The University of Findlay - Policy on Chemically-Dependent Pharmacy Students

The University of Findlay College of Pharmacy (“Findlay”) recognizes chemical dependency, defined as physical or psychological dependency to alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs, as a disease that can affect anyone, including pharmacy students. Findlay also recognizes that students suffering from a chemical dependency are reluctant to seek treatment due to fear of losing their professional standing in the Findlay academic program. To address these concerns, this policy is being implemented to protect students and the public by providing a confidential means for chemically-dependent pharmacy students to obtain treatment while continuing their Findlay education.

When evidence is found that a chemical dependency may exist (as defined below), students may seek assistance themselves or be confidentially referred by a peer, administrator, or an agent of law enforcement for a chemical dependency evaluation. Findlay pharmacy students that display the following behaviors may be referred for a chemical dependency evaluation: Continued or repeated:

Behavior conflicts with their own personal values
Declining study or work performance
Poor interpersonal relations
Marked changes in study patterns
Diminishing lifestyle
Defensive behavior such as withdrawal, blame, denial, hostility, aggression, grandiosity, etc.
Legal difficulties concerning substance abuse
Absenteeism
Excessive absences for “illness”
Monday and Friday absences
Excessive tardiness
Leaving classes early
Peculiar and increasing improbable excuses for absences
Higher absenteeism rate than for other students
Frequent unscheduled short-term absences
Frequent trips to water fountain or restroom
Physical illness

The Assistant/Associate Dean for Internal Affairs or a designated faculty member will confidentially review the referral for Student Services and then will meet with the student and determine whether an evaluation by a chemical dependency health care provider is necessary. Denial and refusal of the evaluation or treatment when chemical dependency has been determined may result in expulsion from The University of Findlay.

A chemically-dependent student who agrees to comply fully with recommended treatment will be referred to the Ohio Pharmacist Recovery Network, Inc. (PRN) for assistance and oversight of the student’s treatment. During treatment, The University of Findlay will make reasonable efforts to assist in maintaining the student’s academic responsibilities, provided the student fully complies with all requirements of the treatment program. During treatment, the student may be required to sign a contract with PRN that would be effective for the remainder of the student’s education and after graduation as determined by PRN. Random urine, serum, hair, sputum, or other samples may be required as part of the PRN recovery agreement. Compliance with PRNs requirements, along with maintaining Findlay’s academic and ethical standards, will entitle the student to proceed in The University of Findlay’s professional pharmacy program.

This policy is intended to provide chemically-dependent pharmacy students the opportunity to complete The University of Findlay’s professional pharmacy program without penalty, provided the student satisfies the requirements stated herein.