Doctor Of Pharmacy Program

Students must refer to the Student Pharmacist Handbook for additional information and updates throughout the academic year.

Doctor of Pharmacy Program Pre-Professional Phase Academic Standards


All students in the pre-professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy program are required to remain in academic good standing and maintain normal academic progress toward entering into the professional phase of the program.  Normal academic progress in the pre-professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy program is defined as (1) the completion of the pre-professional curriculum with a minimum of a ‘C’ grade in each pre-professional course within two academic years and (2) earning a minimum cumulative quality point average (QPA) of 3.0.  Please note in the School of Pharmacy, a ‘D’, ‘F’, or ‘W’ grade in any course is considered a deficiency and failing to maintain normal academic progress.  

Guaranteed progression from the pre-professional to the professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy program will be contingent upon three requirements: (a) the successful completion of all pre-professional courses with a “C” grade or better, (b) earning a minimum cumulative QPA of 3.0, and (c) completing an interview.  However, students who have not completed all pre-professional coursework or do not maintain normal academic progress must formally apply to the professional phase and will be individually evaluated by the School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee.  Because these students do not qualify for guaranteed progression, they may or may not be accepted for admission into the professional phase in the School of Pharmacy.  

Any student who fails to maintain normal academic progress is subject to forfeiture of a guaranteed seat in the class of their initial matriculation.  Subsequent accommodation of that student's continuation in the program in the next matriculated class must be on a space available basis. With additional academic guidance, students may take up to a maximum of three academic years in order to complete the pre-professional coursework.  In the event that a student cannot be accommodated in the next matriculated class or is not accepted into the professional phase of the program, the student will be required to transfer out of the pre-professional Doctor of Pharmacy program, transfer into another program within the University, or withdraw from the University.  

Academic records of each student will be reviewed after the conclusion of each academic semester. Students earning a course deficiency or who are not in good academic standing in the pre-professional program will receive a letter outlining their academic status.  Letters are sent on behalf of the Student Standing Committee of the School of Pharmacy by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.  The categories of Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Academic Dismissal will be utilized according to University policy as stated in the current University Undergraduate Catalog.  Students dismissed from the pre-professional phase of the program may petition the Student Standing Committee of the School of Pharmacy for consideration of special student status to allow for temporary readmission for one semester only.  After one semester of readmission, the student must transfer out of the School of Pharmacy.  The student is not permitted to reapply again to the pre-professional nor professional phase in any pathway in the School of Pharmacy.

Doctor of Pharmacy Program Professional Phase Academic Standards

All students in the Doctor of Pharmacy program are required to remain in academic good standing throughout the professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy program and to maintain normal progress, as described below.  Only students that maintain good academic standing and normal progress to completion of degree can be expected to graduate on time.

Definitions of Professional Year and Academic Year

Professional year is defined as the stage of study in the professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy program.  All Doctor of Pharmacy required courses are designated to be completed in a specific professional year.  A student is considered to be in a specific professional year until they successfully complete (grade of ‘C’ or better) all courses in that professional year.  For example, a PY1 student is in the first professional year until they successfully complete all first professional year designated courses.  Once all first professional year courses are successfully completed, the student is considered a PY2 student and can take second professional year designated courses.
 
Academic year is defined as the annual period of sessions of an educational institution.  At the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, each academic year begins on the first day of fall semester classes and ends on summer semester graduation.

Academic Good Standing

Academic good standing is defined as maintaining normal progress, which is defined as achieving a minimum cumulative quality point average (QPA) of 2.00 and earning no grade less than ‘C' in the required courses and electives.

Academic Progression To Graduation

  • Normal progress is defined as successfully completing all required courses (professional and elective) in the approved curricular sequences. That is, all courses in the first professional year in all pathways must be successfully completed (grade of ‘C' or better) before proceeding to the next and subsequent professional years.

  • For those courses that are sequential from one semester to the next in a given academic year, (e.g., Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II) and if stated in the syllabus or approved by the instructor(s), a student will be permitted to progress to the next course in the sequence with less than a ‘C' grade. However, in order to achieve academic good standing, a student who earns grades less than a ‘C' must repeat the course. Continuance in a course sequence does not guarantee normal academic progression or the ability to graduate on time.

  • A student who has earned less than a ‘C' grade in a required or elective course must repeat the course and earn a minimum ‘C' grade. A student may repeat the same course only one time.

  • Progression into the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) courses is contingent on successful completion of the final Capstone Evaluation. The Capstone Evaluation includes a skills-based assessment and a knowledge-based assessment.

  • A student who fails to maintain normal progress toward graduation, as defined above, is subject to forfeit the guaranteed seat in the class of the student's initial matriculation. Subsequent accommodation of that student's continuation in the program must be on a space available basis. A student who fails to maintain normal progress is not guaranteed enrollment in future courses, including the APPE courses. A student who fails to maintain normal progress is not guaranteed an on-time graduation.

