Residence Life and Student Leaders Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Rutgers University Health Services' Guide for Residence Life and Student Leaders. As Student Health Advocates, we interpret and extend what services and opportunities are offered to our peers so that the Rutgers University community may develop and/or maintain personal and community health. By talking with many different students, we have found that as a residence life or student leader, you have the strongest connection to the most students at Rutgers.

This guide was developed especially for you to familiarize yourself with our services so you may assist students with referrals, important numbers, services, etc. It is not only a source of information in itself, but also a reference to programs and services where more detailed answers can be found. We encourage you to become a part of the Department of Health Education as well as being student leaders. There are many opportunities, volunteer work, classes, etc., that we believe would be worth your while. Students like us are a large part of what makes the Rutgers University Health Services effective and unique. If there is anything that you cannot help a student with, please contact us to assist you.

Please continue to browse our website and let us know how you feel about health services: health@rci.rutgers.edu.

Locations

Rutgers University New Brunswick has three health centers on campus for students to use. Eligible students (all full-time and part-time students who pay the health fee) may use any one of the health centers, but are encouraged to establish a sustained relationship at one health center since continuity is important to quality care. You may transfer your medical records from one health center to another health center by requesting this in writing.

Visits are by appointment only. Some same-day appointments may be available, just call first.

Hurtado Health Center
Location:
College Avenue Campus
11 Bishop Place (next to Clothier dorm)
(732) 932-7402
Services:
General treatment and healthcare, laboratory, preventive care, pharmacy, mental health and substance abuse counseling.
Fall and spring hours:
Open from 8:30 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday. Between 5-8 pm, Monday-Friday, the center is staffed for urgent care and limited appointments.
Summer hours:
Open from 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
Semester break hours:
Open from 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.

Busch-Livingston Health Center
Location:
Livingston Campus
110 Hospital Road (behind the Brown Athletic Center)
(732) 445-3250
Services:
General treatment and health care, preventative care, pharmacy.
Fall and spring hours:
Open from 8:30 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday. After hours (until 8 pm), call Hurtado Health Center.

Willets Health Center
Location:
Cook/Douglass Campus
11 Suydam Street (across Nichol Avenue from the Co-op)
(732) 932-9805
Services:
General treatment and health care, preventative care, pharmacy.
Fall and spring hours:
Open from 8:30 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday. After hours (until 8 pm), call Hurtado Health Center. Willets is open to both men and women.

Pharmacies

Since the early 1970s, RUHS has had a pharmacy licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy and run by a registered pharmacist.

Hurtado: Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm.
Accepts Knight Express, Bursar billing, some credit cards and some prescription plans.
Summer Session/Breaks: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday
(732) 932-7402 x 219

Busch-Livingston: Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5 pm when health center is open.

Willets: Prescriptions filled by courier and pharmacy hotline when health center is open.

We are available to fill your prescriptions (even those from a private clinician), consult with you and answer any questions about your medications.

Over-the-counter items, such as contraceptives, condoms, vitamins, cold preparations, and contact lens supplies, are also available. We are non-profit, and whenever possible are less expensive than pharmacies outside of the university. If you are under your parents' insurance plan, give the insurance information (and a copy of their insurance card) to the pharmacy to have on file, and tell us what allergies you have.

Available Services

The many health services available on campus are listed below for your convenience. Referral to off-campus providers or specialty services will be made when necessary and entails an additional charge. A student, spouse, or partner needing health care who is covered by the basic health care insurance plan should first consult with a provider at one of the university's health centers. If subsequent referral to a community-based provider becomes necessary, a health center physician or nurse practitioner will suggest it. Following this procedure ensures that a portion of the office fee will be covered by the insurance plan. Bypassing referral means that the student will be held responsible for the entire office fee from an outside health provider.

Alcohol & Other Drug Assistance Program for Students (ADAPS):
(732) 932-7402 x 232. Individual counseling, group therapy, arrangements for recovery housing, and referral for inpatient and long-term care are available through this confidential program for students concerned with their own alcohol or other drug use, as well as with a friend or family member's use or abuse of alcohol, nicotine, and/or other drugs.

