Health and Immunization

It is the policy of NLU to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The Illinois and Florida Departments of Public Health have requirements for reporting the occurrence of infectious diseases. A listing of diseases, how to report an incident, and the timelines during which they are required to be reported can be found here:

Illinois Department of Public Health

www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-reporting

Florida Department of Public Health

www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/disease-reporting-and-management/index.html

In the case that an infectious disease occurs for one of our students, the CARE team will assess the situation and create a plan of action for managing the incident and reporting to appropriate authorities. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible in reporting and sharing information with the campus population. Illinois law mandates the following information be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health:

  • the disease or condition being reported
  • patient’s name, date of birth, age, sex, race, ethnicity address and phone number
  • physician’s name, address and phone number
  • significant lab results, if available

The CARE team will seek to respect the confidentiality of any individuals involved and will determine if anyone has a “need to know” before sharing out information. Individuals that may be considered for” need to know” are listed below:

  • Assistant Dean of Students (CARE Co-Chair)
  • Associate Director of Student Development (CARE Co-Chair)
  • Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
  • Appropriate Academic Official (Dean, Program Director or Faculty)
  • University Legal Representation
  • Facilities Personnel
  • Ombudsman

Tuberculosis and Background Checks

All School of Education students are required to read the “Guidelines for Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance and Background Checks for School of Education Students.”

Clinical Practice

Illinois State law requires that all student teachers have a current tuberculosis (TB) test for student teaching. Candidates will be required to obtain and submit an updated TB clearance after applying for Clinical Practice, if a TB clearance has not been administered within 1 year of the first Clinical Practice experience. Keep in mind that each site/school may have slightly different requirements for student teachers and may require a more recent TB test. Student teachers should discuss this with the site/school as soon as possible in the placement process.

Field Experience

Each site/school may have slightly different requirements for classroom observers/volunteers regarding proof of immunizations, TB clearance, and background checks. It is important to discuss this with the site/school early in the placement process. Specifically, students should ensure that they: Understand the site’s/school’s rules for what an observer/volunteer is required to provide regarding proof of immunization, TB clearance, and background checks

  • Have records to prove immunization to the diseases the site/school requires
  • Have proof of immunization and TB clearance records that show the correct type(s) of immunization for each disease required
  • Have up-to-date TB clearance (some sites/schools require clearance within the past year, others require clearance within the past 6 months)
  • Have the required background check

Student Allergies Students must alert the college regarding any food allergies. It is recommended that the student utilize the Americans with Disabilities Act portion of the Academic Advising services. Depending on the severity, Kendall may not be able to accommodate the student for all coursework that interferes with the allergy.