Student Health, Safety, and Security
Cummings School Immunization Information and Requirements
The required immunizations are listed on the Cummings School Immunization Information and Requirements tab.
Rabies Vaccination Policy
This policy requires that all students who are in direct contact with at-risk or potentially rabid animals, or handle carcasses from at-risk animals, be vaccinated against rabies prior to working in situations in which they may be exposed to the virus.
Tufts Student Health and Safety Program
The goal of the Tufts Student Safety Program is to prevent diseases and injuries among students while engaged in academic activities at Tufts or at non-Tufts locations and facilities where Tufts is responsible for the conduct of any academic program or event or activity.
Animal Use Policy
All use of animals in pre-clinical teaching is under the oversight of the Tufts University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Our animal care and use program is fully accredited by AAALAC. The school endorses the AVMA Policy on the Use of Animals in Research, Testing, and Education.
Biohazards in Teaching Laboratories
The Alden Laboratory (TL-011) in the Loew Center is the location of several teaching laboratory sessions, which include the use of infectious agents that are BL-2 level biohazards. These laboratories include those in the Microbiology Laboratory course, the Urinary Pathophysiology laboratory, and various sessions of the Hemic Lymphatic and Clinical Pathology course. The syllabus for each laboratory has appropriate instructions for managing the biohazard involved, and students and laboratory workers in the course must be notified of any biohazard by the Course Director, as well as of appropriate means to prevent infection.
Because the exposure is limited to BL-2, the Tufts University Safety Office has developed a protocol for disinfection of the laboratory surfaces, in conjunction with the Course Directors and the Office of Professional Education. After disinfection, the laboratory may be used for other purposes. AT NO TIME, IS EATING OR DRINKING TO OCCUR IN THIS LABORATORY SPACE, EVEN AFTER DISINFECTION. Signs have been posted informing people entering the room of the need for such caution.
Basic Laboratory Safety
There are four types of laboratories: research, testing, teaching, and clinical. While the facility, materials, equipment, and procedures are often similar, the health hazards vary considerably from minimal to severe. Making new and untested materials or equipment or developing new procedures all with unknown hazard, is common in the research laboratory, while teaching, testing, and clinical laboratories use highly tested and calibrated equipment and procedures whose hazards are documented. Before performing a research experiment or conducting a laboratory exercise, the student plans each step of the procedure, knows the hazard of all equipment and materials, and knows the protective actions (safety goggles, lab coat, protective gloves) to take. The laboratory supervisor or instructor is the primary source for safety information, supported by Tufts Environmental Health and Safety. For more information on basic laboratory safety, please refer to Tufts University Laboratory Safety Guide.
Safe Small and Large Animal Handling Methods
Veterinarians and veterinary medicine students are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of animals-pets, zoo animals, farm animals, and wild animals. Do not rely on the owners’ statements about the aggressiveness of the animal. Crowded, stressed, frightened, injured, and sick animals may behave in unpredictable ways and in ways the owner may not have experienced. Animals can bite, scratch, kick, and move without warning. Observe the animal carefully for signs of stress and fear and avoid creating stress and fear by keeping your body out of range of the face and paws of the cat or dog. Crouch but do not sit on the floor to handle the dog or cat because you need to be able to move fast! Verbal, physical, and drug restraints should be avoided if safe; however, these are humane and may be necessary for the protection of the patient and the veterinarian and staff. Protective gloves, leathers, and face shields may be needed when handling animals in a clinic setting. It is an important skill to diagnose and treat animals and at the same time maintain control of the animal and protect yourself and others from injury and disease.
Policies for Labs Involving Animals and Cadavers
Student-run labs in an educational or veterinary clinical setting involved in training activities with animals must be monitored by the Principal Investigator or designee. Please refer to the Tufts Office of the Vice Provost for Research IACUC policies for additional information.
Policy on Pets, Service and Assistance Animals on Campus
Student-owned pets are not permitted in classrooms, hallways, laboratories, or elsewhere on the Grafton campus unless they are part of labs or service animals. For more information on the University-wide policy regarding service and assistance animals and for information about the presence of pets on other campuses, please refer to the policy.
The Department of Public Safety Policies
The Department of Public Safety exists to support the goals of Tufts University by fostering a safe and secure environment in which members of the community can learn, work, and live. Select university policies related to or sponsored by the Department of Public Safety are provided.
Tufts Technology Services (TTS) Information Technology Responsible Use Policies
There are a number of policies and guidelines related to the use of technology at Tufts including some about state and federal laws related to university business practices.