Student Handbook

Communicable Diseases Policy

Students are responsible for knowing the following:

Students studying and living in close proximity to one another can be susceptible to communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are spread by direct contact with an infected person, indirect contact with contaminated objects, and by airborne droplets or dust. The College facilitates disease prevention through prompt diagnosis and treatment in Emmons Health Center and by requiring all incoming students to provide immunization records, including a negative T.B. skin test or chest X-ray (taken within twelve months prior to enrollment). No student is permitted to register for class without completing these requirements. Emmons Health Center also provides educational materials and programs on communicable diseases, nutrition, stress and college life, and sexually transmitted disease prevention to Oxy students.

Although nurse practitioners staff the health center Monday through Friday from 9:00 – 5:00 PM, there is no infirmary. Based on the recommendation of Emmons Health Center staff, the College retains the right to request a student with a communicable disease to live off-campus while infectious. If isolation is necessary to prevent the spread of infection, affected students will be sent home to recuperate, particularly if they live within 150 miles of the campus.

Emmons Health Center will notify the Office of Residential Education and Housing Services when isolation measures are necessary. Arrangements for meal delivery and other assistance will be made in cooperation with the Office of Residential Education and Housing Services and Campus Dining Services.

Infectious Diseases

It is the policy of the College to enroll students and employ applicants who have or are suspected of having such diseases as long as:

  1. Such persons remain physically and mentally able to meet the reasonable performance standards in class or on their jobs.
  2. Medical evidence indicates that their educational or job-related activities do not pose a threat to their own safety or that of others in the campus community.

The College does not discriminate against persons with physical disabilities, including AIDS and/or HIV positive status, in employment, enrollment, the administration of programs, activities, access to facilities, or any of the rights, benefits and privileges generally afforded its students and employees.

The College will protect the confidentiality and privacy of persons with serious illnesses as required by state and federal law. The College has identified the implementation and maintenance of effective educational programs about AIDS and HIV infection as an activity of the highest priority for the campus community. The complete policy on life-threatening illnesses, including AIDS, is available in the Office of the Dean of Students, Emmons Health Center, and the Human Resources Office.


Last updated August 23, 2010

  • Phone: (323) 259-2969