Student Health and Counseling Services (SHAC)

Students can set up appointments at SHAC, which is located on the first floor of the ERC Suite 1300, by calling (315) 268-6633, emailing shac@clarkson.edu, or stopping by in person.

During the academic year, SHAC is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am –  4:30pm. SHAC is also open to students during the summer, Monday through Friday, generally from 8am – 4pm.

Students must request services for themselves. For non-urgent requests, students will be reminded that they have the option of using Mantra Health, as well. If they prefer on-site services they will be asked to complete and submit two short forms prior to being scheduled. Students with urgent issues can request to be seen as soon as possible.

Students who are currently taking medication to address mental health diagnosis can and would like to work with the Health Center to have their refills and medication adjustments during the school year should schedule an appointment with the Health Center staff.  

The Health Center also has providers that can assess the need for, and prescribe, some psychiatric medications. If they feel a student’s needs exceed their area of expertise, they will facilitate a referral to another provider better suited to meet the student’s needs. SHAC also contracts with Mantra Health to provide telehealth prescriber services for mental health-related medication by psychiatric nurse practitioners.

As the Student Health and Counseling Center we are legally and ethically obligated to protect every student’s right to privacy. Health and counseling records are strictly confidential and maintained in compliance with federal and New York State laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

We will not release information to anyone outside the Center including family, parent/legal guardians, Clarkson University faculty/staff, or outside agencies without the written authorization of the student, unless required by law.

For students who wish to release their records to another provider, or have records from another provider sent to SHAC, authorization forms are available at SHAC.

During normal business hours, the Counseling Center has crisis hours set aside for individuals who need to be seen the same day. If a student needs to be seen immediately, due to their level of distress of for a crisis situation, a counselor will be made available. Counselors are on-call and available to assist students experiencing a mental health emergency any time SHAC is closed (weekends, holidays, etc.) and can be requested through Campus Safety and Security at 315-268-6666. The student only needs to indicate that they need to speak with a counselor regarding a confidential matter. No information beyond their name and a contact phone number need be divulged.

If a student would prefer to work with a counselor that is not located at SHAC they can utilize Mantra Health or seek services from a provider in the community.  Counseling Center staff can provide the name and contact information for community clinics, many of whom offer both in-person and telehealth options.  Students wishing to work with an individual in private practice can utilize a reliable on-line source (such as psychologytoday.com) to identify potential options or work with their insurance company.  

If the Counseling Center staff does not feel they can meet the needs of a particular student they will discuss this with the student and explore options. This often involves making referrals to community providers who have specialty training or services that are not available on campus.

Students can set up appointments at SHAC, which is located on the first floor of the ERC Suite 1300, by calling (315) 268-6633, emailing shac@clarkson.edu, or stopping by in person.

During the academic year, SHAC is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am –  4:30pm. SHAC is also open to students during the summer, Monday through Friday, generally from 8am – 4pm.

All full-time and part-time students are required to submit a completed, official copy of their Immunization Record (in English) to provide proof of immunity to the following at the time of registration and prior to the start of classes:

Measles (rubeola) - Proof of immunity shall consist of one of the following: two immunizations given on or after January 1, 1957, at least 30 days apart, on or after the first birthday; evidence of the disease documented by a physician (MD or DO); or documentation of an adequate immune titer. 

Mumps (infectious parotitis) - Proof of immunity shall consist of one of the following: one immunization given on or after January 1, 1957, on or after the first birthday; evidence of the disease documented by a physician (MD or DO); or documentation of an adequate immune titer. 

Rubella (German Measles) - Proof of immunity shall consist of one of the following: one immunization given on or after January 1, 1957, on or after the first birthday; evidence of the disease documented by a physician (MD or DO); or documentation of an adequate immune titer.

Tuberculosis (TB) screening form (Required for all students) - This form must be completed and electronically signed (by student over 18, or parent/legal guardian). If IGRA blood work is required the lab results must be uploaded. If the results of the IGRA blood work are positive or indeterminate you must have a chest x-ray before you arrive on campus and upload the radiology results. Please note, PPDs are only accepted for Graduate Health Professions students; all other students must complete IGRA blood work if required. (If IGRA blood work is required and not completed prior to admission, the cost to the student will be $110; if a chest x-ray is required and not completed prior to arrival the cost will be charged to the student).

