Admission to the PHARM.D. AND B.SC.(NUTR.) Program

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements are listed on the College website. Students applying to the Doctor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Science in Nutrition programs must acknowledge that they have read and understood the Essential Skills and Attributes Required for the Study of Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan or the Essential Skills and Attributes Required for the Study of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Saskatchewan.

Evaluation Scores for CASPer Test of Critical Skills

Z-scores are provided by CASPer. Applicants with Z-scores ≥ -1.00 are considered eligible. Those with Z-scores <-1.00 will not be considered.

The Test of Critical Skills score out of 30 is determined in the following manner. A value of 0/30 is assigned to the LOWEST eligible Z-score that is ≥ -1.00. The HIGHEST Z-score is assigned a value of 30/30. A linear equation is calculated based on the low and high Z-scores; all other Z-scores are interpolated from this linear equation to a score out of 30 and used to determine ranking of candidates.

Evaluation Scores for Personal Video Interview

A candidate with a communication score of 0 will not be considered. A candidate with a score of 1 will be reviewed by the Associate Dean Academic and a member of the Admissions Subcommittee before being offered admission. A candidate with a total video score of four or lower will not be considered. The personal interview score is used to determine ranking of candidates.

The following grading system applies to the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program:

The following grading system applies to the Doctor of Pharmacy program:

Additional Notes 

A grade of <50% will be counted as "one failure" regardless of the unit value of the course for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program. A grade of <60% will be counted as “one failure” regardless of the unit value of the course for the Doctor of Pharmacy program. All failed courses are reviewed by the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee (UAAC) which will determine if any additional remediation is required prior to the student reattempting the failed course.

Students with a failing grade will be dealt with on an individual basis using the above faculty action as a guide. The actual grade awarded will be decided by the individual instructor (e.g., based on the actual mark achieved in the course), or using the University grade of 49%, along with a grade comment of INF (Incomplete Failure) in cases where the final mark achieved was ≥50% (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition) or ≥60% (Doctor of Pharmacy), but the student did not complete a mandatory component required to pass the course.

Students cannot progress to the next year of the program without completing all the necessary requirements for that academic year unless special approval is granted by the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee.

All admission deficiencies must be removed before a student will be allowed to register in second year [B.Sc.(Nutr.)]. The cut-off date for removal of admission deficiencies is June 30.

A student must meet all Term 1 prerequisite courses in order to take Term 2 courses. Failure to do so will require the student to drop Term 2 courses. If a student fails a single course in Term 1, and the grade is between 40 and 49% (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition), or between 50 and 59% (Doctor of Pharmacy), they will be granted a special supplemental exam in order to potentially allow them to move on to Term 2 (see Special Supplemental Exams). Every effort will be made to have the special supplemental exams written early in Term 2.

Doctor of Pharmacy Program – If a student fails two or more classes in Term 1, the student will not be permitted to continue to Term 2. If the weighted average is 60% or greater for Term 1, they will be permitted to return the following year, but will be required to repeat all failed courses. The Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee may also require a repeat of specific courses (e.g., Skills Lab course which is Pass/Fail).

A student who reenters the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition after being required to discontinue will not retain credit for any course taken during the year in which the student was required to discontinue where a grade of <60% was achieved. The Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee may also require a repeat of specific courses (e.g., Skills Lab course which is Pass/Fail).

A student wishing to graduate must complete the courses for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nutrition or Doctor of Pharmacy within a period of seven years after first registration in the respective programs in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. In exceptional circumstances permission may be granted to continue study beyond the seven-year limit. The student must meet the degree requirements in place when the extension is granted.

Students who wish to take an equivalent course through another institution for credit towards the Doctor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program must submit their request through the Associate Dean Academic or designate. The course(s) must be completed by April 30 in the year of the student's program (i.e., a required course offered in year 2 must be completed by April 30).

Policies for Failure in Pharmacy Experiential Learning Courses

Experiential learning (EL) placements and courses are academic courses. Failure in a placement is considered failure of an academic course and is subject to the academic policies of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, including all Faculty Actions. Students must successfully complete all courses (including EL courses) before moving on to the next year in the program.

PHAR 185 and PHAR 285

If a student fails PHAR 185 or PHAR 285, the failure will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee (UAAC). Students will be required to repeat the entire course (4-week rotation). Permission to repeat the course will typically be granted unless:

• The preceptor identified that the student is putting the patient, the preceptor and/or the site, at risk of harm
• A major or critical incident has been identified (refer to College of Pharmacy and Nutrition Procedures for concerns with Pharmacy and Nutrition Student Professional Behaviour) or the student breaches the USask Regulations on Student Academic Misconduct or Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters. As students are licensed by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP), SCPP will be notified when the behaviour would be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action if engaged in by a licensed pharmacist (e.g., breach of patient confidentiality, theft of narcotics).

