Student Complaints
This general guideline for addressing student complaints has been developed by the Student Climate and Inclusivity (SCI) Committee, and will be presented to all School of Pharmacy students during orientation. Additionally, students who are members of this committee will annually discuss this policy with the classes of students they represent. Student complaints may involve a wide range of issues, including some which may relate to accreditation standards.
The purpose of this policy is to: (1) provide students with information about informal and formal pathways they may use to resolve problems and (2) create a systematic process by which the Student Climate and Inclusivity Committee can review complaints and their solutions to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. It is recommended that students consider the pathways below to resolve their complaints. Students have the right to due process and appeal through the Office of the Dean of the School of Pharmacy. Additionally, for complaints specifically related to accreditation standards, there is an additional mechanism available through the Accreditation Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE).
Before submitting your feedback, we encourage you to first contact your Advisor or Class Representative to voice your feedback regarding course content, faculty, workload, scheduling, etc. Remember, you can always contact your instructor and/or course coordinator directly!
Student Voice
Student Voice is a place for students to share their thoughts, compliments, and concerns about the School of Pharmacy. The Student Voice tool was created by the Student Climate and Inclusivity Committee with the goal of fostering an environment in which students feel empowered to use their voice to shape their experience at the school. Feedback will be reviewed by the Associate Deans for Student and Academic Affairs and forwarded to the appropriate stakeholders. Students who would like to contribute to creating a more positive and inclusive school community or with concerns regarding diversity, inclusion or social justice, are encouraged to submit their thoughts or concerns to Student Voice.
A summary of Student Voice submissions with identifying information redacted will be presented at the Student Climate and Inclusivity Committee (SCI) meetings by a representative from the Student and Academic Affairs Office. SCI may present recommendations to the faculty and staff aimed at improving relationships and addressing issues identified by Student Voice.
Students may submit their thoughts to Student Voice electronically.
Bias or Hate Reporting
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all people. The institution values a diverse community where all members are able to fully participate in the Wisconsin Experience. As Chapter 17 of the UW System code states, the university can accomplish its educational mission only if living and learning environments are safe and free from violence, harassment and intimidation.
Incidents of bias or hate affecting a person or group negatively impact the quality of the Wisconsin Experience for community members. UW–Madison takes such incidents seriously and will respond appropriately to reported or observed incidents of bias or hate. Report an incident of bias or hate
Title IX Reporting
If you are someone who has been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, we encourage you to report what happened to you to the University. In cases involving criminal misconduct, you also have the right to report the conduct to the UW–Madison Police Department or to the local law enforcement office with jurisdiction over the location where the misconduct occurred. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the decision on whether to report is yours to make and you are under no obligation to report.
Title IX reporting options and expectations can be found at https://compliance.wisc.edu/reporting-response-options/.
ACPE Process of Resolving Complaints
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) has an obligation to assure itself that any institution which seeks or holds a pre-accreditation or accreditation status for its professional program(s) conducts its affairs with honesty and frankness. Complaints from other institutions, students, faculty, or the public against a college or school of pharmacy, including tuition and fee policies, and as related to ACPE standards, policies or procedures, shall be placed in writing in detail by the complainant and submitted to the ACPE office. Although efforts should first be made to resolve issues within the School of Pharmacy, students may contact ACPE directly to resolve a complaint involving a violation of ACPE standards. Students who wish to file a complaint, must complete the ACPE Complaint Form.
Chronological records of all formal complaints, including subsequent resolution and/or action (including legal) will be maintained by the Student and Academic Affairs Office. These documents will be made available for inspection during on-site evaluation visits by ACPE.