Student Handbook - University of Dubuque

We have learned many things about AIDS, and while treatments and early care have greatlyincreased longevity, no cure has been found. Prevention of infection continues to be the focus.Much has been done to decrease the amount of overt discrimination to which an infectedindividual is subjected. In light of this, the University of Dubuque has adopted the followingguidelines. It is the policy of the University of Dubuque to respond on a case-by-case basis to anyknown case of the disease. Due to the uniqueness of each case, there is no predetermined wayany particular case will be handled. Through set guidelines, we hope to provide consistency,fairness, and accountability.Access to FacilitiesStudents with known HIV infections or AIDS will be allowed to attend the University in regularclassroom settings and will be eligible for all academic rights, privileges, and services providedto students. This includes University housing, access to the dining hall, and the use of athleticfacilities.ConfidentialityAll information will be kept in the office of the UD Medical Coordinator. HIV testing or the diagnosisof AIDS shall remain confidential until the individual gives written and specific consent when andwith whom the information shall be shared. The information will not be disclosed to staff, faculty,family, or students, including roommates, unless permission is granted. The only (rare) exceptionswill be those agencies, as specified by law, public health officials (case reporting), blood banks,and organ-procurement agencies. Should a case be present in which there is a clear, specificdanger of transmission that can be demonstrated by competent medical evidence, the assistanceof the local public health officials shall be enlisted.HIV Antibody Testing and CounselingHIV testing and counseling are available to all students through the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)in Dubuque (15th and Iowa Sts, 563/556-6200). The testing is confidential, anonymous, and(currently) free of charge. Please call ahead for an appointment.HousingStudents with known HIV infections or AIDS are permitted to live in University housing. No informationregarding a resident’s condition will be shared with anyone unless written permission is grantedby the resident. Residents may choose to inform their roommates or Residence Hall Director/AreaCoordinator about their status. However, they have no obligation to do so.No special priority is given to residents requesting room changes strictly because of the concernof becoming infected by the HIV virus. All residents are required to follow proper room changeprocedures. Staff may encourage concerned residents to seek AIDS information for moreclarification, if needed. Requests for single rooms, or approval to live off-campus, will be givendue consideration for students infected with HIV because they may be at an increased risk ofacquiring infections. Students requesting special housing status will be judged on a case-by-casebasis. As with any other serious mental or physical health condition, residents may beasked to leave because they are not receiving sufficient medical treatment and/or becausethey are detrimental to the educational living environment of the rest of the community.63