SH Communicable Disease Policy | Chaminade University

Communicable Disease Policy

Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students: (808) 735-4710

Residence Life: (808) 739-4648

Human Resources: (808) 739-7475

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear and consistent guidelines for the identification, management, and response to communicable diseases affecting members of the Chaminade University community. Chaminade University is committed to protecting the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff while simultaneously upholding the rights, dignity, and confidentiality of individuals affected by communicable illness. This policy reflects Chaminade University's commitment to compliance with applicable federal and state laws and alignment with guidance from the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, and other relevant professional and medical authorities.

Definition

Communicable disease means an illness which arises through transmission of a specific infectious agent or its toxic products from an infected person, animal, or inanimate reservoir to a susceptible host (Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, Title 11, Department of Health, Chapter 156.1). Communicable diseases may be transmitted from one person to another by direct contact, inhalation, respiratory droplets, or through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.

Examples of communicable diseases include, but are not limited to:

Scope

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and other covered individuals (hereinafter referred to as "Covered Individuals") who are members of the Chaminade University community, including those residing in on-campus housing.

Non-Discrimination

Chaminade University will not unlawfully discriminate in policy or practice, including in admissions and employment policies, against individuals who have or are at risk for communicable diseases. Chaminade University is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to students and employees with communicable diseases. Any university decisions arising from an individual's health-related circumstances will be made on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to applicable confidentiality protections and relevant medical facts.

Reporting Requirements

Prompt reporting is essential to allow the University to take appropriate and timely action to protect the broader campus community. Any student diagnosed with a communicable disease must immediately notify the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students and, if applicable, the Director of Housing & Residence Life upon being informed of their diagnosis. Staff and faculty should contact the Office of Human Resources.

Isolation and Restriction

Students diagnosed with certain communicable diseases will be required to isolate during the infectious period of their illness and may be restricted from physically attending class or accessing dining halls, university facilities, or residence halls until they are no longer contagious.

Students residing in on-campus residence halls may be placed in designated on-campus isolation spaces, subject to availability. In the event that on-campus isolation space is unavailable, resident students must make alternative arrangements, which may include staying with relatives, returning home, or securing temporary hotel accommodations until the infectious period has passed. All costs associated with off-campus housing, meals, and travel during this period will be the sole financial responsibility of the student.

Individuals with certain acute communicable illnesses transmitted by airborne, droplet, or direct contact will not be permitted to work or participate in an academic setting until they are no longer contagious. In the event of an epidemic or pandemic, individual case-by-case evaluation may not be feasible, and broader restrictions may be implemented as necessary to protect the campus community.

Return to Campus

Students who have been diagnosed with a communicable disease must obtain medical clearance from a licensed physician prior to returning to campus, unless otherwise directed. Written medical documentation confirming that the student is no longer contagious and is cleared to resume academic and campus activities must be submitted to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students before the student's return.

Staff and faculty with communicable diseases will be permitted to continue teaching, working, and/or enrolling in courses at the University unless their personal physician or state or federal public health authorities determine that their condition represents a substantial risk to the health and safety of other members of the community. In such cases, the University will take appropriate measures to protect both the institution and the individual. Written medical documentation confirming that the staff/faculty is no longer contagious and is cleared to resume work must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources before the employee’s return.

Confidentiality

Chaminade University recognizes the critical importance of protecting the confidentiality and privacy of all individuals suspected of having, or confirmed to have, a communicable illness. Sensitive medical information pertaining to Covered Individuals will not be disclosed beyond what is strictly necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Chaminade University community, and all disclosures will be made in a manner consistent with applicable law.

Chaminade University will work closely with the Hawaii Department of Health regarding any potential communicable disease cases.

Resources and Support

Students within the Chaminade University community who have a communicable disease are encouraged to utilize the psychological and educational services available through the University's counseling services and the Kokua Ike Center for Student Learning. For medical or psychological needs that are outside the scope of on-campus services, appropriate referrals will be made to community or regional resources. Employees with a communicable disease are encouraged to seek care through community health care providers and available employee assistance resources.

This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in applicable law, public health guidance, and institutional need.