However, in the University's sole discretion, an employee or student may be permitted to continue in employment or enrollment if he or she satisfactorily participates in an approved rehabilitation program. If no existing procedures are in place for an alleged violation by a particular student or employee, the University will adapt other review procedures so as to ensure the individual the opportunity for a fair review, including the right to be heard. However, a criminal conviction shall not be necessary to find that a student or employee has violated these standards of conduct, and the University need not, and ordinarily will not, defer its own actions and sanctions pending the outcome of any criminal proceeding. Health Risks Substance abuse and drug dependency are the leading causes of preventable illness, disability and death in the United States and are estimated to afflict 25.5 million Americans. This number increases dramatically when one considers the harm done to the families and loved ones of substance abusers and to those injured or killed by intoxicated drivers.
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior.
Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the risk of accident. Low to moderate doses also increase the incidence of aggressive behavior, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses severely impair a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce these effects.