School of Pharmacy

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Interim Dean: Charisse Johnson, MS, PharmD 

cjohns47@csu.edu

Office location: DH 3069

Associate Dean of Students/Dean of Students:Charisse Johnson, MS, PharmD

Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences:Michael Danquah, Ph.D.

mdanquah@csu.edu

DH 3094

Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice: Daniel Kerner, PharmD.

dkerner@csu.edu

DH3095                                                                    

Vision Statement

The Chicago State University Doctor of Pharmacy Program will be recognized for its impact on the health care needs of diverse populations through its contributions in education, training, scholarship, service, and research. The program will serve an integral role within the University by providing a culturally diverse and intellectually stimulated community of scholars engaged in the collective creation and dissemination of knowledge.

Mission Statement

The mission of Chicago State University Doctor of Pharmacy program is the development of student and faculty scholars who will impact the health care needs of people in the region, state, and the nation. The program will provide a strong foundation in the knowledge, integration, and application of the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social/behavioral/administrative, and clinical sciences to transform students into practitioners who are committed to humanistic service, capable of providing patient-centered care, and innovative leaders in advancing the pharmacy profession. The program embraces the mission of the University to educate individuals from diverse backgrounds to enhance culturally competent care and reduce health care disparities.

To accomplish its mission, the Doctor of Pharmacy program is committed to the following:

• Recruiting, retaining, and graduating student pharmacists from diverse populations.
• Recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified faculty from diverse populations who will be engaged as teachers, scholars, researchers, service providers, mentors, and leaders.
• Recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff dedicated to supporting the educational mission.
• Offering a curriculum that cultivates analytical thinking, ethical reasoning and decision making, intellectual curiosity, multidisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration, professionalism, and service.
• Enabling students and faculty to provide patient-centered care to diverse patient populations through the safe, evidence-based, and cost-beneficial use of medications.
• Fostering an environment for student engagement that encourages leadership in campus, public, and professional communities.
• Refining programmatic and curricular goals, policies, and procedures through ongoing assessment and evaluation.
• Establishing and enhancing community, educational, and professional partnerships.
• Expanding institutional resource capabilities through active pursuit of extramural funding support.
• Developing and strengthening postgraduate education and training opportunities.
• Providing programs and services that promote a supportive atmosphere for lifelong learning and continued personal and professional development for students, faculty, and staff.

Accreditation Disclosure Statement

Chicago State University, College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted the status of Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60603, 312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631.

Instructional Program

At CSU, students pursue the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. The PharmD program prepares the student for entry into the profession of pharmacy. The entire program requires a minimum of six years of course work, the first two years at CSU or another college and the final four years at CSU-SOP. During their four years at CSU, students complete a total of 140 semester hours of credit (96 credit hours in required didactic courses, 8 credit hours in required professional didactic elective courses, and 36 credit hours in experiential education).

Admissions - Deadlines and Requirements
PharmCAS Application

Required Deadline: 

Priority Deadline: December, 02, 2024

Final Deadline: June 02, 2025, www.pharmcas.org

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) Not required

Admissions Cycle (Rolling (July - June))

The CSU Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program considers for admission those prospective students who possess the academic and professional promise necessary to become outstanding members of the pharmacy profession. To select these students, the School of Pharmacy uses a rolling selection process within a competitive admissions framework.

Holistic Admissions

Within its competitive admissions framework, the CSU PharmD program uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified candidates from the applicant pool.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the CSU PharmD program, a prospective student must do the following:

Complete, or be in the process of completing, non-remedial, prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited US college or university. If a student has completed course work at a foreign institution, the student must provide acceptable proof of degree equivalency. All pre-pharmacy coursework requirements must be completed by the spring semester prior to matriculation. The School requires 54 credit hours of prerequisite coursework. The student must earn a grade of C or higher in each prerequisite course. (A grade of C- or less will not be accepted)

Supplemental Application: Not Required

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT): Not required

Application Process

PharmCAS deadline for Fall 2025 Admissions → June 2, 2025

1. Click on Admissions to review the application requirements.

2. Click to start a PharmCAS application.

3. Submit the following to PharmCAS:

• Transcripts:

  • PharmCAS must receive ALL official college transcripts by June 2nd. PharmCAS will not release applicant information to the School of Pharmacy until all transcripts, from every institution attended, are received.

  • If an applicant completed course work at a foreign institution, he or she must also submit an official, detailed course-by-course evaluation of this course work. The student must obtain this evaluation from one of the following services:

  • ​​World Education Service (WES)
  • Education Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• Two(2) letters of recommendation:

  • *One letter must be from a science professor that has taught the student or a pre-health advisor.

  • It is preferred the second letter be from a pharmacist. However, any one of the following recommendations is also acceptable: science professor, another licensed health care professional, employer/supervisor or mentor.

4. Interview: Qualified applicants will receive an email invitation for an on-site or virtual interview.

5. Complete a Background Check and Drug Screen upon acceptance.

6. Click to review Technical Standards

*If a student has been out of school for more than 3 years, he/she must provide notification and it will up to the admissions committee to determine which letter will be accepted.

International Applicants

If an applicant completed course work at a foreign institution, the applicant must also submit an official, detailed course-by-course evaluation of this course work. The student must obtain this evaluation from one of the following services:

• Education Credential Evaluators (ECE): www.ece.org.
• World Education Service (WES): www.wes.org.

Admission Requirements:

• Complete, or be in the process of completing, a minimum of 54 semester hours of non-remedial, prerequisite coursework. It is preferred that all pre-pharmacy coursework requirements be completed by the spring semester prior to matriculation. The student must earn a grade of C or better in each prerequisite course.  (A grade of C- or less will not be accepted) 
  • NOTE: If a student has completed course work at a foreign college or university, the student must provide acceptable proof of US course/degree equivalency by having all prerequisite courses be evaluated by World Education Services (P.O. Box 745 Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745, 1 212-966-6311) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). 
• Non-native English speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) with a minimum composite score of 80, and a minimum score of 20 in each section of the test (reading, listening, writing and speaking) is required.  TOEFL is not required if the applicants earned their bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States. Submit results to PharmCAS, using code 8246.

Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual or in-person interview process.

For additional questions, please call our office at 773/821-2500.

International applicants must furnish evidence, in the form of a “verification of funds letter” from a bank or an employer, indicating that money (amount in U.S. dollars) is available to meet the financial needs of the student. For more information contact the Global Engagement Office at geo@csu.edu

Interview

The College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs coordinates the interview process with interviews occurring throughout the selection process.

The Pharmacy Admissions Committee reviews a prospective student’s completed file to determine the student’s interview eligibility. If the committee considers the student eligible for an interview, an invitation for an on-campus or virtual interview will be extended to the applicant.

