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2024-2025 Catalog > Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy > Policies for the Fisch College of Pharmacy > Other Policies and Information for the Fisch College of Pharmacy

Other Policies and Information for the Fisch College of Pharmacy

Accommodations

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) the University offers accommodations to students with qualifying disabilities. Students with a disability, including non-visible disabilities such as a learning disorder, chronic illness, TBI, PTSD, ADHD, or a history of modifications or accommodations in a previous educational environment, are encouraged to visit https://hood.accessiblelearning.com/UTTyler to fill out the New Student Application and submit supporting documentation. The Student Accessibility and Resources (SAR) office will contact the student after their application and supporting documentation have been reviewed by the SAR Accommodation Review Committee. For more information about the SAR registration process, please visit the SAR webpage at https://www.uttyler.edu/disability-services/, email the SAR office at saroffice@uttyler.edu, or call 903.566.7079.

Please note: Students with disabilities must register with the SAR office to receive accommodations under ADA(AA) provisions. Students are encouraged to submit application for services at least 30 days prior to need so that eligibility determinations, notifications to instructors, possible exam scheduling, and other accommodations can be effectively coordinated. Once exam accommodations are approved, exams should be scheduled no less than four (4) business days prior to test date.

Students receiving accommodations through the SAR office are required to notify each course coordinator/instructor every semester. Accommodations do not automatically transfer between course coordinators/instructors or between semesters. Pharmacy courses may have assessments (iRATs) scheduled on the first day of the course, therefore, students are recommended to start the accommodation process well in advance of the start of the semester or session.

Change of Program

If a student desires to change from the Pharm.D. program to another undergraduate or graduate program, the student should consult with the UT Tyler Undergraduate Admissions and/or the Graduate Admissions Office. 

Complaints and Judicial Process

Discrimination Complaints

Please see the Complaints and Grievances Process in the Student Success section of this catalog.

Accreditation-Related Complaints

Complaints regarding the FCOP, as it relates to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) standards, policies, or procedures, may be reported to ACPE at www.acpe-accredit.org/complaints/. 

Fisch College of Pharmacy-Related Complaints

For complaints unrelated to the ACPE standards, policies, or procedures, the FCOP’s administration encourages communication of these concerns to the FCOP. If the concern involves a pharmacy course, the student is encouraged to discuss the concern and/or resolve the issue with the following individuals, in order:

• Instructor
• Course Coordinator
• Department Chair (for that course coordinator)
• Assistant/Associate Dean for Experiential Education (for IPPE, APPE) or Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

If the concern does not involve a course, the student is encouraged to bring concerns to the appropriate FCOP Assistant or Associate Dean:

• Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
• Assistant/Associate Dean for Experiential Education
• Assistant/Associate Dean for Student Affairs

If the above communications do not resolve the student’s concern, the student may contact the FCOP Dean.

FCOP students are also encouraged to seek guidance from their faculty advisor regarding concerns and for questions regarding the complaint process.

Office of Judicial Affairs

The University’s Office of Judicial Affairs manages violations of the student Code of Conduct policies, violations of Residence Life policies, and scholastic dishonesty. Students are encouraged to seek guidance from the FCOP Office for Academic Affairs in all matters concerning University petitions.

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

A criminal background check and drug screen is required of all students offered admission to the FCOP. Admission to the FCOP is contingent upon results of these evaluations. When applicable, an international background check may be required. A committee comprised of the FCOP Assistant/Associate Deans of Academic Affairs, Experiential Education and Student Affairs reviews positive results from criminal background checks and/or drug screens for students with provisional admission status and make determinations on a case-by-case basis.

During the Pharm.D. curriculum, background checks and drug screens will be repeated annually. Background checks and/or drug screens may be required randomly at any time during the program. The committee of FCOP Assistant/Associate Deans will review positive results from criminal background check and/or drug screens and make a determination on a case-by-case basis.

