Eshelman School of Pharmacy: PharmD Deferral Policy

Unit Policy

Title

Eshelman School of Pharmacy: PharmD Deferral Policy

Introduction

Purpose

This policy explains the criteria, process, and limitations for requesting and granting deferrals of admission to the Eshelman School of Pharmacy PharmD program, including standard deferrals and specific exceptions for military-affiliated applicants. It clarifies review authority, required steps, and permissible deferral timeframes.

Scope

This policy applies to applicants admitted to the Eshelman School of Pharmacy PharmD program who request to defer their enrollment, including civilian applicants and military or veteran students eligible for statutory exceptions.

Policy

Deferral Process

Important notes regarding deferrals:

  • Deferrals are not guaranteed (except in military situations as listed below)
  • Each applicant is reviewed for deferral on a case-by-case basis.
  • Deferral decisions are made by the admissions leadership team.
  • If a deferral is granted, the applicant can defer for only one year (e.g. if the student applied for Fall 2023, they can defer to Fall 2024 only). If a student cannot start within a year, they will be required to fully apply again. (except in military situations as listed below)

Deferral process for Military and Veteran Students (exception to above):

  • In accordance with state law, the University of North Carolina provides admissions deferments to members of the military and their spouses.

    • Reserved Armed Forces: two-year minimum deferment period
    • Active Duty Armed Forces: five-year minimum deferment period
  • Students must request a deferment at least 30 days prior to enrollment.
  • No applicant will be denied admission to the University solely based on military service or the intent to enter military service.

When a student requests a deferral:

  • Ask them to send a letter (Word or PDF) explaining the reason for the deferral
  • Let the student know it can take 2-3 weeks to reach a decision
  • The student will need to deposit and complete the Intent to Enroll form, as this saves their seat
  • If the committee approves, send a letter via email to the student to confirm and provide directions. Process and example letters are located in the M drive.

Related Requirements

External Regulations (if applicable)

  • Is this Policy connected to any Policies, Laws (federal, state, local, regulations), and/or Accreditation requirements?
  • Are there any related UNC System-wide Policies?
  • Is this Policy connected to any UNC-Chapel Hill Policies, Procedures, or Standards?
  • Are there any other resources or materials readers of this Policy might likely refer to or need to follow or understand this Policy?

Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures (if applicable)

  • Is this Policy connected to any other Unit Policies, Procedures, or Standards?

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: Heather Azzu, Director of PharmD Admissions

Telephone: (919) 445-4913

Email: hazzu@email.unc.edu

Publication Details

  • Issuing Officer: Wendy Cox, Associate Dean Admissions and Accreditation
  • Effective Date: 2025
  • Next Review Date: 2027
Print Article