INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

Things You Need To Do Before You Can Register

Things You Need To Do Before the 6th Week of Classes

Things You Should Do Before You Arrive

Things You Should Know

Download our Student Health Brochure (636k pdf)

Things You Need to Do BEFORE YOU CAN REGISTER

(Required Forms to Complete)

1. Fill out the Medical History Report (157k pdf), which includes documenting that you have the required immunity for measles, mumps and rebella (MMR), and return it to the Decker Student Health Services Center. The front of the form and Parts A and B must be filled out (information about these sections is provided below). While we strongly recommend you complete Part D, it isn’t required.
2. If you’re not 18 years old yet, then you must also have your parent or guardian fill out the Under 18 Consent for Emergency/Medical Treatment (43k pdf) and return it to the Decker Student Health Services Center.
3. Undergraduate students taking 12 or more credits and graduate students taking 9 or more credits must complete the Tuberculosis Screening form (74k pdf) and return it to the Decker Student Health Services Center. (Information about this form is provided below).

Forms 1–3 must be returned to the Decker Student Health Services Center, Binghamton University, Post Office Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000. Our telephone number is 777.2221 and our fax is 777-2881.

You must complete and return these forms (1–3) before you will be eligible to register for classes. Find out more.

Things You Need to Do By the 6TH WEEK OF CLASSES

1. Undergraduate students only: If you don’t need the University’s Student Accident and Sickness Plan, you must complete the Health Insurance Waiver (172k pdf) and return it to the Student Accounts Office by the 6th week of classes. Information about health insurance plan benefits is mailed to new students during the summer. If you don’t turn this form in on time, you’ll be responsible for paying for the insurance. If you waive the University insurance plan, we’ll assume you don’t need coverage in subsequent semesters unless you inform us that you do.

The Health Insurance Waiver form must be returned to the Student Accounts Office, Binghamton University, Post Office Box 6003, Binghamton, NY 13902-6003. The office telephone number is 777-2702 and the fax is 777-2053.

Things You Should Do BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• Make sure you know about your health history.
• Carry a list of any medication you take and any allergies you have.
• Bring your health insurance card or a copy of it.
• Program the telephone numbers for the Decker Student Health Services Center (607-777-2221) and Harpur’s Ferry ambulance service (607-777-3333) into your phone.
• If you take prescription medications on an ongoing basis, be sure to bring enough with you, have your doctor call your prescription in to a local pharmacy, or ask your doctor to send a summary of your needs to the center's medical director. This will allow our medical director to write a prescription for you if you need one.
• If you require allergy shots, the Decker Student Health Services Center can give you a list of local providers.
• Put together a healthcare kit so you have some common medical supplies on hand. Here are some suggestions on what to include (264k pdf)

Things You Should Know…

…Eligibility to Register for Classes Rests with You

You MUST fill out the front and Parts A and B of the Medical History Report (157k pdf). This form must be returned to the Decker Student Health Services Center before you arrive for Orientation. You won’t be allowed to register for classes until this documentation is complete.

If you don’t do this, you won’t be officially registered for courses and your campus housing and eligibility for financial aid will be affected. You won’t be able to remain in campus housing and we won’t be able to process your financial aid or generate any applicable refunds.

About Part A of the Medical History Form (Meningitis Acknowledgement)

• The meningitis acknowledgement section of the Medical History Report is mandated by New York state and required from all students.
• The immunization itself isn’t required, but acknowledging a decision to receive it or not is.
• If you wish to receive this immunization, it’s available at the center for a fee.
• See this information about meningitis prepared by the New York State Department of Health (20k pdf).

About Part B of the Medical History Form (Proof of Immunizations)

• New York State Public Health Law requires you to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, and Part B of the Medical History Report is where you do this.
• If you need the MMR immunization, it’s available at the center for free.
• This section must be signed by a healthcare provider to be considered acceptable.
• In this section, please specify month, day and year of each immunization.
• Medical exemptions require a signed physician statement that includes the reason, specific immunizations that apply and an end date for the exemption.
• If you’re having trouble locating immunization records, consider checking with your high school, a previous college/university, your local health department or your personal immunization record (if signed by a physician this is acceptable).
• Students with medical conditions that prohibit immunization are urged to submit blood titer results to identify immune status to measles, mumps and rubella. Those with religious beliefs that prohibit immunization are encouraged to do the same or to submit in writing a request for a waiver of the requirement. The request should document sincerely held religious belief and be accompanied by supporting documentation. Students who aren’t documented as immune may be excluded from campus in the event of a measles, mumps or rubella outbreak.

About the Tuberculosis Screening Form/PPD Skins Tests

• Completion of the Tuberculosis Screening form is required for all undergraduate students registering for 12 or more credits and graduate students taking 9 or more credits.
• Based on your responses to this form, a PPD Mantoux skin test may be required.
• A previous PPD test may be acceptable if it was performed in the United States or Canada within the calendar year prior to admission to Binghamton. Tine skin tests aren’t valid.
• Transfer students may submit their health forms from their previous institutions for review by Decker Student Health Services Center staff; however, a PPD skin test may still be required.
• The center offers PPD skin tests for free.

…About the Student Health Fee

Each semester you pay a Student Health Fee that supports Decker Student Health Services Center programs and services. Since the fee is pre-paid, you won’t be charged for any center visits, health education materials or programs. Your health fee also covers the cost of many medications and common medical supplies as long as center medical staff provide them to/order them for you. See Free or Fees for more information.

…About the University Health Insurance

All domestic undergraduate students will automatically be enrolled in the Student Accident and Sickness Plan (University health insurance) unless you waive this plan by returning a signed Health Insurance Waiver (172k pdf). Information about health insurance plan benefits is mailed to new students during the summer. See Health Insurance to find out more about waiving the health insurance and why you need health insurance.