A student who is not successful on a rotation must develop a learning plan to address the area(s) of deficiency identified in the failed rotation before proceeding to the repeated rotation or within the first week of the rotation. The student may also be required to complete remediation prior to repeating the course, as per the UAAC decision. Decisions regarding appropriate remediation are made after reviewing the preceptor evaluation(s), student performance throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy program and with input from the EL office.

The College of Pharmacy and Nutrition does not share evaluations and learning plans from previous rotations with new sites/preceptors. However, we strongly encourage the student to share these in an effort to help achieve the necessary competencies in the repeated rotation(s). 

The repeat placement will occur at a different practice site, with a different preceptor. PHAR 185 and PHAR 285 course offerings are subject to preceptor and site availability. Every attempt will be made to schedule a repeat placement during the spring/summer term. If this is not possible, the student may repeat as availability allows. Note that this will delay progression in the program.

Students are responsible for all financial costs associated with remediation requirements and repeated rotations.

If a student fails the second attempt at a PHAR 185 or PHAR 285, UAAC will determine if a third attempt will be granted. If the student is unsuccessful in the third attempt, the student will be required to discontinue.

Students may appeal the PHAR 185 or PHAR 285 grade. Given the nature of the courses, the initial appeal will be reviewed by the UAAC, and not through the regular informal consultation process (USask Student Appeals of Evaluation, Grading and Academic Standing). If a student wishes to appeal, the student must submit a formal letter of appeal to the Associate Dean Academic within 15 working days of receiving the grade in the course. The letter of appeal should explain the reasons why the appeal should be considered, and provide supporting documentation where possible (e.g., documentation from physician, counsellor). See Appeal of Faculty Actions for further information.

If an appeal is granted, the student may seek a review under a formal reassessment (re-read). For PHAR 185 and 285, a re-read typically often involves a placement at a new site with a new preceptor for 4 weeks to allow adequate time for demonstration of competency and determination of assessment. This may delay progress in the program, depending on availability of sites/preceptors. 

PHAR 481, PHAR 482, PHAR 483, PHAR 484

If a student fails an EL course (rotation) in Year 4, the failure will be reviewed by the UAAC. UAAC will determine what, if any, remediation or action is required prior to reattempting the course or continuing in other EL courses.

Repeat rotations are subject to availability of appropriate preceptors and sites. This may result in a delay in program progression, convocation, or delay in completing Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) examinations. The College is not responsible for any deposit or registration paid for the PEBC examination.

Students are responsible for all financial costs associated with remediation requirements and repeated rotations. The fee to repeat a failed 8-week rotation is calculated by the Office of the Registrar and based on the course being equivalent to 8 credit units.

A student will have only two attempts at the same rotation and then will be required to discontinue after the second failure. A student who fails three rotations (any of PHAR 481, PHAR 482, PHAR 483, PHAR 484) will be required to discontinue. 

If a student fails a rotation they may be permitted to continue in subsequently scheduled rotations, provided the reason for failure was not due to one of the following reasons:

• The preceptor identifies that the student is putting the patient, the preceptor and/or the site, at risk of harm.
• A major or critical incident has been identified (refer to College of Pharmacy and Nutrition Procedures for concerns with Pharmacy and Nutrition Student Professional Behaviour) or the student breaches the USask Regulations on Student Academic Misconduct or Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters. As students are licensed by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP), SCPP will be notified when the behaviour would be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action if engaged in by a licensed pharmacist (e.g., breach of patient confidentiality, theft of narcotics).

In the case where a student has started a subsequent rotation, if after review of the first failure by UAAC, the Committee believes that remediation would benefit the student prior to completion of the second rotation, the student may be removed from the rotation without academic penalty.

The student must develop a learning plan to address the area(s) of deficiency identified in the failed rotation before proceeding to or within the first week of the subsequently scheduled rotation.

The College of Pharmacy and Nutrition does not share evaluations and learning plans from previous rotations with new sites/preceptors. However, we strongly encourage the student to share these in an effort to help achieve the necessary competencies in the repeated rotation(s). 

If a student fails two rotations in a row they will automatically be suspended from the program until review by UAAC.