Pathway Specific Maximum Time for Degree Completion

Students must maintain normal progress toward completing the degree requirements within the pathway specific maximum time periods.

  • On Campus and Online 4-year pathways have a maximum period for the completion of the professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum of five (5) academic years.
  • Extended Online 6-year pathway has a maximum period for the completion of the professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum of seven (7) academic years.

Hence, all students, regardless of pathway or approved pathway change, are permitted a maximum of one additional academic year for course retake or remediation.

The length of time for degree requirements remains the same for a student on Academic Warning or Academic Probation.

Repeating Courses

A student who has earned less than a ‘C' grade in a required or elective course must repeat the course and earn a minimum ‘C' grade. A student may repeat the same course only one time. Students should consult their Academic Advisor for advisement and academic plan development.

  • A student may petition the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to be allowed to repeat a required course in an alternate pathway, depending on the student's eligibility and course availability. Otherwise, the student will be required to take the course at the next regularly scheduled offering in the pathway in which the student is enrolled.

  • All courses repeated external to Duquesne University require written approval from the faculty member(s) teaching the course(s) in the School of Pharmacy and from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Academic Warning

At the end of every semester, students are evaluated by the Student Standing Committee.  A student will be placed on Academic Warning for one or more of the following reasons:

  • The student earns less than a ‘C’ grade in a maximum of two (2) courses during the same professional year or academic year.
  • The student has attempted 1-30 credits at Duquesne and has a cumulative QPA of 1.75-1.99.
  • The student has attempted 31-60 credits at Duquesne and has a cumulative QPA of 1.85-1.99.

A student on Academic Warning will be monitored closely by the Student Standing Committee.  Students on Academic Warning must provide a plan whereby they can remove all deficiencies before progressing to the next year of professional courses.  The repeating course(s) policy is described above.  A student must successfully complete all courses in a professional year before proceeding to the next professional year.  Students should consult their Student Success Coach/Academic Advisor for advisement and academic plan development.
 
A student on Academic Warning has not maintained normal progress and is not guaranteed an on-time graduation. 

Academic Probation

At the end of every semester, students are evaluated by the Student Standing Committee.  A student will be placed on Academic Probation for one or more of the following reasons:

  • The student earns less than a ‘C’ grade in three (3) or more required or elective courses during the sameprofessional year or academic year.
  • The student has attempted 1-30 credits at Duquesne and has a cumulative QPA of 1.50-1.74.
  • The student has attempted 31-60 credits at Duquesne and has a cumulative QPA of 1.75-1.84.
  • The student has attempted 61-89 credits at Duquesne and has a cumulative QPA of 1.85-1.99.  

A student on Academic Probation will be monitored closely by the Student Standing Committee.  A student on Academic Probation is required to repeat course deficiencies at Duquesne University during the next academic year and is not permitted to repeat any professional course deficiencies during the current academic year.  Students should consult their Student Success Coach/Academic Advisor for advisement and academic plan development.
 
A student on Academic Probation has not maintained normal progress and will not have an on-time graduation.  

Termination From the Doctor Of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Program

A student is subject to termination from the Doctor of Pharmacy program for the following reason(s):

  • The student earns a grade less than a ‘C' in a course that is being repeated.
  • The student has not completed the Doctor of Pharmacy program degree requirements within the maximum time period described in the Pathway Specific Maximum Time for Degree Completion section of the Academic Standards.

A student who is terminated from the Doctor of Pharmacy program for academic reasons has the following options:

  • The student may continue in other programs within the School or University if accepted into a program.
  • The student may be eligible for readmission as described by the Provisional Readmission Policy of the School.

Academic Dismissal from The School Of Pharmacy And Duquesne University

A student is subject to dismissal for academic reasons from the School of Pharmacy and Duquesne University for one or both of the following reasons:

  • Earning a grade of ‘F' in three or more courses during an academic semester
  • Earning a cumulative QPA of:
    • < 1.50 after attempting 15-30 credits at Duquesne
    • < 1.75 after attempting 31-60 credits at Duquesne
    • < 1.85 after attempting 61-89 credits at Duquesne
    • < 2.00 after attempting ≥ 90 credits at Duquesne

B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences

Students must refer to the B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Handbook for all policies, additional information, and updates throughout the academic year.

B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences Academic Standards

All students in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences program are subject to the following academic standards and policies:

  • The Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences requires 124 - 128 semester hours of course credits depending on the chosen track/concentration.
  • The degree requires an overall minimum quality point average of 2.0, which is a 'C' grade average in a 4.0 system. 
  • Academic good standing is defined as making normal academic progress, which is defined as achieving a minimum semester QPA of 2.0.
  • Students not achieving a minimum overall QPA of 2.0 or minimum semester QPA of 2.0 are subject to Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Academic Dismissal as defined in the current University Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Students must successfully complete all year 1 and 2 math and science courses with a ‘C’ or better before progressing to any PHBM and PHCE courses.
  • Any required course with a failing grade (‘F’ or ‘N’) must be repeated.
  • For a student to graduate with the Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, the student record must be cleared of all grades that are not permanent, e.g., grade of ‘I’ (incomplete), ‘IP’ (in-progress).
  • Students on academic probation are not candidates for graduation.
  • The statute of limitations to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is 6 years.

