I. Scope
This policy applies to all George Mason University (“University”) students, employees, and visitors using university facilities or participating in university activities.
II. Policy Statement
George Mason University administers a coordinated effort to protect university students, employees, and members of the public from communicable diseases or public health emergencies on university campuses or at university activities. The University may require students, employees, and visitors to modify activities or take precautions to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases.
III. Definitions
Communicable disease: means an infectious disease that is spread from person to person through casual contact, exposure to body fluids, or respiratory droplets. Examples of communicable diseases include, but are not limited to: tuberculosis (TB), measles, German measles (rubella), hepatitis, meningitis, influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS/COVID), norovirus, exotic pathogens (e.g., Ebola and certain strains of influenza).
Communicable Disease Outbreak: is any communicable disease occurrence, trend, or event that is deemed a public health emergency by the university, local, state, or federal health authorities.
IV. Compliance
A. Employee Health & Well Being Medical Director in consultation with the Executive Director of Student Health Services or their designees: After receiving a report of a potential Communicable Disease Outbreak, will initiate an investigation to determine the validity of the information. If the report is verified, and it is determined that the disease poses a serious threat to the health of the university community, the Emergency Operations Group and activate the University Communicable Disease Plan.
B. Risk, Safety, & Resilience: Lead the development of mitigation and response strategies to Communicable Disease issues and coordinate university response activities in accordance with the Emergency Operations Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan, and Communicable Disease Plan.
C. Individual(s) diagnosed with, suspected to be ill with, or exposed to Communicable Diseases: Should seek medical attention if necessary, undergo testing, and contact tracing if required by the local health department or public health official. To prevent the spread of disease, the university may require students and employees who are ill or diagnosed with a communicable disease, to not attend classes, work, or university events. The University may allow students or employees to return upon clearance from medical professionals or public health officials.
V. Dates
A. Effective Date:
This policy will become effective upon the date of approval by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
B. Date of Most Recent Review:
May 28, 2025
VI. Timetable for Review:
This policy and any related procedures, shall be reviewed biannually.
VII. Signatures
Approved:
___/S__________________
Julie Zobel
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
_ /S _______________________
James Antony
Provost and Executive Vice President
Date approved: June 15, 2006
Revision approved: August 2, 2016
Revised: July 16, 2019
Revision approved: May 21, 2020
Revision approved: May 28, 2025
Page last updated: June 9, 2025