Undergraduate Course Catalog 2007-2008
General Information
The University has a state-licensed and nationally-accredited (aaahc.org) health and wellness program.
Health and Counseling Fee
All undergraduate and graduate degree candidates and all full-time non-degree candidates pay a mandatory health and counseling fee. For the academic year 2006-2007, the health and counseling fee was $535. The health fee covers many outpatient care needs that are available at Health Services. However, charges not covered by the health fee are the responsibility of the student. Students should check with the Health Services business office at (603) 862-2840 with any questions.
Health Insurance
The University is undergoing changes at this time with regard to health insurance for undergraduate students. Please contact the Director of Finance and Administration at Health Services at (603) 862-2853 or check the Web site at www.unh.edu/health-services for current information about health insurance.
Health Record Requirement
In order to provide effective care, Health Services requires that undergraduate students who have been formally accepted for a bachelor’s or associate’s degree candidacy, and who register for five or more credits, must have health information on file with Health Services. This information will include three forms provided by Health Services on its Web site at www.unh.edu/health-services. These include a physical assessment and immunization form, to be completed by a medical provider and mailed to Health Services, and a health history form, to be completed by the student on-line.
Proof of immunity to MMR is mandatory (UNH Academic Policy 02.14). Students must meet one of the following criteria for proof of immunity: have received two vaccinations at least one month apart after 12 months of age, have positive titers (blood test), have health provider documentation of past history of the diseases, or have been born before 1957. Students requesting a religious exemption from measles vaccinations must complete the UNH Health Services Request for Exemption, form 202.5. Students from countries where TB is endemic are required to either provide documentation of being tested within six months prior to enrollment or provide documentation of treatment for either latent or active TB or a negative chest radiograph if the test is positive. It is the responsibility of students to complete the forms before the beginning of classes. Any student failing to complete these requirements may not be cleared to register for future classes.
Medical Services
Health Services provides comprehensive, student-focused, primary medical care, laboratory testing, radiology, and pharmacy services. During the regular academic year, the clinical staff consists of board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and medical assistants who have experience working with adolescents and young adults and are committed to prevention and holistic care. They work in teams, three of which focus on general medicine services, commonly seeing, for example, infectious diseases, injuries, and mental health concerns. The fourth team focuses on women’s health and provides annual exams, PAP tests, and numerous other services for women. There is also a travel clinic providing clearance and immunizations for foreign travel and an allergy clinic providing allergy shots. One may speak by telephone with a triage nurse for advice at any time. Limited services are available for faculty and staff.
The staff maintains close relationships with outside specialists in the Seacoast area to whom they may refer patients. Well-staffed and well-equipped community hospitals are nearby and an emergency ambulance service is available in Durham at all times. For after-hours urgent care, Health Services has an agreement with one of the local hospitals to provide care for students.
General medical appointments may be made by calling (603) 862-2856, and women’s health appointments by calling (603) 862-1806.
Medical/Psychological Withdrawals
All students seeking assistance with medical withdrawals or those who will be out of school for extended periods of time due to medical emergencies should be in touch with Health Services at 862-1098. Information is also available on the Web at www.unh.edu/health-services/withdrawal.html.
Office of Health Education and Promotion
The Office of Health Education and Promotion (Room 249, Health Services Center) presents educational workshops and facilitates ongoing educational groups on a variety of physical and emotional health issues. Confidential assessment and referral are also available. The office offers alcohol and other drug counseling, nutrition counseling, stress management counseling, tobacco cessation services, and confidential HIV counseling and testing. A health educator/nurse provides education and support to students living with chronic illnesses. Massage therapy is also available. The resource library (Room 218) contains information on physical and emotional health issues, including HIV/AIDS, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, men’s and women’s health issues, wellness, stress management, sexuality, nutrition, and eating concerns. These services and programs reflect Health Services’s commitment to assisting students in achieving optimal health and well-being. Appointments are made at the Office of Health Education and Promotion, or by calling (603) 862-3823.
