01.01 We at Texas State are committed to supporting the educational mission of the institution through efficient information storage and retrieval, appropriate auditing procedures, professional personnel services, and a safe environment. The following procedure contributes to the fulfillment of this policy.
01.02 This policy provides guidelines for faculty and staff employees who have serious illnesses, for supervisors and managers responsible for these employees, and for dealing with the concerns of co-workers.
02.01 A serious illness is any medical condition that may result in significant impairment of mental or bodily function, may be life-threatening, or may pose a health risk to others.
02.02 The University recognizes that employees with serious illnesses may wish to continue to participate in as many of their normal activities as their conditions will allow, including work.
02.03 The University also recognizes that continued employment for an employee with a serious illness may be therapeutically important in the remission or recovery process, and may prolong that employee's life. As long as these employees are able to meet the normal performance standards of their job they may continue to work provided they pose no health hazard to other employees (as determined in Section 02.04). Supervisors and managers will be sensitive to their conditions and see that, to the extent possible, they are treated like other University employees.
02.04 Concurrently, the University strives to provide a safe work environment for students, other employees, and the public. The Director of the Student Health Center, the Director of Risk Management and Safety and the University Attorney will confer and make recommendations to the appropriate vice president regarding precautionary actions that should be taken to ensure that an employee's condition does not present a significant health or safety risk to others.
03.01 Employees are encouraged to report serious illness(es) to their supervisor(s) so that the University can determine if reasonable accommodations are necessary.
03.02 Human Resources will assist supervisors and employees regarding insurance, leave, benefits, and other work-related concerns. The Director of the Student Health Center will be a resource to the Director of Human Resources in determining the appropriateness of an employee request for a reasonable accommodation.
03.03 Employees who are faced with a serious injury or illness may refer to UPPS No. 04.04.30 concerning sick leave options.
04.01 No University employee shall disclose any information regarding an employee's health condition without that employee's written consent authorizing the disclosure, except as may be required in Section 02.04. When dealing with situations involving employees with serious illnesses, supervisors and managers should remember that an employee's health condition is confidential, and that they should take precautions to protect that confidentiality. Upon receiving the employee’s written authorization, supervisors may consult with the Director of Human Resources to discuss:
a. University policy concerning any action that may need to be taken.
b. Reasonable accommodations for the employee with the serious illness consistent with the needs of the work unit and other employees.
05. PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH CO-WORKERS
05.01 Supervisors and managers should:
a. Be sensitive and responsive to co-workers' concerns.
b. Ensure that the work of the unit continues and that the ill employee is not harassed or discriminated against by other employees.
05.02 If an employee becomes aware of a person having an illness that may be a threat to other employees, students, or the public, the employee should immediately consult with the Medical Director of the Student Health Center.
06. REVIEWERS OF THIS UPPS
06.01 Reviewers of this UPPS include the following:
Position Date Mr. John McBride, Director, Human Resources
December 1 E4Y Dr. Emilio Carranco, Director, Student Health Center December 1 E4Y Mr. William L. Fly, University Attorney December 1 E4Y Chair, Staff Council December 1 E4Y Chair, Faculty Senate December 1 E4Y Mr. Warren Tinseth, Director, Risk Management and Safety December 1 E4Y
07. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
This UPPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities, and represents Texas State policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.
Mr. John McBride, Director of Human Resources; senior reviewer of this UPPS
Mr. William A. Nance, Vice President for Finance and Support Services
Dr. Denise M. Trauth, President