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Student Health and Wellness

Student Health and Wellness supports student learning at UT Tyler by creating opportunities, programs and policies; empowering students to reach their full potential, take responsibility for themselves and others; and contributing to the creation of a healthy, safe and socially just learning environment. Student Health and Wellness coordinates health-related programs that comply with federal and state mandates such as the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and provides personal counseling coordinated through the Student Counseling Center. Programming and information through this office covers areas such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse, sexual assault and partner violence, sexual responsibility, student health insurance information, healthy eating and life balance, stress management, and other health-related topics.

Student Health and Wellness works with specially trained student groups who are interested in impacting other students to encourage a change in behavior or improvement in knowledge about student issues. These organizations are open to any currently enrolled student at The University of Texas at Tyler. For more information on programs offered call (903) 566-7067 or visit http://www.uttyler.edu/wellness.

AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B Infection

The University of Texas at Tyler 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. In furtherance of its commitment UT Tyler has adopted a policy and procedural steps to protect both the rights and well-being of those students, employees, and patients who may be infected with HIV or HBV as well as to prevent the spread of infection. No individual with HIV or HBV infection will be discriminated against in employment, admission to academic programs, health benefits, or access to facilities. Students with HIV or HBV infection may attend all classes without restriction, as long as they are physically and mentally able to participate and perform assigned work and pose no health risks to others. All information regarding the medical status of UT Tyler faculty, staff, and students is confidential.

A complete copy of the AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B Infection policy can be found in the Handbook of Operating Procedures, Chapter 2, Sec. 2.9.1. This policy is applicable to all students of UT Tyler as they pursue their academic (and clinical) endeavors. A brochure is available to all students on request by phoning UT Tyler at (903) 566-7079.

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial Meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses. This disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions. Symptoms includes high fever, rash or purple patches on skin, light sensitivity, confusion and sleepiness, lethargy, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, nausea, and seizures. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

In accordance with Texas Education Code 51.9192, Subchapter Z and amended by SB 62 (2013), all first-time students at UT Tyler, including transfer and graduate students, and all students who have previously attended UT Tyler prior to January 1, 2012 and who are enrolling at UT Tyler following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester are required to provide proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis received during the last 5 years at least 10 days prior to the beginning of the semester. All documentation should be submitted to the Enrollment Services Center (ESC) in ADM 230. Exemptions for this requirement are as follows:

  • The student is 22 years of age or older on the first day of the semester.
  • The student is enrolled in online-only programs. If the student attends any on-campus classes, they must submit proof of vaccination.
  • The student submits an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice in the United States, stating, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the student's health and well-being.
  • The student submits a signed affidavit stating the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. This form is located at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm#exclusions.
  • New students who are also Texas high school students enrolled in a dual enrollment program where the dual enrollment classes are held at a Texas high school.

This applies to all new students regardless of whether they will be residing on campus or off campus.

For more information, contact the Texas Department of Health office at (903)595-3585 or (903)533-3373 or the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/faq.html.