Policy on HIV and AIDS

Any person who is infected with HIV, or who is perceived to have AIDS/HIV, has the right under Section 504 of the Civil Rights Act to be free from discrimination or harassment while engaged in any activities which are part of the College’s campus life. This includes, but is not limited to student admissions, housing, student activities, employee hiring, promotion, demotion, benefits, and termination.

The HIV status of individuals is a confidential matter. Unless authorized by law, no HIV test should be performed without the consent of the individual. If an individual needs to disclose his or her status for the purpose of accommodation, all records are kept confidential and will not be released unless written consent is given, in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or where release is authorized by law.

Any individual infected with HIV has the right to continue his or her position with the College as employee or student. In the event an employee or student is having difficulty meeting the requirements of his or her position, the College will make every attempt to make reasonable adjustments in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and New York State human Rights Law.

Any College employee or student who experiences discrimination or harassment because they are, or are perceive to be, infected with HIV should report this discrimination or harassment. Reporting is confidential and should be made using the procedures outlined in the Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures. Current educational programs about AIDS/HIV will be developed and maintained for all members of the campus community by the College. The programs will be designed to be proactive to emphasize prevention. The accessibility of these educational programs will be continually monitored, and the materials will be updated to reflect current knowledge.

Tompkins Cortland Community College is responsible for monitoring developments with regard to HIV/AIDS and acting upon and updating the policies of the College. Policy updates are reviewed by the College Board of Trustees. The College will be guided in its implementation of this policy by current authoritative medical information, applicable federal and state law, and the guidelines suggested by the Centers for Disease Control, the American College Health Association, and the New York State Department of Health. The College will communicate its policy regarding AIDS through: employee publications/student publications, special meetings (as necessary), and bulletin board postings.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

General

Academic Policies and Regulations

Non-Academic Policies and Regulations