problem in the United States. The medical, social, legal and ethical issues associated with HIV/AIDS affect colleges and universities as well as society as a whole.

HIV is the causative agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS destroys the human body's defense system and allows life-threatening infections and unusual cancers. There is no known cure or vaccine for prevention. An individual can transmit the virus even in the absence of symptoms. Available medical knowledge indicates the transmission is primarily through sexual contact or through sharing of needles. According to the Centers for Disease Control, contracting the disease in one's normal daily activities is not known to occur.

Because of the seriousness of the HIV/AIDS issue, Augusta State University establishes this policy, which focuses on prevention (through education of students, faculty, and staff) and on the compassionate treatment of those afflicted.

Anyone in the Augusta State University community who becomes aware of an HIV/AIDS related situation involving an employee, student, or visitor shall follow the guidelines stated in this policy.

1. ADMISSION OR EMPLOYMENT: Augusta State University accepts otherwise qualified individuals presenting themselves for admission, or employment, irrespective of their HIV status.
2. DISABLING CONDITIONS: Persons who are HIV positive may be considered by law to have disabling conditions. The legal rights of these individuals must be guaranteed, and existing support services for disabled individuals made available to students or employees disabled by HIV infection.
3. STUDENT ATTENDANCE: Augusta State University students who are HIV infected, whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic, will be allowed regular class-room attendance as long as they are physically and mentally able to attend classes as determined by current Augusta State University standards.
4. ACCESS TO FACILITIES: There will be no unreasonable restriction of access on the basis of HIV infection to student or employee facilities, snack bars, gymnasiums, swimming pools, recreational facilities, or other common areas.
5. SELF-DISCLOSURE: Neither students, student applicants, employees, nor applicants for employment at Augusta State University will be routinely asked to respond to questions concerning the evidence of HIV infection.
6. IMMUNIZATIONS: Incoming students known to have HIV infection need not be exempted from Augusta State University requirements for non-live virus vaccinations since only live-virus vaccinations have potentially serious consequences for HIV-infected persons. Persons who are required to receive

47Augusta State University Catalog

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