Professional Standards

Pledge of Professionalism

As a student of pharmacy, I believe there is a need to build and reinforce a professional identity founded on integrity, ethical behavior, and honor. This development, a vital process in my education, will help ensure that I am true to the professional relationship I establish between myself and society as I become a member of the pharmacy community. Integrity will be an essential part of my everyday life and I will practice pharmacy with honesty and commitment to service.

To accomplish this goal of professional development, as a student of pharmacy I will:

DEVELOP a sense of loyalty and duty to the profession by contributing to the well being of others and by enthusiastically accepting the responsibility and accountability for membership in the profession.

FOSTER professional competency through life-long learning.  I will strive for high ideals, teamwork, and unity within the profession in order to provide optimal patient care.

SUPPORT my colleagues by actively encouraging personal commitment to the Oath of Maimonides and a Code of Ethics as set forth by the profession.

DEDICATE my life and practice to excellence, which will require an ongoing re-assessment of personal and professional values.

MAINTAIN the highest ideals and professional attributes to insure and facilitate the covenantal relationship required of the pharmaceutical caregiver.

The profession of pharmacy is one that demands adherence to a set of rigid ethical standards. These high ideals are necessary to insure the quality of care extended to the patients I serve. As a student of pharmacy, I believe this does not start with graduation; rather, it begins with my membership in the professional college community. Therefore, I will strive to uphold these standards as I advance toward full membership in the profession.

I voluntarily make this pledge of professionalism.


UF Student Code of Conduct

University’s Philosophy

The University of Florida is an institution which encourages the intellectual and personal growth of its students as scholars and citizens. As an educational institution, the University recognizes that the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, and the development of individuals require the free exchange of ideas on any subject whether or not controversial, self-expression, and the challenging of beliefs and customs. The University also endeavors to teach students to communicate effectively in all aspects of their lives and on all manners of subjects. This often (although not always) requires respectful speech and conduct. In order to maintain an environment where these goals that are critical for the University’s educational mission can be achieved safely and equitably, the University requires civility, respect, and integrity in the curricular program and encourages these behaviors in other activities among all members of the student community. Students are taught to exhibit high standards of behavior and concern for others and are encouraged to live up to these standards.

The University strives to protect and guide the educational community by establishing, and requires students to adhere to, a Student Honor Code, a Student Conduct Code and a student conduct system that promote individual and social responsibility and are enforced through University regulations. Choosing to join the University of Florida community obligates each member to a code of responsible behavior. Individuals and student organizations are expected to observe the policies, rules, regulations, law and requirements of the University of Florida, municipalities and counties, the State of Florida, the United States and, when in another state or country, that state or country. University regulations have been designed to protect individuals and the campus community and create an environment conducive to achieving the academic mission of the institution.

Link to Full UF Student Code of Conduct


Dress Code

Classroom Dress Code Policy

Students entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Florida are taking the first steps to becoming health care professionals. Students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that comprise the fundamental core of the profession of Pharmacy. This entails not only learning the pharmaceutical sciences but also how to fulfill the roles of a health professional in society. The way you present yourself to others in your workplace is one small piece of becoming a professional. All students are expected to adhere to the dress code policies as they would any other rules pertaining to their conduct/learning. (Note: Professional appearance not only applies to students but to faculty and staff as well. Faculty and staff are expected to maintain a professional appearance while in a classroom setting in the College of Pharmacy). Business casual styled clothing and shoes are encouraged in the classroom setting during regular business hours (8am to 5pm).

  • Students must wear a photo ID (e.g., gator1 card or University Partnership Center badge) per health science center or local campus policy. Identification badges must be clearly visible and should not be worn on backpacks or below the waist.
  • Hats/headwear: No hats or head covering of any kind, except for religious, cultural, medical or ethnic observations.
  • Pants: 1) No excessively tattered or worn pants and no clothing with holes; 2) Dress shorts are allowed, but regular shorts are not; 3) Pants should not be cut too low or worn in a manner that causes the skin or underwear to be exposed; 4) Denim jeans are allowed.
  • Dresses/Skirts: should be no shorter than one palm length above the knee when standing.
  • Shirts: 1) No revealing clothing including low cut blouses or shirts/pants that allow the abdomen to be exposed; 2) No strapless shirts, shirts with thin/spaghetti straps (<2 inches in width), halter tops, or athletic shirts (e.g. basketball shirts or sleeveless shirts); 3) UF COP t-shirts are allowed.
  • Scrubs may be worn but must be clean and professional.
  • Clean, professional footwear with a low or moderate heel. Dress sandals and clean sneakers are appropriate for class. No flip-flops or well-worn athletic shoes.
  • Clothing that is not permitted includes sweatpants, sweatshirts, or leggings/jeggings.
  • The dress code requirements may be different in certain curricular and co-curricular activities/events (e.g. simulated or real patient interactions, OSCEs, etc.). The student is responsible for checking the course syllabus for specific requirements. The student dress code required in professional practice experiences (IPPE, APPE) may be required in the classroom on certain occasions (e.g. visiting lecturers); students will be notified in advance.

Exceptions to the Dress Code:

  • Late afternoon exams
  • Study Sessions
  • Outerwear (i.e., jackets and sweatshirts) in class, given the temperatures in some classrooms

Policy Enforcement

Dress code standards are intended to be self-regulated, though faculty reserve the right to intervene. Students are empowered to express their concerns to the individual, through class leadership, or they may express their concerns directly to faculty or the course coordinator. Students considered to be dressed inappropriately may be dismissed from class and asked to comply with the standards. Dress code violations may be reported to the Professionalism Committee. Repeated violations will be considered inappropriate professional behavior and may result in disciplinary action.