Substance Use and Safety Procedure

Procedure Number: SPC-12

Procedure Statement:

The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UT CPPS) is committed to providing the highest quality health education, research, and services. A cornerstone of this commitment is ensuring a safe environment for all university community members, including students, faculty, staff, and patients. The presence of individuals under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol poses serious safety and health risks not only to themselves but also to patients, faculty, staff, guests, peers, and the broader University community.

Delegation of Authority:

The Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences or designee shall administer and implement this procedure. The Student Progress Committee is authorized to hear each matter, as outlined in Procedure SPC-6, and provide a final decision on whether the procedure has been violated and a sanction if warranted. The Dean of the College will ensure that the sanction is warranted.

Prohibited Activities Under the Procedure:

Alcohol (ethanol):

The consumption/use, personal possession, or influence of alcohol while engaged in the learning environment and/or learning experience is strictly prohibited.

Illegal Substances:

The consumption/use, personal possession, or influence of illegal substances is strictly prohibited.
This procedure encompasses all controlled substances as defined by the Federal Controlled Substances Act, regardless of any state laws regarding marijuana. Thus, the use, possession, or distribution of marijuana is strictly prohibited.

Legal Drugs and Prescription Medications:

Engaging in any activity involving legal drugs for illegal purposes is strictly prohibited.
Pharmacy students must manage the use of legally obtained prescription medications responsibly. If a prescribed medication could negatively impact a student's performance or the safety of others, the student may be advised to seek accommodation through the UT Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources.

Reasonable Suspicion and Reporting:

Pharmacy students, faculty, and staff are expected to:

Actively contribute to a safe learning environment by complying with this procedure.
Students are expected to immediately report any suspicion of substance misuse within the academic setting to a faculty member, advisor, staff, or preceptor.

Reasonable suspicion may be established through various indicators, including:

Direct Observation of Impairment: This includes a pattern of physical symptoms and/or abnormal behavior.
Pattern of Abnormal Conduct: Consistent erratic behavior or conduct in the learning environment may suggest impairment.

Procedures for Addressing Reasonable Suspicion:

Immediate Reporting of Visible Intoxication or Erratic Behavior: Any such incidents on campus should be reported promptly to the UT CPPS Student Affairs Office and/or the UT Campus Police at 419.383.2600.

1. 1. If classroom safety is of immediate concern or there is an emergency, call 911.

Prompt Removal from Learning Environment: If reasonable suspicion arises and is reported, the student may be directed to appropriate support services and removed from the learning environment as necessary.

Documentation of Suspicion and Actions Taken: Faculty and Staff must promptly document the facts leading to suspicion and actions taken during the incident through the Early Warning System.

Conclusion:

The University of Toledo's Pharmacy program is dedicated to nurturing an environment of professionalism, safety, and integrity. Compliance with this procedure is essential in maintaining the highest educational excellence and patient care standards.

Scope

This procedure applies to all College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences students.

Responsible Agent

Associate Dean of Student Affairs, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Related University Policy

The University Policy on Alcohol and Substance Abuse # 3364-30-02

Approved

May 14, 2025