Wcu's Student Health Services: What's Available For Students?

Western Carolina University offers a range of student health services to promote overall wellness and support a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The university takes a holistic approach to student wellness, covering physical and psychological health, as well as social development. Student health services include routine wellness screenings, annual physicals, women's health clinics, minor surgical procedures, immunizations, and sexually transmitted infection screenings. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are also available to help students with issues like grief, adjustment to college life, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. The Campus Recreation Center offers fitness equipment, weights, a climbing wall, and an indoor running track for students to use. Additionally, WCU EMS provides a 24/7 ambulance service during the fall and spring semesters.

Immunization records and health insurance

Western Carolina University (WCU) requires all new students to provide immunization records, proof of health insurance, and a medical history before enrollment. This is to ensure the health and safety of the student body and to comply with North Carolina state law.

Immunization Records

All students are required to submit immunization records under North Carolina Law, unless they meet one of the following criteria:

• Enrolled only in courses off-campus, on weekends, or starting at 5 pm or later
• Enrolled in no more than four traditional day credit hours on-campus

To submit immunization records, students must first collect their immunization history. They can use the Immunization Record Form, which requires a signature or clinic stamp from a physician or health department. International students or non-US citizens must also submit a Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire. Other acceptable records include:

• North Carolina High School Records
• Previous College or University Immunization Records
• Personal Shot Records, verified by a doctor’s signature or clinic stamp
• Military Records or WHO (World Health Organization) Documents

The required immunizations for North Carolina include:

• Hepatitis B: Three-shot series, unless born before July 1, 1994
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 MMR vaccines 28 days apart beginning on or after the 1st birthday, unless born before 1957
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP childhood series) and Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-pertussis): Three doses, with one dose of Tdap, and one dose in the last 10 years
• Varicella: One dose, two doses preferred, or proof of immunity, unless born before April 1, 2001
• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY): One dose required for individuals entering the seventh grade or by 12 years of age, and a booster dose by 17 years of age or entering the 12th grade

Health Insurance

All students attending WCU are required to show proof of valid medical insurance coverage or enroll in the mandatory UNC System health plan. Students enrolled in degree-seeking programs, with a minimum of six on-campus credit hours, and eligible to pay the campus student health fee must take action regarding insurance coverage. If a student does not waive the UNC system health plan or enroll by the deadline, they will be automatically enrolled in the UNC system health plan.

Students with other health insurance can waive the UNC system health plan, while those without insurance must enroll. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers a Student Blue product with two plan options: a lower-cost value plan and a Premium plan. It is important to note that the value plan does not satisfy insurance requirements for students travelling to the US with a J-1 Visa.

Routine wellness screenings and physicals

Western Carolina University's Health Services provides routine wellness screenings and annual physicals to students. The university uses a holistic approach to support student wellness and promote overall wellness, encouraging students to be involved, healthy, and well.

The Health Services team is dedicated to treating each patient with compassion and respect in a welcoming environment. They strive to meet the healthcare needs of the academic community and enhance the physical, psychological, environmental, and health education needs of the campus. The team is comprised of healthcare professionals, including physicians, physician extenders, and nursing staff, with many years of experience in college health.

The routine wellness screenings and annual physicals are available to any student who pays the Student Health Fee, regardless of insurance coverage. This fee is included as one of the mandatory fees paid to the university and provides access to medical care, counseling, and psychological care. The Student Health Fee covers most of the cost of the routine wellness screenings and annual physicals, provided the student is enrolled in at least six credit hours.

Students can schedule an appointment for their routine wellness screening or annual physical by calling 828.227.7640 during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Health Services office is located in the Bird Building on the beautiful upper campus of Western Carolina University.

Mental health services

Western Carolina University's Health Services offers a range of mental health services to support students' psychological well-being. The university adopts a holistic approach to student wellness, recognising the importance of mental health in academic success.

Health Services provides medication management services for a variety of mental health diagnoses. This includes referrals to the Counseling and Psychological Services division (CAPS), which operates on a short-term basis and is located in the Bird Building. CAPS offers individual and group counselling sessions to address issues such as grief, adjustment to college life, stress, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, and substance abuse. Students in crisis can access emergency services through CAPS.

The university also prioritises accessibility and early intervention. Same-day appointments are available after an evaluation by the phone triage nurse. Additionally, the WCU EMS, a student-staffed ambulance service, operates 24/7 during the fall and spring semesters and can be reached in case of a mental health emergency.

To promote overall wellness, the Health and Wellness unit at Western Carolina University encourages students to take advantage of various facilities, programs, and services that support a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This includes recreational facilities, wellness education programs, and social development opportunities.

Sexual and reproductive health

Western Carolina University (WCU) offers a range of sexual and reproductive health services to its students. The university's Health and Wellness unit takes a holistic approach to supporting student wellness and provides various facilities, programs, and services to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

WCU's Health Services provides students with access to routine wellness screenings, annual women's clinic visits, and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The university also offers contraceptive options as part of its health services. While WCU does not specifically mention providing pregnancy testing, it does offer general laboratory services, which may include pregnancy tests.

In addition to physical health services, WCU also prioritizes students' psychological and emotional well-being. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to all enrolled students and provide individual and group counseling sessions to address various issues, including adjustment to college life, stress, anxiety, and depression. CAPS can also provide referrals to specialized services if needed.

Eligibility and Costs:

Any student who pays the Student Health Fee is eligible for health services on campus, regardless of their insurance coverage. The Student Health Fee is included in the fees paid to the university and provides access to medical care, counseling, and psychological services. However, it's important to note that additional procedures, testing, or services may incur extra fees, and payment is typically due at the time of service.

WCU also requires students to have valid medical insurance coverage. Students can either provide proof of their own insurance or enroll in the mandatory UNC System health plan. This insurance is separate from the Student Health Fee and is a requirement for all students, regardless of their eligibility for health services on campus.

Contact Information:

To schedule an appointment with Health Services, students can call 828.227.7640 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm). In case of a medical emergency, students should call 828.227.8911.

The Health Services team at WCU is dedicated to providing quality healthcare and treating each patient with compassion and respect. They aim to meet the unique needs of the academic community and enhance the overall health and wellness of the campus.

Campus Recreation & Wellness

In addition to physical health, Campus Recreation & Wellness also focuses on psychological health. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides short-term individual and group counseling at no cost. CAPS also offers emergency services for students experiencing a mental health crisis. CAPS helps students with issues such as grief, adjustment to college, stress, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, and substance abuse.

Health and Wellness Education is another important aspect of Campus Recreation & Wellness. This department creates and implements educational programs on various topics, including alcohol and other drug awareness, cold and flu prevention, nutrition, sexual health, sexual assault, sleep hygiene, and stress management.

Overall, Campus Recreation & Wellness at Western Carolina University provides a comprehensive approach to student health and wellness, offering a range of services and resources to support students in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions