Philosophy
The University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy recognizes the serious problems that alcohol and other drug abuse, impairment, and dependency cause in our society. The School supports the efforts of students with alcohol or drug problems to receive assistance and, where necessary, treatment for these problems. The goals of the School of Pharmacy alcohol and other drug abuse policies are:
- To reduce and prevent the occurrence of alcohol and other drug problems among pharmacy students by providing assistance for students with alcohol or other drug problems.
- To provide assistance in a way that protects the right of the student with alcohol or drug problems to receive assistance/treatment in a humane and compassionate manner.
- To afford students who are successfully managing their alcohol or drug problems the opportunity to continue their education without stigma or penalty.
- To protect the public from the harm that students with alcohol or drug problems may cause.
Referral and Treatment
Students with alcohol or drug problems or concerns are encouraged to contact their respective academic advisor for support, information, and/or referral to area evaluation and treatment programs. Confidential information, assessment, referral, and short-term counseling are available at University Health Services Counseling and Consultation Services (265-5600) or via the UHS website. Strict confidentiality will be maintained for students with impairing alcohol or drug problems, unless legal exceptions apply (such as when the safety of others is in question). Students must obtain an alcohol or drug assessment by a program approved by the School of Pharmacy to be eligible to continue in the School of Pharmacy. Results of this assessment and any treatment recommendations will be provided to the Director of Student Affairs. Students who are found through the assessment to have alcohol or drug problems that may cause impairment must follow all resulting treatment recommendations to continue in the School of Pharmacy. Students will be required to sign a confidentiality waiver permitting regular treatment reports to the Director of Student Affairs.
Compliance with Referral and Treatment
Students with impairing alcohol or drug problems who are not compliant with their assessment/treatment recommendations may be in violation of the School of Pharmacy Standards of Academic and Professional Conduct. Depending upon the nature of the offense involving alcohol or drugs, the student also may be subject to sanctions/prosecution under UWS 14, 17, 18, or state or federal laws.
Advocacy
Students, faculty, professional practice faculty, or staff who believe that a student has alcohol or drug problems that may cause impairment during periods when the student must be responsible for his or her actions should notify the Director of Student Affairs.