Policy Library

A “communicable disease”, as defined by Indiana law, is an illness due to a specific infectious agent or its toxic products that arises through transmission of that agent or its toxic products from an infected person, animal, vector, plant or inanimate environment to a susceptible host, either directly or indirectly. Indiana State University will take reasonable steps to discourage the spread of communicable diseases within the University community, especially those diseases which may be considered life-threatening. This may include implementing infection control guidelines to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases.  Requirements may include required immunizations, the use of protective equipment, behavioral guidelines or directives, isolation and quarantine protocols, and cleaning and disinfecting guidance and directives.  These requirements will vary significantly depending on the infectious disease and the ease of its transmission.  Within the communicable diseases category are a wide variety of infectious illnesses, which vary greatly in mode and ease of transmission, the seriousness of effects and in the means of prevention and treatment. Any employee, student or visitor may be requested to provide proof of immunization or vaccination records as required or allowed by Indiana law or University policy or directive.

If there are occasions when special dangers of contagion require unusual actions including removal from campus activities or facilities by any part of the University, such actions will be as a result of recommendations by the Vigo County Board of Health, the Director of the ISU Student Health Center or other local, state or federal public health officials. The President or the President’s designee may take such action as may be necessary to address special dangers of contagion. Individuals who have, or suspect that they have, a communicable disease are encouraged to seek and to follow the best medical advice available.

The confidentiality of medical records of students and employees who seek information about, obtain testing for, or receive treatment for communicable diseases or otherwise in the possession or control of Indiana State University is protected by state and federal law. ISU will cooperate with local, state and federal officials as to the reporting of information as required by law.

This Policy is not meant to be exhaustive of all diseases or situations that might possibly threaten the University community or what actions may be taken in response to those threats, but it is a general guide for assessment and corresponding necessary steps to take when the University operations are effected by communicable diseases.