AIDS Policy

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, including AIDS Related Complex (ARC) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is a serious and possibly fatal illness which has invaded college campuses nationwide. In an effort to be prepared to address the needs of any UMW student or employee who should develop this disease, a comprehensive AIDS policy has been developed. In brief, this policy provides that:

1. Students who have HIV infection, whether or not they are symptomatic, are allowed to attend class as long as they are physically and mentally able.
2. Students, faculty and staff with HIV infection cannot be restricted in their access to the campus center, theater, restaurant, snack bar, gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna, recreational facilities, library or other common areas.
3. HIV-infected persons cannot be denied residential housing and the University does not advise students living in a residence hall of the presence there of students with HIV infection. In some circumstances, and with medical advice, the Office of Residence Life may recommend to students with immune deficiencies that they be assigned to private rooms or consider off-campus living in order to protect their health.
4. Employees infected with HIV cannot be excluded from employment or restricted in their access to University facilities or services unless restriction is necessary to protect the welfare of the infected individual.
5. No current student, faculty member or employee can be required to divulge his/her medical status regarding HIV infection apart from exceptions stated in the policy. Consideration of the existence of HIV infection is not part of the admission decision for students applying to the University or the hiring decision for those seeking employment.
6. The University does not screen employees, faculty or students for HIV infection. Any person requesting testing is referred to the local Health Department for anonymous testing.
7. Information concerning a student or employee shared with members of the Health Center or Psychological Services Center staff fall under the usual legal and ethical guidelines that govern medical and psychological information. When an infected individual elects to share information with other campus offices – e.g., the Office of Residence Life or the Office of Human Resources – confidentiality will be maintained.

The University policy on AIDS further establishes procedures covering voluntary disclosure, record keeping, education, serving the infected person’s needs and the provision of appeals, procedures for incidences of discrimination and harassment. Persons with AIDS are protected from discrimination through the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained from the UMW Health Center or UMW Office of Human Resources.