Student Health Services offers a wide range of treatments and services. Student Health Services is an experienced medical team committed to providing responsive, confidential, and high-quality care for Colgate’s diverse student community.
Services Offered
Student Health Services recognizes the strong connection between individual wellbeing, a healthy campus environment, and student success. Student Health Services is an experienced medical team committed to providing responsive, confidential, and high-quality care for Colgate’s diverse student community.
Specializing in treating and caring for college students, the department offers a wide range of services to address your medical concerns. Please feel comfortable approaching the team with any medical issue or question you may have.
To increase your odds of obtaining a same-day appointment, please call Student Health Services at 315-228-7750 as early as possible.
Allergy Injections
- If you need to receive allergy injections at college, please call Student Health Services at 315-228-7750 to schedule a consultation.
- You must start allergy injections with your home doctor/allergist before receiving injections at Student Health Services.
- Allergy injections are administered by a staff nurse, typically twice a week by appointment only.
- Allergy serums will be stored at Student Health Services.
Epi-pens
- Epi-pens are available by prescription. A student's home provider may send the prescription to a local pharmacy. Alternatively, a student may schedule an appointment with Student Health Services to determine whether an Epi-pen prescription is appropriate.
- In allergy emergencies, Campus Safety carries and is trained to administer Epi-pens.
Allergist Referrals
Student Health Services are able to refer students to regional allergists. Please note that there are limited regional allergy resources.
Food Allergies
Contact our registered dietitian if you have questions or concerns regarding food allergies, and navigating the dining halls.
If you have a chronic physical or mental health condition that will require ongoing care management or coordination while on campus contact Student Health Services to discuss available resources.
Please contact one of the following providers with your dental health concerns.
Dr. Scot Ioset
34 Broad Street
Hamilton, NY
315-824-3338
Dr. Devan Berry
17 Payne Street
Hamilton, NY
315-824-2250
Bassett Healthcare Hamilton-Madison
1055 Madison Marketplace
Hamilton, NY 13346
315-825-3100
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Drs. Viktus, Scutari, and Cardoso
301 Genesee Street, #6F
Oneida, NY 13421
315-363-8233
Emergency Dental Care
Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare
1656 Champlin Avenue
Utica, NY 13501
315-624-6112
Our on-campus dietitian is a resource for those with nutrition-related questions or concerns regarding:
- chronic conditions (eg: diabetes, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- food allergies
- religious dietary needs
- dietary preferences (eg: vegan, vegetarian)
- athletic performance
- disordered eating/eating disorders
- general nutrition
and can help you navigate the dining halls.
Please contact one of the following providers with your eye health concerns.
Eyecare of CNY
2730 State Route 12B
Hamilton, NY 13346
315-824-3453
Chenango Eye Associates
4 Eaton Street
Hamilton, NY 13346
315-824-8362
Allen Eye Associates
131 Main Street, Suite 202
Oneida, NY 13421
315-675-5321
Colgate Student Health Services offers gender affirming care including education, treatment and counseling regarding hormone therapy, gender reassignment therapy and other care needs.
Limited on-site lab tests are available, for a minimal charge, at Student Health Services. Students pay for these services with their 'Gate card or by charging Student Accounts
Basic lab tests include:
- Urinalysis
- Pregnancy
- Rapid influenza
- Rapid oral HIV
- Rapid strep
- Rapid COVID Antigen testing
When students require additional testing, they are referred to an outside reference laboratory or Community Memorial Hospital laboratory, and their health insurance is charged. If you have any concerns about using your health insurance to access testing, discuss this with an SHS staff member.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, asexual, intersex, trans, and non-binary students come to health services with identities that significantly impact their health, well-being, and healthcare experience. The health services team endeavors to provide affirming and confidential health services to assist all students to stay well. We continue to educate ourselves and improve systems and services to welcome and serve all Colgate students, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
The Student Health Services staff receive regular Safe Zone training and they are careful to make intake forms gender neutral. In addition, the Colgate Student Health Insurance policy includes coverage of hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery. Please refer to Trans @ Colgate for more information on Colgate's commitment to the welfare and support of our trans and gender-nonconforming students, staff and faculty.
Students may need psychological support for a variety of reasons, including: family issues, academic stress, adjusting to college, relationship problems, and depression/anxiety symptoms. Student Health Services encourages any student who may be experiencing psychological distress to seek services through Colgate’s Office of Counseling and Psychological Services at Conant House. Other campus offices that may be utilized include the Chaplain’s Office, Student Disability Services, Haven - Sexual Violence Support & Resources, and your Administrative Dean.
Student Health Services (SHS) works closely with Colgate's Office of Counseling and Psychological Services to provide coordinated care to students in need of mental health services. In consultation with the Counseling Center staff and the university's consulting psychiatry service, Mantra Health, SHS providers offer monitored support for students whose treatment recommendations include initiating medication, the continuation of medication, or an adjustment to an existing prescription. This includes support for students with ADHD.
The department’s goal is to help students achieve and maintain a balanced state of mental health and physical health in order to meet the demands of their academics to their fullest potential.