Allergy Treatment:
Allergy injections are provided according to a prescribed schedule, with allergens and instructions provided by your private health practitioner. $10 per clinic visit.

Appointments:
All of the health centers require appointments, although urgent problems will be seen promptly. Please call to schedule an appointment. Waiting times vary depending on the time of day, reason for visit, and health center. Staff makes every effort to see you promptly.

Confidentiality:
All health and counseling services are strictly confidential in accordance with the confidentiality policy of Rutgers University Health Services. All RUHS staff members and student workers must read and sign the Confidentiality Statement. The confidential medical information concerning a student/patient is recorded solely for the purpose of medical treatment. Violation of this statement may be considered grounds for termination of employment with RUHS.

Emergencies:
Rutgers University does not provide emergency care. All patients with a medical emergency (a sudden, life-threatening, and unexpected sickness or injury) are referred immediately to a local emergency room. At the health center, students with urgent medical problems will be seen quickly. Please notify the receptionist of your urgent problem as soon as you arrive. If the health center is closed and you have an emergency, call 911 (6-911 from a campus phone). If you need transportation to a hospital while the health centers are closed, call Campus Police: (732) 932-7211. In the absence of a medical opinion, a reasonable person would believe an emergency existed if the condition would result in: 1) death, 2) illness with grave or life-threatening consequences, or 3) serious impairment of bodily functions.

General Health Care:
We offer preventive health care as well as treatment of common problems, such as respiratory tract infections, accident-related injuries, sexually transmitted infection testing, and chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes.

Health Education:
(732) 932-7402 x 273. Students and staff at the Department of Health Education work to identify and address the underlying causes of health concerns and to contribute to the academic and life success of students. A large part of the Department of Health Education is student-run, as student health advocates organize and lead discussions, workshops, SHADES theater, and exhibits to assist their peers and the community in challenging ideas and increasing awareness about eating and nutrition, stress, body image, alcohol/nicotine/other drugs, and sexual health. We offer courses and independent study, training, student internships, opportunities for research and advocacy, part-time jobs, and community service experiences. Our work with students focuses on leadership, advocacy, and social justice.

HIV Testing:
Confidential testing is available at all health centers.

Immunization:
We review, screen, and update immunizations. Students pay separately for each vaccine. MMR, meningitis, Hepatitis B, flu, and Varicella (chickenpox) are available, as well as different vaccines required for international travel to specific countries.

Laboratory Tests:
We do routine diagnostic procedures (e.g. tests for mononucleosis, urinalysis, pregnancy tests, chlamydia, blood chemistries, bacteriology, and hematology), and specialized diagnostic procedures (e.g. thyroid testing). Some lab tests have a fee, which may be reimbursed through student insurance as per policy guidelines.

Mental Health:
(732) 932-7402 x 233. Located on the third floor of Hurtado Health Center, CAC, we offer psychiatric consultation, evaluation, treatment, and referrals for long-term treatment. For crisis intervention, please call A.P.S. (Acute Psychiatric Services) in Piscataway at (732) 235-5700. They are open 24/7, all year long.

Nutrition Counseling:
Medical staff provides nutritional counseling. Just ask your regular health care provider.

Pharmacy:
(732) 932-7402 x 219. We fill prescriptions and offer health aids and over-the-counter products. You may fill prescriptions from the health center physicians and nurse practitioners or non-RUHS clinicians at a university pharmacy. Health aids, such as condoms, toothpaste, humidifiers, contact lens solution, cough drops, and first aid cream, may also be purchased at an often-reduced cost.

Physical Examination:
Physical examinations can be done for participation in college-sponsored sports programs or other college-sponsored programs (by appointment only).

Women's Healthcare:
We offer routine pelvic and breast examinations, Pap tests, contraceptive counseling, pregnancy testing and counseling, sexually transmitted infection testing and services, and colposcopy services. A special HPV vaccine trial research project is underway.

X-Ray:
Referral to nearby radiology services x-rays (including MRI, ultrasound), which may include an additional charge to patients.

