Madonna University’s Public Health Policy

Madonna University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment. Because communicable diseases can spread in university settings, all members of the campus community share responsibility for prevention, early recognition, and appropriate response.

The University follows guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, local health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidance may be updated as public health recommendations evolve.

What you Should Do to Stay Healthy

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread rapidly in college settings due to shared classrooms, residence halls, and social spaces. Prompt recognition, reporting, and vaccination are essential to protecting our campus community.

Maintaining high vaccination rates and promptly reporting suspected cases protects vulnerable members of our campus community and helps prevent operational disruption.

What you should do to stay healthy:

Students, faculty, and staff should:

• Stay up to date on recommended immunizations
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home when sick
• Follow University instructions during illness or outbreaks

If You Are Sick (Respiratory Illness Guidance)

If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue:

• Stay home and avoid contact with others
• Return to normal activities only when BOTH are true for at least 24 hours:
• Your symptoms are improving
• You have no fever (without medication)

After returning, take extra precautions for 5 days:

• Consider masking
• Practice good hygiene
• Limit close contact with high-risk individuals

Measles and Highly Contagious Illnesses

Measles is extremely contagious and spreads through the air.

If you have symptoms (fever, rash, cough, red eyes):

• Do NOT come to campus
• Avoid public spaces
• Contact the Campus Health Advisor immediately
• Call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility

The University will work with public health authorities to:

• Identify exposures
• Verify immunity
• Provide guidance on testing or vaccination
• Implement temporary exclusions if necessary

Reporting Illness or Concern

Prompt reporting helps prevent outbreaks.

Notify the Campus Health Advisor if you are aware of:

• A confirmed communicable disease
• Multiple individuals with similar symptoms
• Unusual increases in illness or absenteeism

Communicable diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from one person to another or from contaminated surfaces or food to a person.  Examples of these diseases include influenza, norovirus (commonly known as the stomach flu), and COVID-19.

Immunizations

• All students and employees are strongly encouraged to stay current with recommended vaccines.
• Students in healthcare programs (e.g., nursing, NP, allied health) must meet clinical and program-specific immunization requirements, which may exceed general campus expectations.

When the University may take action

To protect the campus community, Madonna University may:

• Require temporary isolation or exclusion
• Modify class or work participation
• Adjust housing or clinical placements
• Require clearance before returning

Clinical and Healthcare Students

Students in clinical programs must follow:

• University requirements
• Clinical site requirements
• Current healthcare personnel guidelines

The most protective standard will apply.

Contact Information

Campus Health Advisor
📞 734-432-5450
📧 campushealthadvisor@madonna.edu

Check MYPortal for updates and guidance.

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