University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses [EDGAR Part 86] Act
Biennial Review of the Program to Prevent the Illicit Use of Drugs and the Misuse of Alcohol
July 2022 – June 2024
Introduction and Overview
The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (EDGAR Part 86) lay out several requirements with which all institutions of higher education (IHE) receiving any form of federal funding must comply. IHEs receiving federal funds or financial assistance must develop and implement an alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. The program must include annual notification in writing to inform each employee and student of the following: standards of conduct; a description of sanctions for violating federal, state, and local law and campus policy; a description of health risks associated with AOD use; and a description of treatment options. To comply with the regulations, every two years an IHE must also conduct a review of its AOD program to determine effectiveness and the consistency of sanction enforcement, and to identify and implement any necessary changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath permeated the 2022 – 2024 biennial review period. During this time, UWM followed federal, state and local guidelines which were updated and streamlined to help the public better protect themselves. Alcohol and other drug-related prevention programs and services continued, albeit with modifications when necessary. The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, expired in May 2023. In October 2023, UWM decommissioned its Emergency Operation Center for COVID-19 and began to relax COVID-19 health and safety protocols in accordance with local, state and national public health recommendations.
Biennial Review Process
In compliance with EDGAR Part 86, UWM conducts its biennial review in even years. This Biennial Review covers the period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. This review was conducted by a Biennial Review Team, which includes representatives from the Dean of Students Office, Human Resources, the Student Health and Wellness Center, University Housing, UWM Police, Office of Legal Affairs and the College of General Studies. Additional units provided relevant data and information.
This review is available online in the Health & Safety section of the Consumer Information website at https://uwm.edu/finances/finances/consumer-information/. For questions about this review, please contact Susan Cushman, Director of Health Promotion & Advocacy, Student Health and Wellness Center, at 414-229-7429 or wellness-info@uwm.edu.
Program Goals and Achievements for Period Being Reviewed
The following is a summary of the efforts in 2022-2024 to achieve the goals that were established in the previous biennial report:
Goal: Build on consistent and evidence-based prevention foundation to implement innovative and evidence-informed prevention efforts to address emerging alcohol and drug use trends, conditions and risk factors, including but not limited to the opioid epidemic, emerging drug products, and evolving laws and societal norms concerning cannabis.
Opioids were the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin in 2022. UWM responded to the opioid epidemic during this biennium with a multi-pronged strategy of new or enhanced initiatives involving multiple departments and community-based partnerships. Efforts ranged from a variety of health and safety communications to students, bystander intervention training, CPR/NARCAN training, and free access to naloxone medication and fentanyl test strips on campus.
In response to a surge in the availability of new cannabis-derived products on the market and campus-based reports of adverse events associated with the use of Delta-8 THC, UWM increased messaging about the risks and facts concerning Delta-8 THC through digital, print and social media, informational presentations for staff and an emergency alert to all students.
UWM’s National College Health Assessment of students suggests that rates of cannabis use among UWM students have gradually been on the rise since 2015, and the proportion of student cannabis-related violations among all substance-related incidents has increased. Heavy cannabis use is linked to a variety of adverse health effects and poorer academic performance. Considering these facts, Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) added a therapy support group for students who use cannabis and launched its first-ever cannabis social norms and awareness campaign, ‘UWM Rocks.’
Goal: In recognition of staffing constraints in a time of budgetary challenges, increase engagement of campus and community stakeholders in AOD programming and prevention efforts such as bystander intervention training and ally opportunities, increase technology use, and align AOD prevention efforts with other health and well-being priorities.
Successful efforts to increase the engagement of campus and community partners in AOD programming and prevention are reflected in the following sample of new collaborative initiatives implemented during this biennium.
At the start of the 2022-23 academic year, over 1,500 new residential students voluntarily participated in a pilot program, ‘Real Talk: How to Thrive in Your Community,’ featuring a segment on how to recognize and respond to an overdose alongside other health priority areas such as mental health. The following year, UWM extended the reach of this important information by incorporating it into Panther Transition Day, which is required for all first-year students.
Beginning in September 2022, UWM partnered monthly during the academic year with the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and frequently with the Milwaukee Health Department to educate UWM community members about fentanyl, prescription drug safety, counterfeit and laced drugs, and harm reduction strategies at tabling events. UWM distributed free fentanyl test strips and NARCAN in connection with the events.
Since its debut in 2022, University Housing, the Student Health and Wellness Center and University Police have annually held the ‘Spring Break Pre-Games’ where students can learn and engage in dialogue about alcohol, fentanyl, cannabis, counterfeit pills, sober alternatives, overdose, NARCAN and more.
Beginning in Fall 2022, UWM Police enlisted the support of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement to follow up with local tobacco shops selling THC/Delta-8 products that were linked to adverse health reactions with UWM students. Establishments were checked for current and properly displayed permits, inventoried items with proof of purchase, and for illegal items being sold on the premises. If any violations occurred, shop owners were warned, and Illegal items were confiscated.
The Student Association (SA) collaborated with multiple departments on campus and guest speakers to host the ‘Alcohol & Drug Safety Awareness’ event in March 2023. The event raised awareness of the opioid epidemic and its impact on friends and families, how to recognize and respond to overdose, and
resources for anyone struggling with substance use. In October 2023, SA hosted several events to build community among students in recovery or living a sober lifestyle.
In Spring 2024, UWM Police increased free access to fentanyl test strips (FTS) at locations across campus after securing 1,000 strips through the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services’ FTS distribution program.
Goal: Increase communication to students about UWM’s Drug, Alcohol and Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Policy.
