discuss any disputed grade with the course coordinator.

The student must clearly state in writing that they are enacting Step 1 of the grade appeal process and provide a written petition stating how the disputed grade meets one or more definition(s) of capricious grading. This must be done within six weeks after the beginning of the succeeding regular academic semester.

Step 1b – Appeals involving Experiential Education

The student will first discuss any disputed grade with the instructor responsible of the assignment of an experiential rotation grade. In the case of a grade being assigned by an adjunct faculty preceptor, the Director of Experiential Rotations will serve as arbitrator on behalf of the adjunct member. The student must clearly state in writing that they are enacting Step 1 of the grade appeal process and provide a written petition stating how the disputed grade meets one or more definition(s) of capricious grading. This must be done within six weeks after the beginning of the succeeding regular academic semester.

Appeal Step 2 – Appeal to Division Chair **

If the matter cannot be resolved during Step 1, the student will describe their case in a written petition. The petition must be given to the Division Chair within 10 consecutive calendar days following the meeting with the course coordinator. An airing of the petition with the appropriate Division Chair and the student's faculty advisor* provides the student an opportunity to present the matter in dispute and to assist all parties to comprehend the issue germane to the situation. The Division Chair will report the outcome in writing to the student within 10 consecutive calendar days.

Appeal Step 3 – Appeal to School of Pharmacy Executive Committee

If the grade appeal is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student in Step 2, the student requests in writing that the Division Chair refer the matter, with all pertinent records, to the Dean** of the School of Pharmacy. The request must be made within 10 consecutive calendar days of the Chair's notification to the student. The Dean will refer the entire case to the School of Pharmacy Executive Committee (members holding academic appointments) as soon as possible, but no later than 21 consecutive calendar days.

The Executive Committee will:

• Review the Chair’s decision and all documents reviewed during Step 2.
• Hear from the student.
• Hear from the course coordinator.
• Find and consider other pertinent data as indicated. The student has the right to submit additional evidence during Step 3.

By formal motion and vote, the Executive Committee will arrive at a recommendation to the Dean to either sustain the grade as assigned or to alter the grade in favor of the student. (NOTE - In this deliberation, the Dean, as Chair, may enter into the deliberation but will not vote on the recommendation, except as necessary to break a tie.) The outcome of this hearing will be reported in writing to the student within 10 consecutive calendar days.

Appeal Step 4 – Appeal to Provost

In the event that the student is not satisfied with the outcome of Step 3, the student can appeal to the Provost 10 consecutive calendar days after notification of the Dean’s decision.

Additional Procedural Considerations:

• Students can request permission to take next semester courses while appealing their grade from the previous semester. The student makes their request in writing to each course coordinator who teaches in the upcoming semester. The coordinator grants or denies permission to the student, in writing, on a case by case basis. The student must have permission from all course coordinators to attend their class while a grade is under appeal in order to progress. The student provides all written permissions to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs who will facilitate registration for that semester.
• No student will be allowed to continue into APPE's until all coursework through the P3 year is complete and all grade appeals are completed.
• If a student exhausts all steps in the appeal process and the grade is upheld, permission to attend the classes is immediately rescinded. Depending upon the timing the grade appeal decision – fees for that semester may or may not be able to be recouped.

*The student has the right to use someone other than their assigned faculty advisor to assist him/her through the appeal process.

**The Dean, Associate Dean or Department Chair can name a designee if they are unable to fulfill their role in the appeal process.

• Witnesses or statements of support are not allowed as part of any School of Pharmacy grade appeal hearing. Students can bring their faculty advisor or another individual of their choosing to the hearing. That individual cannot directly address the school representative hearing the case at that step. The student and the individual can speak to each other during the hearing step(s).
• Step 4 procedures are determined by the Provost's office. Appeals are submitted to gradeappeals@umkc.edu.

Noncredit Requirements

All doctor of pharmacy students are expected to actively obtain certain certifications, meet specified standards, as well as participate in professional activities offered or required by the School of Pharmacy. These activities, standards, and certifications mirror those expected in professional practice and are intended to better prepare the student for professional life. The following are requirements for all Pharm.D. students that must be adhered to throughout the program.  Students will be notified if additional certifications or requirements apply.  Additional information regarding these requirements and other School of Pharmacy Policies and Procedures that must be followed are found on the School's web page of Program Policies.

The following requirements apply to Doctor of Pharmacy students (as defined for each item), unless a waiver is obtained from the appropriate school official.

