HIV/AIDS Policy

Scope

Students

Policy Statement

Syracuse University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of diagnoses of HIV infection or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Knowledge of a person’s HIV status should be treated in a confidential manner by all members of the University community.

No restrictions will be automatically placed on students, staff, or faculty who are known to have HIV infection in terms of their abilities to work, study, or take part in activities on campus. Nevertheless, the University will consider the interests of the affected individual, the University, and the University community. Professional opinion, based on acceptable public health guidelines, will be used in deciding how to respond to specific requirements of individuals with AIDS on campus.

Each case shall be considered individually. It is expected that such case-by-case consideration will use guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, American College Health Association, and other recognized authorities on the disease. These decisions will also be guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the University’s exposure control plan as set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.

This policy is based on current scientific and medical information which indicates that persons with HIV infection do not necessarily pose a health risk to others in a campus setting. Currently, there is no documented medical evidence of risk created by living in the same house with, caring for, eating food handled by, being coughed or sneezed upon, casual kissing, or swimming in a pool with an infected person. Known avenues of transmission include blood and body fluid exchange and sexual intercourse.

As with other diseases and conditions which may affect persons at the University from time to time, the University is unable to ensure that a member of the University community may not be exposed to HIV infection. Therefore, the University urges that all members of the University become informed about the infection in order that each person may take precautions as (s)he determines appropriate.

Although HIV testing is not mandatory, Health Services provides confidential testing for the University student population in accordance with the New York State Department of Health guidelines specific to the provisions of pre- and post-test counseling and consent for testing. Information regarding other testing sites within the Syracuse community is available at the center for all members of the University community.

In order to facilitate HIV education and because the primary mission of the University is education, the University is committed to the goal of educating students, faculty, and employees about HIV- and AIDS-related conditions.

Policy Administration

Date: August 2005
Amended: 10/08/13