Student Handbook

Alcohol and Drug Use

The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater recognizes that some members of our community will at times choose to consume alcohol. This site offers a place for support services and information for our UW-whitewater. Resources, services, and policy information can be found in one space. Our campus alcohol policies and practices are designed to encourage and enforce an environment in which such consumption is legal, safe, and responsible. Consumption of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21 is illegal in the State of Wisconsin.

Drug Abuse

UW-Whitewater Responsibilities:

UW-Whitewater is bound by existing state and federal illicit drug laws and therefore cannot and will not condone the illegal use, possession or distribution of marijuana and/or illegal drugs by members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater community. The university assumes no legal responsibility for the choices that students make concerning use of marijuana and other illegal drugs. Any student who violates the law does so at his/her own jeopardy and is subject to disciplinary action. More detailed information regarding internal sanctions.

Student Responsibilities:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater recognizes the freedom of students to choose the course of their actions; however, it cannot permit activities that interfere with the rights and freedoms of others. A University student is not entitled to greater immunities or privileges before the law than those enjoyed by other citizens, and they are not entitled to lesser treatment in the same case.

Counseling Responsibilities: (excludes Rock County students)

UW-Whitewater students who have been addressed by the disciplinary system for their use of / involvement with illegal drugs are often referred to the University Health and Counseling Services for an alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) evaluation. Counseling Services provides an opportunity for students to examine the impact of their AOD use and to have a professional assess whether further treatment is indicated. Counseling Services offers an initial AODA evaluation for any student and can help with the referral process if a student chooses to seek treatment. Assessments are not provided to meet legal, court-ordered, requirements. Students who are concerned about either their own or another person's alcohol or other drug use are encouraged to contact the Counseling Services at (262) 472-1305 for an appointment. All counseling appointments are confidential. Free educational resources are also available by contacting UHCS (262) 472-1305.

All students, faculty, and staff should educate themselves about the laws, policies (linked below), consequences, and expectations related to alcohol use at UW-Whitewater.

Drug-Free Workplace & Campus Policy created this website to increase transparency about those policies and practices and the guiding principles behind them.

Help Support Services and Important Links

Student Sanctions

UW-Whitewater is bound by existing state and federal illicit drug laws and therefore cannot and will not condone the illegal use, possession or distribution of marijuana and/or illegal drugs by members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater community. The university assumes no legal responsibility for the choices that students make concerning the use of marijuana and other illegal drugs. Any student who violates the law does so at their own jeopardy and is subject to disciplinary action.

More detailed information regarding internal sanctions include:

First Alcohol / Marijuana-Related Policy Violation

Online alcohol education course (cost of $35.00)

Under The Influence – Dean of Students Office & Athletics

Alcohol Response-Ability – Residence Life

Marijuana 101 – Dean of Students Office, Athletics & Residence Life

Disciplinary probation for a minimum of one year
Signed statement of understanding of conduct policy & consequences of future violations

Second Alcohol / Marijuana-Related Policy Violation

Mandated participation in alcohol brief screening & education course (cost of $100)
- Alcohol Awareness Workshop – Dean of Students Office & Athletics
- Marijuana Awareness Workshop – Dean of Students Office/Winther Lab
- Choices @ Winther Counseling Lab – Residence Life

Extended disciplinary probation
Signed statement of understanding of conduct policy & consequences of future violations
Residence hall relocation and/or ban likely if the incident occurred in a residence hall

Third Alcohol / Marijuana-Related Policy Violation

Alcohol & Other Drug Use Assessment (cost of $150)
Extended disciplinary probation
Signed statement of understanding of conduct policy & consequences of future violations
Residence hall contract cancellation and/or ban, if incident occurred in a residence hall
8-10 page paper on responsibility, life choices, the possibility of suspension

Fourth Alcohol / Marijuana-Related Policy Violation

Suspension from the University for a period of one semester to two years

Student Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Involvement

In the following instances, the Dean of Students Office or University Housing will, when in the best interest of the student, contact a parent or family member to enlist their assistance in addressing behaviors of concern:

Student is transported to a detox facility or hospital for alcohol incapacitation, regardless of age;
Student, who is under the age of 21, whose alcohol-related behavior is significantly disruptive to the campus community, including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct, assaultive behavior, or vandalism;
Student, who is under the age of 21 at the time of parental involvement, has a disciplinary sanction of probation imposed for an alcohol- or drug-related policy violation;
Student, regardless of age, whose behavior has posed or may continue to pose a significant risk to the health, safety, or well-being of themselves or others.