Each individual is responsible for his/her own health. Current medical knowledge indicates that AIDS is transmitted through the transfer of body fluids such as blood, semen or vaginal fluid as a result of intimate sexual contact, the sharing of needles with an infected person and from infected mother to baby during pregnancy. Although in the past AIDS has been transmitted through blood transfusions, extensive screening procedures are now in place and there is little likelihood of transmission of this type today.
Currently there is no evidence that HIV/AIDS is transmitted by:
- living or working in the same place as someone with HIV/AIDS
- sitting in the same classroom or laboratory as a person with HIV/AIDS
- eating food prepared by a person with HIV/AIDS
- using the same washroom facilities including swimming pools, saunas and changing rooms or
- by using the same cafeteria as a person with HIV/AIDS
For more detailed information on AIDS, for counselling or for referrals, members of the University are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services.
Members of the University community should note that additional support and advice is available form Sida Aids Moncton, 165A Gordon Street, Moncton NB, E1C 1N1. Telephone: (506) 859-9616. Fax: (506) 855-472. E-mail: sidaaidsm@nbnet.nb.ca
In light of current medical knowledge and of the particular small residential nature of Mount Allison University, the University has adopted the following policies in relation to AIDS.
| 2.1 | The primary response of the University shall be to establish a comprehensive educational package of information on AIDS, to be circulated initially to all members of the University community and thereafter to new students and staff each September. | |
| 2.2 | The University and any person acting on behalf of the University shall not discriminate in the hiring and working conditions of personnel, the admission, teaching and housing of students, or on other issues based on a person having HIV/AIDS. | |
| 2.3 | Current medical knowledge will be reviewed each year under the direction of the Dean of Students. Changes to this policy may be necessary as a result of this annual review. | |
| 2.4 | The University shall not introduce or require mandatory screening and testing for HIV/AIDS. Any known case of AIDS will be treated with absolute confidentiality. | |
| 2.5 | In keeping with the University's policy of non-discrimination and confidentiality, the official response to any University representative to questions about any member of the University community will be that it is university policy not to make any statement that may relate to personal information. |
November 23, 2011