Undergraduate Course Catalog 2010-2011
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 non-degree candidates taking more than 12 credits are required to pay a mandatory health and counseling fee. For the academic year 2009-2010, the health and counseling fee was $563. This pre-paid 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
UNH requires health insurance as a condition of enrollment for full-time degree students at its Durham and Manchester campuses. Students who already have health insurance are able to waive coverage under the University-sponsored plan if their insurance plan meets or exceeds the established waiver criteria by completing a waiver prior to the deadline. International students with F-1 and J-1 visas will be required to purchase the UNH Health Benefits Plan.
Health Record Requirement
In order to provide effective care, Health Services requires that undergraduate students who have been formally accepted for 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 and submitted by the student on-line.
Documentation of proof of immunity to MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) is required (UNH Academic Policy 02.14). Students must meet one of the following criteria for proof of immunity: received two vaccinations at least one month apart after 12 months of age, positive titers (blood test), health provider documentation of past history of the diseases, or born before 1957. Students requesting a religious exemption from measles vaccinations must complete the UNH Health Services Request for Exemption and submit appropriate documentation. 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 through a team approach. The clinical staff consists of board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and medical assistants who are committed to prevention and holistic care. Primary medical care is provided for a large variety of common concerns. Examples include respiratory illnesses, injuries, asthma, dermatologic issues, intestinal disorders, and mental health. Women’s health services include annual examinations, diagnoses and treatment related to abnormal Pap smears, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive services, pregnancy testing and counseling, limited sexual assault services, and other women’s health concerns. An outreach nurse assists with problems arising from hospitalization and health withdrawals and return to campus. Other services include allergy/immunization clinics, sports medicine services, and travel clinic. Students may speak by telephone with a triage nurse for advice at any time. Clinical support services include laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy. Not all services are available during the summer or breaks.
During the academic year, UNH Health Services has an agreement with a local hospital to provide after-hours services when a student’s medical needs cannot wait until Health Services is open.
Well-staffed and well-equipped community hospitals are nearby and emergency ambulance service is available in Durham at all times.
Medical/Psychological Withdrawals
All students seeking assistance with health-related (physical or mental) withdrawals from the University, or those who will be out for extended periods of time due to health issues, should be in touch with Health Services at 862-1098. Information is also available on the Web at www.unh.edu/health-services/withdrawals.html.
Office of Health Education and Promotion
The Office of Health Education and Promotion coordinates health promotion activities on campus. Services provided include educational programs/workshops, individual and group support to promote healthy lifestyle choices, education and support to students living with chronic illnesses, confidential HIV testing and counseling, alcohol and other drug counseling, nutritional counseling, stress management counseling, biofeedback, light therapy, massage therapy, smoking cessation services and a resource library with materials on a variety of health and wellness topics. For more information, visit the Health Services Web site at www.unh.edu/health-services.
