Posted 8:29 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
UWL HR Policy - Drug-Free Workplace
HR will be providing a review, synopsis, and reminder of important employment polices and procedures to UWL employees. Included is a brief synopsis of UWL HR Policy, Drug-Free Workplace. This policy establishes parameters what is considered a drug on campus and how to encourage a drug-free work environment. This policy applies to all employees, including student. The drug-free workplace policy is designed to speak to the adverse effects of drug abuse on employee job performance, health, safety, and campus security. This UWL policy, in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and Wisconsin Administrative Code and Wisconsin Statutes, is intended to foster a drug-free, healthful, and safe work environment for all. It is recommended to review the policy in full which can be found here.
A. Policy Detail
- Drug abuse and dependency is a national social and health problem, with devastating consequences to individuals, their friends, and family. UWL is concerned about the adverse effects of drug abuse on employee job performance, health, safety, and campus security.
- The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 requires educational institutions to conduct a biennial review of their program to determine its effectiveness and to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions described are consistently enforced.
- The purpose of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse policy statement is to give the general parameters within which various campus units may formulate rules and regulations. Rules and regulations formulated by units must be consistent with this general policy statement. Examples of units are Residence Life, Student Centers, and Athletics.
B. Alcohol
Alcohol Beverages - the use or possession of alcoholic beverages (fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquors containing 0.5% or more of alcohol by volume) is prohibited on all University premises, except as permitted by the chief administrative officer, subject to statutory age restrictions. The chief administrative officer may generally permit the use or possession of alcohol beverages by promulgating institutional regulations as provided under Administrative Code (UWS 18.09) or in specific instances by written permission.
It is illegal to procure for, sell, dispense, or give away alcohol to anyone who has not reached the legal drinking age of 21 years. Section 125.07(1)(a)(1), Stats. Every adult has a legal obligation to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on premises owned by the adult or under the adult's control. Section 125.07(1)(a)(3), Stats
Alcohol dependency is a treatable disease that touches all members of the University community in some way. Since alcohol dependency is a disease, the University should be an active participant in its prevention through education as well as assisting people in dealing with this disease. Educational procedures and treatment is outlined in detail, found in the full policy (#9).
When alcohol misuse and/or abuse is apparent within the University community the individual will be confronted and referred for assessment. Based upon this assessment, the appropriate educational and treatment options will be presented. If the behavior persists, which threatens disorder, public disturbances; danger to the individual or property damage, the normal University conduct codes will be enforced.
Lastly, local off-campus promotional activities which promote the use of alcohol primarily directed to students will be actively discouraged.
C. Drugs, Other than Alcohol
The use or possession of controlled substance as defined in Chapter 961.495, Wis. Stats, is prohibited on all University property except as expressly permitted by law or university policy.
UW-La Crosse Standards of Conduct and University Sanctions Concerning Illicit Drugs and Alcohol:
The University of Wisconsin System and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, manufacture, or dispensing of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on University property or as part of university activities.
University employees are subject to disciplinary sanctions for violation of these provisions occurring on University property or the worksite or during work time, up to and including termination from employment. Disciplinary sanctions are initiated and imposed in accordance with applicable procedural requirements and work rules, as set forth in Wisconsin statutes, administrative rules faculty and academic staff policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Referral for prosecution under criminal law is also possible. Further, violations of UWS 18.09, Wis. Adm. Code may result in additional penalties as allowed under ch. UWS 18, Wis. Adm. Code.
Employees who are convicted of any criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace must notify their dean, director, or department chair within 5 days of the conviction if the employees are employed by the University at the time of the conviction. The dean, director, or department chair will immediately notify the Office of Human Resources of any employee convictions to ensure any further action/notification is made.
The Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 961 of the Wisconsin Statutes regulates controlled substances and outlines specific penalties for the violation of the regulations. Penalties vary according to the type of drug involved, the amount of drug confiscated, the number of previous convictions, and the presence of any aggravating factors. The distribution of a controlled substance to a minor can lead to additional penalties according to Section 961.46, Wisc. Stats.
Please see the full policy for Federal Penalties for Illegal Trafficking of Controlled Substances here. The following drugs, other than alcohol, are considered prohibited from University grounds and will be subject to further employment action:
- Anabolic Steroids
- Cannabis
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Narcotics
- Stimulants
D. Summary of the Health Effects of the Use and Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol
The following is a partial list of drugs and the consequences of their use. The abuse of alcohol and the use of other drugs is detrimental to the health of the user. Further, the use of drugs and alcohol is not conducive to an academic atmosphere. Drugs impede the learning process and can cause disruption for other students and disturb their academic interests. The use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace may also impede the employee's ability to perform in a safe and effective manner, and may result in injuries to others. Early diagnosis and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse is in the best interests of the student, employee, and the University. (For additional information concerning the health risks associated with substances covered by the Controlled Substances Act, refer the U.S. Department of Justice publication, Drugs of Abuse, 2011 edition.)
Resources:
For Students and Employees
- Coulee Council on Addictions (608) 784-4177 (assessment, referral, treatment options)
- First Call for Help-211 (800) 362-8255 (Great Rivers 2-1-1)
- Mayo Clinic Health System (608) 785-0940
- Gundersen Health System (608) 782-7300
- Local phone book (listings of assessment, treatment, and other services available)
For Students only
- UW-La Crosse Counseling & Testing Center (608) 785-8073 (assessment and referral)
For Employees only
- UW-La Crosse Office of Human Resources (608) 785-8013 (benefits coverage, policies, etc.)
The University of Wisconsin System provides information regarding UW-System policy at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/policies/