Removal from Rotation

A student should generally remain in a rotation until completion unless a serious concern is identified. Serious concerns may include but are not limited to the following situations:

• The preceptor identifies that the student is putting the patient, the preceptor and/or the site, at risk of harm.
• The preceptor identifies concerns during the rotation that the student may be compromising patient care (e.g., a student’s ability to provide, or assume responsibility, for their patients’ care is deemed well below expectations).
• A major or critical incident has been identified (refer to College of Pharmacy and Nutrition Procedures for concerns with Pharmacy and Nutrition Student Professional Behaviour) or the student breaches the USask Regulations on Student Academic Misconduct or Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters. As students are licensed by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP), SCPP will be notified when the behaviour would be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action if engaged in by a licensed pharmacist (e.g., breach of patient confidentiality, theft of narcotics).
• Extraordinary demands are being placed on the preceptor.

Notification must be provided to the Experiential Learning Office before any action is taken. All removals from rotations will be reviewed by the UAAC.

Withdrawal from Rotation

Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines regarding student requests for special consideration not related to Admissions

General

The following general principles should be borne in mind when considering student requests for special consideration.

• Policies should be in place enabling students to do as well as they can in their studies, while maintaining their mental and physical health.
• Policies should be applied with as much consistency and fairness as possible.
• It is realized that there is often no one “right” answer in considering requests.
• For students and instructors, it is very important to identify and deal with difficulties as early as possible.
• Students need to be fully informed of the policies and procedures (via Orientation courses) including the practice that information provided by them will invariably be placed in their student file; who is privy to this information; and that there is a process, if requested, to have information on their circumstances kept in a confidential file which is available only to a small number of individuals on a need-to-know basis. Information on academic policies is included in the USask General Catalogue.
• University-wide policies apply to the College and are considered in decision-making.

Absence from Mandatory Course Components, Laboratory Sessions and Midterm Examinations, and Late or Missed Assignments

Students are expected to attend all mandatory course components, laboratory sessions, and scheduled examinations, and complete course assignments by the deadlines specified. Mandatory course components should be specified by the instructor in the course syllabus.

If due to illness, or other legitimate reason, a student is unable to attend a mandatory course component, laboratory/examination or submit a course assignment by the stated deadline, the student must notify the instructor prior to, or within 48 hours after, the event or deadline. A Student Declaration of Absence form must be completed. Medical or supporting documentation is not required, unless a final or "module" exam has been missed.

If a student does not contact the instructor regarding a missed mandatory course component, laboratory, exam, or assignment, they may receive a mark of 0 (zero) for that component; in the case of a late assignment there may be a different penalty assessed. In cases where a mandatory course component is missed and the instructor is not informed by the student, the instructor should complete the Student Declaration of Absence form and Informal Discussion Form (see College of Pharmacy and Nutrition Procedures for Concerns with Pharmacy and Nutrition Student Professional Behaviour). Both forms should be submitted to the Associate Dean Academic for review and will be placed in the student’s file. The instructor may also wish to keep supplementary notes of their own regarding the matter.

If possible, the instructor may assign or provide an alternative activity for a missed mandatory component. In the case of missed laboratory sessions, the marks assigned for the missed laboratory may be reassigned to the overall laboratory course mark or an alternate laboratory-related assignment may be required. In the case of midterm examinations, a makeup examination will not be provided unless it is a “module” exam (i.e., the final exam is not a comprehensive exam and material from the module will not otherwise be assessed). The marks assigned for the missed midterm examination will be reassigned to the final examination or other course components as determined by the instructor. All alternative arrangements, including reallocation of marks must be documented by the instructor on the Student Declaration of Absence form.

All Student Declaration of Absence forms will be kept in the student's record. Repeated absences or failure to notify the instructor may be recorded as a failing grade with a grade of 49% and "INF" (Incomplete - failure) on the grade report for the course, regardless of if the overall course mark was >50%.

When a Student Declaration of Absence is received from a student the instructor indicates their decision and submits the form to the Associate Dean Academic office for review and placement in the student’s record. The Associate Dean Academic will take action as they feel is appropriate (such as discussing the case further with instructors, contacting the student, referral to student services for assistance).

There may be cases where a student is hesitant to indicate details of the reason for the request. In such cases, the student should indicate “serious personal difficulties” or “serious health difficulties” on the form that goes into the student’s file. On a separate form or letter, the student will provide details of the difficulties, and this would be placed in a confidential file in the office where access would be limited to the Dean and the Associate Dean Academic.

The above process will help alert instructors to potential patterns of concern and hopefully identify students who may require an intervention or assistance. The information contained on the forms is also very important should there be a subsequent faculty action and appeal of same by the student.

