Sending your son or daughter off to college can be an exciting and overwhelming time. It is a season full of emotion and growth for all. There can be increased anxiety with the unknown of this experience.
The Student Care and Services Team (SCST) would like to provide you with information that you will find helpful before you send your student off to college. This is a letter to you, the parent, about the care and services that your student will receive at college. We hope to equip you with resources and knowledge that you will find useful to instruct your student to use when and if the time arises.
The SCST is comprised of four departments and the Dean of Student Care and Services. The departments are: Counseling Center, Career Services, Academic and Disabilities Support Office, and Student Health Services (SHS). http://www.wheaton.edu/Student-Life/Student-Care
My son/daughter has a special need or learning disability. How can I get them assistance before school begins?
Students are given an enrollment confirmation form during their acceptance time that they can use to self disclose a disability, learning need or medical/physical acute care issue. Students can request accommodations for a learning, mental health or physical disability through the Academic and Disabilities Support Office. Contact Academic and Disabilities Support Coordinator, Jennifer Nicodem for further assistance at 630-752-5674 or Jennifer.nicodem@wheaton.edu.
Does Wheaton College have a requirement for students to have health insurance?
We believe that it is essential for students to be protected against high medical costs caused by illnesses, injuries and chronic health issues. Wheaton College practices a "hard waiver" insurance program. This simply means that every student required to show proof of health insurance will be billed a six (6)-month premium for Student Health Insurance to their student account. Each student must prove that they have comparable coverage by completing and submitting an on-line waiver before the deadline before this premium will be removed from their account. The premium amount cannot be removed after the deadline. An active student must complete this waiver every year beginning with the semester that they enter. Please contact Gallagher Koster at 855-275-3700 or email them at WheatonILStudent@gallagherkoster.com for more information regarding this coverage and how to waive.
What services are available at SHS?
Students can use SHS regardless of insurance coverage.SHS is a facility that houses a combination of medical and other services. There is a walk-in clinic that students can access to see a nurse for free. Students can see a physician or nurse practitioner for $25.00 after a nurse visit. SHS has an in house pharmacy and laboratory. SHS offers a free medical shuttle service to students needing a ride to a doctor or physical therapist appointment or even to get to a pharmacy. SHS can assist with any medical or dietary needs. All of these services are available to students regardless as to whether or not they have the student health insurance. For more information about the SHS services and hours view this link http://www.wheaton.edu/healthsvcs/ or call 630-752-5072.
How does SHS charge for their services?
Some services at SHS have a cost and are lower than Medicare prices. A student does not need to pay at time of service; rather these charges are placed on their student account. SHS sends students a “walk out statement” with medical codes in their CPO mailbox. This statement should be sent to the student’s insurance company with a claim form for partial or total reimbursement. SHS does not bill insurance companies directly, nor do we send these walk out statements to the students’ home. Students must be proactive in sending these statements home to their parents or their insurance companies. SHS is a preferred provider within the Gallagher Koster Student Health Insurance plan. You can access the plan at: https://www.gallagherkoster.com/students/view-brochure.php?idField=1178&KosterWebSID=8v1qjcak930esbu364g2tkhug3
What other entrance requirements are there for students and will I be notified about these requirements?
Every new student will be notified of the entrance medical requirements via their “mywheaton” e-mail account and also by with a postcard sent to the address on file at the Admission office. Parents are not notified of these requirements or what information is still outstanding. Please encourage your student to check their e-mail frequently for information. There is a deadline and a non refundable late fee if these requirements on not completed on time.
What if my son/daughter needs some emotional support, what do I do?
College is a fun, but sometimes a stressful place. Most of the time all your student may need is a listening ear from you. However, there will be times that further care will be needed. The Counseling Center is staffed by trained and licensed counseling staff. They are specialized in assisting students as they walk through their college years. Counseling services are free. You can contact the Counseling Center at 630-752-5321. http://www.wheaton.edu/Student-Life/Student-Care/Counseling-Center
I would like to know if my student has been seen at SHS or the Counseling Center. How can I get this information?
When a student reaches the age of 18 years, the federal government views them as an adult for most medical and psychological services. SHS and the Counseling Center must adhere to these federal and state laws of privacy and disclosure of information. This is a difficult hurdle for you as a parent as you are usually the ones paying the bills and believe that you should have access to this information. Information regarding attendance, care, and billing can only be released to parents if a student signs a general release form. A general release form can be found at http://www.wheaton.edu/healthsvcs/ under the section for “Forms and Policies”.
If you have questions or concerns about your student, we encourage you to call SHS or Counseling Center. We appreciate hearing your concerns. We can give you advice as to how to assist your student in seeking help. In the event your student is unconscious or is unsafe to themselves or others, SHS and the Counseling Center will contact the parent/guardian either in person or through the Dean of Student Care and Services. It is very important that you write down the correct US phone number and name of contact on your student’s health history form that is part of the required entrance medical information. Your student may be transported to the nearest Emergency Room.
My student is not doing well academically and emotionally and wants to come home. What do I do?
Begin by directing your concern and questions to Dr. Melanie Humphreys, Dean of Student Care and Services. She will work with your student, coordinating care with SCST resources and exploring options to help your student achieve his or her goals. You can set up an appointment with Dr. Humphreys by calling 630-752-5941.