Enrolled students, as part of the obligations of being a licensed pharmacist intern, are required to disclose any criminal convictions and deferred adjudication community supervisions or deferred dispositions to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Matriculated students are also required to report these events and arrests that may affect licensure to the FCOP Office of Student Affairs and FCOP Office of Experiential Education within 10 calendar days (misdemeanors) and 2 calendar days (felonies) of the event. Traffic violations do not need to be reported unless related to criminal behavior, substance use, and/or alcohol use.

Admission to the FCOP may be denied and matriculated students may receive sanctions (up to and including dismissal from the program) based on the results of the criminal background checks and/or drug screen. Examples of reasons for denial, sanctions, and/or dismissal include, but are not limited to: 1) positive criminal background check that would affect the ability to become licensed and/or assigned at experiential sites, 2) failure to report criminal convictions/deferred adjudication/deferred dispositions to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy or the FCOP Office of Student Affairs and Office of Experiential Education, or 3) positive drug screen. Failure to disclose a criminal offense or failure to disclose an offense in the timeframe indicated may be considered an Honor Code Violation and/or may delay or prevent participation in the experiential curriculum. Experiential sites retain the right to deny placement of students at their site based on criminal background checks and/or drug screen results.

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy provides further information on criminal background checks and substance use. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) provides information regarding felony convictions and the ability to become licenses in a specific state.

Email

The FCOP follows the UT Tyler Email Policy stating the official email communication method for students is their UT Tyler Patriot Email address. 

FCOP students are strongly encouraged to check email twice a day and respond to emails within 24 business hours. Failure to check email cannot be the basis for missing deadlines or used as rationale for being unaware of information or official notifications.

Health and Safety Requirements

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Students must maintain basic life support (BLS) certification to participate in experiential coursework.

Concealed Handguns on Campus

Please see the Concealed Handguns on Campus Policy in the Undergraduate Policies Section of this catalog.  FCOP students participating in experiential courses, service learning, and community outreach programs should also review and adhere to the regulations and policies for the partnering institution.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan: The FCOP follows the UT Tyler Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Control Plan. Students who are not employees are not covered by the exposure control plan but receive training on BBP prevention and control methods annually. In the event of a BBP exposure, students should notify their preceptor or faculty member immediately. Post-exposure follow up will normally be provided by the University Health Clinic. Costs for post-exposure follow up is ultimately the responsibility of the student and should usually be covered under their health insurance. The FCOP offers coverage for the cost associated with testing the source individual.

Health Insurance

The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System mandates health insurance for all health-related students enrolled in their respective programs.  As a condition of enrollment and participation in all experiential coursework and patient care activities, all Pharm.D. students must submit and maintain proof of personal health insurance coverage that includes effective date and renewal date. Personal health insurance covers illness and injury in classroom, laboratory situations, and experiential courses as well as any illness or injury that occurs while not on the UT Tyler campus or affiliated with a FCOP activity.

Every Pharm.D. student must complete the health insurance certification process each term they are enrolled. Students must either confirm their participation in UT Tyler Student Health Plan (UTSHP), Academic Health Plans (AHP) or submit an AHP waiver. To be considered for a waiver, students must provide documentation of their own coverage to AHP that demonstrates that their health insurance meets specific coverage criteria.  Charges will show up on student bills until the AHP waiver has been completed and approved. Students who do not meet the deadline to submit proof of health insurance may have delays in starting their semester coursework and/or experiential activities. This may affect the student’s ability to successfully complete the curriculum and delay on-time graduation.

Immunization and Health Screening

Students are required to present evidence of tuberculosis screening and proof of immunizations by week 6 of their first semester enrollment in the FCOP. For those vaccines that involve more than one injection, the series must be started by week 6 in their first semester at the FCOP. In accordance with state law (e.g. Meningitis Policy SB 1107) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), the following immunizations/health screening are required for all students enrolled in health-related courses that will involve direct patient contact in medical facilities:

