By Dr. Ginette A. Archinal, university physician and medical director of Student Health Services, and Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for student life and dean of students

As students and parents begin preparation for the upcoming academic year, we want to share some important information for all students returning to campus, whether they are a first-year or returning student. Our advice is based on extensive experience as a physician and medical director, student life dean, and as a parent of a college graduate (who received some of those middle-of-the-night panicked medical calls).

College can be the first time that students have ever had to take responsibility for their own care, especially their health. We know that often the first thought in preparing for college (or returning for more seasoned students) is NOT an emergency healthcare kit. However, our experiences indicate that having the right supplies on hand can provide more timely relief for minor illnesses and reduce the middle-of-the-night panicked calls when the flu or a norovirus hits. 

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has an acute injury/illness center staffed by a physician, nurse practitioners and physician assistant but does not offer a 24/7 infirmary. It is helpful if the students have some basic items with them to self-administer for minor illnesses, just as they would take at home.

The first step is to help students understand that minor illness is a part of life and the transition to college, and having supplies on hand to self-manage minor illnesses is important. We hope this information will provide ideas for stocking an emergency health care kit to help students self-manage minor illnesses.  

Since every student is different with different health conditions and different health cultures, this suggested kit is about categories of treatments and items. Personal preference is important, so actual treatment brands are not included, and not all categories may apply to your student. No matter what you include in the student’s kit, it is important to also include some simple advice on how and when to use any items included:  

• Headache/fever/joint and muscle pain
• Diarrhea/constipation/nausea and vomiting
• Skin rashes/insect bites
• Cough and cold/sinus/flu
• Allergies (seasonal/environmental/food/skin)
• Cuts/scrapes/bruises
• Cold sores
• Sleep issues
• Genito-urinary/UTI/vaginitis
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Hand sanitizer
• Thermometer
• Prescribed medications (NEVER share prescribed medications!)
• Vitamins – Multi/Vit C/Vit D – to maintain health, not treat illness
• Copy of health insurance card/pharmacy card
• Contact details for doctors at home or Alamance area specialists and primary care
• Spare glasses/contact lenses/copy of prescriptions for glasses and contacts
• List of prescribed medications with doses and actual names (not general categories like “birth control”)
• Written plan for how to obtain refills on prescribed medications
• Contact information for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Counseling Services, and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Student Health Services
• Fridge/Safe if they will store medications in their room
• Annual flu vaccine (offered on campus in fall semester and at all local pharmacies)

We recommend students keep these items on hand at all times. The university operates bio-buses with routes that stop at local stores. However, some of these over-the-counter items are available for purchase on campus at Fountain Market (located in Clohan Hall) and Barnes and Noble (located in Downtown ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ) during their operational hours.

For most minor illnesses and injuries, students do not need to seek treatment at Student Health Services or other facilities. Many minor illnesses can be managed by the student without medical staff intervention or a visit to Student Health Services or a medical facility. However, if a student experiences the following, they should seek emergency assistance immediately by calling 9-1-1:

• Bleeding that will not stop
• Breathing problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath)
• Broken or severely dislocated bones/joints
• Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty arousing)
• Chest pain
• Choking
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Feeling of committing suicide or murder
• Head or spine injury
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Sudden injury due to a motor vehicle accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wound, etc.
• Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
• Swallowing a poisonous substance
• Upper abdominal pain or pressure 

For guidance on when to seek medical treatment at Student Health Services or another medical facility for a non-emergency condition consult: .

Students can schedule an appointment at  Student Health Services by accessing their health portal at /u/health-wellness/health-services/appointments/. Many health insurance plans also have a medical consultation service as part of their policy to assist covered persons with questions about illnesses or seeking medical treatment. We recommend students consult with those services if available to them to provide guidance about when to seek medical treatment. 

Students may also want to consult available telemedicine options, especially if high volume may mean delays in securing an appointment or they become ill at a time when Student Health Services is closed.

