Chronic Communicable Diseases
UAFS places a high priority on the need to prevent the spread of chronic communicable diseases on campus. Because there is currently no cure or vaccine for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or many types of hepatitis, prevention of transmission is essential. Approximately 1-2 percent of middle-class Arkansans under the age of 20 will test positive for tuberculosis (TB), a disease of the lungs. The transmission risks of chronic communicable diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis can be greatly reduced by providing a program of education on prevention to students and employees. Equally important is to establish a policy regarding victims of chronic communicable diseases which safeguards individual rights while protecting others on campus from needless, careless exposure. Consequently, the following guidelines are hereby instituted:
- Individual Responsibility
A student who has a chronic communicable disease or who is a carrier of a chronic communicable disease may attend the university and participate in programs and activities whenever, through reasonable accommodation, there is no significant risk of transmission of the disease to others. A student who has a chronic communicable disease or who is a carrier of a chronic communicable disease may be denied admission to, or may be dismissed from, a particular program or course of study whenever such chronic communicable disease presents significant risks of transmission having a direct effect on the student’s ability to perform effectively, thereby rendering the student not qualified for the program or course of study.
No other person who has a chronic communicable disease or who is a carrier of a chronic communicable disease shall be denied the use of university facilities or services whenever, through reasonable accommodation, there is no significant risk of transmission of the disease to others. Willful or careless exposure of other persons by an individual who has or is a carrier of a chronic communicable disease is a reckless, inconsiderate, negligent act which endangers everyone. If it is determined that a person has or is a carrier of a chronic communicable disease and that person has not taken adequate precautions to prevent transmission of the disease to others, then that person will be subject to dismissal from the university.
- Reporting Procedures
Students shall notify the vice chancellor for student affairs if they have or are carriers of a chronic communicable disease. Such notification allows the university to evaluate each individual case and take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of transmission to others. Students who suspect they are suffering from TB or another chronic communicable disease must contact their doctor immediately. Local county health department units will be informed of all confirmed TB cases. Additionally, students are required to notify the vice chancellor for student affairs if TB is confirmed. The campus response to reported TB cases on campus will be fully coordinated with the Sebastian County Health Department. Students and faculty who shared classroom or office space with the individual will be notified. Confidentiality of the student will be protected. International students, as a part of the application for admission process, are required to obtain a medical doctor’s certification that no symptoms of the disease are present. Following enrollment and in accordance with Act 96 of 1913, international students are required to do additional testing to confirm the absence of TB symptoms.
A confidential appointment with the vice chancellor for student affairs may be arranged by calling 479-788-7310.
Immunization Record
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) pursuant to Act 141 of 1987 requires that full-time students and students housed on campus MUST provide the university with proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Proof of immunization, immunity, a medical or non-medical exemption, or birth before 1957 must be provided before being enrolled in courses. The following are acceptable proof:
- immunization record from another educational institution, a licensed medical doctor, or an authorized public health representative
- military service showing the dates MMR shots were given
In lieu of receiving vaccine, immunity may be shown by providing documented evidence of appropriate serological testing which must be submitted by the student to the Arkansas Department of Health, Immunization Section, 4815 W. Markham, Mail Slot 48, Little Rock, AR 72205. The ADH will send a letter to the student advising if immunity has been granted and it is the student’s responsibility to bring the letter to the Registar’s Office.
Proof of immunization may be waived only upon receipt by the Records Office of an authorized exemption from ADH for medical, religious or philosophical reasons. Exemption form can be requested by emailing the Arkansas Department of Health at immunization.section@arkansas.gov. These forms must be completed, notarized, and mailed to the ADH at 4815 W. Markham, Mail Slot 48, Little Rock, AR 72205. If approved the ADH will then send a letter confirming exemption and term to the student. It is the student’s responsibility to bring this letter to the Registar’s Office. This exemption must be renewed annually.
- Proof of a birth date prior to January 1, 1957, will be accepted in lieu of receiving vaccine. Students must provide a copy of birth certificate, current driver’s license, or other state or federal issued ID showing their date of birth to the Registrar’s Office.
- A hold will be placed on a student’s record until the required documents are received.
- Immunization records presented for admission become part of the student’s permanent record and the property of UAFS and are not reissued.
Act 1233 of 1999 requires colleges and universities to inform students of the increased risk of meningococcal disease (commonly called meningitis) for those who live in close quarters. UAFS recommends that all students living in residence housing receive a meningitis vaccine. Students should contact their health care provider for information on this vaccine.
COVID-19
Please visit the UAFS Infectious Disease webpage for the latest guidance on COVID-19.
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