• Influenza: proof of influenza vaccination is required annually in the fall (any type of influenza vaccine for the current flu season). 
• Tetanus/diphtheria: proof of one Tdap "booster" with a Td following at least every 10 years. 
• Varicella: proof of completing the 2-dose immunization series, serological immunity (blood test), or documentation of disease or diagnosis of either varicella or herpes zoster by a healthcare provider.
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR): proof of completing the 2-dose MMR series or serological immunity (blood test). 
• Hepatitis B: proof of completing the 3-dose immunization series or serologic immunity (blood test). 
• Tuberculin (TB) Screening: The frequency and type of tuberculin screening depends upon if this is initial testing and the duration of time between tests:
  • students receiving their first tuberculin screening or having their last tuberculin skin test (TST) more than 2 years ago, proof of a 2-step TST or a single blood assay (IGRA) test followed by an annual TST is required; 
  • students with a TST within the previous 12 months, a single TST is required followed by an annual TST; 
  • for students with a positive TST, IGRA, or prior treatment for TB, proof of a negative chest x-ray is required (repeat x-rays are not required unless recommended by a healthcare provider);
  • additional testing and/or documentation may be required in certain situations; and
  • experiential sites may have different requirements for documentation and/or screening for TB.
    
     
• Meningitis Vaccine: Students younger than 22 years are required to present documentation of meningitis vaccination prior to being enrolled in Pharm.D. courses.
• Additional immunizations and/or screenings may be required by experiential sites.

Students are responsible for maintaining all immunization and health screening requirements. Vaccinations and screenings are obtained at the student’s expense. A student’s health insurance may cover these services. Students who do not maintain immunization and health screening requirements, and submit proof thereof, will not be permitted to participate in experiential coursework or the direct patient care components of the Pharm.D. program. 

Exclusions may be allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications and pregnancy.

• Students with medical contraindications must submit written verification from a primary care provider that the immunization required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student or any member of the student’s family or household. Unless a lifelong condition is specified, the verification is valid for only one year from the date signed by the healthcare professional. 
• Pregnant females may be exempt from select immunizations. Students must present written documentation of a positive pregnancy test and written verification of immunizations that the student is exempt due to pregnancy. 

Experiential sites retain the right to deny placement of students at their site based on immunization and health screening status.

Mandatory Reporting

Students are required to report any condition and/or diagnosis that may compromise the health and well-being of patients, preceptors, and/or employees at experiential sites. The following must be reported to the Office of Experiential Education within 24 hours or immediately upon discovery: 

• TB test conversion (test results changed from a negative TB test to either a borderline or a positive TB test) and/or
• Diagnosis of a personal infection with Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Tuberculosis, Meningitis, COVID, and/or other contagious conditions.

The Office of Experiential Education may add additional mandatory reporting requirements based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommendations from Public Health Officials, and/or from our partnering healthcare institutions. Students who fail to report such conditions may have delays in experiential coursework and/or incur academic penalties. This may affect the student’s ability to successfully complete the curriculum and delay on-time graduation. Non-academic penalties, such as honor code violations, may also apply. 

Leave of Absence

A student may request a Leave of Absence for academic and/or non-academic reasons. Examples of non-academic reasons include but are not limited to: childbearing or adoption; personal illness; critical care of a family member; financial or job-related interruption; and military service. The Leave of Absence is approved for a specific time period (not to exceed 12 consecutive months and thereafter must be renewed) and allows the student to return to the college without formally reapplying for admission to the College. 

A condition of the Leave of Absence is that the student must complete their course of study in 5 years of less from the original date of matriculation into the program, excluding on an approved leave of absence and extensions approved by the Professional and Academic Standards Committee (PASC). Failure to successfully complete conditions listed within the Leave of Absence within the agreed upon timeframe will result in the student being placed on Academic Dismissal from the FCOP. Students requesting a Leave of Absence who are failing one or more course(s) need to obtain approval for the leave from the Professional and academic Standards Committee (PASC). Students who request a leave of absence after the last day to withdraw from a course, will receive a 'W' on their transcript unless a retroactive withdrawal has been approved by the PASC.