B.S. Pharmacy Foundations Academic Standards

Students must refer to the B.S. Pharmacy Foundations Student Handbook for all policies, additional information, and updates throughout the academic year.

B.S. Pharmacy Foundations Academic Standards

All students in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy Foundations program are subject to the following academic standards and policies:

  • The Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy Foundations requires a minimum of 120 semester hours of course credits.
  • The degree requires an overall minimum quality point average of 2.0, which is a “C” grade average in a 4.0 system. 
  • Academic good standing is defined as making normal academic progress, which is defined as achieving a minimum semester QPA of 2.0.
  • Students not achieving a minimum overall QPA of 2.0 or minimum semester QPA of 2.0 are subject to Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Academic Dismissal as defined in the current University Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Any required course with a failing grade (‘F’ or ‘N’) must be repeated.
  • For a student to graduate with the Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy Foundations, the student record must be cleared of all grades that are not permanent, e.g., grade of ‘I’ (incomplete), ‘IP’ (in-progress).
  • Students on academic probation are not candidates for graduation.
  • The statute of limitations to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy Foundations is 6 years.

Technical & Professional Standards

Doctor Of Pharmacy Program

Admission, Retention, and Graduation

The School of Pharmacy has a responsibility to the University and to the public to ensure its graduates can become fully functioning, competent pharmacists. It is important that persons admitted possess the intelligence, verbal and written communication skills, integrity, interpersonal skills, and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice pharmacy.

Admission and retention decisions are based not only on satisfactory academic achievement, but also on meeting, maintaining, and demonstrating the non-academic technical standards that serve to ensure that the applicant/student can complete the essential functions of the academic program and fully and successfully function in experiential programs as well as in career pharmacist positions post-graduation. 

Technical standards, as distinguished from academic standards, refer to those physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the curriculum. The essential skills reflected in the technical standards include: motor, sensory, verbal and written communication, intellectual, behavioral and social skills necessary for the successful provision of pharmaceutical care. Patient safety is a major factor in establishing these requirements.

In accord with Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act, the 1993 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Duquesne University TAP 56, the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy is committed to enabling students with identified disabilities by reasonable accommodations to complete academic and experiential learning required for completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

All applicants/students are held to the same academic and technical standards for admission, retention, and graduation, with reasonable accommodations as appropriate for students with disabilities. All students will be expected to meet, maintain, and demonstrate the technical standards through their coursework, interaction with peers and faculty, and in their professional experiences.

Students who fail to meet, maintain, and demonstrate the technical standards while in the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program will be evaluated and appropriate action (e.g., remediation, counseling, or dismissal) will be taken.  This expectation is separate from academic achievement. If an applicant/student does not believe he or she will be able to meet these technical standards, the applicant/student should meet with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Administration prior to submission of an application for admission or anytime throughout the program if it becomes evident that he or she will not be able to meet the standards through conclusion of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. 

Applicants/students for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program must be able to perform the essential functions in each of the designated categories: Observation; Communication; Physical Motor; Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities; and Behavioral, Social, and Professional.

An applicant should evaluate him/herself in regards to compliance with these technical standards prior to submission of an application and entry into didactic and experiential education courses.

  • Observation: The applicant/student must have adequate auditory, visual, and tactile senses to observe demonstrations, experiments, and practice-based activities.  The applicant/student must be able to accurately assess a patient through the use of such senses.

  • Communication: The applicant/student must be able to communicate effectively with faculty/staff, fellow students, and members of the University community.  The applicant/student must be able to communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and members of the healthcare team.

    To do so, the applicant/student must comprehend and communicate fluently in English through both verbal and written form. The applicant/student must be able to utilize current technology to take examinations and to access, record, and convey information integral to both didactic and experiential education.

  • Physical Motor: The applicant/student must have sufficient gross and fine motor function to perform basic tasks in the practice of pharmacy. These include the ability to prepare, compound, and dispense sterile and non-sterile medications; administer immunizations; and perform required aspects of patient assessment. 

  • Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: The applicant/student must possess the skills necessary for the practice of pharmacy. The applicant/student must be able to problem-solve through information retrieval, measurement and calculations, analysis, interpretation, reasoning, synthesis, and the utilization of technology.  The applicant/student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.

  • Behavioral, Social, and Professional: The applicant/student must possess the emotional health required for good judgment and for the development of fiduciary relationships with patients, caregivers, and other health care providers. The applicant/student must be able to function and contribute as a member of the interprofessional health care team. The applicant/student must be able to function effectively under stress and adapt with flexibility.

          The applicant/student must be able to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of patient health care records. Compassion, integrity, empathy, and concern for others are all critical personal qualities of a successful applicant/student. 