Technical Standards for Admission

The educational mission of the CSU PharmD program is to educate and graduate competent pharmacists who will provide patient-centered care in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. The technical standards for admission set forth by the CSU-SOP outline the nonacademic abilities considered essential for students to achieve the level of competence required by the faculty and by the ACPE, the pharmacy-accrediting agency, to obtain the PharmD Degree.

It is expected that all students admitted to this program will:

• possess the coordination and motor and visual skills required to function in a clinical and laboratory setting where they will engage in pharmaceutical preparations and use instrumentation such as microscopes and balances.
• possess sufficient visual and auditory perception and the mental capacity to assimilate technically detailed and complex information presented in lectures and in professional practice settings.
• possess sufficient communication skills to present information accurately and effectively to faculty and patients.

Candidates for admission to the PharmD program who are invited for an on-campus interview are required to certify that they understand and meet the technical standards detailed above. Candidates must provide such certification on the day of their interview. Candidates who may not meet the technical standards are encouraged to contact the College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs to discuss and identify what accommodations, if any, the CSU PharmD program would need to make in order that the candidate might be able to meet the standards.

Reapplication Process

After receiving either a denial or end-of-cycle letter, a prospective student may reapply to the PharmD program in the next admissions cycle. To initiate the reapplication process, the student must submit a new application. The application is then processed in the same manner as any other application.

Readmission after Dismissal for Poor Academic Performance

Students who were admitted to the CSU PharmD program prior to August 2021 and who were dismissed for poor academic performance may reapply for admission to the PharmD program if they fulfill the following requirements:

• Generally, students should complete 30 or more credit hours in advanced coursework (the majority of courses should be science-focused).
• For students who have struggled in intensive, advanced science-based courses we encourage you to complete credit hours in courses such as microbiology, immunology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology/toxicology, and pathophysiology.
• For students who have struggled in math-based courses we encourage you to complete credit hours in application-based mathematics courses including biostatistics or advanced algebra.
• For students who have struggled with English comprehension, writing based activities, and reading comprehension we encourage you to complete credit hours in technical writing.
• In addition, prior to enrolling in this curriculum, students must seek academic counseling from the CSU-SOP Dean’s Office, which can supply a list of sample courses

Students who successfully fulfill these requirements will be permitted to reapply to the University and College and will be treated as new applicants. 

• The CSU PharmD Admissions Committee will review the application for evidence of improved academic potential. 
• No guarantee of admission is implied, and questions related to advanced standing and similar issues will be addressed as they are for any new applicant. 
• The recommendation of the Admissions Committee will be forwarded to the Office of the Dean. 

Readmission can be granted only once. Students who were admitted to the CSU PharmD program in August 2021 (Class of 2025 or later) who are dismissed may reapply as P1 students and must repeat prior coursework. They will be treated as new candidates and be required to apply via PharmCAS.

Transfer Admission from Another College of Pharmacy

The CSU PharmD program may accept transfer students from other accredited pharmacy colleges and schools as long as these students are in good academic standing and provide a reason  for seeking a transfer.

All requests for transfer information should be referred to the College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs So that the potential transfer applicant can be counseled prior to submitting an application.

To be considered for transfer, a student must meet the SOP’s general requirements for admission. The applicant must also submit the following:

A letter to the Office of the Dean indicating why the applicant wishes to transfer and explaining any difficulties encountered at his or her current institution.

Official transcripts from all schools attended (undergraduate, graduate, and professional).

A catalog and a detailed syllabus for any courses for which advanced-standing consideration is requested.

A letter from the dean of the pharmacy college or school in which the student is enrolled. The letter must indicate the student’s current academic status and/or terms of withdrawal/dismissal.

Additional documents or letters of recommendation as determined necessary by the Dean.

If the review is positive, the Admissions Committee interviews the transfer student applicant. The Admissions Committee will provide its recommendation for admission to the Dean.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing will be considered on a case-by-case basis for students transferring into CSU PharmD program. Advanced standing will only be considered for applicants who are able to demonstrate evidence of successful coursework at a different ACPE accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program. The curricular structure at individual programs varies, and classes within the CSU PharmD program curriculum build upon each other and are sequential in nature. To achieve a CSU PharmD program diploma, graduates must complete a substantial component of their Doctor of Pharmacy education within the curricular design and rigor of the program. Therefore, transfer credits and advanced standing will be granted on a very limited basis and will be determined prior to matriculation into the CSU PharmD program. There is no guarantee that students that transfer from other academic institutions will receive advanced standing or that they will matriculate into the same professional year.

Therefore, to request such consideration, a student should submit a letter of request for advanced standing with their initial transfer request letter to the Dean that highlights which courses for which advanced standing is being requested. Advanced standing will only be considered for courses where the student achieved a grade of “B” or better. A “B-” letter grade is not acceptable for advanced standing consideration. The student is required to provide an official course description(s) and a syllabus(syllabi) of the course(s) previously taken at the time of submission of their admissions application. For some courses, a student may be required to take a comprehensive challenge exam/interview to exhibit competency in material. Individuals are required to complete at minimum their P3 and P4 years at CSU PharmD program to be eligible for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from CSU and must have equivalent coursework in P1 and P2 years. Advanced standing will not be considered for the experiential component of the curriculum. Applications for advanced standing will be reviewed and determined by the Office of Academic Affairs. The decision to offer advanced standing will be provided at the time of an admissions offer and will be listed in their offer letter.

Student-At-Large Admission Requirements

Applicant with a Pharmacy Degree

Applicants who have a pharmacy degree (BPharm, MPharm or PharmD) from a regionally and professionally, (ACPE) accredited college/school of pharmacy, seeking additional coursework to qualify for licensure examination must submit verification of degree by submitting the following documentation:

• College/University official transcript showing proof of graduation
• Letter from licensure granting agency showing requirements for additional coursework identifying areas of deficiency or need

Applicant without a Pharmacy Degree

Applicants who do not have a pharmacy degree (BPharm, MPharm or PharmD) must prove good academic standing at a regionally and professionally (ACPE) accredited college/school of pharmacy. This student may attend Chicago State University as a professional Student-at-large. This student may transfer this earned credit to the CSU PharmD program at the Chicago State University. This transfer will be subject to their successful acceptance to the CSU PharmD program following the regular admission process. Applicants must submit verification of good standing by submitting the following documentation:

• College/University official transcript
• Letter of good academic standing from the Registrar or Dean of the College

Admission / Registration Process and Restrictions

Professional-at-large students must complete the appropriate admissions application, obtain permission from the Dean of the College, and meet with a counselor, as needed, to obtain approval to enroll in 6000 level professional courses from the CSU PharmD program. At-large students may not enroll more than 18 credit hours of coursework per semester. Under any circumstances, the Dean of the CSU PharmD program will make the final decision.