Leaves of absences will result in withdrawal of pharmacist intern licenses from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Students must contact the FCOP Office of Experiential Education at the beginning of their Leave and at least 30 days prior to returning from a Leave to facilitate the process for re-licensure.

Multi-Media Recordings and Photography

Photography and Video Recording Consent

The FCOP requests use of student-related photographs and/or video-recordings for external use, e.g. distribution of class composite photos, posting on the internet, publications, social media, etc. Permission for use can only be given by the student and the initial request occurs during the orientation process and remains into effect until the student is no longer enrolled in the Pharm.D. program or the permission is revoked by the student. Students can grant permission or revoke permission for photography and/or video-recordings at any time by contacting the FCOP Office of Student Affairs.

Recording of Class Sessions

Class sessions may be recorded, if the student receives written permission from the course coordinator. This includes, but is not limited to, photographing or recording of material placed on white boards or overhead projections. Because of the interactive nature of team-based learning, class periods may not be recorded in lieu of attending class, unless specifically authorized by the FCOP Office of Academic Affairs (e.g., approved absence for professional meetings). The term recording includes all forms of multi-media recording on the University campus or affiliate locations and includes all classroom sessions.

Reproduction of Class Sessions

Reproduction and/or distribution of class sessions by any means such as YouTube, podcasts, etc. of any class session presentations or material created for the purpose of class preparation or for class review are forbidden unless written authorization from the FCOP Office of Academic Affairs and the creator is obtained at least seven (7) calendar days in advance.

Professionalism (Non-Academic) Alerts

Student conduct that does not violate the honor code, but is of concern may be reported through the Non-Academic Alert form available at www.uttyler.edu/pharmacy/student-handbook/. Examples of non-academic concerns include: dress code, professionalism, classroom behavior, absenteeism, tardiness, and ethical concerns.  Non-Academic Alerts are submitted to the FCOP Office of Student Affairs. The alert should be copied to the FCOP Office of Experiential Education if the concern arose during or may affect experiential coursework.

Sanctions for Professionalism Alert includes, but is not limited to:

• Informal warning, e.g. verbal or written informal warning;
• Informal assignment, e.g. ethical decision-making seminar and/or reflection paper assigned;
• Formal warning, i.e. a copy of the report will be sent to the FCOP Office of Academic Affairs and may be forwarded to the FCOP Professional and Academic Standards Committee (PASC), and/or the UT Tyler Judicial Affairs Office;
• Formal academic penalty, e.g. additional assignment, assignment grade change or grade deduction;
• Internal referral, i.e., a copy of the report will be sent to the FCOP Professional and Academic Standards Committee (PASC), and/or the UT Tyler Judicial Affairs Office for investigation and/or sanctions; and
• External referral to the appropriate legal (e.g., courts), regulatory (e.g., state boards of pharmacy) or professional authorities (e.g., counseling, Behavioral Intervention Team). 

Students receiving a Professionalism Alert may request a formal hearing with the PASC regarding proposed sanctions and/or request a formal hearing with the PASC or UT Tyler Office of Judicial Affairs regarding the actions described within the alert.

Pharmacy and Patient Care Experiences

The Pharm.D. curriculum includes pharmacy practice or patient care experiences starting in the first semester of the program. In addition to the FCOP policies and procedures, all students engaging in patient care must meet and maintain the following requirements:

1. Pharmacist Intern Licensure;
2. Respect and Protection of Protected Health Information;
3. Professional Liability Insurance Coverage; 
4. Standards for Professional Dress for Experiential Learning; and
5. Screenings, trainings, certifications, and immunizations as outlined in the FCOP Experiential Education Manual

Pharmacist Internship Requirements 

All students are required to be licensed with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) as an intern during their first year of the program. Students are responsible for applying for and maintaining an active intern license in Texas, which is a requirement for participation in experiential coursework. If assigned to experiential coursework outside of Texas, students must apply for an intern license for that state and maintain active licensure while completing experiential coursework in that state. Students are required to follow all Board of Pharmacy rules and regulations during their experiential learning experiences. Failure to obtain licensure may delay on time graduation.

