Frequently Asked Questions
ARE HEALTH FORMS and IMMUNIZATION RECORDS REQUIRED?
Yes. You will receive a health history form in the mail. This form provides the health center with important information regarding your health status and family history. The form also includes a section regarding the meningitis vaccine. This vaccine is highly recommended for college freshmen. New York State law requires all full and part-time students born after 1957 to provide documentation of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. You are also required to sign and return the meningitis form.
These rules are strictly enforced. You will not be allowed to continue in classes if these requirements are not met.
You must also have a PPD skin test for tuberculosis within 1 year before starting classes. This test is available at our health center for a small fee.
DO I NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?
There is no charge for most services performed at the health center. A student can come to the health center and talk to a nurse, see a medical provider, have lab testing done, and often receive medication without any charge.
SUNY Fredonia does not currently require students to have health insurance. It is strongly advised that insurance be maintained on all students to cover outside medical care and emergencies. Students should bring an insurance card to school with them. Many insurance plans limit services to your home area or require that diagnostic tests and prescriptions be ordered by your primary doctor. It is very important to know how your insurance works and if referrals are needed.
A student accident and health insurance policy is available through the university for students not covered by other health insurance. The cost varies each year but is comparatively low. Information and brochures are available at the health center.
DO I NEED A PHYSICAL BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE?
Not always. All students who plan on participating in college sports are required to have a physical exam by their family physician before coming to SUNY Fredonia.
All other students are strongly encouraged to have a physical. This allows a trusted family clinician to complete an updated exam and provide counseling on health issues that relate to college life.
CAN I GET BIRTH CONTROL ON CAMPUS?
Yes. There is a student-run organization called the Birth Control Information Center (BCIC). The office is located in LoGrasso Hall and is staffed with student volunteers during the day. Gynecological services are usually held in the evenings. Gynecological exams and birth control are provided for interested students at a very reasonable cost. Students can get more information by calling BCIC at 673-3396. Pamphlets for BCIC are available at the health center. All services are kept confidential.
ARE ALL VISITS CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. The staff at LoGrasso Hall Health Center are required by law to protect student's privacy and maintain the confidentiality of your health record.
Sometimes it is helpful to discuss your medical problem with a parent or guardian. This will be done only with your permission unless there is a life-threatening condition involved.
WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SICK WHEN THE HEALTH CENTER IS CLOSED?
The health center is open Mon. - Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Emergency care is always available at Brooks Memorial Hospital. The hospital is located at 529 Central Ave., Dunkirk, approximately 3 miles from the campus. The emergency room is staffed with a physician 24 hours a day.
If you live in the dorm and become ill after clinic hours, please notify the RA or RD on duty. They may be able to offer help.
For any emergency on campus or when an ambulance is needed, the University Police should be called at 673-3333.
If there is an emergency when you are off campus, dial 911.