Career Fair and Residency Showcase

All students are encouraged to attend and P4 Pharm.D. students are required to attend and participate at the Pharmacy Career Fair and Residency Showcase held annually during the fall in Kansas City unless previously excused, in writing, in advance of the event by the Dean or designee.

Certifications in Basic Cardiac Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BCLS/CPR) for Health Professionals

All students must complete BCLS/CPR for Health Care Providers through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Certification must be obtained and submitted to the School by the deadline date specified in the non-credit requirements of the P1 year and renewed during the P3 year. The certification must remain current and be valid through the last Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiential [APPE] rotation.

Health Insurance Coverage

All Pharm.D. students must obtain and provide proof of health insurance coverage every fall semester and the coverage must remain current throughout enrollment in the program.

Criminal Background Checks (CBCs)

The University, on behalf of the School of Pharmacy, agrees to inform students that as a condition of full admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program and for participating in any affiliated institution or site [academic service learning and/or introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiential rotations], students must obtain and provide verification of a current, criminal background check prior to final acceptance/matriculation into the program and again prior to starting any Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) and any Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE). The affiliated hospital/institution/practice site hereby understands and agrees that the decision to permit a student to participate at that affiliated hospital/institution/practice site on the basis of the result of any criminal background check remains solely with the affiliated hospital/institution and not the University. Failure on the student's part to submit to criminal background checks will delay progression or render a student unable to complete the professional degree program. The School of Pharmacy is not responsible if a student is unable to be placed in an educational experience at any affiliation site because of findings on his/her CBC.

Drug Screens

Pharmacy students will be required to complete a urine drug screen annually prior to starting their summer Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences and again prior to starting Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. Students may be subject to additional requirements as a condition of participation in experiential education and patient care activities at affiliated sites. The drug screen will be collected as per the Pharm.D. Student Urine Drug Screen Policy. If the school is made aware of the results of any positive findings, they will be shared with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for further evaluation.

Students may be required to complete random drug screens as part of compliance with the UMKC School of Pharmacy Alcohol and Drug Use Policy.

Procedures for Alcohol and Drug Use Related Issue

A. Procedure for Reporting Any History of Alcohol or Drug Related Conviction - Prior to Admission

All applicants admitted to the SOP are provisionally admitted until their Criminal Background Check (CBC) is reviewed and cleared.  Failure to report prior drug or alcohol convictions that are discovered following entry into the Pharm.D. program can result in the case being submitted to the Honor Council for review. Any drug or alcohol related conviction on an applicant’s preadmission CBC will be investigated by the UMKC School of Pharmacy Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADSA).  These findings can lead to a review by the Admissions Committee and result in the withdrawal of the offer of admission.

B. Procedure for Reporting Alcohol and Drug Related Offenses – Current Students

Any student arrested or charged with a drug or alcohol related offense at any time during their enrollment in the UMKC School of Pharmacy (e.g. minor in possession, driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, public intoxication, open container, etc…) must notify, in writing, the ADSA within 7 days of the arrest or issue of a citation. The ADSA will investigate the incident and can refer the findings to the Honor Council for review and disposition.

Any student convicted upon a plea or a verdict of guilty or following a plea of nolo contendre to a drug or alcohol related charge, or who receives a suspended imposition of sentence will have their case will be reviewed by the ADSA and they may be remanded to the SOP Honor Council for review and disposition.

C. UMKC School of Pharmacy Procedure for Working with Chemically Impaired Students

UMKC is committed to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and conducive to the academic achievement of all. Abuse of drugs and alcohol is a disruption to this environment and poses significant health and emotional problems that can jeopardize campus safety, patient safety and the personal and professional development of students.

The School of Pharmacy recognizes its obligations to be supportive of students who are chemically impaired.  Students are strongly encouraged to self-report to the SOP ADSA any problems with substance abuse and to seek help voluntarily for their issues. The ADSA can offer information about resources for the student as they seek assistance. If a student is determined to be impaired while in class or during professional practice experiences, their case will be reviewed by the ADSA and they may be remanded to the SOP Honor Council for review and disposition.  In these cases, the school may require monitoring in order for the student to continue as a student in the School of Pharmacy.

D. Available Resources: Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention

Kansas City Location - Counseling Center

• Alcohol and other substance use services are offered to assist students, faculty and staff with concerns regarding alcohol and other substances. Specially trained staff are available to provide evaluations, support, educational and early intervention, and recovery related services. The staff can also assist students, faculty and staff in locating resources in the surrounding community for particular needs

Columbia Location

• The Student Health & Well-Being Center at the University of Missouri provides medical services, psychiatric and counseling services, alcohol/drug problems consultation, and health education.
• There are several online assessments, surveys, and Echeckup tools to help students better understand and manage their relationships with alcohol or other drug substances, identify potential problematic behaviors and evaluate their practices with alcohol and other drugs related to effects on their mental health and wellness.  These tools assist students in working with professional staff in the Student Health & Wellness Center to enable an informed discussion related to alcohol use and related issues. There are also numerous resources to assist with coping strategies.  

