• Allergy injections*
• Continued management of chronic conditions
• Evaluation for illness or injury
• Health education and counseling
• Immunizations (MMR, Tdap, PPD)*
• Influenza vaccination, offered through a local partnership clinic throughout the fall semester
• Mental health psychotropic medication management
• Physicals*
• Preexposure Prophylaxis (PREP)* (there is a fee for lab testing)
• Referrals
• STD and HIV testing and treatment*
• Travel consults
• Women's health, including gynecological care, birth control and emergency contraception*

* Indicates fee for service. Please call 315-268-6633 for additional information.

Counseling Services can help you with these and more:

• Anxiety
• Adjustment to change
• Body image and eating disorders
• Coping with the death of someone you care about
• Depression
• Gender identity
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem
• Sexual assault or harassment
• Sexuality
• Stress management
• Substance abuse

If you require immediate assistance, please call campus safety at 315-268-6666 or call 911.

Health-Related Crisis

Life-threatening health emergencies should report directly to the nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency or require transport by ambulance, please call 911 or Campus Safety and Security at 315-268-6666.

For non-life-threatening concerns, call SHAC to schedule an appointment with a medical provider.

Counseling/Mental Health Crisis

Counseling Services can see individuals in crisis who require an immediate appointment during normal business hours.

Campus Safety and area coordinators can reach counselors 24/7 for mental health emergencies. If you wish to speak with a counselor after hours about an urgent, confidential and/or sensitive issue, ask either an area coordinator or a Campus Safety officer (315-268-6666), and say that you need to speak with a counselor regarding a confidential matter. No further information needs to be divulged.

These items are required:

Proof of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (Required for all students)

You must have an official copy of your immunization history; copies of booklets are not accepted. The immunization record must be in English. New York State requires students born on or after January 1, 1957, to submit proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. You must have either two MMR vaccinations or two measles and one mumps and rubella vaccination. Those born prior to January 1, 1957, must have one dose of MMR or serology proof of immunity.

COVID vaccinations are not required to attend Clarkson University but are recommended

Specific programs may require COVID-19 vaccinations. Students in the Health Sciences Department, for example, must be vaccinated to participate in external programs with different hospital systems. Please contact your program directly if you're unsure whether you need COVID vaccination.

Tuberculosis (TB) screening form (required for all students)

This form must be completed and electronically signed by a student over 18 or a parent/legal guardian. If Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) bloodwork is required, the lab results must be uploaded. If the results of the IGRA bloodwork 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; all other students must complete IGRA bloodwork if required. (If IGRA bloodwork is required and not completed prior to admission, students will be charged $110; if a chest X-ray is required and not completed prior to arrival, the cost will be charged to the student).

Meningococcal Meningitis Response Form (required for all students who have not been vaccinated)

Students who have not received a meningitis vaccination within the last five years must complete this form. If the student is under 18, it must be signed by a parent/guardian. This form is required under New York State Public Health Law.

Insurance information

Health insurance coverage is mandatory at Clarkson University for non-distance program students. Students must have health insurance through their parent/guardian’s policy, their own policy or 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.

Medical History Questionnaire (optional)

Clarkson University works hard to ensure the health and safety of its students. Information regarding your past and present health is important for attaining this goal. Students in a graduate Health Professions program, ROTC or athletics must complete a physical.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Health Professions (PA, PT and OT Programs)

• Varicella: Two immunizations or positive titer results.
• Tdap vaccine: Within 10 years.
• Hep B: Three immunizations or positive titer results.
• Physical: Must be required prior to clinical work. Please contact the Health Center at 315-268-6633 before you complete this requirement.
• PPD: A two-step PPD will be required prior to clinical work. Please contact the Health Center at 315-268-6633 before you complete this requirement.

Can students be seen at SHAC on a "walk-in" basis?

Yes. You can stop by or make an appointment ahead of time by calling 315-268-6633.

What if a student needs medical attention when SHAC is closed?

For non-emergency medical attention, students are directed to The Urgent Care Center (49 Lawrence Ave., Potsdam), open daily from 8 a.m.–8 p.m., or the CPH Afterhours Clinic (80 E. Main St., Canton). The clinic is approximately 11 miles from campus and is open Monday–Friday, 4 p.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

For emergency medical attention, students are referred to the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Emergency Room (50 Leroy Street, Potsdam), approximately one mile from the Clarkson campus.

Please note: Billing for The Urgent Care Center, CPH Afterhours Clinic and Canton-Potsdam Hospital 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 SHAC. If you have a prescription to be filled, the local pharmacies are Kinney Drugs, Walgreens or Walmart, all within five miles of campus, or Price Chopper in Canton, approximately 11 miles away.

SHAC can refill some common prescriptions for local pickup. For information about refilling them during the academic year, please call 315-268-6633.

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 the individual(s) listed on a consent form 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:

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

Is there any cost for counseling services?

There is no additional cost for students to see our counselors.

Can parents talk to the counselor about their son/daughter?

Parents can contact us to ask questions about our services. However, students must contact us directly to request an appointment. Federal confidentiality laws prevent us from sharing any information about a particular student without the student's written permission.

Can a student get psychopharmacological medications through SHAC?

The health and counseling staff at SHAC can work together to assess the need for medications to address mental health concerns. SHAC offers a number of options for students who may benefit from medication related to their mental health. These may include in-person evaluations and prescriptions from one of our medical practitioners on campus or telehealth meetings with a psychiatric nurse practitioner through our online partner, Mantra.

Can you make referrals to outside private practitioners?

SHAC staff refers to both local outside private practitioners, as well as professionals local to the student’s home community. In St. Lawrence County, there are limited psychiatric services available to students, but the staff makes every effort to connect a student to the best resources available.

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 written authorization from the student, unless required by law.

In a medical emergency, only relevant health information will be released to another healthcare provider. If a student wishes to have their records released to another provider, authorization forms are available at the center.

For specific questions, please call the Student Health and Counseling Center.

Block meals: Use these meals any time at RoBro or any participating campus location.

Board meals: Some plans include a weekly allowance of meals; use these at RoBro or any participating campus location. Your weekly counter resets every Saturday.

Declining balance (DB): Meal plans carry an allowance that can be used anywhere on campus. Your allowance is good throughout the entire academic year and can be re-loaded.

Students who do not reside in apartments are required to be on a full-service meal plan.

Unused Declining Balance or Meals left on a student's account as of the last day of meal plan each May will not be refunded or rolled over to the upcoming Fall semester. *All refund policies are detailed in the student regulations for those who wish to review specific timelines and guidelines*

Full Meal Plans

Each full meal plan costs $4,038 each semester.

21/25 

(formerly The Golden Knight) 

21 board meals a week (counter resets weekly) + $25 in DB. Provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Recommended for incoming first-year students.

200/75

(formerly The All Northern) 

200 block (anytime) meals + $75 in DB. On average, this plan provides two meals a day, five days a week.

150/225

(formerly Platinum Dining) 

150 block meals + $225 in DB. On average, this plan provides 10 meals a week.

7/50/275

(formerly The Sandstoner)

Seven board meals a week (counter resets weekly) + plus 50 block meals + $275 in DB.

5/20/425

(formerly Emerald Dining)

Five board meals a week (counter resets weekly) + 20 block meals + $425 in DB.

Optional Meal Plan

Students who do not reside in apartments are required to be on a full-service meal plan. Students who reside off campus or in apartment-style housing can opt into a full meal plan or the optional meal plan if they choose.

The 50/500 meal plan costs $1,240 each semester.

50/500

(formerly The Pioneer)

50 block meals + $500 in DB. Available only to students living off campus or in on-campus apartments and townhouses. Meals and DB on this plan can be rolled over from fall to spring by contacting the Residence Life Office. If you run out, you can purchase it again. 

Availability: Limited single rooms on campus, primarily in Hamlin and Powers, which are designated for upper-class student housing. There is limited single-occupancy housing in every area of campus except in the Townhouse Apartments. 

Assignment Process: Single rooms are available through the Housing Lottery held each spring. They are not guaranteed unless medically approved.

Medical Accommodations

• Disabilities: Students requiring a single room due to a medical disability must coordinate with the Office of Accessibility Services.

