Health Services

Health Services Policies and Requirements

It has been a long-standing policy of the University to require that students possess health insurance. This policy protects a family's investment should unexpected medical issues arise. We also know that people seek healthcare at earlier stages when they possess insurance. Early assessment and treatment is particularly important in a highly residential environment such as our campus.

  • Full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates are required to possess health insurance comparable to the University sponsored plan.
  • International undergraduates must enroll in the University sponsored plan.
  • Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in six (6) or more credits have the option to enroll in the University sponsored plan.

We collect students' health insurance information via an online process. Beginning in 2011 all undergraduates, as stated above, will be requested to either provide their existing health insurance or enroll in the University sponsored program. Students who take no action by the July billing date will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the University sponsored plan. The charge may be removed by visiting the web site and completing the insurance waiver form by established deadlines.

Details on the University sponsored student injury and sickness plan is available at www.gallagherkoster.com/butler.

Student Health Record

We require every student to have a completed Student Health Record (SHR) on file at Health Services prior to beginning classes by August 1st for fall admission or January 1st for spring admission. All SHRs are reviewed by an RN who checks the immunization dates for compliance with state and federal regulations as well as reviews medicines, pertinent food allergies, chronic diseases and other health issues so that we may provide the appropriate services. This review occurs over the first few weeks of each semester.

Student Health Record (PDF)
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Incomplete SHR

If Health Services does not receive an SHR or the information is incomplete, a hold may be placed on a student's registration for the following semester until requirements are met. Typically, SHRs are considered incomplete because the immunization section was not completed correctly. Please do not simply send a copy of the student's childhood immunization record although we do request that you attach it to the SHR. Immunization information should be transferred onto the mandatory immunization list so that pertinent information is not missed.

Holds

Health Services takes the following steps prior to placing a hold on student registration:

  • Audit all SHR's for completeness
  • Students may receive a "waive" if in a middle of shot series i.e. Hepatitis B (3 shots)
  • Send a series of broadcast emails to all students through the Student Digest e-mail system regarding the possibility of a hold due to missing SHR information reminding them to check their health record status through the MyStudent portal.
  • Students may also go into their "To Do" lists under the MyStudent portal to see if they are missing information. Please note, information may not be fully updated until the end of September.

Due to HIPAA regulations, all communication regarding the student's health information must be with the student. We will not be able to take a hold off until all information on the SHR is complete.

Required Physical

The required physical is to be performed and signed off by a M.D., A.N.P., PA-C or D.O. and is to be done within the preceding 12 months. All information must be in English.

Class Excuse Policy

When a student is absent from a class, a laboratory or an examination for medical reasons, it is the student's responsibility to discuss this directly with the faculty member involved.

Health Services staff members do not issue class excuses per se. Under certain circumstances, the staff will give students written verification of the date of their visit to the clinic. In the case of students who are hospitalized or who have a prolonged illness, Health Services staff will communicate with the appropriate dean's office regarding the illness - but only with the permission of the student.

Valid Medical and Religious Exemptions

A physician or clinic offering immunizations must document valid medical exemptions. A written letter from the physician or clinic stating the reason for the medical exemption and whether it is permanent or temporary is required and must be submitted for the exemption to be valid and approved.

Religious exemptions to vaccinations are also accepted and must be submitted on official church stationery and signed by a minister, rabbi, priest, or head of a church to be valid and approved. A form from Health Services will need to be completed as well. Both will be placed in your permanent health record.

Religious Exemption Form (PDF)