Policies & Procedures

Miscellaneous

Communicable Disease Policy - 3G3

General Policy

Communicable diseases are illnesses which are capable of being transmitted from one person to another through direct contact, indirect contact, or environmental exposure. Southern Illinois University is committed to protecting the health and safety of the University community while respecting the rights, privacy, and dignity of individuals affected by communicable diseases. The University will comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and public health guidance, including that of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This policy establishes guiding principles for the prevention, response, and management of communicable diseases and applies to all students, employees, and individuals participating in University programs and activities.

Policy Foundations

1. University decisions will be guided by current medical knowledge, public health guidance, and professional standards of care.
2. University actions will recognize and consider both the interests of the individual members of the University community and the safety of the University community.
3. Public Health responses will be evidence-based, proportionate, and consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
4. Decisions involving students or employees with communicable diseases will be made on a case-by-case basis, based on medical information, risk of transmission, and applicable legal protections.

Non-Discrimination

1. The University shall not unlawfully discriminate in enrollment, employment, or participation in University programs against any individual with a communicable disease or perceived communicable disease status.
2. University actions will comply with applicable federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and applicable Illinois public health statutes.
3. Reasonable accommodations may be considered when appropriate and consistent with public health guidance and applicable law.

Confidentiality

1. The University shall comply with all applicable statutes and regulations that protect the privacy and welfare of members of the University community who may have a communicable disease.
2. The University will maintain procedural safeguards throughout the University with the objective of protecting the privacy of individuals with communicable diseases.
3. Medical and health information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and relevant professional standards.
4. Confidential medical information will be disclosed only as permitted or required by law, including when necessary to protect public health or safety.
5. The University will not disclose the identity of any employee or student who has a communicable disease, except as authorized by law or when necessary for the administration of this policy.

University Responsibilities

1. The University shall promote education and awareness regarding communicable diseases.
2. The University shall identify and provide information regarding sources of competent and confidential testing for communicable diseases and counseling services when requested.
3. The University shall identify sources of qualified medical care and encourage individuals with communicable diseases to seek appropriate medical attention.
4. University units shall adopt and implement appropriate safety and prevention practices consistent with the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and other relevant authorities.
5. Situations involving students or employees with communicable diseases will be evaluated on an individualized basis considering medical information, public health guidance, confidentiality, and the best interests of all parties involved.
6. The University will comply with applicable communicable disease reporting requirements as established by state and local public health authorities.

Public Health Emergencies

1. During declared public health emergencies, the University may implement temporary mitigation measures consistent with federal, state, or local public health directives in order to protect the health and safety of the University community.
2. Such measures may include public health guidance, operational adjustments, or other reasonable actions necessary to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
3. The University will cooperate with and follow guidance issued by local, state, and federal public health authorities when responding to communicable disease concerns affecting the campus community.

The University may issue additional procedures, guidance, or operational protocols as needed to implement this policy and respond to evolving public health conditions.

The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will administer this policy.