Student Health Services (SHS) seeks to empower students by encouraging communication directly with the faculty regarding attendance matters. We do not issue excuses for missed classes.
When a student has been evaluated at Student Health, and it is determined that they will miss 3 or more days of classes, Student Health will notify the faculty members with permission from the student.
Whether or not the missed class time is considered an excused absence is left to the discretion of the instructor of each class. Students are strongly encouraged to communicate with their instructors prior to or immediately upon their return to classes.
All students who have paid their mandatory health fee are eligible to use Student Health Services.
Summer Students
Student Health Services will make services available during the summer to students who are not registered for summer sessions but who were registered for the preceding Spring semester and who are registered to return for the succeeding Fall semester.
Students not meeting this requirement are not eligible to use Student Health Services.
Durable, reusable equipment may be loaned to registered students for the purpose of treating their health concerns or for educational needs. The student will be instructed in the proper use and care of the equipment and sign an "Equipment Loan Contract". The student should be given the pink copy of the form at the time of the loan. The student will be informed that the equipment should be returned within two weeks. If the loan period needs to be greater than two weeks, the staff member should write that information on the Equipment Loan Contract.
When the equipment is returned, the staff member should date and sign the Equipment Loan Contract and give the student a receipt. If the equipment is not returned within the time allotted, the student will be reminded by the LPN via phone, email or secure message.
The returned equipment will be cleaned by the LPN staff according to policies set forth by the infection control committee and then stored. The student will be responsible for equipment which is damaged or not returned. Student Health Services will be responsible for replacing worn out equipment.
Student Health Services (SHS) at SUNY Potsdam is funded by the Mandatory Health Fee that each student must pay each semester. This is the only source of revenue for all of the services that SHS provides, including direct medical care, health education programs, laboratory services and administrative services.
Administrative services are used by students even if they are not attending the Potsdam campus. These services include the maintenance of their medical record and assuring they are in compliance with health regulations enacted by New York State and SUNY Potsdam. However, students may request a Release from the health fee in some circumstances. A new Release is required for each session a health fee is assessed.
Acceptable reasons to grant a Release include, but are not limited to:
- Student teaching in a district more than 50 miles from the Potsdam campus.
- Students studying abroad for a semester.
- Students enrolled at SUNY Potsdam but who are taking classes at affiliated facilities which are more than 50 miles from the Potsdam campus, as long as their residence is also more than 50 miles from the Potsdam campus.
- Exceptional circumstances as determined by the Director of Student Health Services.
Releases will be denied if:
- The student is requesting a release because they have insurance.
- The student is requesting a release because they have access to their own family physician.
- If the release request is made after:
- Fall and Spring Semesters………… the 4th Friday after the start of classes.
- Winter and Summer Session……… the 1st Friday after the start of classes.
- Under circumstances in which the Director of Student Health Services or the Student Health Advisory Council determine it is appropriate.
Please submit the following form to SHS to be considered for a Release: Request for Release from Mandatory Health Fee. You may also request this form at the Student Health Services office. The applications are to be sent to the Director of Student Health Services, who will determine whether the waiver is accepted or denied. The student will be notified of this decision by mail.
Students may appeal the Director's decision by sending a request in writing to the Director. Deadline for appeals will be the last day of classes (not the last day of exams) for the session in which the Release is requested. All appeals will be presented to the Student Health Advisory Council, which will make the final decision on whether the waiver is accepted or denied. The student will be notified by mail of the Council's decision.
Students are encouraged to voice any concerns, suggestions, or questions they may have regarding Student Health Services. The procedure for addressing complaints will have three levels and may be reported on the Adverse Event Report Form (PDF).
Level I:
The student or family member should be requested to direct any comments or complaints to the Director. The Director will talk with the individuals involved and respond either in writing or verbally.
Level II:
The complaint may be appealed to the Student Health Advisory Council.
Level III:
The complaint may be appealed to the Dean of Students.
Summer Appointments
Student Health Services will make services available during the summer to students who are not registered for summer sessions but who were registered for the preceding Spring semester and who are registered to return for the succeeding Fall semester.
Students not meeting this requirement are not eligible to use Student Health Services.
Students Late for Appointments
Students who are more than 1 minute late for their appointment may have their time given to another student. In addition, students who are late may have to accept an abbreviated appointment, with a follow-up appointment in the future to completely address their complaint. Students who are 5 minutes or more late for their appointment will have their visit rescheduled in a manner consistent with the "Appointment Policy."