If your illness requires medication, Student Health Services stocks a select group of commonly used prescription and over-the-counter medications. These medications are only available to students after an appointment with a medical professional. While some medications are free to students, a limited selection of commonly prescribed medications are available for purchase when prescribed by an SHS clinician. These medications can can be purchased with your ’Gate card or charged to Student Accounts.
Prescription Medications
Student Health Services cannot fill prescriptions written by providers outside of the Colgate Health Center. We suggest that you plan to bring enough medication to last the semester or have your physician arrange for ongoing medications with an area pharmacy. For your convenience, with an established account, a local pharmacy can deliver prescriptions for pick up at Student Health Services.
Hamilton Pharmacies
(Delivers to Student Health Services)
Kinney Drugs
103 Utica Street
Hamilton, NY
315-824-2200
Dougherty Pharmacy
1017 Madison Marketplace
Hamilton, NY
315-825-9800
Other area pharmacies
(Do not deliver to Student Health Services)
CVS (14 miles)
268 Sanger Avenue
Waterville, NY
315-841-4447
Walgreens (20 miles)
95 Nelson Street
Cazenovia, NY
315-655-4450
Walmart (22 miles)
2024 Genesee Street
Oneida, NY
315-361-1037
We offer affirming and non-judgmental sexual and reproductive health services to students of all genders, sexual identities, and sexual experiences. This includes:
- Contraception services
- Pregnancy testing
- LGBTQIA+ and gender-affirming care
- Sexually transmitted infection prevention, testing, and treatment
- Women's health
- Men's health
Learn more about our sexual and reproductive health services
Student Health Services (SHS) provides travel consultations tailored to students’ particular itineraries for travel out of the country for both study-abroad programs or personal travel. SHS staff is well-prepared to address medical questions about traveling abroad and can discuss any required or recommended immunizations and medications needed to ensure safe travel.
SHS can provide some immunizations, others must be administered by a specialized travel health provider. Students are responsible for the cost of these immunizations. Colgate's student health insurance plan typically covers the cost of immunizations provided by SHS.
SHS recommends students schedule a travel consultation appointment at least six to eight weeks before departure, as some vaccinations should be administered more than one month before travel. Please call SHS at 315-228-7750 to schedule a travel consultation appointment.
Student Health Services offers the following routine and travel immunizations*:
- Influenza
- Meningitis B (Bexsero)
- (Gardasil (HPV vaccine)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Meningococcal (ACWY)
- Polio (IPV)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
- Typhoid Fever
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
*Students will be charged for the cost of the immunization only; there is no charge for administering the vaccine.
Student Health Services (SHS) is happy to assist you with your New York State Drivers License Renewal by performing the vision test for you at no charge. This form can then be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Kinney Drugs in Hamilton can also perform the eye test through the pharmacy for a fee. The results are then submitted online directly to the DMV, allowing you to complete your renewal online as well. The pharmacy hours are 8:30 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number for Kinney Drugs is 315-824-2200.
If you have housing, dietary, academic, or other accommodation needs please contact the Office of Student Disability Services.
Vaccination Requirements
All students must comply with New York State and Colgate University vaccination requirements. New York State law mandates that students will be disenrolled from classes if this information is not submitted within the allotted time.
Vaccination records from your doctor’s office or school may be used as your verification documentation.
All forms of proof must be in English.
What do I need:
Read and sign the meningitis response form
Who is required:
- All students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours
Additional Information:
- Due before the start of classes
What do I need:
Either:
- Proof of meningococcal tetravalent vaccination (MCV-ACYW) on or after age 16 and within five years of arrival to campus
- Declination of meningococcal vaccination via the meningitis response form
Who is required:
- All students age 21 or younger
- Enrolled in 6 or more credit hours
- Due before the start of classes
- Verification of date by a healthcare provider, school official, or official immunization record
What do I need:
- Proof of two valid MMR vaccines (measles, mumps, and rubella) first dose given after first birthday and second dose at least one month later
- If MMR record not available blood titers for each disease may be submitted
Who is required:
- All students born on or after 1/1/1957 and enrolled in 6 or more credit hours
Additional Information:
- Due before the start of classes
- 1st vaccine must be given after first birthday
- Must be in English
- Dates verified by a health care provider, school official, or official immunization record
What do I need:
- Primary series of at least four doses with Dtap or DTP vaccine
AND
- Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) booster (one dose within the last ten years)
Who is required:
- All students
Additional Information:
- Due before the start of classes
- Must be in English
- Dates verified by a health care provider, school official, or official immunization record
What do I need:
- Primary series of vaccines in childhood
What do I need:
- Proof of two doses of varicelle vaccine, first dose after the age of one, and the second dose at least one month later.
- If your varicella vaccine record is not available, blood test or health care provider confirmed proof of disease may be submitted.
