MADISON, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine is investigating a university-sanctioned event where a group of medical students paid a stripper to attend and dance.

The investigation focuses on an April 17 annual formal dinner and dance at the Great Hall in the Memorial Union.

School of Medicine Associate Dean of Students Patrick McBride told WISC-TV that less than five medical students searched for a stripper online and paid her to dance at the event.

"They thought it was a joke, (that) it was funny," said McBride.

The dancer did briefly dance for a group of students in a room connected to the hall, but did not remove her clothes because other students stepped in to stop her, McBride said.

The School of Medicine said it's taking the accusations seriously and is "extremely disappointed that some students would consider this." The school said it "would never condone future physicians degrading women."

There were no faculty members present because the school does not chaperone student-led events, said McBride.

McBride is investigating to determine if the students violated a non-academic misconduct school policy, which could mean punishment ranging from reprimand to suspension or dismissal.

The formal dinner and dance is sponsored by the Medical Student Association. It also receives donations from the Medical Alumni Association, said McBride.

The school said it intends to complete its investigation within the next several weeks or months.