Purpose
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy (SOP) is committed to fostering a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment and to preparing student pharmacists to meet the professional and ethical responsibilities of the profession. The misuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs can adversely affect a student’s health, academic performance, professional judgment, and ability to provide safe patient care.
This policy establishes expectations regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; outlines available support resources; and describes the procedures for responding to concerns regarding substance-related impairment.
Policy Details
- Students are expected to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, university policies, and school standards regarding the possession, use, and distribution of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs.
- Students must not engage in the misuse of alcohol or other substances in a manner that impairs their academic performance, professional conduct, clinical responsibilities, or ability to meet School of Pharmacy requirements. Any substance-related impairment that may affect patient safety, public welfare, academic responsibilities, or professional practice is inconsistent with the expectations of the school and the profession.
- The School of Pharmacy encourages students experiencing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use to seek assistance as early as possible. Students who voluntarily seek help and comply with recommended treatment and recovery plans will be supported in continuing their education whenever feasible and appropriate.
Prevention and Support Resources
The School of Pharmacy supports university-wide efforts to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse and to promote student well-being.
- University Health Services (UHS) coordinates prevention, education, and support programs designed to foster a healthy campus environment. Available resources include:
- Badger Recovery, which offers recovery meetings, peer support, coaching, and social programming for students recovering from substance use disorders, disordered eating, or other addictive behaviors.
- UHS Substance Use Support, which provides confidential, nonjudgmental consultation and counseling services to help students evaluate and make decisions regarding their use of alcohol or other substances.
- The Alcohol Information on Campus website, provides information, education, and support resources related to alcohol use and harm reduction.
- The Wisconsin Pharmacy Recovery Network, a voluntary program that supports pharmacy students, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in recovery from substance use disorders.
Amnesty Through Responsible Action
- The University of Wisconsin–Madison encourages students to seek emergency medical assistance when an individual may be experiencing alcohol- or drug-related distress.
- Under the University’s Amnesty Through Responsible Action policy, students who seek medical assistance for themselves or another person may be eligible for amnesty from certain disciplinary consequences related to alcohol or drug use. Students should review the University’s medical amnesty policy for additional information and eligibility requirements.
Assessment, Referral, and Treatment
- Students who have concerns about their own alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use are encouraged to seek assistance voluntarily.
- Students may consult with their academic advisor, University Health Services, or other qualified healthcare providers for assessment, counseling, referral, and treatment services. In addition, confidential counseling and referral services may be available through the Psychology Research & Training Clinic (PRTC) and other approved community providers.
- The School of Pharmacy will maintain the confidentiality of student health information to the extent permitted by law. Information may be disclosed when required by law or when necessary to address concerns regarding the safety of the student or others.
- When the school has reasonable grounds to believe that a student may have an alcohol- or drug-related condition that could impair academic performance, professional judgment, patient care, or compliance with school requirements, the student may be required to:
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- Complete a professional assessment by a provider approved by the School of Pharmacy;
- Authorize the release of assessment results and treatment recommendations to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, as permitted by law;
- Comply with treatment, recovery, monitoring, or follow-up recommendations; and
- Provide periodic documentation of compliance or progress when requested by the School.
Confidentiality
- The School of Pharmacy encourages students to seek assistance for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-related concerns without fear of stigma or unnecessary disclosure. Consistent with applicable laws and university policies, the school is committed to protecting the privacy of students who seek evaluation, counseling, treatment, or recovery support.
- Information related to a student’s assessment, treatment, recovery, or participation in support services will be treated as confidential and shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational, professional, or legal need to know. The school will maintain and handle records in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other relevant confidentiality requirements.
- Confidentiality may be limited when:
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- Disclosure is required by law, court order, or regulatory requirement;
- There is a significant concern for the health or safety of the student or others;
- Information is necessary to evaluate a student’s fitness to meet academic, professional, or clinical responsibilities; or
- The student authorizes the release of information to designated School officials or healthcare providers.
- Students required to undergo assessment, treatment, monitoring, or recovery support as a condition of continued enrollment may be asked to provide written authorization allowing designated treatment providers to communicate limited information regarding compliance with treatment recommendations, attendance, or progress to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Information obtained through this process will be used solely for educational, professional, and safety purposes and will be maintained in a confidential manner.
- The school’s primary objectives in receiving and maintaining such information are to support student success, facilitate recovery, ensure compliance with professional standards, and protect patient safety and public welfare.
Compliance
- Failure to comply with required assessment, treatment, monitoring, reporting, or other conditions imposed under this policy may constitute a violation of the School of Pharmacy Professional Behavior Code.
- Students who violate this policy may be subject to academic, professional, or disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the professional program, in accordance with School of Pharmacy policies and applicable University of Wisconsin System regulations. Students may also be subject to civil or criminal penalties under applicable federal or state law.
Reporting Concerns
- Protecting patient safety, public welfare, and student well-being is a shared responsibility.
- Students, faculty, staff, preceptors, and other members of the school community who have reasonable concerns that a student’s alcohol or other drug use may be causing impairment are encouraged to report those concerns to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
- Reports made in good faith allow the school to evaluate the situation, connect students with appropriate resources, support recovery efforts, and take steps necessary to protect patients, the public, and the integrity of the profession.
Related Resources
- School of Pharmacy Professional Behavior Code
- University of Wisconsin System Chapters 14, 17, and 18
Responsible Office: Office of Student Services
Revised Date: 8/14/2026