Student Handbook
Student Rights and Responsibilities
The professional and graduate education in the academic programs of UT Southwestern Medical Center relies on the highest values of the teacher-learner relationship. The teacher-learner relationship is defined by the educational mission and learning objectives of the school. A teacher may be a faculty member, a resident, an intern, hospital staff or a fellow student.
This relationship must be based on a foundation of mutual respect, honesty, and professionalism in at atmosphere free from harassment and discrimination and where there is prudent handling of the teacher’s power over the student.
Students’ rights and responsibilities are described in detail in their respective academic catalog. As a student, you are strongly encouraged to familiarize yourself with both your rights and responsibilities and seek clarification on any issues that might require it.
Allied Health School catalog
Graduate School Catalog
Medical School Catalog
1. FEDERAL, STATE, AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES OF INTEREST
1.1 AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B Virus Policy
UT Southwestern recognizes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) as serious public health threats and is committed to encouraging an informed and educated response to issues and questions concerning AIDS, HIV and HBV.
Although the risk of contracting serious illness is very small, UT Southwestern makes every effort to prevent exposure. For example, students are required to obtain Hepatitis B vaccine prior to enrollment into medical school and receive a skin test for Tuberculosis intermittently throughout medical school. Students receive training in proper blood-drawing techniques and patient-isolation policies prior to the intense clinical exposure in the third and fourth years of medical school. The school reserves the right to restrict patient contact by a student felt to pose a risk to the health of patients.
UT Southwestern has developed a policy that provides guidance in complying with statutes concerning AIDS, HIV, and HBV. This policy addresses administrative policies; health education; testing for HIV or HBV infection; confidentiality of information relating to persons with AIDS, HIV, or HBV infection; and patient care. This policy can be found in the Handbook of Operating Procedures located in the dean's office, the library and most UT Southwestern departments, it is also printed in the catalogue and in the Student and Alumni Affairs Office.
1.1.1 Screening for HIV-1 Infection
UT Southwestern will not initiate mandatory HIV screening of students, faculty, staff or employees unless justified by evidence of significant risk to patients.
UT Southwestern encourages students, faculty, staff and employees who believe they are at risk of HIV infection to seek testing and counseling. UT Southwestern shall provide information about the availability of confidential and anonymous testing programs. In addition, UT Southwestern shall provide information and/or access to counseling for students, faculty, staff, employees, and others about the implications of positive or negative testing for career and future health.
1.1.2 Management of Students (Faculty, Staff, and Employees) with Positive Antibody to HIV-1 or Clinically Manifest AIDS or AIDS-Related Complex
UT Southwestern encourages HIV-infected students (faculty, staff, and employees) to discuss their health situation with a designated official. The designated official for each school in UT Southwestern is the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.