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Harriman Hall was humming on a recent Monday morning as second- and third-year pharmacy students shared their accomplishments and what they hope to achieve going forward. They were participating in the spring roundtable discussion with the Learning and Engagement Community (LEC) houses hosted by the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Students at one table shared the steps they’re taking to secure career paths in industry pharmacy, academia and community pharmacies for underserved communities. They also offered tips to one another on companies that might be hiring, fellowship opportunities and ways to get involved in the pharmacy school outside of the classroom.

Although the students don’t reside together in physical houses, they receive a plethora of support through the LECs. Each is designed so that students can get advice from their peers and faculty members, hone their career plans and engage in social activities.

The pharmacy school’s Office of Students Success and Engagement launched the LECs last year in response to a student survey revealing a desire for increased support outside of the classroom.

“We realized there was a lack of connection and belonging, both peer to peer and peer to faculty,” says Niki Pizzutelli, director of student success and engagement. “Some of this might have been building over time, but it was especially pronounced following the coronavirus pandemic. We realized we had to get back to people feeling comfortable to meet with colleagues, go to conferences and initiate conversations.”

While retention wasn’t a huge problem, Pizzutelli says there’s a higher chance of students not completing a program if they’re feeling isolated.

“Addressing this issue head on with interpersonal support felt like a social responsibility,” she says, noting the similar programs have gained popularity within medical and pharmacy schools across the country. “LECs can support stronger connections, and maybe even improved alumni connections for the future so that students have that lasting connection to the school and to the faculty.”

UB modeled its LECs on learning communities at the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, two institutions the pharmacy school has forged relationships with over the years.

Since UB launched its houses last year, Pizzutelli says they’ve seen a more cohesive student body and better connections with faculty.

The house names reflect the Oath of a Pharmacist: Legacy, Advocacy, Virtue, Humanity, Integrity and Equity. Each is overseen by a chief leader and other student leaders, two faculty leaders and many other faculty and staff champions. The chief student leaders are charged with organizing events and serving as the primary contact and resource for all members of their house. They plan individual house activities and connect with the larger LEC to organize social events.

“In order to build this successfully, it was essential to get student buy-in,” Pizzutelli says. “We’ve seen the LEC leaders bring students together and incorporate fresh ideas.”

Serena Washburn, student engagement coordinator for the pharmacy school, cultivated opportunities for the students to increase their leadership skills, handle uncomfortable conversations and think more critically, Pizzutelli says.

“Part of this program is community focused but that can’t happen without a whole cadre of strong student leaders and that’s where Serena has made a difference,” Pizzutelli says. “She’s bolstered the initial training the students received by suggesting they listen to interesting podcasts on leadership, offering engaging games and discussions, and holding monthly meetings with the house leaders to touch base.”

The purpose of the roundtables, which are held in the fall and in the spring, is to foster self-awareness, reflection and strategic goal setting. At this time, faculty can advise several students at once, Washburn says.

“Before LECs, the career advising was done separately and it wasn’t as strong,” Washburn says. “Now, students can hear from several faculty members in a small group setting, as well as their peers who may just be a semester or two ahead of them in the program.”

So far, attendance has been excellent and feedback positive, Pizzutelli says.

Faculty members are also sharing more ideas and resources with students and one another, Pizzutelli notes, adding that they appreciate the opportunity with their hectic schedules that include working at clinical sites and hospitals, and conducting research.

“It’s a huge benefit for them to get see each other in person and for the students to see that collegiality,” Pizzutelli says. “It creates a friendly, open vibe, which is one thing we’re hoping to achieve.”