| Memo to: | All UH-Downtown/PS Holders | UH-Downtown/PS 02.A.07 | |
| From: | Manuel T. Pacheco, President | Issue No.1 | |
| Subject: | Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) | Effective Date: 4/27/90 | |
| 1. PURPOSE | |
| 1.1 This PS establishes university responsibilities with regard to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), AIDS-Related Complex diseases (ARC), and HIV-positive. The university acknowledges its responsibility to promote a safe, healthy and supportive campus community. To that end its primary response is to educate its students and employees about the disease. | |
| 1.2 Definitions and policy perspectives: | |
1.2.1 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is the most severe form of infection caused by a virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus causes a breakdown of the body's immune system. As a result, a person with AIDS can acquire a variety of infections that can be fatal. |
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| 1.2.2 AIDS-Related Complex, or ARC, describes a less severe condition in which the individual is infected and develops immune abnormalities. In the early stages, people with ARC may appear healthy but can transmit the virus to others. In some cases, the immune response deteriorates until the individual develops the unusual infections which characterize the condition known as AIDS. | |
| 1.2.3 A positive test for HIV indicates that the person has had contact with the virus and could transmit the disease even though symptoms are not exhibited. | |
| 1.2.4 The policy perspective represented in this PS statement reflects current medical knowledge indicating that students or employees with any form of HIV infection pose no health risk to other students or employees in an academic setting. | |
| 2. POLICY/PROCEDURES | |
| 2.1 The University of Houston-Downtown is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the admission and enrollment of qualified students and the employment of qualified university personnel. This commitment applies to students and employees identified as HIV-positive or as having ARC or AIDS. | |
| 2.2 Students or employees of the university with transmissible diseases, including those testing HIV-positive, are obligated to protect the welfare of the university community. | |
| 2.3 The university, recognizing its primary role as educational, will provide advice, information, assistance and referral to students and employees concerning AIDS, ARC, and HIV-positive. Programs and written materials will be made available through Student Health Services (SHS), Counseling and Testing Services (CTS), Personnel Services, Residence Life, and the university's Wellness Task Force. Additional written materials will be available in the library, student lounge, and other strategic locations. | |
| 2.4 On an annual basis and in accordance with Section 5.01 of the HIV Services Act and the guidelines endorsed by the Texas Department of Health, the university will distribute to all employees an informational pamphlet about the transmission of HIV and its prevention. New hires will be given the information at the time of their employment. | |
| 2.5 The university's policy on AIDS will be published in the student handbook and the faculty and staff handbooks. | |
| 2.6 Students or employees who identify themselves to any university official as having AIDS, ARC, or testing HIV-positive, should be encouraged to inform SHS or CTS in order to receive proper medical advice, counsel, or referral. Their identities shall remain confidential in all instances. | |
| 2.7 The SHS will arrange for HIV anti-bodies testing for students and employees upon request by the individual seeking the test. All testing is conducted confidentially and includes pretest and posttest counseling and education according to the guidelines established by the Texas Department of Health and the American College Health Association. | |
| 2.8 Guidelines for Residence Life staff in managing students with AIDS, ARC, or who have tested HIV-positive: | |
| 2.8.1 The Residence Life staff will encourage the student with AIDS, ARC, or a positive antibody test for HIV to discuss his or her situation with campus officials of SHS or CTS on a confidential basis in order that potential difficulties can be anticipated. It is important that all such students have someone to whom they can turn for advice, support, and understanding. | |
| 2.9 Right to a safe work place. | |
| 2.9.1 The presence of an AIDS, ARC or HIV-positive employee or student does not pose a threat to the physical health of other employees or students. It is lawful and safe, under normal circumstances, for employees to be required to work with persons with HIV and for students to attend classes with these individuals. The university follows the HIV/AIDS Model Workplace Guidelines Approved by the Texas Board of Health, December 9. 1989, Amended Final Rules, January 27, 1990. Copies of the guidelines are available in Personnel Services. Jobs or classes involving the use of human blood or semen may pose a risk to individuals. The employer or instructor should take precautions to lessen the risk using the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. The CDC guidelines are available in SHS and appropriate departmental offices. | |
| 2.9.2 All individuals who are HIV positive or who have been diagnosed with ARC or AIDS, are protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972. If individuals become ill to the point that they cannot fulfill their regular responsibilities, but are able and desire to continue working in less mentally or physically demanding capacities, the university will make a reasonable effort to accommodate the handicap of its employees. | |
| 2.9.3 Employees will not be discharged with the express purpose of deprivation of employee benefits once it is known that they have AIDS, ARC, or are HIV-positive. | |
| 2.10 Release of information to the public. | |
| 2.10.1 The office of University Relations (UR) will coordinate the release of information regarding university policy and programs to off-campus inquiries. UR will consult with appropriate departments and offices regarding the information to be released. | |
| 3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES | |
| Responsible Party (Reviewer): Dean of Student Affairs Review: As needed Reprint of original policy statement. Signed original on file in the President's Office. |