HIV Policy

Alfred University is sensitive to the expanding needs of those people who have contracted the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), whether these individuals may be HIV positive (demonstrating no symptoms of the infection), have AIDS Related Complex (ARC) (with some symptoms of chronic HIV infection), or demonstrate the symptoms of AIDS. Current medical knowledge indicates that those who are HIV positive or even have AIDS pose no health risk to other students or employees through casual contact in an academic setting. Presently, there is no evidence to support the existence of a risk to those sharing residence halls, athletic or campus facilities, or working beside HIV infected individuals.

People whose immune system has been affected by HIV are, however, at high risk for infection and may need protection from exposure to certain contagious diseases, such as herpes zoster (chicken pox/shingles), measles and other illnesses.

Education is of the highest priority in order both to inform the community of those behaviors that may place them at risk for infection, and to dispel misconceptions regarding transmission of HIV.

Policy:

  • No restrictions will be imposed by Alfred on students, faculty or other employees who are HIV positive, with or without the symptoms of AIDS, whose condition permits them to perform their jobs, study or take part in extracurricular activities on campus. The University will provide reasonable accommodations so that persons infected with HIV (or who have any other disabling illness) may continue to work, study and take part in campus activities. If accommodations or restrictions are needed, each situation will be considered individually, and a decision will be made based on medical and other appropriate information.
  • In cases where a person who is infected with HIV is at risk of exposure to contagious disease, steps may be taken to reduce the likelihood of such exposure by providing other living or work arrangements or other reasonable accommodations. Once again, each situation will be considered individually, and a decision will be made based on medical and other appropriate information.
  • Persons who are infected with HIV will be treated the same as persons with other illnesses for purposes of benefits, leaves of absence and all other unemployment and academic decisions.
  • Health Services staff will follow Universal precaution guidelines for infection control established by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA Guidelines.
  • Unless compelled to do so by law or regulation, it is the policy of the Wellness Center – Health Services and Wellness Center - Counseling Services staff not to disclose any information on the health status of any of their clients without that client's written permission. This policy includes those who are HIV positive.
  • The University will provide education and current, accurate information through the Wellness Center to all students, staff and faculty with the goal of educating the community and preventing the transmission of HIV.
  • Pre- and post-test counseling and testing for HIV will be accessible for students, and will be offered through the Wellness Center – Health Services. The charge for the laboratory test may be insurance billed or self paid through St. James Mercy Health. There is an additional option for testing through the Allegany Department of Health.