Student Health Services

Student Health Services is committed to providing responsive, confidential, and high-quality medical care in support of Colgate’s diverse student community.

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Healthcare Information

Student Health Services recognizes the strong connection between individual well-being, a healthy campus environment, and student success. Specializing in the treatment and care of college students, we strive to ensure every student is comfortable approaching health services with any medical issue or question they may have.

Forms and Documentation

Sexual Health

Required health insurance

Treatments & services

Health Announcements

As of late February 2024, Madison County Health Department has seen an increase in reports of gastrointestinal illness throughout the county. Student Health Services has seen an increase in the number of students reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, with one confirmed case of norovirus. Student Health Services is working closely with the Madison County Health Department to monitor the situation for any further increase in illness.

To learn more about symptoms, care, and prevention refer to the message sent to your Colgate email.

 

During the winter months there is an uptick in viral illness, many of which can be confused with COVID-19. This information page provides guidance determining what your symptoms mean, about what to do when you are feeling sick, when to call SHS, and how to navigate missing classes due to illness.

 

Contact Information

Phone: 315-228-7750

Fax: 315-228-6823

Email: studenthealth@colgate.edu

Health services staff

Student Health Services 
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive 
Hamilton, NY  13346-1398

140 Broad Street
Between Reid Athletic Center & Community Memorial Hospital

Emergencies

Community Memorial emergency providers are available 24 hours a day.   

Community Memorial Hospital’s Urgent Care Clinic accepts patients on a walk-in basis, and no referrals are needed. Location: 164 Broad Street, next to Community Memorial Hospital.

For assistance in determining the need for emergency services, please contact Campus Safety at 315-228-7911.

Non-Emergency After-Hours Mental Health Services

An on-call counselor is available nights and weekends and can be reached through Colgate’s Office of Campus Safety:  315-228-7333.

An on-call counselor is available nights and weekends and can be reached through Colgate’s Office of Campus Safety:  315-228-7333.

A dispatcher will answer. Ask for the counselor on call and the dispatcher will make contact for you.

Suicide Risk

If you are having thoughts of suicide or any type of self-harm—or if you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting suicidal warning signs—get help immediately.

If the risk seems imminent:

Call Campus Safety:

  • Voice: 315-228-7911
  • Campus Phone:  911

Campus Safety will respond and dispatch other resources as needed. 

Other alternatives include calling 911 (especially if you are off campus), or going to the emergency room of Hamilton’s Community Memorial Hospital.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Anyone may call this national hotline at any time regarding concerns about suicide risk for yourself or someone else.

If the risk does not seem imminent:

To get help for a Colgate student who you suspect may be at risk of suicide please contact, as soon as possible, Colgate’s Office of Counseling and Psychological Services at 315-228-7385.  

What should I do if a friend had too much to drink or may have overdosed on drugs?

Call Campus Safety:

  • Voice: 315-228-7911
  • Campus Phone:  911

Alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses can kill.

Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex.  A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions. It is also common for someone who drank excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication. Lastly, be aware that a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise even while they are passed out. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off.

If a friend has been drinking, especially a large amount over a short period of time, has hurt themselves while drinking, or has been taking drugs, look for these signs of possible alcohol poisoning/drug overdose:

  • Disorientation and mental confusion
  • Inability to stay awake or respond to shouting and shaking
  • Pale, cold or bluish skin
  • Passing out – not just sleeping but difficult to arouse and doesn’t respond when shaken, pinched, or moved
  • Vomiting
  • Irregular or slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
  • Hypothermia (low body temperature)

What should you do if you suspect someone has overdosed?

  • Call Campus Safety immediately-you could save a life
  • Don't leave them to "sleep it off"
  • Check often to make sure they are still conscious and responsive.
  • Try to wake the person
  • Don't give them food, drink, or medication of any kind
  • Make certain that they stay on their side, not their back – see the “Bacchus Maneuver” below

The Bacchus Maneuver

Raise the arm that is closest to you above their head. Prepare to roll them toward you.

Gently roll them toward you, guarding their head from hitting the floor. The head should rest in front of the arm, not on it. 

Tilt the head up to maintain the airway. Tuck their nearest hand under the cheek to help maintain head tilt and raise the face off the floor.

Check on them often.

Emergency Dental Care
Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare
1656 Champlin Avenue
Utica, NY 13501
315-624-6112

Contact: Haven – Colgate’s Sexual Violence Response Center

Haven provides confidential care, support, advocacy, and trauma-informed clinical services for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child/family abuse, stalking, and/or harassment.   

