Communicable Diseases

Concern for the health and welfare of students and employees prompts the College to establish a policy with regard to communicable diseases. Communicable disease include, but not limited to, measles, chicken pox, meningitis, influenza, viral hepatitis-A (infectious hepatitis), viral hepatitis-B (serum hepatitis), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection), Pertussis (whooping cough), AIDS, AIDS-Related Complex (ARC), leprosy, and tuberculosis. For the purpose of this policy, the term "HIV infection" shall include AIDS, AIDS-Related Complex (ARC), and a positive test for the antibody to human immunodeficiency virus. Other communicable diseases, such as hepatitis B, are more infectious and may pose a more immediate health risk.

All staff, faculty and students are encouraged to seek medical assistance or guidance form the College's Health and Wellness Center (or other healthcare provider) in the event they have concerns about communicable diseases.

All staff, faculty and students with communicable diseases shall so inform the Director of Health & Wellness. This information will be handles in strict confidence with key administrators on a need to know basis. Those students, staff or faculty with positive test results for AIDS or HIV are not required to so inform the College administration.

In the event that an individualized assessment must be made as to the ability of an employee or student to continue to work, reside, attend class or participate in College sponsored activities with or without limitations, medical and health information will be disclosed only on a need to know basis. In the event that an individual has been identified as having AIDS, ARC or HIV infection, no information will be disclosed concerning the medical condition except as authorized by laws.

The President on a case-by-case basis shall determine continued presence in the College setting by students staff, or faculty with communicable diseases. Such decisions shall be based on medical opinion regarding the condition of the student or employee with the communicable disease. Recommendations may be sought from the physician treating the student or employee, from the Division of Public Health, or from an ad hoc advisory panel of health care professionals convened for the purpose. The College may require the student or employee to submit to a periodic review of the individual's medical status as a condition of continued attendance or employment.

 If the decision is made to limit the employment status or duties of an employee or limit the activities of a student because of a communicable disease, the aggrieved individual may appeal to a panel made up of: Director of the Counseling Center , College Physician, Vice-President appointed by the President, Chief Administration Officer, and ADA Coordinator.

This appeals committee will convene as soon as is practical, hear evidence as it deems necessary, and make its determination.

Staff, faculty and students who have communicable diseases (including but not limited to measles, chicken pox, meningitis, influenza, viral hepatitis-A (infectious hepatitis), viral hepatitis-B (serum hepatitis), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection), Pertussis(whooping cough), AIDS, AIDS-Related Complex (ARC), leprosy, and tuberculosis) will not be barred from working, teaching, residing, participating in College sponsored activities, or attending classes at SJC unless the individual poses a substantial threat to him/herself or others.