Matriculation Process

The matriculation process begins after a student receives notification of his or her acceptance. The student must return his or her signed matriculation agreement. The student must also meet the following requirements:

• Submit a nonrefundable deposit totaling $300 by the dates designated in the matriculation agreement. The entire $300 is applied toward the student’s first semester’s tuition if the applicant matriculates.
• Submit an official copy of all college transcript(s) verifying that the student has satisfactorily completed all prerequisite course & GPA requirements for admission.
• Complete a medical file that includes proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Proof of immunity must be provided for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B. Evidence of a recent (within three months) negative tuberculin test is also required.
• Submit proof of medical insurance coverage or enroll in a plan offered by CSU.
• Successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
• Be eligible for licensure as a pharmacy technician in the State of Illinois; and
• Submit additional documents as requested by the Office of the Dean.

If a student either fails to satisfy the above matriculation requirements or omits/falsifies information required on official admissions documents, the student automatically forfeits his or her seat at CSU-SOP.

Academic Standards for the Pharm.D. Program

A professional year grade point average will be used as the primary measure of academic performance. It is calculated from all courses for a particular professional year. Grades earned for courses prior to matriculation in the professional program and grades earned for courses taken outside the CSU PharmD program while enrolled in the professional program are not included in the calculation of this grade point average.

Progression Policy

Academic Standing

A student must maintain a professional year grade point average of 2.00 in the professional program to remain in good academic standing.

A student is placed on academic probation for any of the following reasons:

1. A student’s professional year grade point average falls below 2.00.
2. A student earns any grade below a C in any course.
3. A student fails to complete successfully any non-course graduation requirements (Drug Card Assessments, MileMarker Exams, Interprofessional Education Events Portfolio)

A student is notified, in writing, when being placed on academic probation.

Academic probation represents notice that continued inadequate academic performance may result in dismissal from the College. If the student is placed on academic probation, the Academic Standing Committee will determine actions to return the student to good academic standing. These may include but are not limited to:

1. Completion of remedial work (except in any instances in which a student earns an F grade in any courses)
2. Repeat of the course(s)

In addition to the above actions, the Academic Standing Committee may determine that the student should be dismissed from the College. A student may also be dismissed for academic dishonesty, judicial misconduct, professional misconduct, or a felony conviction. Additional information on the Pharmacy progression requirements can be found in the Pharmacy Student Handbook.

Academic Standards for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences

If a student fails to earn a grade of C or better on an advanced pharmacy practice experience, the student must repeat the same type of experience. After consideration of the circumstances, the Academic Standing Committee may grant the re-take with additional requirements which can include:

1. The student to undergo a period of directed independent study to correct knowledge deficiencies.
2. The student being placed on a leave of absence before repeating the experience.

Actions of the Academic Standing Committee are not limited to the above and decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The time of the repeat will be as early as possible once the student has satisfied the Committee’s requirements and is subject to availability of experiential sites as determined by the Office of Experiential and Continuing Professional Education. The repeat, if granted, must be completed within 12 calendar months. Students are allowed only one repeat of an advanced pharmacy practice experience while enrolled at CSU PharmD program. Failure to earn a C or better on a second advanced pharmacy practice experience may result in a recommendation for dismissal.

Academic Standing Guidelines 

(Effective from 2021-22 Academic Year starting Class of 2025)

Professionalism Policy and Procedures

The School of Pharmacy recognizes its duty to prepare students who are not only knowledgeable in their disciplines, but who also  possess a character sufficiently moral and ethical to be deserving of the public trust. With this responsibility in mind, the student is advised that professional (academic and non- academic) misconduct will be dealt with swiftly and fairly in  accordance with this policy. This policy complements the Code of Conduct outlined in the University’s Honor Code.

In order to assure that a student’s professional behavior reflects on the ideals and standards of the pharmacy profession as well as  the University, the School adopts a professionalism policy that identifies inappropriate behaviors, attempts to mitigate these  behaviors, and provides opportunity for student self-development and reflection. The School will act consistently and with integrity  to mentor students towards the adoption of professional behaviors and values and take the appropriate corrective actions in the  event of repeated or serious violations of professional conduct.

Definition of Misconduct

For the purposes of this policy, Academic Misconduct includes (but is not limited to):

1. Cheating, including but not limited to:
   1. collaborating on assignments or examinations where such a practice has not been  specifically approved by the instructor.
   2. plagiarism, copying the work of others and claiming it as your own.
   3. using unauthorized materials to complete assignments or gain unfair academic advantage.
   4. offering unauthorized materials to others.
   5. obtaining examinations prior to administration.
   6. arranging to have others take examinations or complete assignments on another student’s behalf.
   7. misrepresenting your attendance or the attendance of others
2. Violation of codes of conduct described in the School’s Student handbook, the University’s Honor Code, course policies, University, College, School, Program, or department policies and/or articulated by instructors  either verbally or in writing.
3. Refusing to acknowledge, honor and/or comply with requests issued by faculty, staff, or administrators related to  academic issues.
4. Any other behavior deemed as academic misconduct by faculty, staff, or administrators of the University, College, or School

For the purposes of this policy, Non-Academic Misconduct includes (but is not limited to):

1. Illegal, obscenity -related, and/or other misuse of University-provided resources (e.g., computers, email) or  violation of any acceptable use policies of the University.
2. Unprofessional behaviors and/or dress that disrupt the learning environment of others or which reflect poorly  on the University/profession.
3. Theft or damage/destruction of another’s property.
4. Harassment, bullying, libel, or slander via any mode (including social media).
5. Violence/harm or the threat of violence/harm.
6. Sexual misconduct in any form.
7. Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of weapons.
8. Trespassing or gaining unauthorized entry into any building, space, or facility.
9. Intentional deception for personal gain.
10. Falsifying documents, correspondence, reports, or records of any kind, or knowingly providing false information or  evidence to University, College, or School personnel, or to others external to the University.
11. Violation of patient confidentiality in any practice and/or learning setting.
12. Misrepresentation of self, college, or others.
13. Abuse of, or impairment from, alcohol, drugs, or chemicals.
14. Illegal possession, use, or sale of alcohol, drugs, or chemicals.
15. Any criminal convictions.
16. Any other behavior deemed as non-academic misconduct by faculty, staff, or administrators of the University, College, or School

Levels of Citations

Level 1 Citation: A level 1 citation will result in a written warning for professional misconduct. In the case of a Level 1  citation, a faculty or staff member identifies and/or witnesses a behavior that is deemed as inappropriate or  unprofessional. Faculty/staff members should intervene at the time of the incident, if possible, to mitigate unprofessional  behavior and identify opportunities for self-development and reflection. If the behavior was not addressed in real-time,  the faculty/staff member should notify the student of the concerns regarding their behavior within 48 hours of the  incident with a narrative describing the behavior observed.