UWM enhanced communication about the Drug, Alcohol and Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Policy (‘Assistance Policy’) in a variety of ways to increase students’ willingness to call for help in emergency situations. Messaging was particularly aimed at assuaging students’ worry that calling for help would result in getting in trouble for using alcohol or other drugs. During this biennium, the policy was applied in 39 cases, as compared to 13 in the previous biennium.
A new acknowledgement checkbox and post-test knowledge question concerning the Assistance Policy were added to the online Alcohol Wise course – required material for all new and transfer students under the age of 21 – to direct attention to the policy and check for understanding. The Assistance Policy was included in the curriculum of the Real Talk pilot, the mandatory Panther Transition Day well-being session for new students, the CPR-AED/NARCAN training, the You Can Help! Stop Overdose bystander intervention training, and job training for Orientation Leaders. And, a summary of the policy was printed on Save a Life magnets that were distributed to all new students during Panther Transition Day and throughout the academic year at overdose awareness events.
Goal: Resume pre-COVID-19 plans for the implementation and evaluation of a SBIRT program within the Student Health and Wellness Center.
The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) launched its alcohol Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) pilot program in January 2024. Screenings are administered for all medical appointments, with a few exceptions, and recur after 6 months. All students screened received health education material about alcohol via their patient portal. Evidence-based, in-house referral resources for students include a brief health education consultation with the AOD Misuse Prevention Coordinator, the Brief Alcohol and other Drug Screening and Brief Intervention for College Students (BASICS), and counseling services. From its start through the end of June 2024, 1,116 student patients were screened for alcohol use, with 27% scoring at high risk, 40% scoring lower risk, and 33% reporting they did not use alcohol. One student followed through on a referral to a consultation with the AOD Misuse Prevention Coordinator. Following a plan-do-study-act model, SHAW staff have debriefed and studied the pilot process outcomes to identify and address challenges. Issues with making and tracking referrals are being addressed. Quarterly meetings among providers continue to improve internal processes, ensure sustainability and pave the way toward expansion of SBIRT to include other drugs.
Goal: Implement the recommendation to install Nalox-ZONE boxes across campus.
In August 2022, UWM Police, in partnership with Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, began the installation of 22 Nalox-ZONE boxes across UWM campuses. Each box contains 2 doses of NARCAN, a rescue breathing mask, and instructions. UWM Police maintain the Nalox-ZONE boxes, regularly replenishing supplies as they are removed. Since the time of installation through June 30, 2024, 202 NARCAN double-dose boxes have been replenished.
Information about the availability of NARCAN on campus was widely shared through e-newsletters to students and faculty/staff, the annual Safety Fair, AOD prevention activities, CPR-AED/NARCAN training, You Can Help! Stop Overdose training, Save a Life magnets, social media posts, and the new website www.uwm.edu/NARCAN, which includes an interactive map of where to find NARCAN on campus.
Annual Policy Notification Process
Each year, UWM disseminates its drug-free campus notification via e-mail to all new and returning students and staff. The email notification does not allow individuals to opt out of receiving it. In the notification, UWM identifies standards of conduct, applicable laws and legal sanctions, institutional sanctions for violations, health risks of substance use, and available resources and treatment programs. In addition to the annual email notification, employees receive this same information in their appointment letter and at new employee orientation. The notification to students is sent twice per academic year to ensure new students receive the information whether they enroll in fall or spring semester.
Dates Notifications Were Sent to Students: 10/28/2022, 3/17/2023, 10/31/2023, 3/14/2024
Dates Notifications Were Sent to Employees: 10/27/2022, 10/31/2023
Alcohol and other Drug Policies
UWM has drug and alcohol-related policies that prohibit unlawful drug, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol possession, use and distribution. Alcohol beverages are prohibited except as permitted by specific institutional regulations promulgated by the chancellor. Alcohol and other drugs on university lands are regulated by Wisconsin Administrative Code section UWS 18.09.
UWM’s relevant policies are hyperlinked below:
- Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 17, Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures
- Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 18, Conduct on University Lands
- Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regent Policy Document 9-1, Principles for Developing Alcohol Policies
- Alcohol Beverages Guidelines for Service, UWM SAAP 3-1
- Faculty/Staff Code of Conduct, UWM SAAP 7-3
- Drug-Free Campus, UWM SAAP 10-5
- Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus Policy, UWM SAAP 10-8
- Student Handbook, Drug and Alcohol Prohibitions and Policies
- University Housing Resident Handbook
- Student-Athlete Handbook, including Intercollegiate Athletics Drug Education and Testing Program
- Student Organization Policy Reference Manual
- Drug, Alcohol and Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Policy
Alcohol and Other Drug Enforcement Overview
UWM Police Department (UWMPD) employs 31 State of Wisconsin certified police officers who are empowered by state law to enforce drug and alcohol laws on and off campus. Others who provide
monitoring and/or enforcement of AOD policies include staff in the Dean of Students Office (DOS), University Housing and Human Resources, as appropriate.
UWMPD maintains close working relationships with the Milwaukee, Shorewood, West Bend, and Waukesha Police Departments, whose jurisdictions border and/or include UWM’s campuses.1 These working relationships allow for the sharing of information and collaboration on neighborhood patrols, training, and investigations as needed. These police departments routinely work and communicate with UWMPD officers on serious incidents occurring in the immediate neighborhood and business areas surrounding campus.
