This policy addresses general principles, which the university agrees are essential for the entire campus.  Detailed procedures consistent with this policy shall be developed by individual colleges and departments as necessary.  These procedures will be submitted to the chairperson of the University HIV Committee for committee review before implementation.

1. No current or prospective member of the university community shall be required to receive an HIV antibody test or other diagnostic tests associated with HIV as a condition of admission or employment.
    

2. Persons with HIV are to be treated with respect and dignity.  They are not to be discriminated against or denied any service due to them on the basis of existing or perceived HIV status.  Complaints are to be directed to the affirmative action officer.
    

3. Persons with HIV shall continue their education and/or maintain their current jobs and work assignments as long as their health permits.  Realizing the episodic nature of the illness and possible limitations brought about by their disability, persons with HIV may request reasonable accommodations be made to allow them to continue their employment or academic program of studies.  Employees should direct requests for reasonable accommodations to the Office of Human Resources.  Students should direct requests to the Office of Advising and Testing.  The university, upon review, will attempt to accommodate requests to the extent it is operationally feasible.
    

4. Employees of the university who refuse or object to working with persons who have or are perceived to have HIV should be counseled and educated in:

   1. the nature of HIV 
   2. transmission of HIV 
   3. the commonwealth's and university's policies on HIV
   Should the employee continue to refuse to work with or provide service to those individuals, the person may be subject to appropriate progressive discipline up to and including dismissal.
    

5. Members of the university community with HIV have a responsibility to be aware of information and follow recommendations from the Center for Disease control to prevent HIV transmission to others. 

Definitions:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus transmitted through direct exposure with HIV-infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.  HIV infection may severely impair the immune system, resulting in the body's not having its normal ability to combat diseases.  This produces a spectrum of illnesses referred to as HIV Disease.  AIDS is the most severe condition of HIV Disease. 

Responsibilities:

The University HIV Committee is responsible for responding to HIV-related questions that arise. 

Procedures:

1. It is incumbent upon individual colleges and departments to develop procedures regarding HIV, which reflect the unique needs of the department.

2. Confidentiality procedures will be strictly followed as outlined in the Management Directive 505.26 AIDS and HIV Infections in the Workplace.  A copy of the Management Directive may be obtained through Human Resources.

3. All college or department procedures or documents pertaining to HIV will be reviewed by the University HIV Committee and legal counsel prior to implementation.

The University HIV Committee will provide technical assistance and support for procedure development.  Current guidelines from CDC, OSHA, ACHA, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Americans with Disabilities Act are available from the Pechan Health Center, Center for Student Life, Office of Human Resources, Office of the provost, Office of the vice president for Student Affairs, offices of AFSCME and APSCUF, and Stapleton Library reserve area.