How can I contact the Jacksonville Campus?
Feel free to call, fax, or e-mail one of us using the following:
Tel: (904) 244-9590
Fax: (904) 244-9591
Dr. Carol Motycka, Campus Director ( )
Dr. Lisa Inge, Assistant Director ( )
Ms. Beverly Mayo, Senior Secretary ( )
Mr. Tom Robertson, Coordinator Student Affairs ( )
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When do I need to register for my classes?
As a new pharmacy student (1PD), you will not have to register for your classes for the Fall 2005 semester. A staff member will register for you in August. You will have 16 credits.
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When will we get our "class" schedule?
You will receive a schedule of the times you will need to meet on the Jacksonville campus to attend class activities (i.e. case studies, reviews, quizzes, exams, group presentations, labs, etc.) later this summer via e-mail. These class sessions are led by Course Facilitators, who are UF faculty members. We realize many of you need to know the schedule as soon as possible to coordinate work/personal schedules and we will do everything possible to get this information to you in a timely manner.
NOTE: The class schedule will have changes throughout the semester, so it is important you make note of all changes when they are announced.
To access the lecture schedule in Gainesville, go to www.cop.ufl.edu and click on "Student Affairs". Select "Class Schedules", and then go to "Gainesville - 1PD Schedule". This will show the time of each class lecture presented at the Gainesville campus. For our distance campus students, the lectures are available for viewing on the web normally within three hours after the conclusion of the class.
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How often and when will we meet on the Jax campus (UF/Shands Jacksonville) each week?
As stated above, the Fall 2005 schedule is currently being finalized and will be made available later this summer. Last year students averaged being on our campus 3-4 times per week. 1PD students can expect to meet later in the day between 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Note: There will be exceptions to this time frame!!). Most exams will be given at 7:00 p.m. (This is the same for all 4 campuses).
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Can I work while going to school?
The UF Pharm. D. degree is a full-time program. The curriculum is extremely rigorous and requires a great deal of time and commitment. Working part-time is not impossible and in many cases is a benefit to the development and education of our students. Last year approximately 60% of our students worked an average of 15 hours per week. Most will work on weekends in hospitals or community/retail pharmacies.
Please be advised if you are considering working full-time while a student in the program, to discuss this with one of the Jacksonville staff.
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When and where do I buy my textbooks?
Information regarding textbooks will be sent via e-mail and posted on this website as soon as it is available. The UF Health Science Bookstore (1-800-400-1239) will offer on-line ordering and direct shipping at the following site: http://shop.efollett.com/htmlroot/storehome/universityofflorida780.html
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Who can I contact regarding financial aid questions?
Please direct all financial aid questions to Maria Morales or Mike Menefee (352) 273-6202. Award letters for pharmacy students are typically sent out late July/August 2005.
NOTE: Regarding FAFSA applications. If you do not have a BA/BS degree, you MUST indicate on question #49 that you will be an "undergrad" student for the 2005-2006 year. This is for financial aid classifications only.
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How much does it cost for one year?
The 2005-2006 costs for tuition, fees, and books have not been finalized. Last year the costs were approximately $8,800 for Florida residents.
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Is the Jacksonville campus office open this summer?
Yes, our "campus" is open all year. Our office hours are typically 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. It is recommended that students call first to confirm someone will be available.
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Where is the campus located?
The Jacksonville campus is located at the UF/Shands Medical Center, a leading teaching and research hospital servicing northeast Florida. Go to the following link for directions and a map: http://www.cop.ufl.edu/studaff/index.htm. Click on "Distance Education Sites", then on "Jacksonville Map".
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Is the Jacksonville campus safe?
Yes. Like any large university or campus located near an urban area, certain safety precautions should always be taken. (i.e. locking car doors, using security escorts at night, stay with groups, etc.).
24 hour security personnel are available both in and outside our campus facilities. There are over 4,000 health care professionals, students, and patients affiliated with UF/Shands Jacksonville, so safety is a top priority.
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What type of laptop do we need?
All students are required to have a laptop and access to a high speed internet connection. For specific features and requirements, go to the main COP website (www.cop.ufl.edu), scroll down to "Student Affairs". Then select "Computer Information".
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Where can I get help with finding housing in Jacksonville?