Compliance Related Outcomes
| Outcome | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Student Drug Citations by UWMPD | 12 | 19 |
| Student Drug Arrests by UWMPD | 3 | 2 |
| Student Alcohol Citations by UWMPD | 89 | 39 |
| Student Alcohol Arrests by UWMPD | 1 | 0 |
Student violations of the student nonacademic misconduct policies, contained in Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 17 (UWS 17), are primarily adjudicated through the Dean of Students Office. Students residing within University Housing (UH) must comply with UH’s rules and regulations as outlined in the UH Resident Handbook, in addition to UWS 17. Violations occurring within residence halls are primarily adjudicated through the UH Resident Behavior Process. In cases with extenuating circumstances and/or larger impacts on the campus community, the matter is addressed by staff in both DOS and UH.
The student conduct process is one of many tools that the University uses to foster personal development and maintain the safety of the University community. In general, students found to be in violation of alcohol and drug laws and policies are assigned to participate in and complete one or more educational sanctions (interventions). Residential students also receive sanctions via the Housing contract (warning, probation, deferred contract termination, and contract termination).
The Dean of Students Office and the Community Standards Administrator in University Housing conduct a review of conduct cases twice a year within their respective departments to ensure that, absent aggravating or mitigating factors or other contemporaneous misconduct, students receive similar sanctions for similar violations within each department’s respective sanction options. Findings from the reviews are presented to the University’s Campus AOD Partners committee along with plans for corrective action, if needed.
1 Effective June 30, 2024, UWM closed its Washington County campus in the City of West Bend.
Adjudication of Alcohol or Controlled Substance Violations by Dean of Students
| Outcome | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Students Found in Violation | 99 | 71 |
| Students Found in Violation Assigned BASICS I or II | 92 | 66 |
| Students Found in Violation Assigned other Sanction* | 7 | 5 |
* Other sanction(s) may be assigned depending upon the context and severity of the violation as well as the student’s prior conduct history
Adjudication of Alcohol or Controlled Substance Violations by University Housing
| Outcome | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Students Found in Violation | 268 | 156 |
| Students Found in Violation Assigned BASICS I or II | 63 | 52 |
| Students Found in ViolationAssigned to CARD | 114 | 64 |
| Students Found in ViolationAssigned other Sanction* | 91 | 40 |
* Other sanction(s) may be assigned depending upon the context and severity of the violation as well as the student’s prior conduct history
Student Alcohol and Other Drug Behavior Survey Data
In coordination with the Universities of Wisconsin (UWs), UWM administers the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment (NCHA) of students every 3 years. The voluntary, confidential, online assessment collects information about health-related behaviors, including substance use. In the spring of 2024, the assessment was provided to a selection of 10,275 undergraduate and graduate students at UWM, of which 1,200 students responded (12%). The sampling methodology changed from 2021 to 2024 as per UWs instruction, therefore caution must be taken when comparing results over time. Several demographic categories, including cis women, international students, first-generation student, and some racial and ethnic groups, were represented in the UWM survey results at higher rates than are represented in the overall UWM population. Therefore, while the results give us some insight into student AOD-related behavior, it is important not to generalize the overall results to the entire UWM student body. Following are selected results.
| Item | UWM 2021 | UWM 2024 | UWs Institutions 2024 | National Reference Sample 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used alcohol in the past 3 months | 66% | 65% | 67% | 64% |
| Consumed 5 or more drinks in the past 2 weeks at least once(among those who drank in past 2 weeks) | 39% | 45% | 52% | 43% |
| Used cannabis in the past 3 months (non-medical use) | 22% | 28% | 27% | 27% |
| Used tobacco or nicotine in the past 3 months | 17% | 23% | 23% | 17% |
| Used hallucinogens in the past 3 months | 2% | 4% | 2% | 4% |
| Used cocaine in the past 3 months | 1% | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Used sedatives or sleeping pills in the past 3 months (non-medical use) | 3% | 2% | 1% | 2% |
| Used prescription stimulants in the past 3 months (non-medical use) | 2% | 1% | 1% | 3% |
| Used prescription opioids in the past 3 months (non-medical use) | 1% | <1% | <1% | 1% |
| Did something I later regretted in past year (among those who drank in past year) | 13% | 18% | 18% | 16% |
| Blacked out in past year (among those who drank in past year) | 9% | 10% | 11% | 9% |
| Had unprotected sex in the past year (among those who drank in past year) | 9% | 10% | 11% | 10% |
| Physically injured myself in past year (among those who drank in past year) | 4% | 6% | 6% | 5% |
| Seriously considered suicide (among those who drank in past year) | 4% | 3% | 2% | 2% |
| In recovery from alcohol or other drug use | 3% | 3% | 2% | 2% |
Alcohol and Other Drug Program/Service/Intervention Inventory
UWM uses an ecological approach for health promotion (McLeroy, 1988) in its efforts to prevent alcohol and drug misuse. The ecological approach focuses on individual-level and population-level determinants of health and employs interventions to address multiple influences on health and behavior.
Individual Level
Individual-level prevention strategies promote attitudes, beliefs, skills, and behaviors that reduce the misuse of substances.