Multi-Occupancy Rooms

• Roommates: Students in rooms designated for more than single occupancy should be prepared to receive a roommate at any time with little to no notice

First-Year Students

• Room Assignments: First-year students will be placed in two-person occupancy rooms and may receive a roommate at any time with little to no notice at the discretion of the Residence Life Office. In the Quad, there are four, triple-person occupancy rooms located on the fourth floor of each building. 

Room Buy-Out Option

• Optional: Certain housing areas may offer a room buy-out option, allowing students to avoid having a randomly assigned roommate. This option is discretionary, specific to certain areas, and not guaranteed annually by the Office of Residence Life.

There are four theme houses on campus that are home to four of our fraternities: Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kapa Epsilon and Delta Upsilon. These houses are occupied by academically approved students from the organizations.

Learn More about Greek Life on Campus Here

Vending Machines: Located in some residence halls.

Mail: All students receive a campus mailbox. Mail is delivered directly to the campus mailroom in the Student Center.

Direct Delivery: Students must arrange pick-up of food or other deliveries not made through the postal service, UPS or similar services. Delivery staff are not allowed into residential buildings.  

Network Access: All residence hall rooms have access to the University's high-speed wired and wireless network. Learn more about services offered by the Office of Information Technology.

Parking: On-campus parking is provided in certain lots. Learn more here.

Bicycle Racks: Located outside each residence hall.

Air Conditioning: There is no air conditioning in the Residential buildings or provided by the University. Window air conditioning units are not permitted in any University housing. Students are allowed to use floor units that do not exhaust through a window. One unit per room is permitted.

Storage on Campus: The University is unable to store personal belongings. Residents are expected to remove all personal belongings when vacating campus housing.

Clarkson is a four-year residential university but does allow a commuting option for students. To request commuter status from the Office of Residence Life, students must meet the following criteria as outlined in the Student Regulations: "The student is commuting from their parent or legal guardian's primary residence, which must be within 50 miles of the Clarkson University Potsdam campus."

New students can request commuter status through their admissions portal and by working with the Office of Residence Life. Returning students should apply through Knightlife and work with the Office of Residence Life. There will be required paperwork to complete, which can be obtained from the Office of Residence Life. Residence Life reserves the right to approve or deny requests based on the Student Regulations.

To learn more about Clarkson's Commuter Students and Resources, please visit Clarkson Commuter Student Resources.

Residential Housing Manager: Organizes campus housing for all students throughout the year in collaboration with campus departments, organizations, and administration. Manages residential programs, such as the Residential Enrichment Program (REP), living-learning communities, and theme houses. Works with the hall staff to ensure a positive atmosphere that is comfortable and conducive to study and their living experience.

Area Coordinators (AC): Full-time "live-in" employees of the University responsible for the welfare and development of students living in the residence halls. There is one Area Coordinator for each style of housing that Clarkson offers: Traditional Residence Halls, Suite-Style Housing, The Clarkson School, and Apartment Housing. Each AC oversees a staff of student leaders in their respective areas.

Resident Advisors (RA): Students appointed to serve as liaisons between the university staff and residents. RAs are key residential leaders focused on developing a sense of community that facilitates academic success and personal growth.

House Advisors (HA): Students appointed to serve as liaisons between the Clarkson School Student staff and residents. HAs are key residential leaders focused on developing a sense of community that facilitates academic success and personal growth.

Room essentials

• Bed sheets and blankets (twin extra-long sheets — each mattress is 36" x 80", pillow).
• Trash can (we provide the recycling bin).
• Bath towels and hand towels (let's reduce paper towel use).
• Toiletries (shower sandals and supplies, health products, bathroom caddy).
• Clothes and hangers, hanging closet organizer.
• Personal fan (optional).

Things to help you work

• Desk lamp with LED light bulb
• Desk organizer
• General school supplies
• Headphones to enjoy your music

Electronics and related

• Energy Star appliances – wait until you get your roommate assignments to coordinate these! (See "MicroFridges" below.)
• Entertainment (books, music, games).
• EPEAT-certified computer and flash drive. A laptop computer is recommended (it takes less space in your dorm and provides a mobile work environment).
• Ethernet cable (we provide the jack in the wall).
• Smart power strip (shuts off power when you aren’t using your electronics).