          The applicant/student must be able to secure an intern license in Pennsylvania.  The applicant/student must be able to meet the immunization, background checks, drug testing, and other screening requirements of the School, University, and experiential education practice sites. 

          The applicant/student must be able to comply with University Administrative Policy #58 -Medical Marijuana. Furthermore, the applicant/student must be able to comply with the Substance Abuse Policy, which prohibits the applicant/student from possessing and consuming marijuana, including medical marijuana, for any reason, throughout the duration of the experiential education components of the curriculum.  This includes participating in on-site and off-site experiential components, and participating in any experiential education pre-requisites, including required drug screen(s). 

Capstone Examination Policy

Background

The Capstone Examination is a component of program evaluation and ACPE standards related to Assessment of Pre-Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. To assist in meeting the standards, a series of skills-based evaluations have been instituted that will measure student preparedness to provide patient centered care. In addition, since the Pharmacist Patient Care Process (PPCP) has been widely adopted as a practice model by most of the leading national pharmacy organizations, the focus of the student assessment will be on evaluating the skills associated with PPCP. 

Throughout the professional pharmacy curriculum, students will learn pharmacy practice skills and behaviors through their required didactic coursework, laboratory experiences and experiential education. These skills are practiced and assessed in a formative manner throughout the required curriculum. The Capstone Examination serves a summative assessment of these skills. 

Policy

Progression into the Advanced Practice Experiential Education courses is contingent on successful completion of each station of the Capstone Examination. A student may attempt each station of the Capstone Examination a maximum of three times. If unsuccessful in passing any station after 3 attempts, the student: 

  • Will not be permitted to start APPE rotations.
  • Will be evaluated by the Student Standing Committee, who will determine the student’s standing in the program and ability to progress. Further remediation/retesting will be at the discretion of the Student Standing Committee. The student will be responsible for remediation if additional attempts are permitted. 

Eligibility

  • Eligible candidates for the Capstone Examination include students from all pathways who as of October 1 of the current academic year:
      • are enrolled in Fall PY3 Courses and are not on academic probation at the conclusion of the Fall PY3 semester or,
      • are not enrolled in Fall PY3 courses due to special circumstances (e.g. medical leave) who anticipate being enrolled in Spring PY3 courses next semester, or
      • have not matriculated from PY2 to PY3 but anticipate completion of all PY3 courses before the next Capstone offering
  • Eligible students are responsible for ensuring that they are enrolled in the Capstone Examination Canvas community site and have reviewed the posted guidance documents and rubrics. 
  • The Capstone Examination is offered during the Spring Semester only.
  • Students that successfully complete the Capstone Examination but are unsuccessful in completing other coursework required for progression are not required to repeat the Capstone Examination.

Examination Format & Development

  • The Capstone Examination will consist of 5 skills-based stations administered during the Spring Semester of the PY3 year. Students from all pathways are tested concurrently. All dates (Capstone Examination and retakes) will be part of the semester exam schedule. 
  • Evaluators will consist of faculty from both divisions.  It is an expectation that all faculty will participate in the exam. Testing dates will be provided to faculty at the start of the semester and confirmed via email. Exam materials, rubrics, and evaluator instructions will be sent out to faculty no later than 2 weeks prior to the exam with the expectation that faculty will come prepared having reviewed the materials. Graduate student support will be requested and clinical faculty may be asked to provide APPE student support.
  • Stations will be developed by the Capstone Examination Committee. When appropriate, materials will be vetted by faculty with expertise in the skill or related content area being tested. The committee will determine a passing score for each station prior to the exam and will make available to students.
  • Within 1 week of the exam, the results of each station will be reviewed and assessed by the Capstone Examination Committee. Individual student performance will be released as pass or fail via Canvas. All grades for the first attempt are final and will not be re-graded.
  • Retake: Students who fail one or more stations on their first attempt will be offered a retake at a date and time as determined by the Capstone Examination Committee. Students will be required to retake only the stations previously failed. The retake will include the same skills and similar content and rigor as the initial exam. Retakes will be offered as scheduled on the semester exam schedule. Students that failed a station are encouraged to review the posted guidance materials and rubric. Students who do not pass the retake will enter into remediation. 
  • Remediation: Students must complete a remediation process in order to be eligible for a third (final) attempt. The remediation format will be developed by the Capstone Examination Committee and individualized to the student and the specific skills being tested.  Options could include (but are not limited to): 
      • Completion of a series of exercises and/or assignments that are submitted for evaluation.
      • Development of patient cases based on selected disease states.
      • Simulated exam situations.
  • The third attempt will be scheduled prior to May 1 at the discretion of the Committee. Students who are unsuccessful will be referred to the Student Standing Committee as above.