| Program/Activity/Service | Alcohol Wise (AW) and Cannabis Wise (CW) |
|---|---|
| Description | Online, multi-component education-focused prevention programs. AW provides normative drinking information, harm reduction strategies, and alcohol education. CW provides facts, risks, and consequences of using or distributing cannabis. Both provide campus-specific resources. UWM contracts with 3rd Millennium, an independent entity that authors andadministers the program. |
| Purpose/Goal | Increase awareness of facts, risks, resources and policy concerning alcohol and cannabis to prevent high-risk drinking and cannabis use andrelated harm. |
| Target audience | All first year and incoming transfer students under the age of 21 |
| Evidence-based and or evidence-informed | AW is listed as a ‘moderate effectiveness’ individual level strategy on the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) College Alcohol Intervention Matrix (AIM) website. There is limited evidence tosupport or refute the effectiveness of Cannabis Wise. |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Health Promotion & Advocacy unit |
| Date(s) offered | Prior to the start of classes each semester |
| Number of people served | 2022-2023: 2,744 completed/4,067 enrolled (67% completion rate) 2023-2024: 3,009 completed/4,306 enrolled (70% completion rate) |
| Outcomes measured | Students’ knowledge, attitudes, behaviors |
| Summary of outcomes | Pre- and post-measures indicate students’ knowledge concerning alcohol increased. In both 2022-23 & 2023-24, the average post-test score was 80, up from 63 at pre-test. From Fall 2022-Spring 2024, one hundred and twenty-eight (128) students identified as being in recovery from AOD use disorder. In the 2023-24, most students reported not ever having drank alcohol (73%) or having used cannabis (70%). In the 2023-24, 51% of students reported they discussed AOD in college with a parent or family member in the past 2 months. |
| Program/Activity/Service | UWM Rocks Cannabis Education |
|---|---|
| Description | A marketing campaign to educate students on the risks of cannabis use, how to reduce those risks, and where to get support in quitting or cutting back. It used traditional digital, print, and social media marketing, plus a guerilla marketing campaign where we placed 295 uniquely decorated “petrocks” across campus with QR codes linking to the educational website. |
| Purpose/Goal | Increase students’ awareness about cannabis risks, ways to reduce harm, and available resources. |
| Target audience | All UWM Community Members |
| Evidence-based and or evidence-informed | Fischer et al (2018) found that there is no universally safe level of cannabis use, and that use is especially risky for young people whose brains are still developing. They recommend a number of harm reduction strategies thatwere used to inform this campaign. |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center |
| Date(s) offered | January through April 2024 |
| Number of people served | Webpage visits: 335 unique page views “Pet rocks” collected across campus: 291 out of 295 Social media engagement: 490 accounts reached (higher than typical) |
| Outcomes measured | Website visits, “pet rock” hunt participation, social media engagement |
| Summary of outcomes | See number of people served, above. |
| Program/Activity/Service | E-Check Up to Go: Alcohol |
|---|---|
| Description | An anonymous, online, self-guided, evidence-based screening and feedback tool for college students. It provides users with personalized information including risk factors, comparison with social norms, and potential effects on health, relationships, and goals. The program iscustomized to reflect UWM alcohol-related statistics and resources. |
| Purpose/Goal | To help students reduce harmful alcohol/drug consumption and itsassociated problems. |
| Target audience | All UWM students may freely access the program via a link on the Student Health and Wellness Center webpage. In addition, the E-Check Up to Go: Alcohol is utilized as a screening tool with students in theBASICS I program whose primary drug is alcohol. |
| Evidence of Effectiveness | Listed as a “higher effectiveness” individual-level strategy on the NIAAA College AIM website Walters, et al., 2007 |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Health Promotion & Advocacy unit |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round 24/7 access |
| Number of people served | 2022-2023: 122 2023-2024: 56 |
| Outcomes measured | Utilization numbers |
| Summary of outcomes | See numbers served, above |
| Program/Activity/Service | Choices About Responsible Drinking (CARD) |
|---|---|
| Description | One-hour course used as a sanctioning tool for students who violate alcohol policies in the residence halls provides education and cognitive-behavioral strategies concerning safe practices if they choose toconsume alcohol and knowing when to call for help for a friend. |
| Purpose/Goal | To reduce harmful consumption and associated problems with studentswho drink alcohol. |
| Target audience | Residence hall students who violated alcohol policies for the first time |
| Evidence-based and or evidence-informed | CARD is modeled after “Choices about Alcohol: A Brief Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program,” an intervention modality that falls under the umbrella of the Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP). ASTP is listed as a ‘higher effectiveness’ individual level strategy on the NIAAA CollegeAIMwebsite. |
| Department Responsible | University Housing |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round |
| Number of people served | 2022-2023:114 2023-2024: 64 |
| Outcomes measured | Utilization numbers |
| Summary of outcomes | See numbers served, above. Development of an assessment tool isunderway with an anticipated launch in AY 2024-2025. |
| Program | Brief Alcohol and other drug Screening and Intervention for CollegeStudents – Level 1 (BASICS I) |
|---|---|
| Description | BASICS at UWM is a brief motivational intervention that offers students an opportunity to explore their use of alcohol, cannabis or other drug in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. It provides feedback regarding their use, risk factors, social norms, and protective strategies. Motivational interviewing is used to increase internal motivation and commitment tochanges that could reduce risk for harm. |
| Purpose/Goal | To help students reduce harmful alcohol/drug consumption and itsassociated problems. |
| Target audience | Students at risk for or already experiencing harm related to theirsubstance use |
| Evidence of Effectiveness | Listed as a ‘higher effectiveness’ individual level strategy on the NIAAACollegeAIM website |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Health Promotion & Advocacy unit |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round |
