Health Requirements for Students

DEADLINES

New and incoming students

• Fall semester - June 30th
• Spring Semester -Prior to the start of classes

Students who fail to comply with this policy by the start of classes, including but not limited to any failure to supply complete health and immunization records to the University by the established dates are subject to a "health hold" on the student account preventing class schedule changes, future registration and release of transcript,  a $250 fine and eventual cancellation of registration.

All students (as defined above) must provide health information to the Siena Health Service. Siena Health Service will maintain the records while the student is in continuous attendance at the University.

Specific Requirements

Physical Exam:  

All full-time students are required to submit a completed Siena University Health Record. The physical exam must be performed within 2 years of admission for new students and students that have been readmitted to the University after an absence of two years or more.

Immunizations:  

All full-time, part-time, and non-matriculated students (registered for 6 credits or more) born after January 1, 1957, are required to submit a completed Siena University Student Immunization Record form to provide proof of immunity  to the following at the time of registration and prior to the start of classes.  Please note: Nursing students will need to comply with both Siena University and clinical agency health requirements.

Measles (rubeola)- Proof of immunity shall consist of one of the following:  two immunizations given after 1967, at least 30 days apart, on or after the first birthday; evidence of the disease documented by a physician (MD or DO); or documentation of an adequate immune titer.

Mumps (infectious parotitis)- Proof of immunity shall consist of one of the following:. one immunization given after 1967, on or after the first birthday; evidence of the disease documented by a physician (MD or DO); or documentation of an adequate immune titer.

Rubella (German Measles)- Proof of immunity shall consist of one of the following:  one immunization given after 1967, on or after the first birthday; evidence of the disease documented by a physician (MD or DO); or documentation of an adequate immune titer.

Meningitis –  proof of 1 dose of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine after the age of 16 years old and within 5 years of start of classes.  

Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis: recent vaccination with combined tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis toxoid within 10 years.

Tuberculosis: completion of tuberculosis screening questionnaire within the past six months or a chest x-ray ruling out active tuberculosis. Positive skin tests will require a referral to the Chest Clinic of the local county Public Health Department (see section on enforcement below).  Nursing students working in a healthcare facility may provide evidence of a negative TB test within 1 year.

Some academic experiences or programs, including clinical settings, study abroad or internships, may require the Influenza and/or COVID -19 vaccination for eligibility to participate. The University also reserves the right to modify its medical and vaccination requirements based on the public health situation, Centers for Disease Control guidelines, or NY State Department of Health directives. The University will actively review changes in the public health environment and make evidence-based decisions in response to future developments.

MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS VACCINE EXEMPTIONS

Siena University has a process in place for medical and religious vaccine exemptions that follows New York State immunization guidelines. 

See the medical and exemptions vaccine policy for procedures.

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING

Students who fail to comply with this policy within 30 days of the beginning of the first term for which they register will not be permitted to attend class and will have their registration put on hold for subsequent semesters. Students living in the residence halls will be removed from housing until all required health record requirements are met. They may be reinstated upon full compliance and taken off registration “hold”.

Students with positive tuberculin tests, including those who have had BCG vaccination, are required to report to the Albany County Health Department Chest Clinic or the Health Department in their county of residence. Failure to comply with health department directives will result in the penalties listed in the preceding paragraph.

REPORTING

Siena University complies with the requirement to submit yearly reports of immunization statistics including reports of diagnosis of communicable disease, as they occur, as required by NYS Department of Health regulations.

Student immunization records contain medical information and will be maintained in a confidential manner. Access to these records will be limited to personnel whose job duties require information from these records. No records can be released without the student’s written consent or for a student under the age of eighteen, the consent of a parent or guardian. All medical records will be stored for seven years.

The Siena University Health Service will comply with, uphold and enforce relevant provisions of the New York State Public Health Law, Article 21, Title VI, Section 2165 and 2167 as it pertains to this university.

Siena University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its students with regards to communicable diseases, including Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningitis, Tuberculosis, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis. The University recognizes and accepts its responsibility under applicable state law and adheres to recommendations from the American College Health Association and U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

DEFINITION OF STUDENT

Part-time student -- Any person enrolled in a minimum of 6 but less than 12 credit hours per semester.

Full-time student -- Any person enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester. -- Any graduate student enrolled in 9 or more credit hours per semester.