Springfield –The Counseling and Testing Center at MSU

The Counseling and Testing Center provides a wide array of alcohol and other drug services to currently enrolled students at Missouri State University.  Confidential alcohol and drug related assessments and services are provided at the Counseling and Testing Center.  Services range from information and referral services to assessments, counseling, and educational programs. Assessments require one session and may require a second follow-up session with a clinician specializing in substance abuse counseling.  The assessment will involve an interview and standardized assessment tools.  Students may also be seen for brief substance abuse counseling or referred elsewhere, as appropriate.

HIPAA Training

Students must successfully complete HIPAA training annually.

• Note: completing the online HIPAA course does not relieve students from having to complete additional training as required by any individual practice site.

Intern Pharmacist Licensure and Liability Insurance

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum at UMKC are required to obtain a valid Intern Pharmacist License issued by the Missouri Board of Pharmacy during the first semester of enrollment in order to fully participate in the curriculum.  In addition, students must provide proof of current professional intern pharmacist liability insurance during the first semester of enrollment. The Intern Pharmacist License and Liability Insurance must remain valid through the last Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE).

In order to apply for and maintain a valid Missouri Intern Pharmacist License and proper liability insurance, the following rules apply - Student Intern Pharmacist License and Intern Liability Policy

Laptop/Tablet Requirements

Pharm.D students are required to have a laptop computer device for course completion. The MU Tiger Tech program through the MU Bookstore, The Computer Connection in the MSU Bookstore, and the UMKC RooTech program through the UMKC Bookstore offer a selection of hardware and software, financing options and services at educational prices. There is no required brand or model assuming they meet the below specification (please note that the Google Chromebook or other laptops running the Android operating system do not meet specification). Following is the minimum and preferred configurations for Windows and Macintosh computers. Also below is a list of required software for both laptops. Laptops must support Windows, OSX, or iOS. If you are unsure regarding compatibility, please consult Information Services prior to purchasing a device (https://www.umkc.edu/IS/support/). 

• Pharmacy student laptop requirements

Missouri Family Care Registry List

All students must register during their Fall P1 semester.  Instructions on how to complete this requirement will be provided from the Office of Experiential Education.

Immunization Requirements

Health care providers (HCP) are at risk for contracting and transmitting infectious diseases as a result of contact with their patients. All doctor of pharmacy students must provide proof of vaccination or evidence of immunity for their own protection and the protection of their patients for these diseases and conditions - Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chickenpox), Hepatitis B, Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis), Tuberculosis (TB) and influenza. Students living in university sponsored residence halls must abide by the immunization requirements of their respective facilities as well as those listed below. For more information regarding the procedures for submitting documentation proofs, students must refer to the School of Pharmacy Immunization Requirements policy as follows: 

• School of Pharmacy Immunization Requirements

Pharm.D. Orientations and Boot Camp

All entering students must complete all online Pharmacy Boot Camp modules and attend and participate in all sessions of the Doctor of Pharmacy orientation and required trainings prior to full matriculation into the First Professional Year unless excused, in writing, in advance of the event by the Dean or designee. Students must also attend and complete IPPE and APPE pre-flight orientation meetings as directed by the Office of Experiential Learning.

Professionalism Policies and Standards

Students must adhere to all Professionalism Standards.

Standards of Professional and Ethical Conduct and Honor Council Procedures

All students entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program are informed about the Honor Council Procedures and Standards of Professional and Ethical Behavior. These policies and procedures provide peer and faculty review to ensure these standards are upheld by each pharmacy student. In all cases of academic dishonesty, the instructor shall make an academic assessment about the student's grade on that work and in that course.

• Honor Council procedures
• Professional and ethical behavior standards

Standards of Professional Attire and Classroom Behavior

Upon acceptance and entry into the School of Pharmacy, students begin a process of developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes that creates the fundamental core of the profession of pharmacy. The development of these competencies to a practitioner's level takes several years, but early initiation of these professional behaviors promotes the development of professionalism. In order to provide students direction to this end, upon entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program all students learn about the school's Standards of Professional Attire and Classroom Etiquette and must abide by these standards.