We currently do not offer any university housing at the Jacksonville campus. Likewise, there is virtually no student housing available within walking distance to the UF/Shands Medical Center. The average commute to our campus is 15-20 minutes, depending on the time of day and where one lives.
Jacksonville (Duval County) is one of the largest (some claim the largest!) cities in the U.S. land-wise, thus it offers a great variety of housing options. Our students live all over Jacksonville, depending on budget, traffic tolerance, and lifestyle preference.
There are several resources you can use. If you are interested in sharing housing with fellow students, check out the Jacksonville campus website at www.thecollegeofpharmacy.com/jax and go to "Student Information" and then select "Housing Forum".
Our office also has copies of "Apartments for Rent" guides available to students for free (www.ForRent.com). Stop in or contact us and we'll send you a copy.
Two local papers, The Florida Times Union (www.jacksonville.com) and The Beaches Leader (www.beachesleader.com) list housing information.
If you don't have a lot of time to spend apartment hunting, you might contact Apartment Selector, a free apartment locator service at (904) 564-5622 or www.aptselector.com/jacksonville.
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How does the distance campus differ from the Gainesville campus?
First, we are very similar. All of the Pharm. D. students at UF, regardless of campus, are recognized as UF students and will receive the same Pharm. D. degree upon successful completion of the curriculum. All students receive the exact same lectures and content and complete the same class assignments, projects and activities. All students take the same quizzes and exams.
The primary difference is in the delivery of the course content. Distance students will receive their lectures via the internet, using Blackboard (an on-line course management system) to access the streaming videos. These videos are accessible 24/7 throughout the semester.
Another difference is that each campus has its own unique facilities due to location. Our Jacksonville campus is fortunate to be partnered with the UF/Shands Medical Center, with access to many practicing pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. In addition, our Jacksonville students have access to the Borland Medical Library. We also have computer equipped classrooms, auditoriums, and for the fall of 2005, newly renovated labs and student study areas.
The size of each campus student body is another difference. The distance campuses were designed to admit approximately 50 students each year. Gainesville has an enrollment cap of approximately 130 students annually. With the increased interest and number of qualified candidates, the number of admitted students has increased. The class of 2009 for Jacksonville is projected at 50-55 students.
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Will I have access to my instructors on a regular basis?
Yes. The Course Coordinators in Gainesville are accessible to all students through various means (phone, e-mail, chat-rooms, discussion boards.). In addition you will have personal contact and access to your Course Facilitator in Jacksonville. 1PD students are also assigned a faculty advisor who is based in Jacksonville in addition to a Peer Advisor (2PD students) to assist with questions.
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Who are the course facilitators?
Facilitators are UF adjunct faculty with the COP and lead the class sessions held in Jacksonville. They are not T.A.'s or graduate assistants. Facilitators are not only effective instructors but also bring a wealth of experience to the classroom as they work in the field of pharmacy in many professional settings.
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Where can I study on campus?
Although we are not a traditional college campus, there are many options for our students on where to study. Two popular options include the Conference Room and Student Study Area located in our office. Both have high speed internet connections and are wireless. The Student Study Area is accessible 24/7 and requires a security code for entry.
Other students use the newly renovated (as of Fall 2005) UF / COP labs when they are not in use. Various lounges and break areas are available throughout the hospital in addition to a number of meeting rooms which can be reserved. The Borland Medical Library, LRC, and the cafeterias offer additional study options.
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Where do I park and how much does it cost for a parking decal?
Good news! Currently students at the Jacksonville campus are not required to have a parking decal. Like most college campuses, parking can be very limited depending on the time of day/week.
You are highly encouraged to refrain from parking in front of the hospital (Area D - see map) until after 3:30 p.m. due to the limited spaces for patients. Free parking shuttles are also available. A new parking garage directly next to our building is currently under construction!
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Are there any social or service activities planned for new students this summer?
Glad you asked! The Jacksonville students are very active and enjoy participating in both social and service programs. There are a number of ways to get involved this summer, have some fun, and meet some of your classmates. Check the announcements section for the latest.
Some upcoming summer events:
- Jacksonville Suns Baseball Game . June TBA.
- Dave & Busters . July TBA
- Welcome Back Party . August TBA
- Adopt-a-Street Service Project - TBA
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What health services and insurance options are available?
