(454) We Celebrate You! Taking Time For Celebration in an Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy Program

Objective: To highlight the various ways in which a culture of value, gratitude, appreciation and celebration have been integrated and fostered among students, faculty and staff in an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Methods: A culture of gratitude and appreciation among faculty, staff and students is essential to achieve our school’s mission of facilitating development of transformative healthcare professionals in an environment where all community members know they belong and can be successful. Leaders at the school and university level have prioritized this initiative through intentional and thoughtful means of recognition and celebration.

Results: Methods of recognition and celebration for faculty, staff and students can be found at all levels of the school and university. Modalities used include department, faculty and student forum meeting reports of acknowledgement, successes and gratitude. Awards are presented at the school level for students and faculty including the Academic of the Year Award, the Teacher of the Year Award and the Dean’s Award of Excellence. At the university level, there are the human resources staff awards, Scholarship Showcase Awards, the Trustees’ Awards for Teaching Excellence, Trustees’ Award for Excellence in Student-Faculty Research Collaboration and awards of service excellence for faculty and staff. Students are also celebrated for their academic and leadership achievements through ceremonies recognizing their induction in to professional organizations, Student Affairs Leadership Awards and the “Countdown to Commencement” graduation celebration.

Conclusion: MCPHS School of Pharmacy-Worcester/Manchester embraces and fosters a culture of celebration, gratitude and recognition of its faculty, staff and students.