Students must communicate any and all criminal offenses to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as part of their pharmacy intern licensure. Failure to disclose offenses to the board may result in licensing delays and/or ability to become licensed. Criminal offenses must also be reported to the FCOP Office of Student Affairs and Office of Experiential Education. Additional information, reporting, and reporting timelines are provided under Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screens.

Protected Health Information (Patient Privacy)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 protects the privacy of an individual’s identifiable health information called Protected Health Information (PHI). Students may encounter patient- and caregiver-related information during classroom, laboratory, experiential, and extracurricular activities. Students, as healthcare professionals, are obligated to respect any and all confidences revealed during any FCOP educational experiences including but not limited to, patient conditions, medical and pharmacy records, economic information and professional policies. 

No information should be circulated or discussed outside the clinical realms of the learning experience or in any inappropriate manner during the experience. Records containing PHI must not be removed from experiential sites. Any and all patient records must be destroyed according to the sites policies no later than the last day of rotation. Disclosure of information or inappropriate discussion of information is also a violation of the patient’s or preceptor’s trust and can cause harmful consequences for the patient, their caregivers, or the experiential site. Situations involving breach of HIPAA and disclosure of PHI is illegal and any student who chooses to violate this policy will undergo severe consequences.

HIPAA Training: The FCOP will provide initial and annual HIPAA training as part of the curriculum for the pharmacy students. Students should maintain a copy of their HIPAA certification within their portfolio. Students may need to complete a clinical site-specific HIPAA training in addition to the FCOP course.

Access to Confidential Information: Students may have access to privileged information about a patient/caregiver’s health and financial information, practice site information, and other information that is considered to be personal. Access to confidential subject information is permitted only on a need-to-know basis. Additionally, students are to keep all user log-in and passwords confidential when using any electronic device as well.

Disclosure of Confidential Information: HIPAA violations include, but are not limited to: disclosing patient information verbally or in writing (including email), unauthorized viewing of patient health information, talking about patient’s private health information in a public venue, posting of protected health information on social media, and posting photographs of patients without their permission. HIPAA violations are reportable to the healthcare institution, the FCOP (as a violation of the FCOP Honor Code), and for potential legal action. Consequences for violations include, but are not limited to, failure of a course or course assignment, removal from a clinical practice site, expulsion from the FCOP, and/or legal penalties.

Professional Liability Insurance Requirements

All FCOP students are covered by a medical professional liability insurance policy, offered for all medical profession students in the UT System. The insurance premium for this coverage is included as part of the tuition of all Pharm.D. students and is renewed annually. The insurance policy covers students and faculty during all FCOP organized experiential, professional student organization, and service-learning activities while in the Pharm.D. program. The policy requires appropriate student supervision while providing patient care. Students can request verification of insurance from the FCOP Dean’s Office. The insurance policy does not cover students at their place of employment. It is recommended that each pharmacy student maintain private professional liability insurance to cover their activities outside of the FCOP (e.g. employment).

Student Experiential Placements

The FCOP Office of Experiential Education coordinates and assigns all experiential placement for students throughout the curriculum (professional years 1-4). While individual student preferences are considered for experiential placement, there are NO guarantees that a student will be assigned at a certain experiential site or within a specific region.  Site placement depends on many factors including but not limited to: site/preceptor selection criteria, site affiliation agreements, site offerings, licensure, number of student requests, preceptor and site availability, etc. Students need to be aware that they may be asked to drive up to 2 hours for a practice experience, which is considered a reasonable and appropriate commute. Students are responsible for maintaining reliable transportation throughout introductory and advanced practice experiences. Students are responsible for their own housing arrangements and expenses during practice experiences.  Please refer to the FCOP Experiential Education Manual for additional information on experiential student placement.