• Course Policy-Professional Attire-Classroom Etiquette

Minimal Technical Standards for Pharm.D. Admission, Matriculation and Graduation

As a condition for admission, students must read the Minimal Technical Standards for Pharm.D. Admission, Matriculation and Graduation and certify that they are able to meet these standards.

• Minimal Technical Standards for Admission, Matriculation and Graduation

Safety Training

All pharmacy students are required to attend and complete required safety training and receive certification beginning with the First Professional Year and maintain certifications on an annual basis to include, but not limited to, Blood Borne Pathogens, Fire Hazard, Chemical Management, and Hazard Communication.

White Coat Ceremony

All students are required to attend and participate in the School of Pharmacy Professional Dedication Ceremony during the fall semester of the P2 year held in Kansas City, unless previously excused, in writing, in advance of the event by the Dean or designee.

Pre-NAPLEX/NAPLEX Advantage

All students are required to complete the Pre-NAPLEX/NAPLEX Advantage during a predetermined date as a requirement for continued enrollment. Information about dates and the exam will be provided by the Office of Experiential Education.

Course Evaluations and Graduating Student Exit Surveys

All students are required to complete and submit course and instructor evaluations at the end of each semester of enrollment in order to progress. During the P4 year, all seniors are required to complete and submit the required Graduating Student Exit Surveys in order to finalize graduation completion requirements.

Co-Curricular Requirements

All students are required to complete co-curricular requirements for graduation from the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Co-curricular activities complement and advance the learning that occurs within the formal didactic and experiential curriculum. These experiences are conducted outside the classroom and encompass learning outcomes that take time to gain multiple exposures in order to hone and attain mastery. Students are made aware of these requirements and deadlines for completion each semester of enrollment.

Interprofessional Education (IPE) Requirements

Students will be made aware of the required interprofessional education events for each campus location ahead of the start of the semester. Local faculty IPE coordinators will provide communication throughout the semester to ensure requirements are met.

Note: The School of Pharmacy reserves the right to add other noncredit requirements as deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of the students or to further their education.

Directed Individual Study

The opportunity to undertake independent study is offered through Pharmacy 7497 courses. These courses may satisfy part of the pharmacy elective requirements. Generally, the student receives the individual attention of a professor in the chosen field of study, and the project may involve any topic considered appropriate to the academic needs of the student. Once the student and instructor have agreed on a project, a permission-to-enroll form that includes an outline of the proposed course of study signed by the instructor must be reviewed and approved for credit by the school's curriculum committee chair. This must be done several months prior to the start of the term in which the coursework is to commence.  Please refer to the Directed Individual Study Guidelines.

No more than four credit hours of Pharmacy 7497 courses may be counted toward the degree requirements. Pharmacy 7497 courses are offered on a credit/no credit grading basis.  

Off-campus Learning Experiences

All Pharm.D. students are required to participate in experiential learning rotations. All of the experiential learning courses--Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences--are conducted in actual practice settings (e.g., community, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) under the supervision of licensed pharmacy practitioners—instructors who serve as exemplary role models in their particular types of pharmacy practice. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to sites assigned for the experiential learning.

Students may be assigned to an experiential learning experience at a different location than where they completed their didactic coursework. During the Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiential rotations, living, travel, and health expenses are the responsibility of the student. Other expenses may apply.

Outside Employment

Because of the intensity of the professional curriculum, students are strongly urged to limit outside employment to no more than 10 hours per week while enrolled in the school. Students experiencing academic difficulties as a result of commitments to outside employment or over commitments to professional or other extracurricular activities may be asked by the school's academic progression committee to stop outside work or limit extracurricular involvement until their academic difficulties are resolved.

Campus/Site Transfer

In the event that a Pharm.D. student wishes to transfer from one program site to another, the following policies and procedures are in effect:

1. A student will be allowed only one transfer between program locations during their enrollment in the School of Pharmacy.
2. Students will be allowed to transfer only at the end of an academic year; there will be no mid-year transfers.
3. Students requesting to transfer between program sites must submit a petition to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs by July 1. The Associate Dean will discuss the petition with relevant parties in order to render a final decision.  Petitions will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Petitions will be granted only if space in the class is available at the program site to which the student wishes to transfer. Transfers resulting in a class size that differs from the initial intended class size require special permission from the Dean.

Additional Policies and Stipulations

Students should refer to the UMKC School of Pharmacy website and individual course syllabi for additional policies and required forms.

Note: Program requirements and course descriptions are subject to change without notice after publication of this catalog. Pharmacy students are encouraged to remain in contact with their advisor and professional staff in the Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs to stay apprised of current program requirements in effect.