Guidelines for Instructors in Evaluating Special Requests

Illness. Students who are ill before or become ill during a midterm exam are strongly advised not to write/or finish writing the exam. Students who are absent due to illness or other legitimate reason must complete and submit a Student Declaration of Absence form. Absence from the program of greater than one week must be discussed with the Associate Dean Academic (who will consult with course instructors) to determine the impact of the absence on the student’s academic program; supporting medical or other relevant documentation may be required. If possible, all such absences should be brought to the attention of the Associate Dean Academic well in advance.

Personal Circumstances. Credence should be given to the pressures students encounter in their personal lives, as the ability to function academically can be affected by personal circumstances (e.g., illness of a child or spouse of the student, breakup of a relationship). In these cases, and also for compassionate reasons (below), it may not always be to the student’s advantage to avoid writing a midterm exam, or completing other aspects of the program, and this can be discussed with the student.

Compassionate Grounds. This is a valid consideration and does not necessarily depend on the relationship to the student. One student can overcome the trauma of the death of a relative or friend while another may be stressed considerably by the illness of another student. In the case of a death, the College will require the student to provide a funeral program.

Sports Teams. Absences and special writings of exams are permitted for students who are on USask teams, or the equivalent of university teams (e.g., provincial team). The student must submit a Student Permission to Travel for University Business form to the instructor; the instructor may also request confirmation from a coach.  

Canadian Armed Forces. Students who are reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces and are required to attend training courses or military exercises, or deploy for full-time service either domestically or internationally, may be granted special accommodation with regard to attendance, availability of study materials, and assessment requirements (including mid-term and final examinations).

Vacation or Social Events. These are not considered adequate reasons for missing mandatory course components, laboratories, rescheduling examinations, or having an assignment deadline extended.

Professional Development Activities. In the case of professional development activities (e.g., PDW Conference), special requests are warranted as long as they are reasonable (i.e., do not extend substantially from the conference dates).

Unusual Circumstances. Examples include the student oversleeping or breakdown of a vehicle. This may be considered valid once, but if it occurs more frequently, the instructor should not give special consideration to the student.

Appeal of Faculty Action

The College makes academic decisions based on University and College regulations. An appeal is a request for special consideration which is an exception to University or College regulations. It occurs when an academic decision is brought to the faculty for reexamination. The original decision may be upheld, reversed, or modified.

Procedures Regarding Appeals

The grounds of appeal for all college-level appeals shall be limited to the grounds of appeal outlined in Part V.B.1 of the Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters.

To appeal a faculty action, the student must submit a formal letter of appeal to the Associate Dean Academic within 15 working days of the receipt of notification of the faculty action. The letter of appeal should explain the reasons why the appeal should be considered, and provide supporting documentation where possible (e.g., documentation from physician, counsellor).

The Faculty of the College will consider all appeals, based on the guidelines below and inform the student in writing of its decision within 30 working days of receipt of the letter of appeal and supporting documentation.

The Dean will strike an Ad Hoc Appeals Committee when an appeal is received. The appeal committee will be composed of six members of the College: one student from each program, 2 faculty members from the program in which the appealing student is enrolled, one faculty member from the other College program, and the Dean. The Committee shall follow, in principle, the appeal process as described in the University Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters. The Dean will serve as Chair.

Guidelines used in Considering Appeals of Faculty Action

The College has the authority to change an academic decision based on the individual circumstances of the appeal.

Factors considered include illness, personal circumstances, and compassionate reasons. Documentation throughout the year on the Student Declaration of Absence forms can be important in the decision regarding the student’s case.

As much as possible, the College will strive for consistency in rendering decisions. Ignorance of the rules (e.g., missing a withdrawal/fail deadline) is not a valid reason for consideration.

Time away from the program may be very valuable to the student to put personal circumstances in order, or for the student to reevaluate if the program is right for them.

Special consideration may be given to a student in Year 4 depending on their overall performance in the College. In some cases, students may be required to repeat the year, or repeat certain components, while in other cases the student may be required to discontinue for a year.

Final Examinations Policy and Procedures

See Academic Courses Policy on Class Delivery, Examinations, and Assessment of Student Learning for details on examinations, student grievances, appeals and discipline regulations.

Students who are ill before or become ill during a final exam are strongly advised not to write or finish writing the exam. A student who is absent from a final examination through no fault of their own for medical or other valid reasons must submit a Request for Deferred or Special Deferred Examination form to the College within three days of the missed examination. The College may also require supporting documentary evidence for the missed exam, including a Declaration of Secrecy. A student who has sat for a given final examination and submitted the exam for marking will not be granted a deferred final examination.

