Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate Program Policies

Registration Information

Registration opens three months prior to the start of a subscription period and remains open until the 15th of the month prior to the start of a subscription period. For example, a May subscription period start will open on February 1 and will accept registrations until April 15th. Click here to register now.

Grading Policy

This program does not use the traditional A – F letter grade system because it is non-credit. Instead, this program assigns “Mastered”  or “Not Yet Mastered” based on your performance on assessments. A grade of Mastered (M) is assigned for any assessment in which you achieve an 80% or higher. Not Yet Mastered (NM) is assigned for any assessment in which you achieve below 80%. A grade of Mastered on all assessments, including the summative assessment, is required to successfully complete this program.

Repeat Policy

You may repeat the domain-specific assessments as many times as needed, until mastery is achieved. However, you are limited to two attempts to demonstrate mastery of the summative assessment. If you do not achieve mastery on the final assessment after two attempts, you will not receive a certificate of course completion. You are eligible to re-enroll in the program in the next available subscription period but are encouraged to speak with your Academic Success Coach to discuss whether the UW Flexible Option platform is a good fit for successful completion. Current registration fees will apply.

In the case of re-registration, any work previously completed or mastered is retained and carried forward. In other words, you may simply “pick up” where you left off. The number of attempts at mastery of the summative assessment resets, and two more attempts are allowed.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of this program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and documentation of 360 continuing education hours (36 Continuing Education Units, or CEUs) earned. The Certificate of Completion will be sent a few weeks after successful program completion. You may also want to access Canvas prior to your subscription period end date to print copies of any of the learning resources you wish to keep, as well as the Program Summary to provide with the state certification you pursue. 

You will also be provided with an electronic confirmation of completion when you meet the 100 minimum hours of  education required for SAC-IT certification.

Wisconsin State Certification

For information on how to apply for Wisconsin state Substance Abuse Counselors (SAC) or Substance Abuse Counselor In Training (SAC-IT) certification please visit our WI State Certification web page.

Ordering Replacement Copies of Certificates and Transcripts

Students needing replacement copies of a Certificate of Completion (either for the full program or meeting the minimum educational requirements required for the SAC-IT) may request copies through the UW Flexible Option Registrar’s Office, by emailing oel-registrar@uwex.edu. You may also complete this form to order a copy of your transcript by following the link in your student center.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration up until three days prior to your subscription period start. Cancellations will receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be provided after the cancellation deadline has passed (see Compassionate Refund/Extension Policy for extenuating circumstances). To cancel registration, click here.

Refund Policy

There are no tuition refunds for the Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program if you withdraw after the cancellation period ends (see above). 

Compassionate Refund Policy

There are no tuition refunds for the Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program. In extenuating circumstances, the Compassionate Refund/Extension Policy may be granted. This policy applies only to individuals who are unable to continue in the program due to compelling circumstances beyond their control.

Compassionate refunds (and associated withdrawals) are contingent upon approval and may be warranted in three sets of circumstances:

1. A life-threatening or disabling mental or physical illness/accident for an enrolled student
2. Death of an immediate member of the family or household of an enrolled student
3. Students facing financial catastrophe (e.g. loss of job, bankruptcy) where continued enrollment is untenable 

If you are seeking a compassionate refund, consult with your Academic Success Coach (ASC). You will be required to provide written verification for consideration. If a compassionate refund is granted, a $50 administrative fee will be assessed and you will be withdrawn from the program. You will be refunded your tuition based on the tuition schedule below, using the date of your request. 

Compassionate Tuition Refund Schedule by Week

	Weeks 1 – 4	Weeks 5 – 8	Weeks 9 – 12	Weeks 13 – 16	Weeks 17 – 20	Weeks 21 – 24
Tuition refund % (less $50 fee)	100%	75%	60%	45%	30%	15%

Compassionate Extension Policy

In certain extenuating cases, you may need an extension of your course. If you were on track to complete all of their competencies but were unable to do so in a timely manner, due to extraordinary circumstances, you may seek approval for a compassionate extension. To begin this process, please reach out to your ASC. 

Students granted a compassionate extension do not need to re-enroll in the program  and will be allowed an extension to complete the program. The length of the extension is determined on a case-by-case review and is determined by the program manager. If the program is still not completed during the additional time period, a grade of Not Yet Mastered (NM) will be posted. A second extension is not allowed. In this case, you would need to re-register for the program, and current registration fees will apply.