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Tiger Family Resources: Health, Wellness & Safety

 

The health and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance. UofM students have access to a full range of comprehensive health and wellness resources to help them feel their best. Between recreation services, medical care, counseling, advocacy services and more, the UofM aims to keep students healthy so they can succeed here and beyond. 

Health Resources

Student Health Center provides outpatient care, health education, and health promotion to students, faculty, and staff on campus. Students may be seen during the semester in which they are enrolled. A current University ID must be presented for admission. Students may be seen between semesters for an access fee.

Short-term, acute illnesses and injuries are addressed at Student Health Center. Patients with chronic, complex or recurrent medical conditions must continue to use their primary care physician for issues related to their chronic illness. No routine physicals are performed at Student Health Services. Only lab tests ordered by Student Health Center medical providers will be performed.

Unlike many other healthcare institutions, students with managed care insurance are not required to obtain prior authorization from their primary care physician before seeking care at Student Health Center. However, students should know their insurance information, as well as their medical history and health status. These are important steps as students start to take responsibility for their own healthcare.

Students enrolled at the university are not charged an access fee. Most routine diagnostic and laboratory analyses required for treatment will be at NO charge. Students pay fees for dispensary medications and vaccinations. Students will be notified of any charges before a test or procedure is performed. Student Health Center requests payment before services are provided. Payment may be made by cash, check, credit card, or Tiger Funds. When more in-depth evaluation or treatment is needed the patient is referred off-campus. All charges are the responsibility of the patient.

Immunizations

Before enrolling in classes your student is required to complete a Health Form and provide proof of immunizations. All incoming students are required to show proof of Varicella (Chicken Pox) and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunizations.

Students under the age of 18 are required to have the Hepatitis B and Meningococcal Meningitis Health History Form completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian. Although these two vaccinations are not required to attend the University of Memphis they are strongly recommended by the Student Health Center.

The State of Tennessee requires all new students under the age of 22 who will be living in a University of Memphis residence to be immunized against meningococcal disease on or after their 16th birthday and provide proof of receiving this immunization before moving into their residence.

In addition, students coming from areas of high tuberculosis transmission are required to have a Tuberculosis Skin Test (Mantoux, also known as PPD) before registering for classes.

For instructions on locating and completing the form, visit the Immunizations & Health Requirements page.

Counseling Resources

College presents a new set of challenges for young adults, and sometimes they need help managing these challenges. The University’s Counseling Center is the place to start for students who may be struggling to cope with the pressures of college.

The Counseling Center offers confidential individual, couples, family, and group counseling services, psychological and educational assessment services at no cost to students (except for testing fees). Assessments include personality, learning disorders, and ADHD testing, as well as substance abuse issues.

Campus Safety

The University is committed to keeping all students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe. Police Services is a full-service police agency which serves the University of Memphis community. There is also a Memphis Police Department station on the edge of campus.

Tiger Escort

Students that are on campus at night and who do not feel comfortable walking to their car or dorm can call on Tiger Escort. Tiger Escort will pick up students all around campus and escort them to their car or to their residence hall. Normal hours for the Fall and Spring semesters are from 6:00 pm to 12:00 pm seven days a week.

Emergency Notifications

In the event of an emergency on campus, the University of Memphis offers an emergency alert text messaging service to students, faculty and staff through the LiveSafe App. This optional service is used in the event of an on-campus emergency, an unscheduled university closing, or a delay or cancellation of classes due to, for instance, inclement weather. In addition to the text, students will also receive an e-mail at their UofM e-mail account.

The LiveSafe App is just one of the methods the University uses to communicate emergency information to students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to use a variety of other methods as appropriate, including email, telephone and an outdoor warning system. For more information about emergency planning at the University of Memphis, visit the Crisis Management page.

Encourage your student to manage their health

College is a time of transition and often a time of stress for students. Encourage your student to take advantage of the resources on campus that might help with their stress relief, including...

Adjusting to Change

Whether it’s being away from home, living with a new roommate or starting a new course schedule, many students adjust to changes every semester. While some seem like they take the adjustment process in stride, others may find it more difficult.

No matter how it looks from the outside, adjustment is a process that all students go through. It’s common to struggle with adjustment, and it’s important to recognize that the process looks different for everybody. Here are a few ways to help your student with adjusting to change:

  • Help them go at their own pace. Validate their feelings if they are feeling apprehensive about going to a student group meeting or social gathering, but help them stretch the boundaries of their comfort zone.
  • Routines can create a sense of familiarity in a new situation. Your student can start establishing some small routines by going to bed at the same time each night, finding a favorite spot to relax in between classes or taking regular walks.
  • Having friends to talk to and finding a supportive community helps create a sense of belonging. There are many places for your student to connect with fellow Tigers, including the Student Involvement Zone, Multicultural Affairs and the Wellness & Fitness Center.
  • Encourage them to prioritize their health and wellness. Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night), eating balanced meals and staying active can all help your student’s mind and body feel regulated when going through times of change.