Students and parents can also access additional information about medical and health support resources by visiting the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Student Health Services website at /u/health-wellness/health-services/ or The Office of The Dean of Students website at  /u/administration/student-life/dean-of-students/.​

Centers for Disease Control:

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Dean of Students website: /u/administration/student-life/dean-of-students/

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Student Health Services Website:  /u/health-wellness/health-services/

Montefiorak/Nyak Health Care:

WebMd: 

The amendments will be voted on by all students during the Student Government Association spring elections to be held on March 13 and 14, 2019. For the amendments to be adopted, they must receive an affirmative vote of the two-thirds of ballots cast in the amendment ballot. 

Health Services

Hours of operation: 

Friday 1/25                        9:00 am until 4:00 pm

Saturday 1/26                  9:00 am until  1:00 pm

Sunday 1/27                     9:00 am until 1:00 pm

Monday 1/28                    9:00 am until 4:00 pm

Tuesday 1/29                    9:00 am until 4:00 pm

Wednesday 1/30              10:00 am until 4:00 pm

Thursday  1/31                 9:00 am until 4:00 pm

Friday 2/1                          9:00 am until 4:00 pm

Saturday 2/2                     9:00 am until  1:00 pm

Sunday 2/3                        9:00 am until  1:00 pm

Monday, 2/4                    9:00 am until 4:00 pm

Tuesday 2/5-                   Resume normal hours

Please see Health Services website at /u/health-wellness/health-services/after-hours-and-summer-care/ for treatment options when Health Services is closed.

Health Services sees patients by appointment only. Patients can schedule online through  or by calling the office at (336) 278-7230 during business hours. 

Students experiencing a medical emergency who may need immediate response should call 9-1-1. For other non-medical concerns needing immediate attention after hours, weekends or when the University is closed, students should call Campus Safety and Police at (336) 278-5555 and ask to page the Student Life Emergency Administrator on Call.

More information may be found on the Health Services website at /u/health-wellness/health-services/

Counseling Services

Counseling Services will be open normal operational hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am until 5:00 pm by appointment).

Students experiencing a psychological emergency who may need immediate response should call 9-1-1. Students who are experiencing a crisis and wish to speak to a counselor immediately may connect with the counselor on call by contacting Campus Safety and Police at (336) 278-5555. They will connect you with the counselor on call.

More information may be found on the Counseling Services website at /u/health-wellness/counseling-services/

The flu can be serious! The single-dose flu vaccine is designed to protect against the flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year. The protection you get from the vaccination is designed to provide protection throughout the flu season. With the holiday breaks, final exams and Winter Term study abroad courses just around the corner, you want to protect yourself as much as possible. In addition to receiving the flu vaccine, students, faculty and staff  can take  like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs.

For more information about the 2018-19 flu season and vaccine recommendations, please visit the CDC web-site at: 

A moderate to severe case of the flu can have a major impact on a student, faculty or staff member during an academic term. 

The Office of the Dean of Students, in partnership with Midtown Pharmacy, will offer  a “pop-up” flu vaccine clinic (shots) to students on campus. Quantities are limited; Vaccines will be provided while supplies last.  Wednesday, Jan. 16 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in Global Commons.

YOU DO NOT NEED CASH AT THE TIME OF THE CLINIC: Bring your insurance card if you have one! Most insurance carriers cover the total cost of flu vaccines. You should bring your insurance card with you, and Midtown Pharmacy will file your insurance with no out-of-pocket cost. Once your insurance is filed, if you do have a co-pay, we can put it on your student account.

OR

Students who do not have an insurance card may pay the $23 vaccine cost at the time of service. You may pay by cash or check or you can request we post it on your student account. We will provide documentation if you would like to file for reimbursement from your insurance company at a later time.

Students who cannot attend the clinic or if demand exceeds supply may also receive flu vaccines at most local pharmacies with no out-of-pocket cost.

