Maintaining a Drug Free Campus

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

UW-Milwaukee is subject to two federal statutes which address an employer’s obligation to maintain a drug-free workplace. The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires institutions to certify that they maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition for receiving federal grants and contracts. The Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 also requires institutions to certify they have adopted and implemented programs that help prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. These Acts include a requirement that institutions notify students and employees of unlawful activities, sanctions, and prevention programs and resources concerning alcohol and other drugs.

This document was created to meet these requirements. This includes:

  • UWM’s Drug-Free Campus Policy;
  • a description of related Wisconsin and Federal sanctions;
  • a summary report on 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 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). If you have any questions concerning the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, please call Susan Cushman, Campus Alcohol & Other Drug Coordinator, Norris Health Promotion and Wellness (414-251-7535).

UWM strives to maintain a safe, productive, and drug-free environment. Information regarding alcohol and other drug abuse counseling and treatment resources may be obtained by contacting UWM’s Employee Assistance Program, Kepro, at 833-539-7285 or online at sowi.mylifeexpert.com (code SOWI).

Faculty and staff who are supporting students who may be experiencing or causing issues because of their personal substance use can find help on the Alcohol & Other Drug page of the Health Promotion & Wellness website. I encourage you to review these websites, which include information on how you can support campus prevention efforts and encourage students to reflect upon personal attitudes regarding alcohol and other drug use. There also are tips for incorporating information on alcohol and other drugs into course curriculum, strategies on when and how to approach a student with concerns about their use of alcohol or other drugs, and information on campus resources for UWM students who are experiencing issues related to alcohol and other drug use.

Best regards,

Mark A. Mone, PhD
Chancellor