Standards for Professional Dress for Experiential Learning

All FCOP students are expected to adhere to the highest professional standards as outlined by the FCOP Student Handbook and Experiential Education Manual. Student pharmacists are representing themselves, their peers, and the FCOP. All students must demonstrate professional communication, dress, and demeanor at all times. The dress code outlined in the FCOP Experiential Education Manual applies to all students enrolled in experiential coursework. Exceptions to the dress code may be directed by site-specific dress code requirements. Students are responsible for checking with each experiential site ahead of their rotation start date. For a complete description of the professional dress for rotations, please refer to the FCOP Experiential Education Manual. 

Scholastic Load

The minimum credit hour load to be considered a full-time professional student in the FCOP is 12 semester hours in any semesters. The maximum credit hour load permitted is 21 semester hours during the fall and spring semesters unless approved by the FCOP. The maximum summer semester credit hour load permitted is 12 credit hours.

Enrollment Status per Financial Aid regulations (minimum credits required):

Standards for Professional Dress and Classroom Behavior

FCOP student pharmacists are expected to adhere to a professional dress code while at the FCOP and attending patient care events. Student pharmacists are representing themselves, their peers, the FCOP, and the profession of pharmacy and should behave appropriately and dress in a professional manner at all times. Students reporting to the classroom or FCOP related activities in violation of established dress codes should expect to receive a verbal and/or written warning or asked to change clothes at the discretion of the faculty member. The student will not receive credit for classroom activities that occur during their absence. Violations will be reported to the FCOP Office of Academic Affairs.

Failure to comply with the Professional Dress and Classroom Behavior rules will be considered a violation Honor Code Policy and may result in disciplinary action. Students with concerns relating to the professional dress policy for cultural and/or religious reasons should contact the FCOP Office of Academic Affairs for guidance.

The general requirements are outlined below for classroom (including exams/assessments) and FCOP activities.

1. The general dress code for classroom activities is business casual. Examples include: collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, slacks, khaki/chino pants, cropped/Capri length pants, or skirts/dresses. Clothing that is not allowed includes: jeans (any color), shorts, athletic wear, pajama wear/sweatpants, flip-flops, shoes with visible sections for each toe (e.g. Vibrams), athletic shoes, and hospital scrubs (unless required by the current IPPE/APPE). No bare midriffs are allowed. Undergarments should be adequately covered by outer clothing and should not be visible through clothing. Clothing should not be provocative or contain obscene or offensive language/pictures. Hats and caps are not allowed during classroom activities. Clothing should be clean and neat in appearance (no torn or excessively wrinkled clothing and shoes maintained in good repair, for example.)

   Alternate dress, i.e. official FCOP scrubs may be worn for approved activities. Several FCOP courses/activities, such as the compounding class sessions, physical assessment class sessions, and research lab experiences may have specific dress requirements. These requirements will be described in the course syllabi. For these situations, students may wear classroom dress or the official FCOP scrubs with closed-toed shoes; appropriate athletic shoes may be worn with scrubs. Students may maintain that level of dress for other classroom activities that day.

   The FCOP may approve casual dress days: On specific dates, students may be allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts. However, clothing should not be provocative, ripped, contain obscene/offensive language, and should adequately cover and conceal the midriff and undergarments. 

2. All students must maintain good personal hygiene (cleanliness, body odor, etc.) at all times: Nails should be kept clean and well-manicured and at a length not to interfere with duties of a pharmacist. Facial hair, hair color, and style should be kept conservative and in a manner that presents a professional image. Cologne and perfume should be kept to a minimum or not used at all. Earrings and jewelry should be worn in a professional manner. In the classroom, body art and tattoos that may be considered offensive should be covered. Other body modifications (piercings and gauges) may be allowed if they are not distracting.
3. Classroom demeanor should be respectful of the learning environment: Students should limit activities that are distracting to others and potential inhibit their learning. Students disrupting the learning environment may be asked to leave the classroom. The use of the technology in the classroom is designed to facilitate learning and not for personal use. Cellular phones should be silenced (or on vibrate), unless permitted by the instructor, so they do not disturb others in the classroom and interfere with learning. Use of approved electronic devices should be limited to classroom-related activities. Students who are disrupting the learning environment may be asked to leave the classroom. Repeated violations may result in FCOP disciplinary action. The use of headphones, ear buds, noise cancelling headsets, and programmable calculators are prohibited. Exceptions to the use of these devices may be authorized by the course coordinator/instructor.
4. Students participating in patient care related extracurricular activities that involve patient care should consider the venue and the purpose of the event when deciding on clothing. For example, a health-screening event held at a hospital would lend itself to dress described in Standards for Professional Dress for Experiential Learning. For students educating elementary students at an asthma camp, more casual clothing such as a FCOP or UT Tyler T-shirt may be appropriate. Your faculty advisor can help determine the appropriate dress for an event. For events involving immunizations and/or blood, a white lab coat is required to be consistent with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. FCOP nametags should be worn at all patient care events and university related extracurricular events/activities.
5. Professional Dress in Experiential Learning: Please see the FCOP Experiential Education Manual. 

Student Records

Please see the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy in the Undergraduate Policies Section of this catalog.

Scholarships

Pharm.D. students may be eligible for UT Tyler scholarships and FCOP scholarships. Each scholarship varies with regard to selection criteria, requirements and amounts. Veterans and military personnel may also be candidates for Veteran scholarships.

Incoming Pharm.D. students are considered for the 100% Tuition and Fees Reduction Scholarship, the Horizons Award, and the UT Tyler Legacy Award. Current students who have completed at least one semester of the curriculum can be considered for returning student scholarships and the 100% Tuition and Fees Reduction Scholarship. 

Pharm.D. students are not eligible for the UT Tyler Staff, Spouse, and Dependent Scholarships, UT Tyler Graduate Scholarship for Returning Students, UT Tyler New Graduate Fellowship, UT Tyler New Freshman Scholarship, and UT Tyler Scholarships for Transfer Students.

Transfer of Credit

Transfer of credit hours from another accredited institution may be allowed if the course is being used to satisfy the Texas Core Curriculum or if the course is approved for credit within the Pharm.D. curriculum. Transfer credit is not included in FCOP GPA calculations.

Tuition, Fees, Financial Aid

Tuition includes fees and other academic expenses associated with the Pharm.D. program include: 

• Courses taken at UT Tyler as part of the Pharm.D. curriculum;
• UT Tyler required student fees such as student services fees, instructional support fee, intercollegiate athletics fee, medical service fee, recreational facility fee, student union fee, etc.;
• Electronic texts for required Pharm.D. courses; and
• Access to physical textbooks for required Pharm.D. courses when electronic texts are not available. 

The tuition does not cover:

• UT Tyler courses taken to satisfy the Texas Core Curriculum or another degree program;
• Elective courses that are not approved as part of the Pharm.D. curriculum; 
• Course audit fees for courses at UT Tyler and/or FCOP.
• Books & supplies for elective Pharm.D. coursework, non-Pharm.D. approved coursework, or Texas Core Curriculum courses; 
• Costs associated with on campus housing, meal plans, and parking; and
• Late fees for registration, payment installment fees and emergency loan origination fees for the cashier’s office, parking tickets, etc. 

All tuition and fee charges are billed according to the Texas Education Code Chapter 54 and the University of Texas Board of Regents. Students may not enter a class or laboratory until payment of tuition and fees has been arranged. Payment due dates and times are published by the UT Tyler Cashiers Office. Students will be dropped from all classes for nonpayment after the published deadline.

Tuition Rates

The Pharm.D. program is designed to be completed full-time. Students may, on occasion, take coursework during the summer (year 1 and 2) or a reduced academic load in the fall and/or spring. The tuition rates for both full-time and part-time enrollment is available at https://www.uttyler.edu/pharmacy/admissions/tuition-fees-scholarships/. There is no part-time enrollment for students on their APPEs. The tuition for academic years beyond those posted on the website have not yet been finalized.

Cost of Attendance Guide

There are anticipated expenses that are associated with attending the FCOP. Some of these expenses will occur in specific years of the program, while others occur annually. These expenses are not included in the Pharm.D. tuition and include direct and in-direct costs such as tuition/feeds, room/board, books/supplies, transportation, personal, loan fees, etc. The cost of attendance guide is available at https://www.uttyler.edu/pharmacy/admissions/tuition-fees-scholarships/.