Need a ride? The BioBus (University Line) makes stops at the following locations with pharmacies:

• CVS on University Drive (Lowe’s Foods)
• Target (University Drive)

The University Line BioBus schedule is located at 

If you do come down with the flu: 

• Make sure you have medical and nutritional supplies on hand for the flu (or any illness):
• If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others.   If you are sick and cannot attend class, contact your faculty members directly and keep them apprised of your condition. Any consideration for class absences is granted by your individual faculty members and departmental policy.
• Not every student who comes down with the flu needs to seek medical attention. To determine if you need to seek medical attention, consult the following:
• If you do need to see a provider, schedule an appointment with Health Services staff by accessing the PhoenixHealth portal and following the directions at   /u/health-wellness/health-services/appointments/  or calling (336) 278-7230 during business hours. If appointments are full and your symptoms warrant, you may want to consider seeking medical attention at a local Urgent Care clinic or hospital.
• If you have other questions or need additional support, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 336-278-7200 and ask to speak to a member of the Student Concerns staff. 

Students may direct questions to The Office of the Dean of Students and The Student Concerns Outreach Staff  at (336) 278-7200 during normal business hours.

Students are held accountable to the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Honor Code, the Code of Conduct and all applicable  University policies from the time they are admitted until they graduate from the university. The Student Handbook also contains helpful information and links to information regarding campus resources.

The current Student Handbook is available to all members of the university community electronically at 

Updates to all sections of the Student Handbook may be posted periodically. It is the responsibility of all ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students to become familiar with campus policies and procedures and to watch for updates as instructed on E-Net.

Printed copies of the most current Student Handbook will be placed on reserve in Belk Library and are available to students, faculty and staff by request in the Office of  The Dean of Students, Center for Leadership Suite 105, (336) 278-7200.

Questions or comments regarding the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Student Handbook should be forwarded to:

Whitney Gregory, assistant dean of students 

E-mail: wgregory@elon.edu

Health Services

Saturday, April 20 — Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, April 21 — CLOSED

Please see Health Services website at /u/health-wellness/health-services/after-hours-and-summer-care/ for treatment options when Health Services is closed.

Monday, April 22 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Health Services sees patients by appointment only. Patients can schedule online through  or by calling the office at (336) 278-7230 during business hours. 

Students experiencing a medical emergency who may need immediate response should call 9-1-1. For other nonmedical concerns needing immediate attention after hours, weekends or when the University is closed, students should call Campus Safety and Police at (336) 278-5555 and ask to page the Student Life Emergency Administrator on Call.

More information may be found on the Health Services website at /u/health-wellness/health-services/

Counseling Services

Counseling Services is not open on weekends and will be closed Monday, April 22. 

Students may schedule appointments resuming Tuesday, April 23, by calling the Office at (336) 278-7280.

Students experiencing a psychological emergency who may need immediate response should call 9-1-1. Students who are experiencing a crisis after hours, weekends or when the University is closed may connect with the crisis counselor on call by contacting Campus Safety and Police at (336) 278-5555. They will connect you with the crisis counselor on call.

More information may be found on the Counseling Services website at /u/health-wellness/counseling-services/

​In February 2017 SGA launched a year-long pilot bike-share program with Zagster. After reviewing user data from the past year, SGA has decided not to continue the program, effective Feb. 19, 2018. 

The pilot program featured two phases including a free bike-sharing membership during the first year and a $50 membership for the second year. Continuation and expansion of the program would be dependent on student enrollment in the program to financially sustain the program.

A variety of factors led SGA to end the program with Zagster. Enrollment in the program did not meet targets to warrant continuing and expanding the program in a manner that was economically feasible for  SGA or any potential University allocated funds. While SGA did set aside some operational funds to contribute toward the program this year, the Executive Board felt that continuing a pilot renewal would not be the best use of the student body’s funds when considering students’ participation in this program. 

When students approached SGA and asked for a bike-sharing system, SGA senators worked to make a pilot program a reality. However, SGA is also charged with the task of managing student funds and continuing with this specific model would not be fiscally responsible.

SGA hopes to work to allocate funds to Campus Recreation to support students who have an interest in biking. The bike-rental program administered by Campus Recreation is a popular and robust program and provides economical biking options for the student body. 

The Senate will soon consider whether to partner with Campus Recreation to expand this program. SGA’s first priority has always been, and continues to be, serving the student body.

In the event of a medical or psychological emergency call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. 