| Number of people served | 2022-2023: 163 2023-2024: 115 |
| Outcomes measured | Facilitator adherence to motivational interviewing (MI); student learningoutcomes, behavioral intentions and changes, satisfaction |
| Summary of outcomes | 98% average agreement on measures of facilitator fidelity to MI 97% report they are more aware of their actual consumption 97% report they can identify ≥ 1 harm reduction strategies 83% report they will think differently about their substance use 72% report having made changes after first session 72% report they intend to change their use in some way 70% report they would recommend BASICS for other students |
| Program | Brief Alcohol and other drug Screening and Intervention for CollegeStudents – Level 2 (BASICS II) |
|---|---|
| Description | A brief motivational intervention offering students an opportunity to explore their use of alcohol, cannabis or other drugs in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Personalized feedback is provided on use, risk factors, social norms, and protective strategies. Motivational interviewing is used to increase internal motivation and commitment to changes that could reduce risk for harm. BASICS II builds on BASICS I with theincorporation of additional reflection activities. |
| Purpose/Goal | To help students reduce harmful alcohol/drug consumption and itsassociated problems. |
| Target audience | Students at risk for or already experiencing harm related to theirsubstance use and who have already completed BASICS I |
| Evidence of Effectiveness | Listed as a ‘higher effectiveness’ individual level strategy on the NIAAACollegeAIM website |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Health Promotion & Advocacy unit |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round |
| Number of people served | 2022-2023: 7 2023-2024: 8 |
| Outcomes measured | Student perceptions of facilitator adherence to motivational interviewing(MI); learning outcomes, behavioral intentions and changes, satisfaction |
| Summary of outcomes | 100% agreement on measures regarding perceived facilitator fidelity to MI 100% report being more aware of their actual consumption 100% report they are more aware of the relationship between their substance use and goals and values 100% report they can identify ≥1 harm reduction strategies 75% report they will think differently about their substance use 88% report having made changes after first session 88% report they intend to change their use in some way 88% report they would recommend BASICS for other students |
| Program/Activity/Service | Counseling & Referral Services for AOD for Students at UWM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Voluntary, short-term counseling and referral services for substance use concerns using a harm-reduction model. Referrals to communityresources are provided when students require more intensive services. | ||
| Purpose/Goal | Support students in minimizing the impact of substance use on theirhealth, emotional stability, academics, and relationships. | ||
| Target audience | Students who have questions or concerns regarding their use of alcohol or other substances or who desire treatment of an identified substanceuse problem | ||
| Evidence-based and orevidence-informed | Licensed mental health professionals use theoretically- and evidence-based screening, diagnostic and therapeutic methods | ||
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Counseling unit | ||
| Date(s) offered | Year-round | ||
| Number of people served | All students who are triaged for counseling are screened for alcohol andother drug use. | ||
| Outcomes measured | Number of triaged students who indicate that alcohol or other drug use is a concern. Number of unique students presenting for counseling services with alcohol, cannabis, or other substance use-related diagnoses. Incidence of diagnosis by substance type (student may have multiple). | ||
| Summary of Outcomes | 22 – 23 | 23 – 24 | |
| Students reporting being concerned about AODuse | 91 | 93 | |
| Students diagnosed with alcohol or substance usedisorder | 81 | 59 | |
| Diagnoses by Drug Type: | |||
| Alcohol | 31 | 19 | |
| Cannabis | 53 | 46 | |
| Stimulant | 3 | 2 | |
| Nicotine | 1 | 1 | |
| Opioid | 0 | 1 | |
| Other | 1 | 0 | |
| Program/Activity/Service | Counseling & Referral Services for AOD for Students at UWM atWaukesha and UWM at Washington County |
|---|---|
| Description | Voluntary, short-term counseling services for students without formal diagnosis. The College of General Studies Counseling does not provide alcohol/other drug counseling services but acts as a referral service for students presenting with those primary concerns. In cases when a dualdiagnosis is likely, the student is provided referral services. |
| Purpose/Goal | Connect students to community-based resources for alcohol and other drug abuse concerns. Support students in minimizing the impact of substance use on their health, emotional stability, academics, andrelationships. |
| Target audience | Students who have concerns or desire counseling or treatment regardingtheir use of alcohol or other substances. |
| Evidence-based and orevidence-informed | Licensed mental health professionals use theoretically- and evidence-based screening and referral methods |
| Department Responsible | College of General Studies (CGS) Counseling Services |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round |
| Number of people served | Students referred for AOD services: 2022-2023: 0 2023-2024: 0 |
| Outcomes measured | Number of Referrals for AOD services |
| Summary of outcomes | See number of people served, above |
| Program/Activity/Service | Employee Assistance Program (EAP) |
|---|---|
| Description | UWM contracts with Acentra Health, an independent employee assistance program, that provides employees with voluntary, free, and confidential resources for assistance with personal concerns, such as substance use,financial counseling, work-life balance and more. |
| Purpose/Goal | Support employees and their families in navigating challenges that impactquality of life and/or productivity at work. |
| Target audience | Permanent employees and their immediate family/household members |
| Evidence-based and orevidence-informed | |
| Department Responsible | Human Resources |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round |
| Number of people served | Available to all employees |
| Outcomes measured | Percentage of employees who utilized services in general and AOD servicesin particular |
| Summary of outcomes | 2022-2023: Total utilization was 4.9%; no AOD utilization 2023-2024: Total utilization was 5.0%; no AOD utilization |
Interpersonal Level
Prevention strategies at the interpersonal level are designed to strengthen supportive relationships and social networks, promote positive peer norms, and develop trust and understanding between individuals to reduce alcohol or drug misuse and associated harms.