Financial Aid 

Students enrolled into the Pharm.D. program are recognized by UT Tyler as graduate/professional students whether or not the student has completed a bachelor’s degree. Candidates applying to the Pharm.D. program or who are enrolled in the program, can request graduate/professional level financial aid when submitting their FAFSA and indicating UT Tyler on the application (FAFSA Code 011163). Typically, students will apply for more than one financial aid program. Financial aid options include, but are not limited to Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, and Private Loans.

Financial aid is typically requested each spring for the next fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students requesting financial aid for summer coursework may request aid for those courses along at the same time as the preceding fall and spring semesters. Additional information on financial aid options is available through UT Tyler Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. 

Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TAFSA) is currently not available for FCOP students.

Payment Plans

FCOP students may enroll in a five (5)-installment payment plan or an Emergency Loan each fall and spring semester. The installments plan and the Emergency Loan covers the expenses for tuition and fees as well as housing, meal plans and textbooks paid to UT Tyler for the semester. Tests, off campus textbook purchases, supplies, insurance or other expenses are not covered by payment plans. The five (5)-installment plan is not available for the summer semesters.

Tuition Exemptions and Waivers

Pharm.D. students are typically not eligible for tuition exemptions or waivers. For example, students are not eligible for state supported tuition exemptions such as the Hazelwood Exemption. Students may be eligible for federally sponsored exemption. Pharm.D. students are not eligible for tuition waivers since the tuition rate is the same for both in-state and out-of-state residents. 

Tuition Repayment Programs

Several national organizations and corporations may have tuition assistance or loan repayment programs available for their student members and/or employees. The FCOP Office of Student Affairs keeps a limited list of organizations providing tuition repayment programs.

Undergraduate and Graduate Level Coursework

Students completing the Pharm.D. program are considered graduate professional students at UT Tyler. Tuition for coursework taken at UT Tyler is assessed at the Pharm.D. tuition rate regardless of course level (undergraduate, professional, graduate) or purpose. Undergraduate and graduate level courses approved as a pharmacy elective may be taken in the fall, spring, and summer. Tuition and fees associated with these courses are included in the credit hour calculations for the Pharm.D. tuition rate.

The student is responsible for all tuition and fees associated with courses taken to fulfill the Texas Core Curriculum. Students interested in completing core curriculum courses at UT Tyler should consult with the Office of Financial Aid regarding any restrictions and/or availability of financial aid for these courses.

Technology

All students are required to have a working mobile device that has internet access, word processing capabilities, and access to the UT Tyler course management system and FCOP exam system. A list of device specifications and requirements is available on the FCOP website.

All students are required to have privacy filters for mobile devices during exams and quizzes. Removable filters are acceptable.

Travel

Student organizations and individual students may request travel to FCOP sponsored/approved activities such as national pharmacy organization meetings, state, or regional organization meetings, and legislative days. Students enrolled in experiential coursework will be required to obtain approval for travel from their preceptors. Requests for funding are also considered for student organization members and individual students.

Requests to fund school-related travel should be submitted to the FCOP Office of Student Affairs. Funding must be approved prior to travel and cannot be retroactively approved. If approved, reimbursement is requested through the FCOP Office of Student Affairs.

Withdrawals

The last day to withdraw from a course is posted on the FCOP academic calendar. Students may withdraw from a course after the last date if the student is being granted an approved Leave of Absence or a PASC-approved retroactive withdrawal.

Verification of Degree

Please see the Verification of Degree in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Veterans Benefits

Students receiving Veterans Benefits are recommended to contact the UT Tyler Veterans Resource Center for resources available to pharmacy students. Resources may include the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Veterans Scholarships (i.e. Only in America Scholarship). Students who are uncertain if they are eligible for benefits should contact the VA Office. Pharm.D. students are not eligible for the Hazelwood Exemption Act.