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Patient Rights

To receive considerate and respectful care at Rutgers University Health Services regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, culture, disabilities, or religious beliefs.
To know the names and titles of the people involved in your care as designated by ID badges or personal introductions.
To an explanation of your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms you can understand. If you are unable to comprehend medical information, the information will be made available to a person designated or authorized by you on your behalf.
To receive the necessary information to participate in decisions about your care and to give your informed consent before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure will be performed.
To refuse treatment, except as prohibited by law, and to be informed of the consequences of making this decision.
To obtain a second medical opinion prior to any procedure.
To request that health care information be communicated in your native language via a translator or other service.
To a complete and thorough examination by the health care professional including appropriate assessment and effective management of pain.
To expect that your personal privacy will be respected and protected by all staff at Rutgers University Health Services.
To request that a chaperone be present during your exam.
To review any medical records created and maintained by Rutgers University Health Services regarding your care and treatment.
To expect that your medical records will be kept strictly confidential. Information will only be released with your written consent, except in cases of medical emergencies, certain state-mandated reporting of infectious diseases, or in compliance with a legally issued subpoena.
To ask and receive an explanation of any research or experimental procedure proposed for treatment and the opportunity to give your informed consent before any procedure will begin.
To ask and receive an explanation of any charges that may be made by Rutgers University Health Services, even though they may not be covered by insurance.
To register complaints regarding your care with the clinician and/or administration. Contact quality@rci.rutgers.edu.

Patient Responsibilities

You are responsible to provide accurate information about your past medical history.

To ask questions if you do not understand the explanation of your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or any instructions.
To follow instructions concerning medications, follow-up visits, patient education, and to notify the clinician if this plan cannot be followed.
To arrive as scheduled for appointments and to notify the health center in advance in case of a cancelled appointment.
To provide information necessary to process your insurance claims.
To pay any charges billed to you.
To follow all rules and regulations that are posted within the health center.
To be considerate and respectful of the rights of other patients and health care personnel.

Student Health Insurance

Am I covered by the Rutgers student health insurance plan?
Full-time (registered for 12 or more credits) students have a fee included in their term bill for student health services and insurance. This give you access to services at Rutgers University health centers and BASIC health insurance. Part-time students who carry 1-11 credits may pay the fee and become eligible for these services. The cost of the BASIC insurance plan changes annually, and is approximately $100/semester.

What does the health insurance cover?
The BASIC insurance plan provides to a maximum of $5000 of coverage for each accident for illness. The policy provides for some coverage for services that are not provided for within the health centers. This included, but is not limited to, emergency room treatment for acute medical problems or hospital confinement. The policy also includes $5000 accidental death benefits.

What if a student has other insurance?
The student insurance plan is an excess policy. If you have other insurance, that policy is used as the primary insurance, and the student insurance becomes secondary, covering some of the deductibles and uncovered expenses after the primary insurance plan pays. (The student insurance would be primary for certain alcohol and drug treatment services and reproductive health services, for example.)

When does the insurance begin and end?
For full-time students, the BASIC insurance plain is effective with the start of the semester. Eligibility for part-time student begins when the student health services and insurance fee is paid. Coverage for the fall expires at the end of the term. Coverage for the spring tem expires 8/31.

What is not covered by the BASIC insurance plan?
While you should check a copy of the policy for a more specific list, some of the more common services that the BASIC plan does not cover are:
- dental treatment, except as a result of an accident;
- birth control;
- routine eye examinations;
- immunizations;
- allergy and acne-related services;
- injury or sickness resulting from the use of a narcotic unless administered on the advice of a doctor.

How do I obtain the additional insurance?
Rutgers University Health Services offers a MAJOR MEDICAL PLAN for students who have the BASIC insurance plan and want to be insured in case of a major illness or injury. Students are encouraged to purchase additional coverage. The additional insurance increases the coverage to either $55,0000 or $105,000 per illness or injury. The MAJOR MEDICAL plan a $250 deductible per illness or injury. After the deductible has been met, the insurance company pays 80% of the approved fee. Information on this plan is available from the Office of Student Insurance. Information packets are mailed to all students at the end of the summer. The premium for this plan changes annually. This latest rate is posted on http://health.rutgers.edu.