The College will approve deferred exams in the case of illness with a medical certificate, serious personal distress with a medical certificate, compassionate grounds (with documentation such as a funeral program), member of a provincial or national sports team (University teams would not schedule events during the exam period) and certain other special circumstances (such as a student oversleeping or being involved in an accident). In cases where a student oversleeps, the student should not go to the exam but rather contact the College Office. In these instances, a special deferred exam may be scheduled. Regular deferred exams are scheduled through the USask Exams Office.

The College will only authorize special deferred exams (i.e., written at a time other than the regular deferred exam period) in the following circumstances:

• A continuing illness or other valid consideration prevents the student from writing during the regular deferred period. 
• The exam must be written in time to permit the student to be eligible to meet Convocation deadlines or to begin an experiential learning or practicum placement.
• It is a course offered outside the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and the course instructor agrees to a special deferred exam.

Students are responsible for any costs associated with writing deferred and special deferred exams.

Supplemental Examinations Policy

Since the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition does not offer courses at Spring or Summer Session and since the timetable does not permit students to carry failed courses in the subsequent year of the program, the College will normally consider granting a supplemental examination to students registered in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.

Supplemental exams will only be granted if the student:

• achieves a weighted average of at least 60% in the year.
• achieves a final grade between 40% and 49% (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition) or between 50% and 50% (Doctor of Pharmacy).
• has failed no more than two courses (regardless of the unit value of the course).

Students eligible for supplemental privileges will be notified after approval by the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee.

The College may grant, under extenuating circumstances, a special supplemental examination to a student who submits satisfactory evidence of their inability to be present at the regular supplemental period or to begin an experiential learning or practicum placement. A student who receives an overall final grade between 40% and 49% (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition) or between 50% and 50% (Doctor of Pharmacy) in a Term 1 course, which is also a prerequisite to a Term 2 course, will be granted a special supplemental examination prior to the start of Term 2 if no other failures of Term 1 courses have occurred. If the student is unable to write the special supplemental on the allotted day and time, they will be allowed to write the special supplemental during the first week of classes in Term 2.

If the student passes the supplemental exam or special supplemental exam, a final grade of 50% (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition) or 60% (Doctor of Pharmacy) will be entered on the student’s record.

Students are responsible for any costs associated with writing supplemental and special supplemental exams.

Examination Regulations on Routine Inquiries and Re-Reads

The examination regulations of the University and the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition state that a student who has a concern with the individual(s) that evaluated their work or performance must consult informally with the instructor as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days after the assessment has been made available to the student. The Informal Consultation Regarding Academic Standing form must be completed. In the case of an experiential learning course or practicum, the instructor is considered to be the Associate Director of Experiential Learning (PharmD) or the Practicum Coordinator (Nutrition).

The purpose of the informal consultation is to:

• assist the student in understanding how their grade was determined
• afford an opportunity for the instructor(s) and student to review the evaluation and ensure that all work was included, that all material was marked, that no marks were omitted, and grade calculations were correct.

The following steps should be followed:

• The instructor and student will meet informally.
• Any errors discovered during this informal review may result in an appropriate change in the grade awarded.
• The instructor and student should complete and sign the Informal Consultation  Regarding Academic Standing form and place it in the student’s file. The student will also be notified of any grade change.

If the student is not satisfied with the academic judgement rendered with respect to the work or performance, they may request reconsideration of the assessment. The instructor(s) may decide to re-evaluate the work or performance or request that the student apply for a formal reassessment by submitting a completed Request for and Report of Re-Assessment Form to the Dean.

Details related to student accommodations are managed through USask Access and Equity Services.  

The College has approved accommodation procedures and policies. The purpose of these are to:

• Outline the procedures for students requiring accommodation, who are applying to the Doctor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program or are accepted into one of these programs, are to follow regarding registration.
• Outline the process for the provision of accommodation in the admission process as well as the provision of accommodation in the classroom, laboratory and experiential learning or practicum settings.

It is University policy that  a copy of the course syllabi must be submitted to the Associate Dean Academic prior to the start of a class. A copy of the syllabi is kept electronically in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition General Office. It is generally accepted best practice that a copy of the syllabi is posted in Canvas; generally, this is a version with any personal information removed.

The College of Pharmacy and Nutrition will communicate the Academic Policies to faculty, staff, and students by ensuring that up-to-date versions of the policies are available on the College website. Furthermore, the College shall communicate these policies by providing an electronic copy of this document to Pharmacy and Nutrition students as part of their first-year orientation as well as in September each year they are in the program. The document to students will be a condensed version of the Academic Policies document entitled Undergraduate Student Handbook.