  • Location: Located at the Garden Level of Curtis Hall.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Contact: 315-228-7385

Sexual Assault

Additional Resources:

Campus Safety:

  • Voice: 315-228-7911
  • Campus Phone:  911

Campus Safety can also provide transportation to the local emergency department upon request and without further questions.

What do I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

  • Go immediately to a safe place and seek the support of someone you trust.
  • Call Campus Safety at 315-228-7333 or, if you are off-campus, dial 911.  
  • Do not change clothes, shower, bathe or douche or in any way alter or dispose of any potential evidence.
  • Seek medical care at Hamilton’s Community Memorial Hospital emergency department or Student Health Services.
  • A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is available through Help Restore Hope. SANEs are experts in assisting survivors of sexual assault. Campus Safety can assist you in contacting Help Restore Hope. The Help Restore Hope hotline is: 1-855-9-NOWSAFE/1-855-966-9723.

Whether or not you choose to report the assault, it is recommended that you get medical care as soon as possible. This care may include:

  • Prevention of sexually transmitted infections HIV and pregnancy
  • Screening to detect the presence of date rape drugs such as Rohypnol.
  • Evidence collection ("rape kit") can be obtained up to 96 hours after the incident.

What do I do if it has been more than 96 hours after the sexual assault?

  • You can still get help.
  • Seek follow up medical care. Call for an appointment at Student Health Services for sexually transmitted infection testing, HIV testing and pregnancy testing.
  • Get help with the emotional and psychological impact from the assault.  Contact Haven, Colgate’s sexual violence response center.
  • Community Resource: Madison County’s Help Restore Hope Center.

Equity and Diversity

The health services team medical team is experienced working with college-aged students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

It can, at times, be challenging as college students learn to both manage their own healthcare and adapt to a new primary care physician. The team therefore welcomes all students to approach with any medical issues or questions they may have. Just let health services know how it might best support you.

LGBTQ+

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, and non-binary students come to health services with other identities that significantly impact their health, well-being, and healthcare experience. The health services team endeavors to provide affirming and confidential health services to assist all students to stay well. We continue to educate ourselves and improve systems and services to welcome and serve all Colgate students, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.  

When visiting health services, it is important to be open with the medical staff about any needs or concerns you may have, and to openly confide and share with them your sexual health history so they can provide you with the best possible care.

Campus Partners

More students today are entering college, with significant health needs, including mental health challenges and the need to manage serious, ongoing conditions such as asthma, ADHD, eating disorders, addiction, autism-spectrum disorders, and physical disabilities.

In response to the changing landscape of collegiate health, Colgate’s Student Health Service has increasingly become a critical campus support system for students.  As a team of experienced college health providers, we see our mission as working with campus partners, such as Residential Life, to assist students in achieving their fullest potential through improving student health and well-being and working to constrain or remove barriers to student learning and success.

For additional information contact the Office of Residential Life.

Student Health Services is available to help student-athletics maintain peak performance, whether they compete at the varsity, club, or intramural athletics stage.

NCAA Intercollegiate Athletes

Colgate’s Sports Medicine team is dedicated to providing the very highest level of athletic healthcare to the university's 25 Division I varsity athletic programs.  For additional information, please see Colgate Sports Medicine. Student Health providers work closely with Colgate’s coaches and athletic training staff to provide intercollegiate athletes with primary medical care and treatment for injuries and illness.

Student-Athlete Services

  • Primary medical care
  • Sports injury evaluation and treatment; evaluation and treatment of other injuries and illnesses
  • Medications
  • Non-prescription items such as ankle brace/aircast, crutches, hot water bottle, ice pack, knee Immobilizer, sling, wrist splint, etc.
  • Mental health services (In collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services)
  • Nutrition and healthy eating services (In collaboration with the Shaw Wellness Institute)
  • Referrals to specialty care, when needed

The academic and social adjustments in college can be challenging and, at times, can even feel overwhelming for students. We understand and recognize all students could benefit from some expert help from time to time. Colgate's office of Counseling and Psychological Services has an experienced and trained staff to help students manage a wide array of concerns. For additional information or to schedule an initial appointment with a counselor contact Counseling and Psychological Services.

Working in consultation with the Counseling Center, Student Health Services also offers support to students whose current recommendations from a home provider may include medication or an adjustment to an existing prescription. 

Student Health Services works closely with the University's designated health and wellness office, to encourage students to lead healthy, balanced, and purposeful lives. Shaw Wellness Institute's staff offer individualized services to provide resources and support for nutrition-related medical conditions, food allergies, religious dietary restrictions, and dietary preferences, along with body image and other eating concerns. In addition, Shaw Wellness has a drug and alcohol counselor available to help students to address substance use questions, concerns or to assist those in recovery. 