The process for submitting a Level 1 Citation is as follows:

1. Faculty/staff members should discuss the incident with the Office(s) of Student / Academic Affairs and the Chair of the Professionalism Committee to ensure appropriateness of a level 1 citation and ensure  that the student has not previously received a level 1 citation. Note: If a student has previously received a level  1 citation, subsequent citations will automatically be escalated to level 2 citations.
2. Within 5 business days of the incident, the faculty/staff member should complete the corresponding Level 1  Citation Form and request a meeting with the student to discuss the incident. Meetings should include  discussion of the behavior, identified opportunities for self- development and reflection, and provide students  with a copy of the citation form.
3. Students should sign the Level 1 Citation Form, indicating acknowledgement of the citation. The faculty/staff  member is implored to speak with the student about professional aptitude and the potential consequences of  unprofessional behavior. Faculty/staff members should make attempts to clarify misunderstandings and  misconceptions of what constitutes professionalism.
4. Within 10 business days of the incident, the signed Level 1 Citation Form should be forwarded to the Office(s) of Student/Academic Affairs and Chair of the Professionalism Committee for further  action.

Failure of the student to respond to the meeting request, or failure to present for the requested meeting, will  automatically escalate the incident to a level 2 citation. The signed Level 1 Citation Form will be added to the student file housed in the Office of Student Affairs. The Office of Student Affairs will also provide the student with  a copy of the citation to serve as a warning for future violations.

Level 2 Citation: A level 2 citation will result in action by the Professionalism Committee. In the case of a Level 2 citation, a  faculty or staff member identifies and/or witnesses inappropriate or unprofessional behavior that warrants additional  action beyond a written warning. Faculty/staff members should intervene at the time of the incident, if possible, to  mitigate unprofessional behavior and identify opportunities for self-development and reflection. If the behavior was not  addressed in real-time, the faculty/staff member should notify the student of the concerns regarding their behavior within  48 hours of the incident with a narrative describing the behavior observed.

The process for submitting a Level 2 Citation is as follows:

1. Faculty/staff members should discuss the incident with the Office(s) of Student/Academic Affairs  and Chair of the Professionalism Committee to ensure appropriateness of a level 2 citation. Note: The ultimate  decision to submit an incident as a level 2 citation will be made by the faculty/staff member unless the student  already has a level 1 citation in their file.
2. Within 5 business days of the incident, the faculty/staff member should complete the corresponding Level 2  Citation Form and request a meeting with the student to discuss the incident. Meetings should include  discussion of the behavior, identified opportunities for self- development and reflection, and provide students  with a copy of the citation form.
3. Students should sign the Level 2 Citation Form, indicating acknowledgement of the citation. The faculty/staff member is implored to speak with the student about professional aptitude and the potential  consequences of unprofessional behavior. Faculty/staff members should make attempts to clarify  misunderstandings and misconceptions of what constitutes professionalism.
4. Within 10 business days of the incident, the signed Level 2 Citation Form should be forwarded to the Office(s) of Student/Academic Affairs and the Chair of the Professionalism Committee for  further action. 

Failure of the student to respond to the meeting request, or failure to present for the requested meeting can be  documented and filed as an additional unprofessional complaint outside of the circumstances of the initial citation. The  signed Level 2 Citation Form will be added to the student file housed in the Office of Student Affairs.

Level 3 Citation: A Level 3 citation will result from behavior that is considered harmful or is a threat of harm to other  students, faculty/staff, or property. All level 3 citations will surpass Professionalism Committee proceedings and be  forwarded immediately to the Dean of the School of Pharmacy for adjudication.

Faculty/Staff Rights and Responsibilities

1. For all citations relating to academic or non-academic misconduct, the faculty/staff member should meet with the cited student to discuss the incident and have the student sign the citation form, acknowledging the student’s  receipt of the citation. The citation form will provide the student with instructions to access the professionalism  policy. The faculty/staff member should advise the student to contact the Office(s) of Academic  Affairs/Student Affairs if s/he is in disagreement with the warning.
2. If the faculty/staff member elects to impose a penalty for Academic Misconduct, s/he must inform and consult with his or her department Chair (or designee), the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Chair  of the Professionalism Committee regarding the alleged Academic Misconduct to determine the appropriate level  of citation. The faculty/staff member should then follow the process outlined above pertaining to the  corresponding level of citation. All efforts should be made to ensure appropriate syllabus procedures pertaining to  academic misconduct are followed. The faculty/staff member must:
   • Assure due process for the student by written notification of the alleged misconduct. The notification shall be sent  via email to the student’s active CSU email account. The Office of Academic Affairs shall assume responsibility for  posting the faculty/staff member’s letter. The letter shall (1) identify the misconduct charge, (2) review the  evidence in support of the misconduct charge, (3) specify the action recommended, and (4) inform the student of  his/her right to appeal this charge.
   • Send copies of the correspondence to the Office of Academic Affairs, the Chair of the Professionalism Committee, and the department Chair of the faculty/staff member involved.
   • Instruct the student to contact the Office of Academic Affairs to either accept in writing the  proposed penalty or discuss the procedure for initiating an appeal.
3. If the faculty member elects to impose a penalty for Non-Academic Misconduct, s/he must inform and consult with  the Office of Student Affairs and the Chair of the Pharmacy Professionalism Committee to determine the  appropriate level of citation and complete the appropriate citation form. Once the appropriate citation form has  been submitted, the Chair of the Pharmacy Professionalism Committee will notify the Professionalism Committee  of a pending case.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

1. A student may elect to file a complaint against another student regarding professional misconduct (Academic or  Non-Academic). The completed citation form should be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs. 
2. The student charged with professional misconduct has the right to:
   • be notified in writing of (1) the charges against him/her, (2) the basis for the charges, (3) the  action recommended, (4) the right to a hearing, and (5) procedural steps.
   • present their case to the Pharmacy Professionalism Committee and to be informed of the time and place of  the hearing in a timely manner.
   • formally respond to the charge through the preparation of a descriptive report outlining his/her side of the  case and identifying potential witnesses who could speak knowledgeably on issues related to the  misconduct charge. The report and the list of potential witnesses should be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs (academic misconduct) or Office of Student  Affairs (non-academic misconduct) and Chair of the Pharmacy Professionalism Committee.
   • attend class and exercise the privileges of all other College students pending the outcome of the hearing,  except in cases where there are reasons to believe the physical or emotional welfare of the student or of  others will be negatively impacted, or reasons involving the safety of persons or property. The decision on  student status will be made by the respective Office(s) of Student/Academic Affairs, with guidance from the  University’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Intervention Team.
   • waive the right to appear before the Professionalism Committee. The student is advised that, in so doing,  she/he automatically agrees to accept the penalty levied by the faculty/staff member or Committee 
3. The student charged with professional (academic or non-academic) misconduct who wishes to present the case  to the Professionalism Committee, is responsible for presenting his/her case at the hearing by preparing a written  report of the alleged incident and by preparing a list of witnesses to furnish to the Professionalism Committee in  advance of the hearing. The student is also encouraged to present an oral statement to the Committee at the  time of the hearing.
4. If a student chooses to be represented by legal counsel, it is beyond the scope of the Professionalism Committee  of the College. In this situation, the student will present their case to the University in presence of University  counsel.

Office of Academic Affairs/Student Affairs Responsibilities

The Office(s) of Academic/Student Affairs is responsible for:

1. conferring with the charged student about policy and process.
2. providing a copy of the citation form to the charged student by electronic mail to their active CSU email address. 
3. forwarding copies of the signed citation form to the appropriate faculty/staff member(s) (if any involved). 
4. meeting with the Chair of the Professionalism Committee to discuss a potential case.
5. ensuring that all correspondence regarding the case becomes a part of the student’s educational record unless  the charge is found to be groundless upon appeal (or dismissed during professionalism committee proceedings).

Professionalism Committee Rights and Responsibilities

The Pharmacy Professionalism Committee has the right to:

1. access the complete academic and non-academic record of the charged student.
2. meet prior to the hearing to review the documentation and discuss the case.
3. rule on challenges by the faculty/staff members or charged students about the impartiality of committee  members.
4. call and question witnesses.
5. determine who shall remain in the room during testimony.
6. record and/or transcribe all hearing proceedings
7. levy penalties for misconduct citations upheld by the Committee.
8. rule on acceptance of deliverables, and determine if additional sanctions should be applied, based on the  quality of deliverables.
9. addend citations to include unprofessional behaviors demonstrated during case hearings.
10. dismiss the case.

The Pharmacy Professionalism Committee has the responsibility to:

1. conduct its business with the highest level of confidentiality and integrity.
2. maintain hearing documents, audio taped records of the hearing, and/or any transcription of the hearing in a  secure manner.
3. ensure that the faculty/staff member and charged student can exercise their right to challenge the  impartiality of any member of the Committee prior to the hearing.
4. consider evidence, render a decision on the case, and communicate that decision to the Office(s) of Academic/Student Affairs.

Appeals of a Professionalism Sanction

The student may appeal the decision of the Pharmacy Professionalism Committee to the Dean within ten (10) working  days following notification of the decision. The Dean’s decision is final. Pending resolution of an appeal, the student’s  status as a student remains unaltered except in cases where there are reasons relating to the physical or emotional  welfare of the student or of others, or reasons involving the safety of persons or property. The decision on student  status will be made by the Office(s) of Academic Affairs/Student Affairs depending on the nature of incidence

Copies of all documents pertaining to the case will be entered into the student’s permanent record and the permanent  record of the Professionalism Committee after all University based appeals have been exhausted. No documents will be  entered into the student’s permanent record if the case against the student is found to be without merit.

If it is subsequently discovered that false information or evidence was provided by the student either prior to or during  the hearing, regardless of whether the right to a hearing was waived, the case may be reopened and the Committee will  reconsider the case based on the new information. In addition, the provision of false information or evidence will be  considered an additional charge. To the extent possible, the original Pharmacy Professionalism Committee members will  be retained on the reconvened Committee.

The Pharmacy Professionalism Committee may be called by the Dean to provide counsel on cases related to other  academic issues of concern. In this event, the Committee’s decision-making authority is suspended, and it serves solely  in an advisory capacity to the Dean. Appeals for cases of non-academic misconduct will be directed to the College  Grievance Committee for deliberation.

The School of Pharmacy reserves the right to modify, deviate from, or make exceptions to this policy at any time, and to apply any  such modification, or make any such deviation or exception applicable to any student without regard to date of  application, admission, or enrollment. This policy is neither a contract nor an offer to enter into a contract. Each student  is responsible for knowledge of the School’s policies, as well as for changes promulgated by the School as addenda to  this Policy. This policy supersedes all previous versions of the Student Professional Misconduct Policy. Any changes  which are made in the School’s Student Handbook or University’s Honor Code will automatically be incorporated into  this policy.

Policy on Drug Testing

Introduction and Rationale

The Chicago State University School of Pharmacy has developed a policy on Drug Testing for  students in the course of their educational experience. This policy was established to comply with emerging  accreditation standards and to promote the highest level of integrity in the health professions. The rationale for  conducting drug testing is as follows:

1. to protect the safety of patients at settings where Chicago State University students perform educational  experiences (e.g., the School of Pharmacy requires students to participate in direct contact with patients,  many of whom [e.g., elderly, children] may be vulnerable to issues of unsafe practice behaviors);
2.  to ascertain the ability of accepted pharmacy student applicants and enrolled pharmacy students to  eventually become licensed as pharmacists;
3. to meet the requirements of ACPE accreditation standards;
4. to meet the requirements of the affiliation agreements between and minimize the liability of the School and its experiential education practice sites by diminishing the risk that may be presented by persons under  the influence of illegal drugs; and
5. to bolster the public’s continued trust in the pharmacy profession.

Policy

The Chicago State University School of Pharmacy will only accept and retain students that  meet the School’s standards for admission and retention in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program.

The School requires and will contract for the performance of drug testing† of all students enrolled in the Doctor of  Pharmacy program.

The School will contract for the provision of the results of the drug test to the individual student. Students will be  given the opportunity to respond and/or comment on any report indicating a positive drug test result.

To assure and maintain confidentiality, all drug testing data will be housed in a secure web-based database that is only  accessible by the Office of Student Affairs, University Counsel, and the student. The student may be required to provide  the results of the drug test to any Doctor of Pharmacy experiential education site (i.e., experiential education facility)  participating in the academic training of that Doctor of Pharmacy student that requests it per the terms of the affiliation  agreement and policies of the facility. The experiential education site has the authority to make a final determination  whether the student may participate in that setting. Such a determination will be independent from any determination  by the College or program regarding a student’s admission or progression in the clinical sequence.

Specifically, screening will be conducted for current use of illegal drugs and any history or evidence of such use. 

Procedures

Drug Testing

The School of Pharmacy drug testing will be conducted by an entity that contracts with Chicago State University. The  initial payment is included in the student’s PharmCAS application process. Subsequent payments are the student’s  responsibility. Each student’s drug test will include a 10 Panel Drug Analysis covering the following: THC; Cocaine;  Opiates; PCP; Amphetamines; Benzodiazepines; Barbiturates; Methaqualone; Propoxyphene; and Methadone.

Verification of a valid medical explanation for the use of a tested substance will be performed with any student that  tests positive.

Doctor of Pharmacy Application Procedures

All applicants to the Doctor of Pharmacy program will be notified of the requirement to undergo drug testing upon  admission. Any student who refuses to participate in the drug testing process at the time that it is required is subject to  rescission of the offer of admission or dismissal from the Doctor of Pharmacy program (as applicable).

Upon Matriculation

Prior to the first semester of school (P1, fall semester), all students will undergo a pre-matriculation drug test.

Drug testing will be conducted initially prior to the first semester of the Doctor of Pharmacy program and each  subsequent fall semester of professional years 2 and 3. The final drug test will be conducted prior to beginning the  Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations in the summer of the 4th professional year. However, the  School-initiated drug tests do not preclude any experiential education site from conducting their own drug testing  process based on their operational policy. Additional testing may be conducted as dictated by changes in experiential  education site requirements.

Procedure in the Event of Student Positive Drug Test Result 

Admission Procedures

Applicants who test positive for illegal drug use and would otherwise have a reasonable chance for admission will be  given the opportunity to explain that result based on evidence of a valid medical need. If an applicant does not provide  this information as required by the College (regardless of its category or severity), the School may revoke the applicant’s  offer of admission based on the inability to meet the terms outlined in the “Statement of a Drug-Free Learning  Environment” (See Student Handbook).

The Professionalism Committee, under the oversight of the Office of Student Affairs and the Admissions Committee, will  review all applicants with a positive drug test result. (See review procedures below) The College may request additional  information as part of the investigation process. A recommendation for continued admission review or discontinuation  of admission review will be made to the Office of Student Affairs.

Students will be notified if it appears that they will not meet the College’s entrance requirements due to their drug test  results. They will be given an opportunity to provide further information and/or appeal the decision.

The decision on whether to continue the application procedure will be made by the Office of Student  Affairs in consultation with the Chair of the Admissions Committee.

Section implements policy and is unique to College.

After Matriculation Procedures

The Office of Student Affairs and the Office Experiential and Continuing  Professional Education will review all findings of positive drug use activity reported on drug testing results. (see review  procedures below)

Students will be notified if it appears that they will not meet the standards of the Doctor of Pharmacy program due to  their drug test results. They will be given an opportunity to provide further information. The decision on whether to  continue enrollment will be made by the Assistant/Associate Dean in consultation with the committee, the Dean and  The Chicago State University Office of the General Counsel.

Appeals of dismissal will be made directly to the Dean of the College.

Review Procedures

The Committee will conduct reviews on a thoughtful case-by-case analysis of any situation involving student illegal drug  use discovered by the drug test. The Committee will conduct its review within 10 days after the disclosure or discovery  of the information.

The Committee will use the terms outlined in the Chicago State University School of Pharmacy Student handbook “Statement of a Drug-Free Learning Environment”, the Chicago State University Code of Student Conduct and other University /College / School policies to inform its decision.

The Committee will provide a formal, written recommendation to the Office of Student Affairs. The  content of the recommendation will include information on the drug test results, the process undertaken by the  Committee, the basis upon which the Committee came to a recommendation and the recommendation itself.

Recommendations from the Committee may be any of the following:

Recommendations at time of application:

• allow the student to continue their application for the Doctor of Pharmacy program without restriction; or 
• discontinue the student’s application for the Doctor of Pharmacy program, prohibiting the student from  matriculation.

Recommendations after matriculation:

• allow the student to proceed in the academic program without restriction;
• allow the student to proceed in the academic program with specified terms and conditions (i.e., following the Substance  Abuse policies of the School and/or College and/or University through enrollment in a professional treatment program); or 
• discontinue the student’s academic program.

Any student that fails to meet required deadlines for completion/submission of the annual drug screening is subject to  forfeiture of future/current enrollment in the School of Pharmacy.

Disclaimer

The drug testing process does not guarantee the safety of students, patients, faculty, or staff. The School of Pharmacy does not  guarantee, based on acceptable drug testing results, the student will be eligible to complete the Doctor of Pharmacy  program or obtain a license to practice pharmacy upon graduation. The experiential education site and/or the Illinois  State Board of Pharmacy may interpret a student’s drug testing history more severely or uncover new information not  revealed in previous testing.

Policy on Criminal Background Checks

Introduction and Rationale

The Chicago State University School of Pharmacy has developed a policy on Criminal Background Checks for  students in the course of their educational experience. This policy was established to comply with emerging accreditation  standards and to promote the highest level of integrity in the health professions. The rationale for conducting background  checks is as follows:

• To protect the safety of patients at settings where Chicago State University students perform educational experiences  (e.g., the School requires students to participate in direct contact with patients, many of whom [e.g., elderly, children]  may be vulnerable to issues of unsafe practice behaviors).
• To ascertain the ability of accepted pharmacy student applicants and enrolled pharmacy students to eventually become  licensed as pharmacists.
• To meet the requirements of ACPE accreditation standards.
• To meet the requirements of the affiliation agreements between and minimize the liability of the college and its  experiential education rotation sites by diminishing the risk that may be presented by persons with prior criminal activity. 
• To bolster the public’s continued trust in the pharmacy profession.

Therefore, the School of PHarmacy will fully implement the policy on Criminal Background Checks.

Policy

The School will only accept and retain students that meet the School’s standards for admission and retention in the Doctor  of Pharmacy Program.

The College requires and will contract for the performance of criminal background checks of all students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

The Chicago State University School of Pharmacy will contract for the provision of the results of the  criminal background check to the individual student. Students will be given the opportunity to respond and/or comment on  any report stating they have a criminal background. To assure and maintain confidentiality, all criminal background data will  be housed in a secure web-based database that is only accessible by the Office of Student Affairs, University Counsel, and the  student. The student may be required to provide the results of the criminal background check to any Doctor of Pharmacy  experiential education site (i.e., experiential education facility) participating in the academic training of that Doctor of  Pharmacy student that requests it per the terms of the affiliation agreement and policies of the facility. The experiential  education site has the authority to make a final determination whether the student may participate in that setting. Such a  determination will be independent from any determination by the college or program regarding a student’s admission or  progression in the clinical sequence.

Specifically, screening will be conducted for past incidents of and arrests for criminal conduct and any history or evidence of  child or dependent adult abuse/neglect. Criminal conduct includes any non-traffic offense or arrest (DWI is NOT a minor  traffic offense for this purpose), any felony, or any misdemeanor (serious or aggravated) regardless whether the record has  been expunged or the sentence deferred.

Procedures

The School’s background check will be conducted by an entity that contracts with Chicago State University. The initial  payment is included in the student’s PharmCAS application process. Subsequent payments are student responsibility.

Each student’s background will be checked by social security number, for the prior 10 years, for each state/county of  residence showing any activity for that social security number. The check will include criminal records, including arrests and  convictions for all offenses of any type, a review of the National Sexual Offenders Registry (reports of child and dependent  adult abuse), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Nationwide Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Scan (includes agencies in  all 50 states). The check will include records that have been expunged and judgments that have been deferred.

Doctor of Pharmacy Application Procedures

All applicants to the Doctor of Pharmacy program will be notified that they will be required to undergo a criminal background check upon admission. Applicants will report on their application whether they have ever been arrested or convicted of any  offense other than a traffic offense not involving alcohol or drugs. This includes expunged and deferred judgments. Any  student who refuses to participate in the criminal background check process at the time that it is required is subject to  rescinding of the offer of admission or dismissal from the Doctor of Pharmacy program (as applicable).

Upon Matriculation

Prior to the first semester of school (P-1, fall semester); all students will undergo a pre- matriculation criminal background  check.

Background checks will be initially run prior to the first semester of the Doctor of Pharmacy program and each subsequent fall  semester of professional years 2 and 3. The final background check will be run prior to beginning the Advanced Pharmacy  Practice Experience (APPE) rotations in the summer of the 4th professional year. However, the School-initiated background  checks do not preclude any experiential education site from conducting their own background check process (including  fingerprinting) based on their operational policy. Additional checks may be run as dictated by changes in experiential  education site requirements.

Procedure in the Event of Student Criminal Conduct

Admission Procedures

Applicants who answer in the affirmative on past criminal activity and would otherwise have a reasonable chance for  admission will be given the opportunity to explain that history on the application. If an applicant does not disclose a past  offense as required by the School (regardless of its category or severity), the School may revoke the applicant’s offer of  admission based on the falsification of application documents.

The Professionalism Committee, under the oversight of the Office of Student Affairs and the Admissions Committee, will  review all applications containing an affirmative response to the criminal history question (see review procedures below). The  School may request additional information as part of the application, such as the terms or conditions of any plea, penalty,  punishment, sentence, probation, or parole; details regarding the offense; and the applicant’s reflections on the experience. A recommendation for continued admission review or discontinuation of admission review will be made to the  Office of Student Affairs.

Students will be notified if it appears they will not meet the School’s entrance requirements due to their past criminal  history. They will be given an opportunity to provide further information and/or appeal the decision. The School of Pharmacy appeal  process does not apply to non-students.

The decision on whether to continue the application procedure will be made by the Office of Student Affairs in consultation  with the Chair of the Admissions Committee.

After Matriculation Procedures

The Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Experiential and Continuing Professional Education will  review all findings of criminal activity reported on criminal background checks (see review procedures below).

Students will be notified if it appears that they will not meet the standards of the Doctor of Pharmacy program due to past  criminal history. They will be given an opportunity to provide further information.

The decision on whether to continue enrollment will be made by the Office of Student Affairs in  consultation with the committee, the Dean of the College, and the Chicago State University General Counsel.

Appeals of dismissal will be made directly to the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.

Any student that fails to meet required deadlines for completion/submission of the annual criminal background check is  subject to forfeiture of future/current enrollment in the College of Pharmacy.

Review Procedures:

The Committee will conduct reviews on a thoughtful case-by-case analysis of any situation involving student criminal behavior  discovered by the background check. The committee will conduct its review as soon as possible after the disclosure or  discovery of the information.

The Committee will use the statutes found in the IL Health Care Worker Act, the Chicago State University Code of Student  Conduct and other University and Collegiate policies to inform its decision.

If a student failed to inform the School about past criminal activity on their application, they will also be reviewed for  unprofessional conduct / unethical behavior.

The Committee will provide a formal, written recommendation. The content of the recommendation will include information  on the criminal behavior, the process undertaken by the committee, the basis upon which the committee came to a  recommendation and the recommendation itself

Recommendations from the Committee may be any of the following:

Recommendations at time of application:

1. allow the student to continue their application for the Doctor of Pharmacy program without restriction; 
2. discontinue the student’s application for the Doctor of Pharmacy program, prohibiting the student from  matriculation.

Recommendations after matriculation:

1. allow the student to proceed in the academic program without restriction;
2. allow the student to proceed in the academic program with specified terms and conditions (i.e., following the  Substance Abuse policies of the School); or
3. discontinue the student’s academic program.

Disclaimer: The criminal background check process does not guarantee the safety of students, patients, faculty, or staff. The School does not guarantee, based on an acceptable criminal background check, the student will be eligible to complete the  Doctor of Pharmacy program or obtain a license to practice pharmacy upon graduation. The experiential education site  and/or the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy may interpret a student’s criminal record more severely or uncover new  information not revealed in previous record searches.

Policy on Program Leave

Program Leave

A student in good academic standing may request a “Program Leave” from the program with approval from the Office of Student Affairs. This request must be in writing detailing the reason for the request. A student requesting program leave should continue with their academic schedule until he/she receives a response from the Office of Student Affairs. Request for a program leave should be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs within the School.  The “Program Leave” Form can be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs. There are two types of program  leaves: a short-term program leave (less than 10 university days), or extended program leave.

The School also reserves the right to impose a mandatory program leave under certain situations when deemed appropriate  by the School. The terms of the program leave will be determined by the School on a case by case basis. For example, a  program leave may be for one semester or one academic year. The academic program requires a six-year completion rate,  inclusive of all program leaves.

Short-Term Program Leave

If a particular life experience happens to a student during the program, including but not limited to an accident, severe injury,  illness, pregnancy, etc., the student may be eligible to receive an excused absence of up to two consecutive weeks (i.e. a total  of 10 consecutive University work days) during an academic year. In order to receive an excused absence, a statement from the student and, depending upon the life experience, and documentation certifying the need for an absence of up to 10 consecutive University work days must be provided to the Office of Student Affairs.

Extended Program Leave

Any student may request a program leave due to the existence of a medical condition or personal issues that affect their  ability to continue the program. Requests for extended program leave will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be  approved in advance by the Office of Student Affairs. Any student who requests a program leave during a semester  will be withdrawn or (depending on the duration intended) may be given incompletes in all courses, and be required to  restart the semester when returning. Please note that the School of Pharmacy requires all required elements be completed in six years  from matriculation inclusive of all academic and non-academic program leaves. 

Military Leave

In the event that a currently enrolled student is called upon to fulfill his/her military in meeting obligation, the School will  work individually with the student to assist them meet their obligations. Every effort will be made to assist the student with  transition from the program to the military and back into the program. Each situation will be evaluated on a case by case  basis. The student will be required to fulfill all academic and clinical obligations in order to progress in the program. Students  faced with this situation should meet with the Office of Student Affairs.

Withdrawals

To withdraw from the School of Pharmacy a student must meet with the Office of Student Affairs to acquire appropriate  signatures. The student must also satisfy all obligations to the School, College, and University.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for graduation, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

• Successfully complete the program of professional and experiential course work as approved by the CSU PharmD program Faculty and Dean.
• Attain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) for all professional course work at the CSU PharmD program.
• Complete, at a minimum, the last two didactic semesters and all advanced pharmacy practice experiences at the CSU PharmD program.
• Successfully complete a capstone project in the fourth professional year.
• Successfully complete all non-course requirements as approved by the CSU PharmD program Faculty and Dean.
• Settle all financial accounts with the institution; and
• Attend the commencement exercises, unless excused by the Dean of CSU PharmD program.