| Program/Activity/Service | Collegiate Recovery Programming (CRP) – Club Soda (formerly SoberSocials) |
|---|---|
| Description | Informal gatherings with music, food, conversation, and games |
| Purpose/Goal | Build community and a supportive environment for students in recoveryfrom substance use to help them in the recovery process while continuing their education. |
| Target audience | Students in recovery or sober curious, and allies |
| Evidence-based and or evidence-informed | Laudet et al. (2015) found that 72 percent of CRP members said the CRP was “very important” to choosing their current institution; 59 percent said CRP participation was “extremely” or “quite a bit” helpful; ~33 percent reported they would not be in college currently if not for the recovery support on campus. Preliminary research suggests that CRPs contribute to both better academic outcomes and successful recovery (Harris et al., 2008; Laudet et al., 2014). However, evaluations of CRPs, and data collected from these programs, are very limited. The US Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (2022) National Drug Control Strategy aims to increase the number of collegiate recovery programs by 25% by 2025. |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Health Promotion & Advocacy unit |
| Date(s) offered | Weekly during academic year |
| Number of people served | 2022-22: 11 2023-24: 15 |
| Outcomes measured | Attendance at Club Soda socials once or more by unique individuals |
| Summary of outcomes | See number of people served, above |
UWM recognizes that alcohol and other drug misuse prevention is a collective effort that requires support and involvement of the campus community. Numerous types of trainings are provided to encourage and prepare faculty, professional and para-professional staff and students to engage effectively in prevention activities whether formally as part of their role on campus, or informally as a concerned and contributing member of the community. A few training examples are provided here.
| Program/Activity/Service | You Can Help! Stop Overdose Bystander Training |
|---|---|
| Description | 90-minute group bystander training includes information, discussion of scenarios and skills-building practice to empower students to help otherswho may be experiencing an overdose |
| Purpose/Goal | Increase capacity and willingness to safely and appropriately intervene inan alcohol/drug overdose situation |
| Target audience | Students |
| Evidence-based and or evidence-informed | NIAAA rates this strategy as having too few robust studies to rate effectiveness. UWM survey results suggest the program is associated withpositive outcomes on knowledge and willingness. Note small sample size. |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Health Promotion & Advocacy unit |
| Date(s) offered | Throughout academic year |
| Number of people served | 2022-2023: 8 2023-2024: 46 |
| Outcomes measured | Knowledge; attitudes towards intervening; satisfaction |
| Summary of select outcomes | 97% reported increased confidence in ability to respond 98% reported increased willingness to intervene 94% correctly described UWM’s Assistance Policy 97% would recommend this training to other college students |
| Program/Activity/Service | “Mini” You Can Help! Stop Overdose Bystander Training |
|---|---|
| Description | 15-minute presentation reviews signs of overdose, how to respond – including how to access and give NARCAN – and resources. The presentation is embedded within a larger program* that supports students’ ability to practice self-care and care for others in their new campus community. * Real Talk: How to Thrive in Your Community pilot (Fall 2022); Panther Transition Day Well-being Exploration (Fall 2023) |
| Purpose/Goal | Increase capacity and willingness to safely and appropriately intervenein an alcohol/drug overdose situation |
| Target audience | 2022: First year and transfer students living in University Housing 2023: All first year and transfer students |
| Evidence-based and orevidence-informed | Ecological Model for Health Promotion (McLeroy et al., 1988) |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center – Health Promotion & Advocacyunit, University Housing (2022) and New Student Programs (2023) |
| Date(s) offered | 2022: 25 sessions offered throughout September and October 2023: 7 in-person sessions offered 9/1 and 9/8. Asynchronous online access: 9/8-9/28 |
| Number of people served | 2022: 1,539 (69% of first year residential students) 2023: 2,900 (95% of first year students) 2,764 attended in person; 136 completed online |
| Outcomes measured | Knowledge, preparedness, and willingness to help in an emergency. |
| Summary of select outcomes Survey Responses 2022: N=1,5162023: N= 234 | 2022: After attending the session: 97% of students understood that NARCAN is freely available in UWM residence halls. 91% of students agreed they were more willing to intervene 90% of students correctly identified the actions expected as part of the UWM Assistance Policy 2023: After attending the session: 95% of students who attended in person understood that NARCAN is freely available on campus (compared to 81% of students who attended online). 80% of students who attended in person correctly identified “call 911” as the first thing to do if a person is showing signs of overdose (compared to 65% of students who attended online). |
| Program/Activity/Service | AOD Training for Orientation Leaders |
|---|---|
| Description | 90-minute training for Orientation Leaders (OLs) focuses on AOD behavioral norms at UWM, risk reduction strategies, and effectiveapproaches for discussing substance use behaviors in college |
| Purpose/Goal | Prepare OLs to share healthy peer norms and engage in supportive dialogue with new students to positively influence their attitudes towardsafer AOD-related behaviors |
| Target audience | Student Orientation Leaders |
| Evidence-based and or evidence-informed | Normative re-education is listed as moderately effective on the NIAAA CollegeAIM website. Ecological Model for Health Promotion (McLeroy et al., 1988) Motivational Interviewing (Miller et al., 2013) |
| Department Responsible | Student Health and Wellness Center Health Promotion & Advocacy unitand New Student Programs (NSP) |
| Date(s) offered | Annually in spring |
| Number of people served | 2023: 22 2024: NSP changed the format of New Student Orientation, which resulted in changes to the OL training, including the discontinuation ofthe alcohol/drug training session. |
| Outcomes measured | Confidence in offering information and advice to new students abouthealthier choices concerning AOD |
| Summary of selectoutcomes | In 2023, OLs’ self-reported confidence increased from an average 7.0 atpre-test to 9.0 at post-test on a 10-point scale. |
Institutional and Community Level
Prevention strategies at the institutional and community level focus on improving the physical and social environments in schools, workplaces and neighborhood settings and creating and enforcing policies that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for substance misuse and associated harms.
