Preparing Your Student for a Healthy College Experience
The transition from high school to college is an exciting and somewhat intimidating one for both students and families. Student Health Services is committed to helping ease that transition.
For many students, this is the first time they will be assuming responsibility for their own health and well-being. You, as a parent, can provide valuable information and guidance to your son or daughter to ensure that they take the right steps to stay healthy
The following information may help you in this process:
- Health Information Requirements and Forms: Involve them in preparing to make health care decisions before they come to the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ. Part of this preparation can be encouraging your student to log into their Student Health Portal to complete their Health History Form, Immunization records and Physical exam.
- Health Insurance Coverage: If your student is covered by your family health insurance plan, check with your insurer to see how coverage is affected during their time at the university. Be certain that they understand their coverage. It is vital that every student have health insurance coverage, paying out-of-pocket for treatment of a serious illness or injury could have a financial impact. Treatment received at Student Health Services is provided at no additional cost and does not bill insurance. However, any services by community providers will involve insurance or private payment. Student Health Services can successfully manage most routine illnesses and injuries that occur with college students. However, we must utilize community resources for those services we cannot provide, such as hospitalization, laboratory and emergency room services. Many private insurance companies offer student policies. For more information, uninsured students may refer to to search an appropriate policy. For information on the Affordable Care Act and Health Insurance Marketplace, go to
- Healthcare on campus and other resources: Review all the information on our web page with your student so that they are familiar with our location, services, hours and provisions for health care needs. When Student Health Services is not open, students can contact ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Police for immediate medical assistance.
- Confidentiality: Be aware that once your student has graduated from high school and is enrolled in an institution of higher learning, they are considered an adult. This means they can make decisions regarding care and are subject to confidentiality statute. In other words, under the law, we will need their written permission to speak with families about any contact or health care they received with Student Health Services (except in emergency situations). While we certainly encourage appropriate involvement of families, maintaining confidentiality is of utmost importance in our commitment to the trust of students.
- Medications: Any prescribed or other medications that your student takes regularly may be kept in a safe container/location in their room. You may want to consider arranging with a local pharmacy for renewal of maintenance medications, i.e., for diabetes or asthma. A list of local pharmacies is available on our web site. Student Health Services does stock a limited number commonly used antibiotic prescription medications, our healthcare providers can dispense at a low cost. In addition, limited amounts of over-the-counter medications are also available at no cost to the student. Student Health Services cannot fill prescriptions written by outside providers. Payments may include Royal Card or cash.
A Final Note
We look forward to meeting with and helping your student maintain health and well-being while at The ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ.
Thank you for helping us in this effort.
Sincerely,
The Staff at Student Health Services