HIV/AIDS Policy

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a serious disease caused by infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses have become world-wide public health problems.  Since the number of HIV cases continues to be problematic, especially on an international basis, and because many students participate in what are deemed high-risk behaviors, every member of the St. Lawrence University community has a responsibility to participate in on-going education regarding the disease.

It is the responsibility of each student to become educated about high-risk behavior and safer sex practices.  Since any sexual activity has associated health risks, students should conduct their lives under the assumption that everyone is HIV positive.  Most people who are infected with HIV don’t know it and as members of a community, we do not need to know who is infected if we adopt the assumption that everyone is.  For educational purposes, visit these internet links:  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv and http://www.who.int/hiv/en/.

Part of St. Lawrence University’s response to AIDS is a residential policy guided by the recommendations of the American College Health Association (ACHA) and the Public Health Service.  This residential policy responds to the changing information about AIDS.  This policy provides structure for educational efforts by the University and for a supportive environment for individuals who are HIV positive or who have AIDS. A summary of major policy points follows.

A. Confidentiality and Informing:  AIDS, AIDS-related illnesses, or a positive HIV antibody test is a private and confidential matter.  There is no requirement that an individual reveal this information to anyone on campus.  However, students are encouraged to  inform the health center so that proper medical care can be provided.  This information is kept confidential.  No information is released to faculty, administration, or parents, without the written consent of the patient.  This position with respect to health records is in accordance with the recommendations of the American College Health Association and is supported by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
B. HIV Testing:  HIV testing is available for individuals who are concerned about the possibility of having acquired HIV/AIDS. The St. Lawrence University Health Center will provide pre and post test counseling and order the HIV test to be performed through the Canton-Potsdam Hospital laboratory.  Testing may also be obtained at the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department in Canton. Release of any test results or discussion content with either the health center or testing site staff is granted only with the written permission of the individual, as pursuant with State code.
C. Access to Services:  The University seeks to develop a comfortable environment for living and learning for individuals with HIV/AIDS.  Resources are available to meet the special needs of these individuals, and those wishing to use these resources are encouraged to contact the health center.  A University medical professional, in consultation with the individual’s personal physician, will assess the medical, educational, and counseling needs of the individual and make appropriate referrals and contacts.          
D. Residence:  The best currently available medical information indicates that HIV infection cannot be contracted by sharing a residence hall room with an infected person.  For an infected person, however, there may be a risk in sharing a room because this increases the chance of being exposed to contagious diseases which are dangerous to someone with a compromised immune system.  The health center may recommend that a student with HIV/AIDS be given a single room.  The specific reason for the recommendation would remain confidential.           
E. Facilities/Participation:  There is no medical or social justification for restricting individuals with HIV/AIDS from access to campus dining facilities, athletic complexes, student centers, theaters, or other common areas.  Individuals with HIV/AIDS are not  restricted from classroom participation or other University activities.  However, these individuals are encouraged to seek medical advice if they wish to participate in athletic programs.

F. Safety:  Residence staff, security staff, first responders and custodians are trained to follow safety guidelines when working with human blood and body fluids.  All spills which occur in common areas should be reported to Security immediately.  These areas will be restricted until they are cleaned.  Blood-contaminated surfaces should be cleaned with appropriate disinfectants.  Individuals engaged in cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces should wear either latex or plastic gloves.  Body fluids such as tears, vomitus, urine, and feces are thought to confer low or no risk of HIV infection unless they contain apparent blood.  However, the use of gloves when handling or disposing of such materials is strongly recommended.