| Program/Activity/Service | UWMPD & Milwaukee Police Special Assignment Grant |
|---|---|
| Description | Additional campus neighborhood police patrols and integrated follow-up with students in violation of laws and UWM student conduct code conducted during anticipated periods of higher alcohol-related and other neighborhood activity. In addition, UWMPD works collaboratively with the City of Milwaukee District 1 Community Partnership Unit for licensedpremises checks and nuisance abatement. |
| Purpose/Goal | Enforce the age 21 minimum legal drinking age and other laws (e.g., noise-related) to deter unlawful conduct and improve community safety andquality of life |
| Target audience | Students living in the surrounding UWM campus community |
| Evidence-based and orevidence-informed | Enforcement of age-21 minimum legal drinking laws is rated a ‘highlyeffective’ environmental strategy on the NIAAA CollegeAIM website. |
| Department Responsible | UWMPD, Neighborhood Housing Office/ Off-Campus Resource Center (OCRC)2, DOS, SHAW in collaboration with City of Milwaukee CommunityProsecution Unit |
| Date(s) offered | Approximately 20 weekends in Sept., Oct., April and May |
| Number of people served | Residents living in the neighborhood surrounding campus |
| Outcomes measured | Follow-ups via peer-to-peer house visits or letters during weeks of thegrant period. |
| Summary of outcomes | 2022-2023: no data available from City of Milwaukee on AOD-related citations; no information available regarding follow-ups due to restructuring of the UWM Neighborhood Housing office 2023-2024: no data available from City of Milwaukee on AOD-related citations; 23 follow-up letters sent by OCRC. |
2 Effective May 2023 the Neighborhood Housing Office came under the direction of the Dean of Students Office and was renamed ‘Off-Campus Resource Center.’
| Program/Activity/Service | Nalox-ZONE Boxes |
|---|---|
| Description | Through a partnership with Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, UWM provides free access to naloxone in the form of NARCAN nasal spray to members of the community. Naloxone is a potentially life-saving medication in opioid-overdose situations. Nalox-ZONE boxes areinstalled in 24 locations across UWM campuses. |
| Purpose/Goal | By making naloxone more accessible, UWM enhances campus, local and state efforts to support healthy communities, reduce harm, and preventdeaths. |
| Target audience | Students, faculty, staff |
| Evidence-based and or evidence-informed | Studies show that community-based naloxone distribution is associated with lower opioid overdose death rates. (Naumann et al, 2019; Irvine etal, 2019; Rao et al, 2021) |
| Department Responsible | UWM Police |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round, beginning August 2022 |
| Number of Narcan boxesreplaced | 2022-2023: 81 2023-2024: 121 |
| Outcomes measured | Number of NARCAN boxes replaced |
| Summary of outcomes | See numbers, above. |
| Program/Activity/Service | Be on the Safe Side (BOSS) Ride Service |
|---|---|
| Description | A free ride program that offers evening and late-night transportation onand near UWM’s Kenwood campus seven days a week. |
| Purpose/Goal | Provide convenient, free and safe transportation for students on andaround campus |
| Target audience | All Students |
| Evidence-based and orevidence-informed | According to the NIAAA College AIM, there are too few robust studiesavailable to rate the effectiveness of safe ride programs. |
| Department Responsible | Transportation Services |
| Date(s) offered | Year-round |
| Number of people served | 2022-2023: Total safe rides: 52,567; Total passengers: 82,099 2023-2024: Total safe rides: 64,563; Total passengers: 99,693 |
| Outcomes measured | Number of rides and number of individuals served |
| Summary of outcomes | See numbers, above. |
With over 300 student clubs and organizations, a comprehensive recreation program and facility, Student Union and Student Centers, intentional mindfulness spaces, student activities boards and departmental events, UWM is replete with substance-free physical and social environments that welcome and engage students in campus-community life. Highlighted below is one example, UWM’s annual “Fall Welcome.”
| Program/Activity/Service | Fall Welcome |
|---|---|
| Description | Substance-free events for students such as movies, campfires, karaoke,comedians, excursions to sporting, arts and cultural events around Milwaukee, open-mic, lectures, outdoor pursuits and more. |
| Purpose/Goal | The purpose of Fall Welcome is, in part, to assist students in addressing social and personal challenges as they transition to campus. Fall Welcome events foster exploration of campus/Milwaukee and development of peer connections through fun and safe activities in substance-freeenvironments. |
| Target audience | All Students |
| Evidence-based and orevidence-informed | Campus alcohol-free programming is a protective factor against alcoholmisuse (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2020) |
| Department Responsible | Student Involvement leads this cross-campus collaborative effort |
| Date(s) offered | First 4-6 weeks of classes each fall semester |
| Number of people served | 2022: 90 events; 7,080 attendees 2023: 89 events; 6,972 attendees |
| Outcomes measured | For Student Affairs sponsored events only: number of activities; number of student participants; percentage of students who reported going to a FallWelcome event instead of going to a party |
| Summary of outcomes | See number of people served and events above. Note that the number of people reflects only those who ‘swiped’ in with their student ID. Percentage of responding students reported going to a Fall Welcome event instead of going to a party: 2022: 53% 2023: 49% |
Program Strengths, Weaknesses and Areas for Growth
After its review of UWM’s AOD Program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the misuse of alcohol, the Biennial Review Team identified the following strengths, weaknesses and areas for growth.
Program Strengths:
UWM has a collaborative approach that includes a wide range of stakeholders, from students to administrators to a growing number of community-based partners, working together to address campus-wide alcohol and other drug issues. UWM’s prevention program is evidence-based, evidence-informed and comprehensive, containing the core elements of education/training, policy development and enforcement, early intervention, and referral and treatment services. UWM consistently enforces policies and provides consistent educational sanctions in accordance with federal, state, local laws, and campus policies. Particularly during this biennium period, UWM leveraged federal, state and local overdose prevention initiatives, policies and resources to apply best practices and increase the availability of harm reduction tools for UWM students and community members. Finally, UWM reinforced AOD prevention staffing with the hiring of a permanent director of Health Promotion & Advocacy and a new Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse Prevention Coordinator.
