Student Health Services
Each student who attends Houghton is required to complete a health form and immunization record. The information provided on these forms is confidential and is intended to aid us in providing the highest quality health care possible.
New/Transfer students must submit completed medical reports and immunization records, documenting two MMR immunizations, and a meningococcal waiver, by July 15. Please notify the Health Center if you are unable to meet this deadline.
If you have questions, please contact Student Health Services at 800-777-2556, ext. 4830.
Location
The Student Health Center (SHC) is conveniently located in the lower level of Gillette Residence Hall and can be accessed from the parking lot next to the Campus Center. It is staffed by registered nurses and an on site physician and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Services
There is no charge for physician or nurse visits to the Student Health Center. Charges for pharmacy (medications), laboratory testing, radiology and other ancillary, off-site services are billed independently by those institutions, and fees, therefore, may apply, according to the terms outlined in an individual's insurance plan. Referrals are made to local physicians, area specialists, or ER/hospitals as needed.
After Hours Care
When the SHC is closed, students with emergent health needs should contact 911. If the issue is not life-threatening, then questions should be directed to Residence Life Staff (RA, RD) who have a list of contacts that can be used if needed to assist in decision making. In addition, for students enrolled in the college insurance plan, an after-hours nurse help line is available to answer health questions.
Insurance Policy
Houghton College requires that all students taking at least 12 hours of credit provide proof of health insurance coverage. The college makes a reasonably priced, limited benefit Accident and Illness Policy available to students who do not have insurance coverage otherwise. The college program operates under an "opt out" policy, meaning that students will automatically be enrolled in the college negotiated plan (and the charge for such will be applied to their student account) unless they submit a waiver providing information regarding alternate insurance coverage. Students can waive out of the plan online between July and September.
Click here to opt out: https://studentcenter.uhcsr.com/
Because a person's insurance coverage may change periodically, a waiver must be submitted each year before matriculation can occur. The college accident insurance is mandatory for all intercollegiate athletes and is an option for all other students. The health center staff is available to answer questions and to assist in the filing of claims if needed.
Medical Leave
If a student has a medical condition (physical or psychological) that interferes with that student's ability to perform academically, or if that student's behavior/condition is such that other students are being hindered in their academic/living environment, a medical leave from the college may be granted. Such leave is granted by the Vice President of Student Life. This is not a disciplinary action, and students given medical leave are encouraged to return to the college to continue their studies as soon as they are able to do so. An evaluation may be required to ascertain whether the behaviors/condition that warranted the granting of the leave have been sufficiently addressed.
Immunization Requirements/Health Forms
In keeping with New York State's stringent Public Health Law, all students are required to provide documented proof of immunization (two doses of vaccine) or immunity (by blood work) to measles, mumps, and rubella. In addition, state law requires that a waiver form be completed in regard to the meningococcal vaccine, indicating a specific choice to either receive or decline the immunization. The Health Center strongly recommends that students living in the dormitories receive this vaccine. TB testing and up-to-date tetanus/diphtheria immunization is also required. Hepatitis B immunization is recommended. In addition to the immunization records, an admission physical/health form is required to be submitted prior to the beginning of classes. Failure to meet these requirements may result in being restricted from attending classes.
Highlander and Incoming Preseason Athletic Participants must submit completed medical forms/ sports clearance physicals and immunization records at least one week prior to arrival.
Local Physician Offices
There are 2 local physician offices in Houghton in case needs cannot be met in the Student Health Center, and numerous specialists and several hospitals/ER facilities are available in surrounding towns for referrals if needed.
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Northern Allegany Medical Group Calvin Schierer, DO 9734 Rt 19 Houghton, NY 14744 (585)567-2285 |
Southern Tier Community Health Care Network 9864 Luckey Dr Houghton, NY 14744 (585)567-4248 |
The mission of the Student Health Center includes the treatment of illnesses and injuries, and the promotion of health and wellness in an environment that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. The staff at the Student Health Center desires to help students in any way possible in order to support them during their time here at Houghton. We hope that students who have health concerns will feel free to stop by and speak with us. It is a privilege to serve students in this place, and we always appreciate suggestions as to how we can do it better.
Student Counseling Services
Counseling services are available to all students through the Counseling Center located in the Reinhold Campus Center.
Staffed by professional counselors, the center offers weekly sessions to students as needed. A consulting psychiatrist is also on campus each month to assist in diagnosis and to monitor psychotropic medication. These services are free of charge.
For more information, contact Cindy Hannigan, Office Administrator, at 585-567-9622, or visit the Center’s website at http://campus.houghton.edu/orgs/counseling/.
