Academic Advising

Advising at the professional program level differs markedly from the advising students may have experienced as undergraduates. At the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, we have intentionally designed a developmental advising model grounded in a distinctive three-pronged framework: layering, scaffolding, and fading.  

The overarching goals of this advising program are to support students’ transitions into the professional curriculum; cultivate a sense of belonging; build robust, supportive networks; explore career pathways and opportunities; and foster an understanding of what it means to be a professional student and an emerging leader. In partnership with the Office of Student Affairs, several units across the school closely collaborate to provide a comprehensive, multilayered support system that guides and empowers students throughout their PharmD journey as they pursue their personal, academic, and career aspirations.  

Incoming PharmD students are introduced to the student advising program during Pre-Orientation and New Student Orientation, where the structure and expectations of the program for PY1-PY3 are clearly outlined.