Policy Statement
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh recognizes that its employees are important and that each person enhances the services and programs of the University. The University further realizes that its employees may experience a wide range of problems from time to time, and that usually employees are able to cope successfully with these situations as they occur. In some cases, however, employees may desire assistance with their problems, especially if these problems persist and/or if job performance is affected.
Since 1979 UW Oshkosh has offered an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their families with concerns such as job stress, marital and family discord, alcohol and other drug abuse, and legal, financial, emotional or medical problems. An employee or family member may elect to use this service through self-referral or through referrals from family members, co-workers, union stewards, or supervisors/department chairpersons. All information regarding the use of the program is strictly confidential within state and federal guidelines, and an employee's job security or promotional opportunity will not be jeopardized due to involvement in the program. The program is free, and any subsequent referrals to community agencies are often covered by the employee's health insurance.
The EAP also helps supervisors, chairpersons, and union stewards address employee job performance problems. This is to ensure that our employees get the help they need as soon as possible if problems are interfering with work. Information regarding the EAP should be offered as a standard part of any administrative action, and employees should be encouraged to contact the EAP, if appropriate. However, employee participation in the EAP should not be a substitute for administrative action for continued substandard job performance or work rule violations. Administrative action is based on job performance, not on whether the employee followed through with the EAP referral. EAP is a resource for employees, and like any other resource, is voluntary.
The EAP Director oversees the overall program and assists employees in problem identification and, if necessary, referral to community resources. The Director is supported by a twelve member Advisory Board representative of all UW staff groups. In addition to the Director of EAP, there are several professional EAP Counselors available to discuss employee problems and concerns.
In addition to providing help for troubled employees and their families, the EAP is firmly committed to the prevention of problems through health and wellness programming. This pro-active approach seeks to keep our employees healthy and prevent unnecessary problems from occurring. Thus through the many services of the EAP the University is concerned with the overall well-being of its most valuable asset -- its people.
For confidential inquires, call (920) 424-2061.
Approved Faculty Senate 5/03/89
Approved Academic Staff Senate 2/20/90
Approved WSEU Local 579 11/14/90
Revised EAP Advisory Board 3/06/91; 1/21/99