The UF Student Government (SG) annually sends information on a student insurance plan in the mail prior to the fall semester. This information outlines the options on the student health plan they offer through the Scarborough Insurance Company of Gainesville. You can also contact them at (352) 377-2002 or www.scarins.com.
If you do decide to enroll in this plan, you need to select plan "B" as this provides the necessary coverage for those students living outside of the Gainesville area. A list of Jacksonville health care providers who accept this coverage can be obtained by calling 1-800-282-7644.
Another option for health care services for our pharmacy students in Jacksonville is an agreement we arranged with the University of North Florida, located here in Jacksonville. UNF has agreed to allow our pharmacy students to use their health services for a nominal fee. Further details on this service will be covered at Orientation on August 16.
NOTE: The UNF program is not an insurance plan! All students should have medical insurance!
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Where do I get my student ID?
You will receive your Gator1 ID card when you attend the Gainesville COP Orientation on August 18 (required for all students). Your ID should be worn at all times while on campus in Jacksonville.
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Is Orientation required?
Yes. There are two Orientation programs you will need to attend as a new student in the pharmacy program.
- Jacksonville Campus - Tuesday, August 16 (For Jax students only)
- Gainesville Campus - Thursday, August 18 (For all new Pharm. D. students)
Details regarding each program will be available later this summer.
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Will we have access to the same pharmacy student organizations as the Gainesville students?
Yes. The Jacksonville campus prides itself in having over 90% of its students involved in one or more pharmacy related professional organizations. Being active in a student organization offers many benefits, including leadership opportunities, networking with professionals, conferences, community service, and more. We currently have the following student organizations active on the Jacksonville campus:
- Jacksonville Student Council
- Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP)
- Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)
- Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP)
- Kappa Epsilon (KE)
- Rho Chi
- Phi Lambda Sigma
Additional information on what each group does and how to get involved will be presented by the student leaders of each organization at the Jacksonville Orientation.
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How often do we need to travel to Gainesville?
You will need to go to Gainesville for special programs once or twice a year at the most. The distance campus is designed for students to complete all of their coursework here in Jacksonville. The 1PD's last year traveled to Gainesville for Orientation (August) and for the Professional Coating Ceremony (April).
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When can I get my intern certificate?
Once you are officially enrolled in the UF Pharm. D. program, you will complete an intern application and have your photo taken. After the Dean's Office authorizes each application, they are processed by the Florida Board of Pharmacy in Tallahassee. Typically we receive the intern certificates later in the fall semester.
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How can I get football tickets?
You have three options...Pray, donate $10,000,000 to UF, or become good friends of Coach Urban Meyer. Actually, because of the huge demand for tickets, a lottery is used to be able to purchase season tickets. For complete details, go to www.gatorzone.com/newstudent
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Why am I not receiving any e-mails from the Jacksonville Campus?
Some might think this is a good thing! Seriously, it has been a concern (see e-mail policy) as more and more e-mail providers are filtering e-mails that are perceived to be SPAM.
First, for those who already have a Gator Link account...YOU MUST USE THIS E-MAIL ACCOUNT FOR ALL PHARMACY / UF RELATED CORRESPONDANCE! PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THIS ACCOUNT TO OTHER E-MAIL ADDRESSES!
For those new students who currently do not have a Gator Link, the COP is looking into assigning you an account this summer. PLEASE DO NOT HAVE YOUR ufl.edu ACCOUNT FORWARDED TO OTHER E-MAIL ACCOUNTS! Be sure to check and use your ufl account on a regular basis. Until you receive your Gator Link account, please keep checking this website for new announcements on a regular basis.
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What's the Joint Degree Program?
Please see the information on "Joint Degree Programs" as listed on the www.cop.ufl.edu website under "Programs". There are currently joint degree programs for MBA, MPA, MPH, Ph.D., and Law.
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How can I request a transfer to the Gainesville campus?
The Admissions Committee works very hard at trying to accommodate everyone's 1st campus choice. Most students receive one of their top two selections but as applications increase, this becomes more of a challenge.
First, speak with one of the Jacksonville staff members if you are considering a transfer. Experience shows that those students who give their campus placement a chance and become involved, end up being extremely satisfied and successful at their location.
Requests for a transfer should be in writing and sent to Dr. Michael W. McKenzie, Associate Dean for Professional Affairs.
NOTE: A very limited amount of openings become available each year for transfer requests. Only those students with very compelling reasons are considered.
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