Are spouses/domestic partners and children of students covered under the policies?
If you are eligible for the BASIC insurance plan, your spouse/domestic partner and dependent children are eligible to purchase the BASIC insurance plan for an additional premium. A spouse or domestic partner is eligible for primary care with RUHS health centers (with some exceptions). Dependent children are not eligible for health care at RUHS health centers.
The MAJOR MEDICAL insurance plan is also available to spouses/domestic partners and dependent children who have purchased the BASIC insurance. Contact the Office of Student Insurance for the latest rate information at (732) 932-7402 x 236.

How do I submit a bill to the insurance company?
You may obtain a claim form at any of the student health centers or from the student health insurance office (located in room 207 of Hurtado Health Center). Fill out the claim form, attached an itemized medical bill to the form, and submit it to the Office of Student Insurance. Claims should be submitted as timely as possible. Claim for treatment received after 12 months from the date of sickness or injury will not be considered for payment.

Department of Health Education

We create and respond to opportunities for students to examine their personal behavior, enhance the health of the community, and analyze and challenge the cultural and peer norms which affect health. We do this through teaching, community service, and community development by working with students on leadership, advocacy, community building and social justice.

Rutgers University Health Services (RUHS) has a website for your health information needs. Assess your behavior, take our quizzes, request a program, apply to be an advocate, or ask a question, all online! It is important to RUHS that our services reflect your needs and interests, so please share any ideas or questions that you may have.

Website: http://health.rutgers.edu/

S.H.R.I.M.P. - Health for Students, By Students

Have a good idea to promote health at Rutgers? S.H.R.I.M.P. (Student Health at Rutgers Independent Mini-Grant Project) is looking to fund students' and student organizations' creative ideas that will create a healthier Rutgers community. Past funded projects include: RU Ready? book, multi-cultural videotape, improv theater, and The RU SHAG. Interested students and student organizations need just respond to a few questions. Your idea will be promptly reviewed by a student panel.

Make your class project proposal a real project! For the application, contact the Department of Health Education or visit our webpage: http://health.rutgers.edu/shrimp/. Contact us if you would like to be a SHRIMP reviewer, too.

Classes for Academic Credit

Various academic opportunities for coursework, internships, and CASE service placements are available.

Individual and Community Change* - 10:832:252 (also called Theories, Assessment and Practice of Health Behavior - 01:377:252) is a 4-credit course (including one CASE credit for community service). Students discover new ways of understanding their own health and examine basic principles and processes of social justice and college health. Students become involved in community health issues through direct community service.

Sexual Health Advocacy - 10:832:301 is a two-semester, 7-credit course (including one credit for community service) that prepares students to advocate for sexual health. SHAs facilitate programs and discussions on sexual health and other topics while learning about racism, sexism, homophobia, safer sex, body image, etc. Interested? Fill out an application online or at the Department of Health Education: http://health.rutgers.edu/applications/sha.htm.

Advanced Instruction and our Peer Seminar are also available for 1-3 credits for pursuing special projects in specific health areas by arrangement with health education staff, especially for students who have completed the Change... or Sexual Health... courses.

Who Are the Student Health Advocates?

Student Health Advocates (often called peer educators) are students who have skills to lead programs/small discussions on sexual health, stress management, alcohol and other drug education, body image, and nutrition to groups of students in classrooms, fraternities/sororities, organizations, athletic teams, and residence halls. In addition, Student Health Advocates critically examine their environment for social injustice that affects community health.

Nutrition Advocate Training is a one-year volunteer training experience to inform and advocate for nutritional health on campus and in the community. Trained student nutrition advocates continue their advocacy in subsequent years with the department.

How Can I Become an Advocate?

Visit the department on the third floor of Hurtado Health Center, CAC (or our website: http://health.rutgers.edu/) and fill out an application. If you want to find out more information on a particular advocacy, call the department. We urge students to take Individual and Community Change to prepare for training to be an advocate.

Other Opportunities

Many opportunities exist in the Department of Health Education for students wishing to play an active part in health education at Rutgers. The department provides part-time jobs, internships/independent study projects, special projects, and community service/volunteer opportunities. Student health advocate, course assistant, department assistant, program scheduler, graphic artist, SHRIMP reviewer, and research assistant are just a few of the many positions open each year.