Miscellaneous

• Clarkson does not provide bed-lofting supplies, but students may bring their own. Traditional campus beds can be lifted between floor level and approximately four feet high.
• Laundry bag and laundry detergent for cold-water washing, small dish soap.
• Reusable bowl/plate and utensils for any in-room eating.
• Reusable coffee/travel mug and water bottle.
• Sewing kit.
• Storage containers. A student suggests: pack your clothes in one or two large solid plastic bins. The bins can be used for storage and as a laundry hamper once you get here, and you will not have to find space for empty suitcases.
• String lights. Installation should avoid pinch hazards, cannot be over entrances/doorways, cannot be in contact with combustible materials and cannot be attached to the ceiling.

MicroFridges (microwave/freezer/refrigerators) are available for annual rental. The unit gets delivered to your room before you arrive and is big enough for two roommates to share. You can save 20 percent by ordering before July 15.

Review the video below to learn more about renting a MicroFridge on campus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zw-OQ7C9x0

• Air conditioner
• Candles, incense
• Charcoal/gas grill
• Extension cords
• Full-size refrigerator*
• Halogen lamp
• Space heater
• Toaster oven
• Waterbed
• Wireless access points or routers
• Zip cord

*Students have the option to rent a MicroFridge on campus.

Tips for What Not to Bring and Fire Safety for Apartments

Tips for What Not to Bring and Fire Safety for Residence Hall Rooms

The transition to college is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. Everybody goes through their own process of easing into college life, but we've put together some resources to make your own introduction to your new home as easy as possible.

• 10 Pieces of Advice
• Acclimating as a Transfer Student
• Dorm Hacks
• Decorating Your Dorm
• Overcoming Homesickness
• Roommate Survival Guide
• Tips for Move-In Day

The University does not carry insurance of any kind on the property of students and accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to such property. Students are encouraged to carry their own personal proper insuance. Students are expected to keep access doors to residence halls closed and locked at all times. Residents are financially liable for damages to rooms, apartments, furnishings, and common area facilities. Fees for unclaimed or common area damages will be shared jointly by the residing students.

Personal property insurance is recommended for all students. 

Q: Is my student required to have a meal plan?
A: Anyone who lives in a traditional and suite-style housing must be on a meal plan. Students who live in apartments, theme houses, or off-campus can be exempt from meal plan.

Q: How do students change their meal plan?
A: Students have the first two weeks of the semester to change their meal plan by emailing reslife@clarkson.edu or stopping by the Residence Life office. All meal plans carry the same fee.

Q: Do students have a choice in selecting their roommate?
A: First-year students are asked to fill out a "Roommate Survey" form so that Clarkson is able to match students with the appropriate roommate. However, if students want to request another Clarkson first-year student, they can write each other's names on their survey and the Residence Life staff will consider their request.

Q: Are there any single rooms available to students?
A: Yes, there are single rooms available for upper-class students. Single occupancy rooms are available through the Housing Lottery held in the spring of each year.

Q: Are pets allowed in the residence halls or apartments?
A: No, pets are strictly forbidden in any residence hall or apartment at Clarkson University with the exception of service animals. Learn moe about our service animal policies and procedures here.

Q: If I lose my student ID card, what should I do?
A: Students must report their lost or stolen card immediately to Campus Safety & Security. The University, Residence Life, and Clarkson Dining are not responsible for unauthorized usage of student ID cards.

Q: If I lost the key to my room, what should I do?
A: Students should report a lost key immediately to Campus Safety & Security and then visit the Director of Residence Life for a key replacement. Their student account will be charged accordingly. Key duplication is strictly prohibited.

Q: If there is something broken or damaged in my residential space, what should I do?
A: Students should go to this website and complete a work request so that Facilities and Services may address the issue. Students will receive automatic emails from Facilities and Services when the work request has been received, issued, and completed. 

Q: What happens if my residential space has open beds in it?
A: The Residence Life Office reserves the right to make changes to residential assignments at any time, with little or no notice, in response to facility limitations, changes in enrollment, conflict resolution, etc., or to address the needs of the overall residential community. This includes reassigning students to any vacant spaces.