Exam Review & Feedback

  • The exam committee will review results from all attempts in aggregate for accuracy and consistency.
  • Students may not appeal or request to review their results on the first attempt.
  • If unsuccessful on the second or third attempt, a second reviewer will evaluate the student's performance to ensure consistency.
  • Students will have opportunities to receive feedback on areas of improvement during the individualized remediation process.

Students with Accommodations from the Office of Disability Services

As skills-based assessments, practice requires tasks to be completed within an allotted time in a resource-limited environment. As such, accommodations will not be provided. 

Exam Tardiness Policy for Capstone Examination

Prior to the Capstone Examination students will receive via Canvas a schedule with their assigned report time and official exam start time. For all stations of the Capstone Examination, tardiness is defined as arriving any time after the examination. Therefore, the student will be denied access to the exam and will need to refer to the Missed Examination Policy for Capstone Examination (see below). 

Missed Exams Policy for Capstone Examination

Students who miss a Capstone Examination attempt will be handled in accordance with the school’s Excused Absence policy such that an unexcused absence will result in a zero and will count against one of the three attempts permitted. Students with an excused absence will be provided a make-up opportunity, generally scheduled during the retake session. Students with an excused absence for attempts 2 or 3 will be provided a make-up opportunity typically within 2 weeks of the missed exam at the purview of the Capstone Examination Committee.  

Academic Integrity Policy

Students must observe practices consistent with the School of Pharmacy Academic Integrity Policy at all times. In addition, the use of electronic devices during the Capstone Examination are prohibited unless advised by the faculty. Students will be requested to leave all electronic devices in a secure environment prior to the start of the exam. Any possession of an electronic device during the exam will be handled in accordance with the School of Pharmacy Academic Integrity Policy. 

Remediation for Required Professional Courses

This policy was developed to provide a mechanism for students to remediate a course in which they were not successful. The course remediation will culminate in a single comprehensive examination.

Eligibility

  • Students who earn a ‘D' in a required course in the Pharm.D. professional curriculum at the end of the semester will be eligible.

  • A student may attempt remediation:

    • in a maximum of two courses a semester
    • in a maximum of three courses in an academic year
    • in a maximum of six courses during their time in the professional program
  • Remediation does not count as a second attempt at the class.  If the student is unsuccessful in the course remediation process, it will count as a first-time course deficiency.
  • Students are not eligible for course remediation for the following reasons:
    • Student earned an ‘F’ in the course.
    • Student is being placed on Academic Probation as defined in the Doctor of Pharmacy Professional Phase Academic Standards
    • Student is currently on Academic Probation
    • Student earned a deficiency (‘D’, ‘F’, or ‘N’) in three or more courses in a professional year, academic year, or academic semester.
    • The course being considered is an ability-based course or a course with a practicum component (i.e., ABLE, PBL/PCS, CPD, IPPE, APPE, Pharmacy Practice courses with a practicum component, stand-alone certificate programs).
    • The course being considered is an elective course.
    • Any final grade (deficiency or withdrawal, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘N’, ‘W’) was recorded in a previous offering of the course with the Registrar.  Exceptions for a final grade of a ‘W’ due to an approved leave of absence will be considered.
    • Student has exceeded the maximum remediation attempts as outlined above.
    • Student does not submit the course remediation request form by the deadline.
  • Remediation will only be offered the first time a final course grade is recorded with the Registrar.

Remediation Process

  • To petition for entrance into the course remediation program, students must submit a course remediation request form to the course instructors.  A deadline date for submission of the form will be communicated to students.

  • The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration will review remediation requests and inform the student and course coordinators of the student’s eligibility for remediation as soon as all requisite information is available.

  • Students are responsible for reviewing areas of deficiency in the course, which will be provided by the faculty through the strengths and opportunities report or other appropriate means of communicating deficiencies.

  • Preparation for the remediation comprehensive exam is the student’s responsibility.

  • The scheduled dates for remediation exams will determined by the School and will be communicated to students at the beginning of the academic year. 
  • A successful remediation will be defined by the student achieving a 'C' grade (defined as a minimum of 69.5%) on the exam.  Any grade less than a 'C' on the exam is an unsuccessful remediation attempt.
    • Successful remediation will result in the student receiving a 'C' grade in the course.
    • Unsuccessful remediation will result in the student receiving a 'D' grade in the course. 
  • If unsuccessful in the course remediation process, the student will be required to drop any course(s) for which they are no longer eligible and must repeat the course(s) in a future offering.
  • Faculty are responsible for completing the change of grade process.

Remediation Exam

  • The remediation exam is a comprehensive exam that is reflective of the entire content and rigor of the course and will be administered at the end of the remediation period.
  • All remediation examinations will be given on the same day regardless of the number of courses being remediated.
  • Exams are limited to two (2) hours per course and are to be administered using ExamSoft. The number of questions on the exam should be consistent with the expectations of a 2-hour exam, per the Exam Quality Committee guidance documents.
  • Instructors will grade and evaluate the remediation exam and notify the students of pass or fail within 24 hours of the exam. 
  • The specific contents of the remediation exam may not be reviewed by students. Students can request from the course coordinator feedback outlining content areas on which the student can improve.

