SFSU Policy/Guidelines Concerning HIV and AIDS
Practice Directive: P005
Issued October, 1993

The following policy and procedures/guidelines are designed for San Francisco State University faculty, staff and students and are based on California State University directives.* These guidelines are consistent with current epidemiological data indicating that the HIV virus is not spread by casual person-to-person contact and that students or employees with HIV/AIDS, do not pose a health risk to other students and employees in an academic setting.

POLICY: Students and employees with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) shall be afforded unrestricted classroom attendance, working conditions, use of University facilities and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities as long as they are physically and psychologically able to do so.

RESPONSIBILITY: San Francisco State University has established an AIDS Coordinating Committee to plan a comprehensive educational program and to develop administrative procedures that address campus issues related to HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Coordinating Committee, comprised of faculty, staff and students, is broadly representative of the campus community in order to address the medical, personal, administrative and legal issues associated with the disease. Procedures developed are consistent with provisions specified in collective bargaining agreements.

Further, a Steering Committee has been appointed to develop and implement San Francisco State University policy on HIV/AIDS related issues. Acting within Committee guidelines, appropriate administrators shall analyze the individual circumstances and respond to persons with HIV/AIDS on a case-by-case basis. Campus flexibility is necessary in order to evaluate each case based upon the individual's ability to function, the needs of the campus community and the legal obligations involved.

Communication links have been established with county health agencies and community HIV/AIDS centers in order to obtain current medical and referral information. There are a number of resources available on campus for students and employees who are concerned about HIV/AIDS. For more information, individuals are encouraged to contact Student Health Services, members on the AIDS Steering and Coordinating Committees, Human Resources Department, Office of Faculty Affairs or the Executive Dean of Students' Office. Appropriate education and/or counseling shall be provided on campus or referral shall be made to appropriate community agencies for those persons with continuing fears or concerns about the disease.

PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES: The following procedures/guidelines are intended to provide direction for dealing with HIV/AIDS related issues in order to protect the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS to create an informed and supportive campus community and to prevent the spread of the virus.

1. San Francisco State University shall provide reasonable accommodation and shall provide assistance in obtaining appropriate medical care and education for employees and students with HIV/AIDS in a manner consistent with that provided for other medical problems. San Francisco State University shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
2. In accordance with University procedures and requirements, medical conditions and medical records are confidential and may not be released without permission, except as otherwise provided by law.
3. There shall be no screening of students and employees for HIV/AIDS, and no consideration of the existence of HIV/AIDS shall be made in a decision for admission to the University or employment with the University.
4. Those who are known to be immunologically deficient should be excused from institutional requirements for certain live, attenuated vaccines as the benefit and/or risks of these vaccines is uncertain at this time (e.g., measles and rubella).
5. Access shall not be restricted for persons with HIV/AIDS, to residence halls, libraries, student unions, social, cultural and athletic events, dining areas, gymnasia, swimming pools, recreation facilities, working environments and other common areas on campus.
6. San Francisco State University shall take necessary steps to ensure the safety of individuals participating in laboratory experiments involving blood, blood products and body fluids. Students participating in field work experiences in community health care settings shall be provided assurance by the training facility that it is in compliance with the United States Public Health Service's guideline for the handling of blood, blood products and body fluids.
7. Student Health Services shall review its protocols to ensure that they are consistent with the guidelines proposed by the United States Public Health Service for the handling of blood, blood products and body fluids. The Student Health Services shall be familiar with sources for testing for HIV/AIDS and shall refer persons requesting such testing to appropriate community agencies. Regular medical follow-ups shall be encouraged for those who have HIV/AIDS. Special provisions to protect the health of persons with HIV/AIDS shall be considered during periods of prevalence of such contagious diseases as measles, rubella and chicken pox.

*The guidelines are based on information obtained form several sources including the American College Health Association, the American Council on Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Article 38 S.F. Municipal Code and are intended to reduce fears and dispel myths regarding AIDS related issues. For a copy of the CSU AIDS Policy and Guidelines, contact the Manager of Benefits and Training, Human Resources Department.