Health Services will close at 4 p.m. on  Friday, Nov. 17 and will re-open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.

For nonemergency illnesses and injuries when Health Services is closed, please see Health Services website for a listing of after-hours and weekend health care options

Counseling Services 

In the event of a medical or psychological emergency call 9-1-1;  If there is a crisis and you would like to speak to the counselor on call anytime Counseling Services is closed, call Campus Safety and Police at (336) 278-5555 and they will patch you through to the crisis counselor on call.

Counseling Services will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 and will re-open at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.

Note: Emergency Psychological Services are also available through Cone Behavioral Health Hospital:

24-hour HelpLine assistance at (336) 832-9700 or 1 (800) 711-2635.

Office of  The Dean of Students

If you need emergency assistance when the office is closed, please contact Campus Safety and Police at (336) 278-5555; describe your concern and ask them to page the appropriate Student Life Emergency Response Staff Person.

The Office of The Dean of Students will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and will re-open at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27.

According to the  genital human papillomavirus (also called HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV can cause cancers in the oropharynx. These cancers are called oropharyngeal cancers. 

Most, but not all, oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV. HPV is thought to cause 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States, with HPV type 16 causing 60 percent of all oropharyngeal cancers. The fastest-growing segment of the oral and oropharyngeal cancer population are otherwise healthy, nonsmokers in the 25- to 50-year-old age range.

Young is an oral cancer survivor. In 2015 she was diagnosed with the rarest oral cancer in the world, Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma. Amber describes her journey as  “long, complicated, and humbling all at the same time.” Young joined the staff of Oral Cancer Cause and is committed to raising awareness about oral cancer, early detection and ways to cope with the diagnosis.

The presentation will be held in Lakeside 212.

The flu can be serious! The single-dose flu vaccine is designed to protect against the flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year. The protection you get from the vaccination is designed to provide protection throughout the flu season. With the holiday breaks, final exams and Winter Term study abroad courses just around the corner, you want to protect yourself as much as possible.

For more information about the 2017-18 flu season and vaccine recommendations, please visit the CDC web-site at:  . Please note that a moderate to severe case of the flu can have a major impact on a student, faculty or staff member during an academic term — especially Winter Term and Study Abroad. 

In addition to receiving the flu vaccine, students, faculty and staff  can take  like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs.

If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others. Students who believe they may have the flu may schedule an appointment with Health Services by  going to the PhoenixHealth portal  at   or calling (336) 278-7230 during business hours.

The Office of Student Health and Wellness,  in partnership with Midtown Pharmacy,  will offer flu vaccines (shots) to students. Vaccines will be provided at each location while supplies last. 

• Monday, Oct. 2, 3 to 7 p.m. in Moseley 217
• Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1 to 5 p.m. in Moseley 216
• Monday, Oct. 9, 2 to 6 p.m. in Francis Center
• Thursday, Nov. 9, 4 to 7 p.m. in Koury Campus Recreation Concourse

All students who receive a flu vaccine at one of these clinics will be entered into a drawing for prizes including gift certificates for Barnes and Noble, The Root and The Oak House!

Note: Law students will receive a separate e-mail in a few days about a flu-vaccine clinic at the Law School.

NO OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS: Most insurance carriers cover the total cost of flu vaccines. You should bring your insurance card with you, and Midtown Pharmacy will file your insurance with no out-of-pocket cost. Once your insurance is filed, if you do have a co-pay we can put it on your student account.

OR

Students who do not have an insurance card may pay the $20 vaccine cost at the time of service. You may pay by cash or check or you can request we post it on your student account. We will provide documentation if you would like to file for reimbursement  from your insurance company at a later time.

Students who cannot attend one of these clinics may also receive flu vaccines at most local pharmacies with no out-of-pocket cost.

Need a ride? The BioBus (University Line) makes stops at the following locations with pharmacies:

• CVS on University Drive (Lowe’s Foods)
• Target (University Drive)

The University Line BioBus schedule is located at : 

Students may direct questions to The Office of The Dean of Students at (336) 278-7200 during normal business hours.