Independent Study Policy

Independent Study projects are a valuable component of a student pharmacist’s educational experience.  The following academic policy provides direction to students who wish to pursue Independent Study and faculty who serve as Independent Study faculty advisors.  A maximum of four credits of Independent Study are allowed in the professional degree program.

  • The student, with direction from his/her faculty advisor (instructor), must develop an adequately detailed proposal for an independent study project. The proposal should be 1-2 pages in length and give a project overview, define the project objectives, provide a project timeline, requirements for successful completion, and estimate the number of hours the student will spend on defined project activities.
  • In general, 1 credit of independent study equals 30-45 hours of logged independent study time.
  • The proposal, with a completed Independent Study form (located on the Professional and Graduate Student Canvas site), must be submitted to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration no later than the first day of class of the semester.
  • Registration for Independent Study credits requires the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration.  After approval is obtained, the Director of Student Progression and Advancement will register the student for the Independent Study.
  • A final report prepared by the student on the Independent Study project is required for grade submission.  The instructor should submit the student’s final report and final grade (Pass/Fail) no later than the last day of final exams during any semester that an Independent Study project has taken place to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration and to the Director of Student Progression and Advancement.

Independent Study will be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis only.

Provisional Readmission Policy (Doctor of Pharmacy Program - Professional Phase)

Students terminated from the School of Pharmacy for reasons of poor academic performance and whose initial appeal to rescind their termination was denied by the Student Standing Committee, may apply for provisional readmission to the School after a minimum of one calendar year since the date of termination. Petitions for provisional readmission will be sent to the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration for review and presentation to the Student Standing Committee for recommendations to the Dean, who will make the final decision.

Provisional Readmission Status

When Provisional Readmission status is given to a student, it will be under the following conditions:

  • A readmitted student must comply with all current policies and the curriculum at the time of readmission.
  • The student will be permitted to enroll in the course(s) in the professional phase of the curriculum for which they have received less than a ‘C’ grade. The student may take other courses (non-pharmacy elective courses) in order to qualify for full-time status, if approved by the Student Standing Committee.
  • The student must earn no less than a ‘C’ grade in all courses that need to be remediated post-readmission. Courses in which students earn an ‘I’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘N’, or ‘W’ grade will be considered as a deficiency. If the student earns less than a ‘C’ grade, it will result in termination from program for not making normal progress to completion of the degree, without a chance for appeal.
  • The student must successfully remove all deficiencies within one year of being granted provisional readmission status. Thereafter, the student will be held to the regular academic policies for the remainder of the program.
  • The readmitted student's prior academic record within the School will remain a part of his/her Duquesne transcript.

Procedure

  • A Student who is seeking to apply for provisional readmission to the Pharm.D. degree program must prepare and submit a petition for readmission to the Assistant/Associate Dean for Professional Programs. The petition should consist of documentation describing the conditions or factors that resulted in the previous termination from the School of Pharmacy, as well as documentation of any activities that have occurred since termination.
  • The Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration will review the documents provided by the student for completeness and suitability and will review the documents with the Student Standing Committee, as well as all previous documents, transcripts, and correspondence pertinent to the student’s case.
  • The Student Standing Committee will review all documents provided by the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration and will make one of the following recommendations to the Dean regarding provisional readmission:
    • Grant provisional readmission
    • Deny readmission based on the evidence provided
  • The Dean makes the final decision and conveys the decision to the applicant. 

Excused Absence Policy


The School of Pharmacy recognizes that circumstances may occur that result in absence from academic assessments or activities (AAA) including exams, quizzes, practicums, presentations, quizzes, and in-class activities.  These circumstances may be anticipated or they may be unforeseen.  Regardless of the circumstance, in order for the student to be given the opportunity to make-up any AAA, the absence must be deemed to be an excused absence.  

It is the student’s responsibility to secure an excused absence by following the policy and procedures outlined, including stated deadlines for communications and providing appropriate documentation.  Not following the outlined policy and procedures may result in the absence being unexcused.  Students who are absent from class when there is not any AAA should refer to the individual course syllabus regarding the class attendance policy.

Expected or Anticipated Absence

  • Students expecting to be absent from AAA due to scheduled scholastic, athletic, or similar events must request for their absence to be excused by following the steps below:
    • The student must contact the appropriate Associate Dean (Pharm.D. and B.S. Students – Dr. Skomo; Graduate Students – Dr. Anderson) and the course coordinator via email a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of the anticipated absence.  The student must provide appropriate documentation of the absence to the Associate Dean. 
    • For anticipated absences occurring less than 2 weeks but more than 24 hours prior to AAA (e.g., death of a loved one, urgent medical procedure, medical appointment, etc.), the student must contact the Associate Dean and the course coordinator via email as soon as reasonably able.  The student must provide the Associate Dean with the reason for the absence and appropriate documentation.
  • The Associate Dean will determine if the absence is an excused absence.  See below for guidelines for excused absences.  
  • If an absence is deemed to be excused, the student will be given the opportunity to make-up the AAA.  See below for information regarding make-ups.  
  • If the absence is unexcused, the student will receive a zero or no credit for the missed AAA.

