PharmD Academic Support
Canvas Learning Support Hub
The Learning Support Hub provides additional learning support as you move through the course. The resources here are meant to help you strengthen your understanding, practice applying course concepts, and reflect on how you are preparing for assessments. This site includes two main types of support:
- Study Support Modules, which are self-directed resources you can use to practice and strengthen specific learning areas.
- Academic Support Pathways, which are assigned when additional review and support are required after an assessment.
Individualized Academic Resources
The following resources are meant to support your learning alongside the course materials provided by your instructors. They do not replace instructor materials, class sessions, course manuals, or assessment guidance from the course team. These academic support offerings are supported by two pharmacists and our team of peer tutors:
Sílvia M. Illamola PharmD, PhD (Pronunciation) ([email protected])
Pegah Farrokhi. Pharm.D. ([email protected])
- Quiz and Exam Review Sessions: Please consult the Canvas page in your course for detailed information and a schedule for post-quiz and exam review sessions, led by Graduate TAs. These sessions are available for all students, with the goal of identifying where you lost points, what types of questions were most difficult, and which content areas should become your highest priorities before the next assessment. In Fall 2026, participating in quiz and exam review will be the required first step for those students who have completed the Academic Support Pathway in the Learning and Support Hub.
- Learning Support Specialist: Silvia Illamola, PharmD, PhD, is available to provide 1:1 student support related to course content or academic study skills (e.g., time management, study strategies), providing coaching, tutoring, and referral to other resources when appropriate. She will also be managing the Academic Support Pathway. Students can also make an appointment with Dr. Illamola
- Peer Tutors are available for additional academic support, including course content, managing academic life as a PharmD student, study, and organizational strategies. Peer tutors will be supporting the Academic Support Pathway in the Learning Support Hub, including the optional Study Modules for all students and the Support Pathway for those that are required to complete after an assessment. Peer tutors will also be available for 1:1 tutoring where needed. Students interested in getting matched with a tutor can contact their advisor.
- Optional Supported Study: sessions designed to clarify and reinforce course topics. These sessions are typically led by course instructors and may include practice problems, discussions on challenging topics, quiz and exam preparation, and building study plans. These sessions can be found on the student google calendar and canvas overview pages for specific days and locations.
Academic Skills
Overcoming Perfectionism & Self-Care
Time Management & Executive Functioning
Effective and Efficient Study
Take this Study Skills Assessment to help you gain a better understanding of your strengths and areas for possible growth in seven different study skills areas. Share your results with your Advisor or the Learning Support Specialist to discuss further tips and resources.
- Tutorials
- Tips and Strategies
- Quick Study Tips
- 25 Ways to Improve Motivation and Concentration
- Curve of Forgetting
- Note Taking Strategies
- Group Study
- Active Study Skills Workshop Recording
- Study Environments:
- Twin Cities Campus:
- Duluth Campus:
Lab Resources
- Review materials and ask questions.
- Prepare by reviewing all information provided to you and asking questions in advance.
- Read and utilize feedbacks.
- Read the feedback provided to you by your TAs and instructors. It will help you continue to improve your skills and ensure you are ready for the next lab.
- Assume positive intent.
- Lab Instructors and TAs want the best for you and try their hardest to prepare you for your journey as a pharmacist. Trust and believe every assignment and feedbacks from your instructors and TAs have good intentions to support your learning.
- Keep a positive mental attitude.
- Believe in yourself and trust in your ability to successfully pass lab courses. Negative opinions about yourself (e.g. this will be hard, I am not good at this) will not help your growth and learning in the lab.