Student Handbook > College Policies
Health Policies
- AIDS Protocol Expand
- Health Records and Immunization Expand
- Dates of original diphtheria-tetanus series (3-5 doses)
- Dates of diphtheria-tetanus booster within the past 10 years
- Dates of 2 MMR’s after 15 months of age or;
- 2 doses measles (rubeola) immunization after 15 months of age
- Mumps immunization after 12 months of age
- German measles (rubella) immunization after 12 months of age
- Current Tuberculosis Skin Test (new international students receive one upon arriving at campus)– Mantoux (required within the last 3 months, after May 1, 2007 regardless of prior BCG inoculation; (tine test NOT acceptable); and results must be recorded in mm.
- If PPD is > 5 mm, need written results of current chest x-ray and measurement written in English, of positive skin test.
- If BCG has been given, need date and written results of current chest x-ray and result of current tuberculin skin test.
- If previous treatment for positive PPD – send documentation to include dates, method of treatment and date therapy completed. All students are required to show proof of up to date immunizations including measles, tuberculin, rubella, diphtheria/tetanus, and mumps.
- Insurance Expand
Current knowledge indicates that those with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) or a positive HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) antibody test do not pose a health risk to other students or employees in an academic setting. The Public Health Service currently states that there is no risk created by living in the same house as an infected person; caring for an AIDS patient; eating food handled by an infected person; being coughed or sneezed on by an infected person or swimming in a pool with an infected person. Because current information indicates that there is little likelihood of transmission through casual contact, the college's primary concerns are to provide information and maintain a safe and responsible campus environment.
The college through its Health Services and various student affairs offices will provide educational programming for its students, faculty and staff as well as keep updated medical information available for the community. If a case is identified, the college will provide support. Support includes medical attention, counseling attention, academic advising and consideration for the immediate part of the community affected. We strongly encourage students to volunteer information on this subject so that these services can be called upon to ensure the least disruption to the acquisition of their college degree. The college is concerned for the community at large as well, and will react if it becomes aware that a person with AIDS is engaging in conduct that threatens the transmission of AIDS to others in the community or is otherwise failing to act in a responsible manner.
Considerations of the existence of AIDS will not be a part of the admissions decision. Likewise, there will be no restrictions of access to college facilities or common areas. (Specific considerations may be made in cases involving students who participate in contact sports.) The college will provide housing on a non-discriminatory basis consistent with medical advice and consistent with issues attendant in a community residential living situation.
The college will not require students to inform it of the existence of AIDS nor will the college "screen" for AIDS. We strongly encourage students to inform the college in order for us to provide proper medical care and education. Students who have AIDS will be allowed regular classroom attendance as long as they are physically able.
The college will identify sources for testing which provide confidentiality and other more specific tests and counseling when necessary. All information concerning a student with AIDS will be treated in an appropriate and confidential manner. The number of persons informed will be held to a minimum.
In this document the use of the terms "AIDS" refers to those with AIDS, ARC or a positive HTLV-III. The word "college" refers to the involved college staff.
Macalester College and the State of Minnesota require written proof that you have had the following immunizations in order to be enrolled. The record must include the month/day/year of each immunization. The record must be in English or be accompanied by an English translation done by someone other than the student or parent.
To ensure quality care AND COMMUNITY HEALTH, students are required to have on file a medical history and health evaluation form signed by their personal physician.
Students whose records are incomplete and/or do not provide adequate proof of required immunizations will have a hold placed on their registration until these requirements are met or may otherwise risk their status as a student if the health of the community is considered to be in potential jeopardy.Macalester College requires that all students carry adequate health insurance. To this end, the college automatically includes health insurance and accident insurance policy premiums ($405 & $45 a year, effective 07-08) on the first tuition bill for all students. Students can waive out of this insurance if they can demonstrate proof of comprehensive medical/hospitalization insurance and do so by going to the web site: www.chickering.com. More information is available from the staff at Macalester Health Services or on the Health Services web page: www.macalester.edu/health/insurance.html.
The deadline to waive either insurance policy is August 1, 2007. Students may ADD the policy at any point in time in the year if their personal insurance situation changes.