Candidates for graduation must be of good moral character consistent with the requirements of the pharmacy profession and the CSU faculty. It is the position of the faculty that anyone who illegally uses, possesses, distributes, sells, or is under the unlawful influence of narcotics, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances, or who abuses alcohol or is involved in any conduct involving moral turpitude, or fails to meet the ethical and moral requirements of the profession may be dismissed from any program or denied the awarding of any degree from CSU PharmD program.

Student Grievance Policy

The purpose of the School of  Pharmacy grievance procedure is to provide students with a fair method of resolving conflicts with faculty, staff, administrators, and other students. This procedure is designed to provide fair means for dealing with a student’s complaints regarding a specific action or decision made by the School of Pharmacy faculty (including administrative faculty). Any student or group of students may initiate a complaint procedure on any student concern including complaints against faculty, staff, administrators, or other students. Complaints involving violations of FERPA should be directed to the Office of the Registrar. Complaints involving harassment should be directed to the CSU Equal Employment Opportunity officer.

Any students who believe they have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, or have had their rights abridged may initiate a grievance with the following exceptions:

Allegations of discriminatory treatment arising from the student complainant’s age, race, gender, sexual preference, handicap, national origin, or religion. The CSU Office of Equal Opportunity handles allegations of discrimination or sexual harassment.

Allegations of noncompliance with University policies and procedures for the protection of student records established under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These concerns must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.

The Office of Student Affairs shall be responsible for informing students of their rights and obligations under the grievance procedure and especially the deadlines that have been established. The Office of Student Affairs shall seek to resolve informally as many grievances as possible per Steps 1 and 2 of the Student Grievance Policy. Students are encouraged to seek the assistance of the Office of Student Affairs at any stage of the grievance process.

Complaints concerning a faculty member should be handled in the following manner: 

Step One

Arrange a meeting with the faculty member to discuss the concern within ten (10) calendar days of the dispute. If resolution is not achieved at this level, see Step Two.

Step Two

Arrange a meeting with the appropriate Department Chair within ten (10) calendar days after meeting with the faculty member. The Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences and/or the Chair of Pharmacy Practice may elect to include the course instructor(s) or coordinator in the discussion. If resolution is not achieved at this level, see Step Three.

Step Three

At this level students must submit in writing the formal complaint to the Office of Student Affairs in the fCollege of Health Sciences & Pharmacy. The formal complaint must be filed within ten (10) calendar days after meeting with the chairperson of the respective department or within thirty (30) days of the initial complaint. The grievance statement must describe the problem, be accompanied by any relevant data, and include the resolution sought. The Office of Student Affairs has authority to determine if an appropriate chain of command was followed regarding the grievance and can provide guidance to the student on whether the statement filled constitutes a grievable offense.

The statement must be specific and must be signed by the person submitting the complaint. In the case of a group complaint, one person may be designated as a representative for the group. The representative may sign for the group provided that all names of the group are attached. Students should be aware that the appropriate faculty members or administrators may be consulted and/or included in the process.  At this time, the student filing the grievance will select a faculty member to represent their case, and the faculty member being grieved will select a faculty member to represent their case.  The two respectively selected individuals will then choose an impartial third faculty member. The three faculty members will review the case and policy and procedures.  The three selected individuals must convene within ten (10) calendar days of the complaint submission to the DOSA. All Grievance Committee decisions are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval. The student has a right to appeal the decision of the Grievance Committee to the Dean. The decision of the Dean is final.

Complaints against staff and administrators should be handled in the following manner: 

Step One

Arrange a meeting with the staff member or administrator to discuss the concern within ten (10) calendar days of the incident. If resolution is not achieved at this level, see Step Two.

Step Two

Arrange a meeting with the appropriate supervisor/manager to discuss the concern within ten (10) calendar days after the meeting with the staff member or administrator. If resolution is not achieved, see Step Three.

Step Three

Arrange a meeting with the Office of Student Affairs in the College of Health Sciences & Pharmacy within ten (10) calendar days after meeting with the staff member or administrator’s supervisor. The Office of Student Affairs and/or Dean will determine the next steps in the process in accordance with University’s policies and procedures. Note: When dealing with staff issues, because of potential bargaining issues, the final decision in these matters does not reside with the Dean of the College.

Complaints against students should be handled in the following manner:

Arrange a meeting with the Office of Student Affairs  in the College of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and the student(s) to discuss the concerns within ten (10) calendar days of the incident. The Office of Student Affairs will address these concerns and will consult with the Dean when appropriate. See Professionalism Policy for further details. The decision of the Dean is final if an appeal process occurs.

Students with other concerns should arrange to meet with the Office of  Student Affairs in the College of Health Sciences & Pharmacy.

A chronological record of student complaints related to matters covered by the ACPE accreditation standards will be maintained by the Office of the Dean and the file will be available during ACPE on-site accreditation evaluations.

Unresolved, student complaints related to accreditation standards should be directed to the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois 60602, (312) 664-3575, (800) 533-3606, Fax (312) 664-4652; http://www.acpe-accredit.org.

Formal Grievance Policy for ACPE Concerns

Students who have concerns regarding the School of Pharmacy’s capability to achieve the standards of accreditation or comply with the policies and procedures of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education may file a grievance with the Office of Student Affairs. Formal grievances must be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Affairs. The written grievance should include the following: student name and contact information; the date of the grievance; the specific ACPE accreditation standard, policy or procedure that is involved; and a description of the specific grievance.

The grievance will be reviewed by the Office of Student Affairs Student Affairs and referred to the appropriate administrators for investigation, analysis, and appropriate action. Students should expect a timely, fair, and comprehensive review of their complaints to include personal discussions with appropriate administrators, and the opportunity to supply supportive documentation or the testimony of fellow students regarding their concerns. Students will be notified regarding the outcome of the review and any actions planned or taken.

A record of written grievances regarding the College’s adherence with accreditation standards to related policies and procedures, including the original grievance and administration’s response, will be maintained in the Office of the Dean for review by appropriate accreditation agencies, unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. Appropriate information addressed in such grievances will be utilized in the School of Pharmacy planning and self-study processes.

The accreditation standards, policies, and procedures for colleges of pharmacy can be found at: http://www.acpe- accredit.org/standards/default.asp. Students who are not satisfied with the response from CSU School of Pharmacy administration may submit their grievance directly to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education via the following website: htpp://www.acpe-accredit.org/students/complaints.asp or via email at csinfo@acpe-accredit.org. 

In any conduct involving moral turpitude, fails to meet the ethical and moral requirements of the profession and may be dismissed from any program or denied the awarding of any degree from CSU-SOP.

Programs

• Pharmacy, Pharm.D.

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