Chancellor’s Update: Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace

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Dear Faculty and Staff,

During the late 1980s, Congress enacted legislation concerning drug use and possession in an effort to curb the drug problem among our youth and in the workplace. UW-Milwaukee is subject to two federal statutes regarding an employer’s obligation to maintain a drug-free workplace.

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires institutions to certify they maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition for receiving federal grants and contracts. The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act amendment of 1989 requires institutions to certify they have adopted and implemented programs to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. These programs include the distribution of related educational materials.

A campus guidance document was created to meet specific requirements related to our faculty and staff, and includes the following information:

  • UWM’s Drug-Free Campus Policy;
  • Related Wisconsin and federal sanctions;
  • A summary of the health effects of drug and alcohol abuse; and
  • A list of available campus and community resources for drug and alcohol abuse.

Under UWM’s Drug-Free Campus Policy, employees who are convicted of any drug statute violation occurring in the workplace must notify their dean, director or department chair within five days of the conviction if the employee(s) are employed by the university at the time of the conviction(s).

Questions concerning the campus policy and related legal sanctions may be directed to Joely Urdan, Director of Legal Affairs (414-229-4730), or Tim Danielson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources (414-229-4463). Questions concerning the effects of drug and alcohol abuse may be directed to Susan Cushman, Campus Alcohol & Other Drug Coordinator, Norris Health Promotion and Wellness (414-229-5836).

Information regarding alcohol and other drug abuse counseling and treatment resources may be obtained by contacting UWM’s Employee Assistance Program “Life Matters” (password is SOWI); 1-800-634-6433.

Resources for faculty and staff to support students who may be experiencing issues as a result of substance use can be accessed here. This website includes information on supporting campus prevention efforts, incorporating these topics into course curriculum, approaching a student with concerns about alcohol or drug use, and campus resources for UWM students who are experiencing issues related to alcohol and other drug use, including information on substance-free social events.

Thank you for your attention to this information.

Best regards,

Mark A. Mone
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee