F.7 Policy on Communicable Diseases

Date

The University of Southern Indiana will treat any member of its community—student, support staff, faculty, or administrator—with dignity and respect, including those affected by communicable diseases. To ensure both safety and respect for all in the campus community, the University abides by the most current Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policies as well as guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To foster an open, supportive, and informed environment, the University endorses the following six principles for dealing with communicable diseases in our community:

  1. Employment and admission/enrollment policies comply with federal, state, and local laws.
  2. We endorse a non-discrimination policy. Persons with infectious conditions or communicable diseases in the University of Southern Indiana community have the right to participate in all activities and functions of the University to the extent of their abilities, and to receive reasonable accommodation in their endeavors if necessary.
  3. Standard precautions will be followed in any situation where there is a potential for contact with blood and/or body fluids for any employee or student.
  4. When needed, the University will provide education on aspects of prevention of communicable disease transmission to the University community.
  5. Confidentiality will be protected for persons with communicable diseases. For some academic programs with required experiences such as clinical rotations, fieldwork, internships, and clinic work, there may be a “need to know” communicable disease status.
  6. The University will support these policies through communication to all current employees and students. Prospective employees and students will be provided this information upon request.

Additional information is available through Human Resources, Health Services, and University Relations.