Who is required:
- All students
Additional Information:
- Due before the start of classes
- Must be in English
- Dates verified by a health care provider, school official, or official immunization record
What do I need:
- Three doses of vaccine or a positive Hepatitis surface antibody
What do I need:
- Series of three valid doses over six months (HPV-4 or HPV-9). Two doses are acceptable if the first dose was given before age 15.
What do I need:
- 1 dose annually
Recommended for:
- All students, especially those with a chronic illness or a condition/medication that affects the immune system
According to ACHA Guidelines, all incoming students should be screened for risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) through a screening questionnaire. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory has identified countries at how and high incidences.
For students born outside of the United States, the recommended test is a blood test (T-SPOT or Quantiferon)
Students may apply for a medican exemptin for one or several required vaccines.
Sufficient documentation must be submitted by the student’s medical provider including a reason for contraindication and end date if applicable or other documents. Please review the Medical Exemption to Immunization form for proper documentation.
Studenyts may apply for a religious exemption for one or several required vaccines.
- You must submit the Religious Exemption to Immunization form.
- New York State does not accept philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological waivers
If you were honorably discharged within 10 years from the date of your application to Colgate, you can submit your armed forces official vaccination records as proof of immunization.
- If there is a delay in obtaining your official vaccination records, the DD 214 Form (Separation of Service) will enable you to attend classes temporarily.
- Please note: DD 214 does not fulfill the immunization requirements. Student Health Services must still receive your vaccination records.
- If you are enrolled in 6 or more credit hours, you are considered a student under the New York State Public Health Law 2165/2167.
- Therefore, Colgate University employees and family members must comply with established New York State and Colgate immunization requirements regardless of how long you have been associated with the university.
Medical care at Student Health Services is strictly confidential.
The privacy and confidentiality of your health record are protected by law. Colgate University’s health records are maintained through a secure electronic health records (EHR) system and are completely separate from all other University records. Student Health Services will not release any of your health information without your written permission, except in the following instances:
- In the event of your treatment at Community Memorial Hospital or another hospital or urgent care center, the community provider and Student Health Services will share relevant health information as needed for continuity of care.
- If, in our judgment, releasing information is necessary to protect you or others from a serious threat to health or safety.
- If it is authorized or required by law.
Similarly, Student Health Services does not routinely share information about your care with parents, faculty, or deans without your permission. Health information will be discussed with parents and faculty only at your request and with your written permission.
If you have any concerns about the confidentiality of our services, please speak with one of your healthcare providers.
- Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or veteran status.
- Have all aspects of your care explained to you in understandable terms and any questions answered.
- Discuss treatment options and their effectiveness, possible risks and side effects.
- Participate in decisions about your care and to give your informed consent to any diagnostic procedure.
- Have access to resources for health education regarding wellness/self-care and prevention of illness.
- Be assured of the confidential treatment of disclosures and records and to have the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such information except when release of specific information is required by law or is necessary to safeguard you or the university community.
- Refuse any medical treatment or procedure and to be informed of the consequences of such a decision.
- Receive information and/or guidance for continuing care to maintain optimal health.
- Receive appropriate referrals to other providers and services.
- An explanation of any financial obligations or charges.
- Discuss concerns about the care you receive.
- Review your medical record with a clinician.
- Refuse to participate in any research project.
- Understand and use these rights.
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Provide accurate and complete information about your past health history, that of your family, current status, relevant personal habits, and any other information pertinent to the public health of the campus community.
- Inform your care provider of any changes in your health status that could affect your treatment.
- Assist health care providers to compile a complete medical record by authorizing the Student Health Services to obtain necessary medical information from appropriate sources.
- Ask questions and get clarification regarding your condition or any suggested treatment.
- Ask about anything you do not understand.
- Follow the prescribed treatment plan and discuss any desired changes.
- Be considerate of other patients and Student Health Services staff.
- Treat Student Health Services’ staff with courtesy and respect.
- Be prompt for scheduled appointments.
- Cancel appointments if you are unable to keep them.
- Accept financial responsibility for any charges you have incurred.
Our Approach
The health services medical team is experienced working with college-aged students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
It can, at times, be challenging as college students learn to both manage their own healthcare and adapt to a new primary care physician. The team therefore welcomes all students to approach with any medical issues or questions they may have. Just let health services know how it might best support you. When visiting health services, it is important to be open with the medical staff about any needs or concerns you may have, and any other healthcare providers you are working with, and to openly confide and share with them your sexual health history so they can provide you with the best possible care.
Treatment Costs
There is no charge for visits to the health center. There may be nominal fees associated with testing or medication provided by Student Health Services. Students (or their health insurers) are responsible for bills relating to emergency room visits, laboratory and X-ray tests, visits to specialists, and certain medications.
Please contact Student Health Services for costs of items such as medicines, vaccines, various forms of contraception, and testing. Note: these costs are subject to change. Student Health Services accepts 'Gate cards or bills your Student Account for payment; we cannot process a debit or credit card. Payment of tests and in-house medications is due after the visit. Student Health Services reserves the right to charge your Student Account if you do not pay during your visit. If you have a question about a charge, please call Student Health Services at 315-228-7750 for clarification.