Meningitis – Proof of one (1) dose of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine after the age of 16 years old or within 5 years of the start of classes OR completion of the Meningococcal Meningitis Response Form (Required for all students who have not been vaccinated). Students who have not received a meningitis vaccination within the last 5 years must complete this form. If the student is under 18, it must be signed by a parent/guardian. The Meningitis Response Form is a New York State Public Health Law.

COVID vaccinations are not required to attend Clarkson University, but are recommended. Additionally, some specific programs may require the COVID vaccinations, such as the Health Sciences Department, in order to participate in their external programs with different hospital systems. If you are unsure if COVID vaccination is required for your program, please contact them.
 

Varicella - proof of 2 Immunizations or Positive Titer Results

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine within last 10 years

Hepatitis B - proof of 3 Immunizations or Positive Titer Results

Physical – will be required prior to clinical work, **Please contact the Health Center at 315.268.6633 before you complete this requirement**

PPD – a 2-step PPD will be required prior to clinical work, **Please contact the Health Center at 315.268.6633 before you complete this requirement**

Clarkson University works hard to assure the health and safety of its students. Information regarding your past and present health is important for attaining this goal. A physical is only required for Graduate Health Professions, ROTC, and Athletics.

Health Insurance coverage is mandatory at Clarkson University for non-distance program students. Students must either have Health Insurance through their parent/guardian’s policy, their own policy, or enroll in Clarkson’s plan; if you do not have health insurance please call Student Achievement Services (SAS) at 315-268-6451 to purchase the college plan.

All health requirements are to be completed on the Patient Portal. Please log in to your PeopleSoft account and under your "To do" list you will find your missing requirements. You may follow this link (https://clarkson.medicatconnect.com/) to our Patient Portal. 

Fall semester - June 30th
Spring Semester – December 15th
 

Students who fail to meet these deadlines and to comply with this policy by the start of classes, including but not limited to any failure to supply complete health and immunization records to Clarkson by the established dates, are subject to a "health hold" on the student account preventing class schedule changes and future registration, and a nonrefundable $250 fine. If requirements are still not met 30 days after the start of classes, the student will be removed from campus until requirements have been met.

Can students be seen at SHAC on a "walk-in" basis?
We do try to accommodate walk in appointments when available, but this is not guaranteed. The best way to guarantee an appointment is to schedule ahead of time.

What if a student needs medical attention when SHAC is closed?
For non-emergency medical attention students are directed to The Urgent Care Center in Potsdam, NY (49 Lawrence Ave.) open every day 8am-8pm, or CPH After Hours Clinic located in Canton, NY (approximately 11 miles from campus) open Monday-Friday 4pm to 9 pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 9am to 5pm.

For emergency medical attention students are referred to Canton-Potsdam Hospital Emergency Room (50 Leroy Street) which is located in the Village of Potsdam approximately one mile from the Clarkson campus.

Please note The Urgent Care Center, CPH After Hours clinic and Canton Potsdam Hospital’s billing is not associated with Clarkson University and you may encounter a charge if you do not have accepted medical insurance coverage.

If I have a prescription, can I get it filled at SHAC?
No, we do not fill prescriptions at the SHAC. If you have a prescription to be filled, the local pharmacies are Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, or Wal-Mart (all within 5 miles of campus) or Price Chopper in Canton (approx. 11 miles)

Will my parents be notified if I have been to SHAC, or if I am sick?
No. Treatment obtained at SHAC is confidential and we will only discuss your visit with individual(s) listed on a consent signed by the student receiving services.

Are there any recommended health-related items students should bring to Clarkson University?
Yes, students will need to bring any ongoing prescription medications.

We also recommend the following health-related items:

Health Insurance Card/or copy
Thermometer
Band Aids
Fever reducer/pain reliever medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Cough and cold medication
Reusable cold packs
Ace bandage

Life-threatening health emergencies should report directly to the nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911, or campus safety and security (315-268-6666).

For non-life-threatening concerns you may schedule an appointment to be evaluated by a medical provider at SHAC.