Unforeseen or Unplanned Absences

  • If a student has an unforeseen or unplanned circumstance that results in the student missing any AAA, the student must contact the appropriate Associate Dean and the course coordinator via email as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours from missing the AAA.  In cases of circumstances that preclude timely communication (e.g., extreme illness, serious injury, hospitalization), students should notify the Associate Dean and the course coordinator as soon as they are able. 
  • The student is required to submit documentation of the circumstance of the absence to the Associate Dean within 3 University days from missing the AAA.  Failure to provide sufficient documentation or providing documentation beyond the 3 University day deadline may result in the absence being unexcused. 
  • The Associate Dean will determine if the absence is an excused absence.  See below for guidelines for excused absences.  
  • If an absence is deemed to be excused, the student will be given the opportunity to make-up the AAA.  See below for information regarding make-ups.
  • Undocumented absences will be handled at the discretion of the Associate Dean in consultation with course faculty.  
  • If the absence is determined to be unexcused by the Associate Dean, the student will receive a zero or no credit for the missed AAA.

Guidelines for Excused Absences

  • Examples of circumstances considered for an excused absence include:
    • Documented illness or accident
    • Urgent medical appointments or emergencies
    • Bereavement
    • Attendance at a School or University approved event
    • Religious holidays
    • Other circumstances may be considered excused.  This will be determined by the Associate Dean.
  • The student must provide evidence or documentation to corroborate the circumstances of the absence within 3 University days from missing the AAA in order for the absence to be deemed excused.
  • Examples of circumstances that will not be considered an excused absence and will be unexcused include:
    • Work obligations
    • Vacations
    • Personal trips
    • Extending University breaks

Students who have been verified to have an excused absence as determined by an Associate Dean will be given an opportunity to make-up the missed AAA.

  • The make‐up AAA will be administered within two weeks after the excused absence concludes.  Make-ups for lab sessions or similar activities may occur over a longer timeline.  This may result in the need to make-up the lab session at a later date and include receiving an ‘IP’ grade for the lab course until the make-up is completed.
  • The make-up AAA may consist of different questions and/or be in a different format than the original AAA.  
  • Failure of the student to take a make‐up AAA as outlined will result in a grade of zero or no credit for the missed AAA.

Substance Use Policy and Procedure

Policy for Students Who Hold or Are Eligible for a Pharmacy Intern or Pharmacy Practice License

The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy has a vested interest in the health and welfare of its students.  Moreover, it has a responsibility in ensuring that students enrolled in the professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree program are eligible to secure a pharmacy intern license and, subsequently, a pharmacist license upon successful completion of the program and all state licensing requirements.  Furthermore, the School has a duty and obligation to protect the public health and safety.

The School recognizes that a substance use disorder is a medically recognized condition as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) that poses a risk for substantive harm to affected individuals, their contacts, and the general public.  Therefore, the School will refer individuals who are identified as being at risk for a substance use disorder for professional assessment and, when so indicated, follow-up treatment.

For those students who are enrolled in the professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree program at Duquesne University, and those students enrolled in any of the graduate or post-graduate programs at the School of Pharmacy, who hold a pharmacy practice license in the state of Pennsylvania, referral will be made through the Physicians’ Health Program (PHP). PHP is an organization sanctioned by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy whose mission is to promote early identification and facilitate rehabilitation of physicians and other eligible health care professionals and trainees with concerns relating to substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and/or behavioral concerns. It is their goal to coordinate assessment and treatment as well as provide monitoring and advocacy to ensure the safe practice of their profession, and the safety of the public. Its recommendations are supported by the School and the University.

In the event of a positive diagnostic impression by an independent drug and alcohol counselor as identified by PHP, continuation of the student in the professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program, or graduate program if licensed in PA, will be contingent upon compliance with any treatment recommendations endorsed by PHP. Where so indicated, such students will also be required to engage in a monitoring contract administered by PHP. Those individuals, who are enrolled in any of the graduate programs at Duquesne University and who hold a pharmacy practice license in a state other than Pennsylvania, will be referred to the appropriate state board.

As noted in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act Section 7.(2)(d.8) relative to the referral and assessment of individuals who may be suffering from a possible substance use disorder:

Any person or facility who reports pursuant to subsections (d.3) through (d.8) in good faith and without malice shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability arising from such report.

Students subject to referral for a professional assessment include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following conditions:

  • A positive finding on a criminal background check that suggests a potential active substance use disorder.  Please note that the withdrawal or dismissal of legal charges or a “not guilty” disposition is separate and distinct from the presence of a substance use disorder and does not relieve the student from complying with referral for assessment when so warranted
  • Referral from the Duquesne University Office of Student Conduct
  • Positive drug screen
  • Suspicion of a substance use disorder based on behavioral cues as reported by faculty, staff, experiential preceptors, employers, peers, and/or other stakeholders
  • Self-referral

Please note the following:
The School reserves the right to order a drug/alcohol screen for cause, such as a student who unexpectedly has a major deterioration in academic performance or who demonstrates behavioral cues indicative of a substance use disorder, including, but not limited to, aggression, hostility, social withdrawal or isolation, lack of responsiveness, decreased motivation and interest in activities. Drug screens may also be performed as a condition of participating in the experiential education component of the curriculum.

Procedure for Professional Assessment:

  • Students identified for assessment of a possible substance use disorder will be required to schedule an appointment to meet with the Assistant Dean for Student Services and a designated member of the School of Pharmacy staff or administration within three (3) university days of notification.  
  • If it is determined that a referral for a professional assessment is indicated, the student must contact PHP within three (3) university days for an initial intake and referral to a qualified drug and alcohol counselor as selected by PHP.
  • When referral for assessment is indicated by PHP, the Assistant Dean for Student Services and the Director of the PHP program must be notified by the student, within five (5) university days of the scheduled date of the assessment.
  • Signed releases must be executed within five (5) university days from referral to PHP, allowing designated individuals to send and receive confidential information regarding the student referral, treatment, and progress, as applicable.
  • Professional assessments must be conducted within ten (10) university days of notification of the scheduled appointment.  
  • Students who are recommended for treatment will be required to enter into a monitoring contract with PHP.  Designated individuals from the School, including the Assistant Dean for Student Services and the Dean, will be signatories to the contract. Enrollment in the PHP program will continue for the duration of the student’s enrollment in the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program, but not less than a period of three (3) years. When applicable, students progressing into the profession after graduation, who have not yet completed the contracted time period in the PHP program, will continue to be enrolled in the PHP program under contract, until they have completed the minimum monitoring requirement.
  • Refusal to contact PHP submit to an assessment, enter into a monitoring contract, or comply with treatment recommendations, when so indicated, may result in notification to the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy, loss of the pharmacy intern license, and termination from the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.
  • A negative diagnostic impression or completion of previous treatment recommendations does not preclude a subsequent referral in the event of a new event, additional evidence, or continuation of a suspect behavioral pattern.  
  • Costs for external assessments, treatment programs, monitoring programs and any related fees are the responsibility of the student.  
  • All records related to referrals, assessments, and monitoring of substance use disorders will be kept confidential.

Medical Marijuana

Given that marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug according to the federal Controlled Substances Act, University TAP No. 58 states that possession and consumption of marijuana, including medical marijuana, is not permitted on Duquesne University property or at a university-sponsored programs and events (either on or off campus).

Furthermore, to ensure the safety of all patients, as well as to maintain the integrity of professional conduct within the healthcare field, students are prohibited from possessing and consuming marijuana, including medical marijuana, throughout the duration of the experiential education components of the curriculum. This includes participating in on-site and off-site experiential components, and participating in any experiential education pre-requisites, including required drug screen(s).

If a student tests positive for marijuana during a drug test and discloses that they have a medical marijuana card, the student will need medical clearance by their physician that they may safely discontinue medical marijuana. If medical clearance is provided by the physician, subsequent drug screen(s) will be required to ensure compliance (cost of the drug screen(s) is the student’s responsibility). Additionally, a professional assessment, as described above, may be warranted if there is suspicion of a substance use disorder based on behavioral cues as reported by faculty, staff, experiential preceptors, employers, peers, and/or other stakeholders.

The School will not support the admission, matriculation, and/or continued enrollment of anyone found guilty of:

  • Illegal possession of controlled substances with the intent to divert or distribute
  • A felony

Final decisions for admission, matriculation, and/or continuance in the professional phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program rests with the Assistant Dean for Student Services.  Final decisions for admission, matriculation, and/or continuance in graduate degree or post-graduate programs of the School rests with the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs.  Written appeals can be made to the Dean within ten (10) university days of notification of the rescission of an offer of admissions or termination from the program.

Policy for School of Pharmacy Students Other Than Those Who Hold or Are Eligible for a Pharmacy Intern or Pharmacist License

For those students enrolled in the pre-professional pharmacy program and students enrolled in any of the graduate or post-graduate programs of the School, who do not possess a pharmacy practice license, referral, when warranted, will be made to an independent qualified drug and alcohol counselor as identified by the University. Acceptance and matriculation to the professional phase of the program or continuation in the professional degree, graduate, or post-graduate programs of the School will be contingent upon any treatment recommendations subsequent to a positive diagnostic impression and certification that the individual is fit for professional practice.  The University reserves the right to approve treatment plans and providers. Upon matriculation to the professional phase of the pharmacy program, those students with a previous positive diagnostic impression will be referred to PHP for a follow-up assessment.