Program Weaknesses and Areas for Growth:
To grow a prevention program that meets the current needs of a diverse student body and responds in a timely way to emerging AOD trends with a relatively fixed budget, UWM must continue to prioritize, expand and make the most of collaborations among multidisciplinary stakeholders on campus and within the community. An additional area of growth is to better understand students’ current behaviors, AOD access points, concerns and interests concerning substance use and to quickly respond by adapting, creating or communicating about health education, policy, referrals or other types of resources. Finally, there is room to increase participation in existing evidence-based prevention programming.
Recommendations for Next Biennium
The Biennial Review Team identified the following recommendations for the next biennium:
- Proactively engage more frequently with students through surveys, focus groups or other means to gauge and better understand their current behavior, interests and concerns regarding substance use.
- Build on its evidence-based prevention foundation to implement timely, innovative and evidence-informed prevention efforts to address emerging alcohol and drug use trends, conditions and risk factors, including but not limited to the opioid epidemic, emerging products such as varieties of synthetic THC, and evolving laws and societal norms concerning cannabis.
- Increase engagement of campus and community stakeholders in AOD programming and prevention efforts for residential and non-residential students, including BASICS; bystander intervention training; recovery support; referral and treatment support; and the alignment of AOD prevention efforts with other health and well-being priorities.
- Continue to evaluate, adjust, and strategically sustain the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program within the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Conclusion
UWM continues to work toward, as outlined in this report, a collaborative, comprehensive and evidence-informed strategy for AOD prevention and intervention. UWM is committed to ongoing work with students, faculty, and staff to achieve the recommendations set forth for the next biennium to create a safer and healthier campus community.
Appendices
Appendix A – Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Certification
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations [EDGAR Part 86]
Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Certification
The undersigned certifies that it has adopted and implemented an alcohol and other drug prevention
program for its students and employees that, at a minimum, includes –
1. The annual distribution to each employee, and to each student who is taking one or more classes
of any kind of academicc redit except for continuinge ducation units, regardlesso f the length of the
student’s program of study, of:
• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or
distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of
any of its activities
• A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State, or Federal law for the unlawful
possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol
• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation or re-entry programs
that are available to employees or students
• A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and
employees (consistent with State and Federal law), and a description of those sanctions, up to
and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for
violations of th? standards of conduct. A disciplinary sanction may include the completion of an
appropriate rehabilitation program.
2. A biennial review by the institution of its alcohol and other drug prevention comprehensive
program to:
• Determine its effectiveness and implement changes to its comprehensive alcohol and other drug
prevention program and policies, if they are needed
• Ensure that its disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
P.O. BOX 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Mark A. Mone
Typed Name of Chief Executive Officer
fl.L 1/./f.–
Signature of the Chief Executive Officer
12-13-24 _________ _
Date
39-1805963
IRS Employer Identification Number
414-229-4331
Telephone Number
mone@uwm.edu
e-mail address
Appendix B – Citations
Department of Health and Human Services – National Institute on Drug Abuse and Alcoholism. (2019).
CollegeAIM NIAAA’s Alcohol Intervention Matrix. Retrieved from https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/collegeaim/ https://www.collegedrinkingpreventio n.gov/collegeaim
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Prevention with a purpose: A Strategic planning guide for preventing drug misuse among college students. Arlington, VA.
Fischer B, Russell C, Sabioni P, van den Brink W, Le Foll B, Hall W, Rehm J, Room R. (2018) Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: A Comprehensive Update of Evidence and Recommendations. Am J Public Health,108(5), e2. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103381
Harris, K. S., Baker, A. K., Kimball, T. G., & Shumway, S. T. (2008). Achieving Systems-Based Sustained Recovery: A Comprehensive Model for Collegiate Recovery Communities. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, 2(2-4), 220–237. https://doi.org/10.1080/15560350802080951
Laudet, A., Harris, K., Kimball, T., Winters, K. C., & Moberg, D. P. (2014). Collegiate Recovery Communities Programs: What Do We Know and What Do We Need to Know? Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 14(1), 84–100. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533256x.2014.872015
Laudet, A. B., Harris, K., Winters, K., Moberg, D. P., & Kimball, T. (2015). Results from the first nationwide survey of students in collegiate recovery programs. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 146, e170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.378
McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An Ecological Perspective on Health Promotion Programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 351–377. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019818801500401
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). New York: The Guilford Press.
Naumann, R.B., Durrance, C.P., Ranapurwala, S.I., Austin, A.E., Proescholdbell, S., Childs, R., Marshall, S.W., Kansagra, S., Shanahan, M.E. (2019). Impact of a community-based naloxone distribution program on opioid overdose death rates. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 1;204:107536. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.06.038. Epub 2019 Aug 30. PMID: 31494440; PMCID: PMC8107918.
The White House Executive Office of the President – Office of National Drug Control Policy. (2022).
National Drug Control Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/National-Drug-Control-2022Strategy.pdf
Travelbee, J. (1971). Interpersonal aspects of nursing. Philadelphia, PA: Davis Co.
Walters, S. T., Vader, A. M., & Harris, T. R. (2006). A Controlled Trial of Web-Based Feedback for Heavy Drinking College Students. Prevention Science, 8(1), 83–88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-006-0059-9