You are reading the 2024/25 Academic Calendar. The 2023/24 version remains in effect until August 31, 2024 and is available here.

Academic Regulations

Important Note: Admission to the Flexible Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is suspended.

Students are expected to complete courses within each course’s suggested timeframe and participate in all scheduled course discussions and learning activities. Participation grades are assigned for most courses.

The maximum time allowed for the completion of the program is six (6) years from the date of enrolment in the program. In extenuating circumstances, a student may apply for additional time to complete his/her degree. A request to the Faculty’s Student Services office will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will require approval by the Director, Flex PharmD.

Students may seek permission for an academic leave (time away from UBC studies) of up to one year. Before taking leave, all students are strongly advised to discuss their plans with an academic advisor in the Faculty.

The passing mark for a course in the Faculty is 60%.

Any student whose academic record within the program is found to be unsatisfactory may be required to withdraw from the program.

Assessments, including but not limited to course assignments, may be refused a passing mark if they are noticeably deficient in the quality of written English, including the correct use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Although satisfactory academic performance is a prerequisite to continuation, it is not the sole criterion in the consideration of the suitability of a student for continuation or graduation. The Faculty reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the Faculty if that student is considered to be unsuited to proceed with the study or practice of pharmacy.

Supplemental Examinations

Supplemental examinations or other suitable assessment opportunities are possible in all non-practicum courses but may not be granted in all cases. Supplemental assessments are a privilege, not a right. The format of a supplemental assessment may vary depending on content and intended learning outcomes. The supplemental assessment will normally be a comprehensive assessment of the work of the full course. A student's eligibility for supplemental assessments will be determined by the Flex PharmD Student Progress and PLAR Committee. Students will be notified of their eligibility for supplemental assessments. If a student fails a supplemental assessment, the course concerned must be repeated at the next offering or a suitable substitute taken. Where a supplemental assessment is successfully completed, the new grade for the course will be “P”.

Academic Performance

The Faculty’s Flex Student Progress & PLAR Committee monitors academic performance. Academic performance review occurs in two phases.

   Phase 1: Completion of PHRM 451, 452, 453 and 461.
   Phase 2: Completion of every 10-12 credits of coursework.

Students who fail more than two didactic or more than two experiential courses during the program, or who fail any course twice, will be required to discontinue their studies in the program.

Readmission after Being Required to Discontinue

Students who were required to discontinue and who wish to return to the program must sit out for a minimum of 12 months following the requirement to discontinue, and must apply for readmission. They must also submit an appeal letter, which should include a thoughtful analysis of the reasons for their academic struggles, documentation of action taken to rectify issues that interfered with academic progress, and a viable academic success plan. Students are encouraged to meet with an Advisor in the Faculty’s Office of Student Services.

Applications for readmission will be adjudicated by the Flexible PharmD’s Student Progress and PLAR Committee. In considering the appeal, the Committee will take into account any and all evidence of a student's ability to perform at a satisfactorily level in the program.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Students in the program have the opportunity to request credit for prior learning. Students can initiate a request for PLAR at any time after admission to the program; however, they are advised to select challenge option(s) within the first six months in the program. This is essential to meet application submission deadlines, to enable them to plan when they will register into courses associated with their challenge option, and to begin planning for portfolio development where required by the option selected. Challenge Examination or Abbreviated Portfolio Assessment for selected courses only are the options available for didactic courses. Abbreviated or Full Portfolio Assessments are the two options to challenge for credit for APPE, which are also called “practicum” (PHRM 491 – 496). If a PLAR challenge for a course or APPE is successful, the credits awarded are an acknowledgment that prior learning is substantially similar to what would be learned if the student took that course in the Flex PharmD Program. Credits that are awarded through PLAR appear on the student’s transcript.

The maximum credit can be attained through PLAR is 50% of the overall credits in the Flex PharmD program.

Appeals

A student has the right to appeal a progress decision of the program to the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Student Appeals.

For information on Senate Appeals on Academic Standing please refer to Appeal Procedure.

 


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