From: Office of the Chancellor ooc@chancellor.uwm.edu
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 9:00 AM
Subject: Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace
Office of the Chancellor
Campus Update
from Chancellor Gibson
October 31, 2025
Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace
Dear Colleagues,
UW-Milwaukee is subject to two federal statutes that 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 and sanctions regarding alcohol and other drugs, as well as prevention programs and resources.
The Drug-Free Campus Notifications webpage was created to meet these requirements. This includes:
- A copy of 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.
- A list of available campus and community resources for drug and alcohol
misuse.
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) is 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, chief legal counsel (414-229-4730), or Makda Fessahaye, associate vice chancellor for human resources (414-229-4463). If you have any questions concerning the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, please call Crysta Jarczynski, alcohol & other drug misuse prevention coordinator, in the Student Health and Wellness Center (414-251-9084). 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, Acentra Health, 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 Drugs page of the Student Health and Wellness Center website. I encourage you to review these websites, which include information on how you can support campus prevention efforts, 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.
Together, with awareness, resources and care for each other, we can address and reduce problems related to substance use and contribute to a safe and healthy campus community.
Best,
Dr. Thomas Gibson
Chancellor
Office of the Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2310 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211