For more information, contact the Department of Health Education:

Room 324, Hurtado Health Center, CAC
11 Bishop Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1180
(732) 932-7402 x 273

SHADES Theater (Student Health Advocates Developing Educational Scenarios)
SHADES Theater is a interactive, improvisational theater ensemble, now in its ninth year. Students create and perform scenes dealing with real life issues about sexual health, violence, relationships, racism, homophobia, body image, and more. Performances include an open discussion between the actors (remaining in character) and the audience. Performances are a safe place to talk openly about issues that are often hard to talk about. Performances are available for groups as small as twenty. Our full show can also be scheduled.
For information on scheduling a performance or information about auditions, call the Department of Health Education at (732) 932-7402 x 273.

Robert H. Bierman Student Health Journalism Award
This award recognizes excellence in student journalism for printed health articles, written by students for students. Such stories might focus on sexuality, relationships, drinking/drugging behavior on campus, impact of racism/sexism/homophobia on student health, body image, current health trends/perceptions of college students, and any topic that looks at health as a social issue requiring collective action rather than just personal behaviors or habits which contribute to disease.
Two of the best articles submitted which have appeared in a campus newspaper between March 24, 2003, and March 12th, 2004, are selected to be awarded cash prizes. Check the website for details: http://health.rutgers.edu/bierman.htm. Submit your article or somebody else's (and share the prize!).

Eating Issues Working Group (EIWG)
Now in its eighth year, the Eating Issues Working Group (EIWG) is comprised of students, faculty, and staff from a range of departments within the university who are concerned with raising awareness and developing policy on body image and eating issues, including eating disorders. A large part of the EIWG's efforts include Body Appreciation Week, body image education programs, and research on body image.
Contact Anne McEneaney, Rutgers College Counseling Center, (732) 932-7884.

CURVES (Challenging UnRealistic Views on Eating and Size)
Challenging UnRealistic Views on Eating and Size is a student-run organization whose goal is to proactively challenge the campus environment and society's norms regarding the ideal body shape and size for both women and men. CURVES meets monthly, with subcommittees meeting more often. CURVES members participate in Body Appreciation Week and create other forums to stimulate dialogue and promote body appreciation for RU students of all shapes and sizes.
Contact Francesca M. Maresca, advisor, at the Department of Health Education: (732) 932-7402 x 273.

ADAPS (Alcohol and other Drug Assistance Programs for Students)

The Alcohol and other Drug Assistance Program for Students (ADAPS) is modeled after the Employee Assistance Program, and provides assessment, counseling, and consultation for students who are at high risk for problems related to substance abuse. These students include:

active and recovering alcoholics/addicts;
those who have a family member with an addiction;
students with a close friend who is a substance abuser;
students who have been involved in a legal/disciplinary problem where substance use is known or strongly suspected to have been involved.

Many services are offered through the academic year and summer for students with alcohol or drug-related problems, such as the following groups formed each semester:

Alcohol/Other Drug Awareness;
Recovery Support;
Women's Recovery Support;
Adult Children of Alcoholics;
Intensive Outpatient Program (for students in early recovery from alcohol/drug addictions).

Through ADAPS, a special on-campus housing program known as Recovery Housing is offered to any undergraduate or graduate student who lives abstinent from alcohol/drugs and wishes to live in an environment supportive of their lifestyle. Call (732) 932-7402 x 232.

Nicotine Dependence Treatment

The Nicotine Dependence Treatment is part of the ADAPS. If you or a close friend smoke and are having difficulty quitting, visit the program on the third floor of Hurtado Health Center. The RU Up In Smoke Kit is offered through ADEPT, which can be the first step in quitting smoking. Individual and group counseling are also available for nicotine addiction. All sessions or discussions are kept confidential; there is no additional fee. Call (732) 932-7402 x 232 or e-mail llaitman@rci.rutgers.edu.

Mental Health Services

This division of RUHS is located on the third floor of Hurtado Health Center. Psychiatric consultation, evaluation, treatment, crisis intervention, counseling, short-term psychotherapy, and referral for long-term treatment are available. (732) 932-7402 x 233.

Last Modified 10/2/2002