Welcome to a new and unique school year

The first day of pharmacy school for an incoming student is a landmark occasion, especially after having worked years toward starting a noble profession. It’s difficult to convey our enthusiasm in welcoming a new class via Zoom, but the DKICP faculty, staff and other student colleagues are very happy to welcome the Class of 2024. It’s been exciting to see a few of our new students on campus this week, finding their way around Hale Kiohʻiohʻi and taking advantage of technology and socially distanced facilities there.

Along with many classes, this year’s orientation went online, as well, but covered all the same important information new students need to know. The week’s activities also provided plenty of useful advice and encouragement from faculty and upperclassmen.

Student have also learned about the many professional organizations they can choose from to become more involved in college and community activities, develop communication and leadership skills, and meet more of their fellow student pharmacists. We encourage them to get involved in at least one of these groups, since making those kinds of human connections is more important now than ever before.

A heartfelt mahalo to our staff, who have been busy all summer helping to develop safety guidelines, and preparing our building and facilities for proper physical distancing to ensure everyone’s safety. They’ve even prepared a great video that highlights all new safety measures.

We’re making plans to adapt the many normal fall activities that take place here in the college, including our Health Fair and White Coat ceremony, to fit our new social realities. But rest assured, we will find ways to continue to make these major events as meaningful and personal as possible.

Welcome to the school year!

Carolyn Ma, PharmD., BCOP
Dean