Finally, Wellness Ambassadors from the Shaw Wellness Institute, provide skill-based workshops and training, in cooperation with other campus partners, on a range of health-related topics for students, including bystander intervention training. For further information contact Shaw Wellness Institute.

Information for New Students

  • Health insurance
    • Copy of your student’s insurance/prescription drug card (front & back)
  • Physical exam within the past twelve months
  • Submit the following prior to arriving on campus:
    • Report of medical history
    • Immunization record (reflecting required immunizations)
    • Treatment permission form (for students under 18 years old)
  • Meningococcal Vaccine (Part II)

For more information, see the Forms and Documentation page.

  • Bring your insurance/prescription drug card and know your coverage
  • Know your allergies, medication doses, and health history
  • Emergency contact(s) telephone numbers
  • Bring the contact information for your current health care providers
  • If you have a chronic illness, consider securing a letter of explanation from your physician and scheduling an introductory appointment with a Student Health Services’ provider
  • If you are under 18, make sure you have sent in a parental consent form so that you can receive treatment at Student Health Services
  • Digital Thermometer (NOT Glass or Mercury)
  • Pain/Fever Medicine
  • Allergy Medicine
  • Cold Medicine/Decongestant
  • Soothing Throat Lozenges
  • Cough Drops/Cough Syrup
  • Fan
  • A humidifier or Cool Mist Vaporizer (the residence halls can be dry)
  • Band-Aids
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Cortisone Cream
  • Antacid (Liquid or Chewable)
  • Prescription Medications and Lockbox
  • Sunscreen
  • Tissues
  • Ear Plugs
  • Disinfectant Spray
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Heating Pad/Ice Pack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • For contact lens wearers: cleaning solution, spare lenses, and glasses for “back up”

Student Health Services (SHS) does not have a pharmacy and cannot fill prescriptions written by providers outside the Health Center. We do have a limited selection of commonly prescribed medications available for purchase when prescribed by a SHS clinician. If you take a medication that will need to be refilled at school, talk with your medical provider and make a plan to bring enough medication to last the semester or have your physician arrange for refills with one of Hamilton’s local pharmacies.

Medical care at Student Health Services is strictly confidential.

The privacy and confidentiality of your health record are protected by law. Colgate University’s health records are maintained through a secure electronic health records (EHR) system and are completely separate from all other University records. Student Health Services will not release any of your health information without your written permission, except in the following instances:

  • In the event of your treatment at Community Memorial Hospital or another hospital or urgent care center, the community provider and Student Health Services will share relevant health information as needed for continuity of care.
  • If, in our judgment, releasing information is necessary to protect you or others from a serious threat to health or safety.
  • If it is authorized or required by law.

Similarly, Student Health Services does not routinely share information about your care with parents, faculty, or deans without your permission. Health information will be discussed with parents and faculty only at your request and with your written permission.

If you have any concerns about the confidentiality of our services, please speak with one of your healthcare providers.

  1. Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or veteran status.  
  2. Have all aspects of your care explained to you in understandable terms and any questions answered.
  3. Discuss treatment options and their effectiveness, possible risks and side effects.
  4. Participate in decisions about your care and to give your informed consent to any diagnostic procedure.
  5. Have access to resources for health education regarding wellness/self-care and prevention of illness.  
  6. Be assured of the confidential treatment of disclosures and records and to have the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such information except when release of specific information is required by law or is necessary to safeguard you or the university community.
  7. Refuse any medical treatment or procedure and to be informed of the consequences of such a decision.
  8. Receive information and/or guidance for continuing care to maintain optimal health.
  9. Receive appropriate referrals to other providers and services.
  10. An explanation of any financial obligations or charges.
  11. Discuss concerns about the care you receive.  
  12. Review your medical record with a clinician.  
  13. Refuse to participate in any research project. 
  1. Understand and use these rights.
  2. Seek medical attention promptly.
  3. Provide accurate and complete information about your past health history, that of your family, current status, relevant personal habits, and any other information pertinent to the public health of the campus community.
  4. Inform your care provider of any changes in your health status that could affect your treatment.
  5. Assist health care providers to compile a complete medical record by authorizing the Student Health Services to obtain necessary medical information from appropriate sources.
  6. Ask questions and get clarification regarding your condition or any suggested treatment.
  7. Ask about anything you do not understand.
  8. Follow the prescribed treatment plan and discuss any desired changes.
  9. Be considerate of other patients and Student Health Services staff.  
  10. Treat Student Health Services’ staff with courtesy and respect.
  11. Be prompt for scheduled appointments.
  12. Cancel appointments if you are unable to keep them.
  13. Accept financial responsibility for any charges you have incurred.