Wellness Center

Note for Incoming Students

**All required documents must be received by July 15 or a hold will be placed on your student account.

New Student Health/Immunization Requirements

All incoming students are required to provide/complete health and immunization records. All documentation and information relating to medical/immunization requirements are housed within the Alfred Medicat Patient Portal.

1. Log into the Alfred Medicat Patient Portal using your Alfred network credentials.
2. Select the FORMS tab to complete the Required Health Forms.
3. Select the IMMUNIZATION tab to review the immunization requirements and upload your complete immunization record and any supporting documents.
4. UPLOAD your most recent health physical (within the last 12 months)

Please contact the Wellness Center at 607-871-2400 if you have any questions or need technical assistance with the portal.

Immunization

New York State requires proof of immunization which must be received by the Wellness Center by July 15th or a hold will be placed on your student account. If you require an exemption, please submit your request to the Wellness Center.

Immunization Health Records

To obtain a copy of your immunization record, please download the Health Services Records release form. Mail the completed release form to:

Wellness Center
Alfred University
Attention: Immunization Records
19 Park Street
Alfred, NY 14802

Your immunization record will be mailed to you at the address indicated on the release form. The Wellness Center agrees to send immunization records to you within 30 days of receiving your request.

Important Note

The Wellness Center will mail your Immunization records directly to you. Since you may need to send your immunization records to other institutions, be sure to keep a copy in a safe place. Federal HIPAA laws prevent us from faxing them or forwarding immunization records. It is your responsibility to forward these records to other schools, employers, etc.

Copies of health records are destroyed after 10 years of absence from Alfred University. If you are requesting copies of health records other than Immunization Records, please contact the Wellness Center.

The college years can be extremely stressful, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, trouble focusing, and low motivation for many students. When that stress becomes unmanageable and interferes with learning, the Wellness Center offers confidential, short-term mental health support to assist students in addressing their problems.

Accessing Counseling Services

To schedule an appointment, please call the Wellness Center front desk at 607-871-2400. If you have seen a counselor in the past, you can also reach out to them directly.

Emergencies and After Hours

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis/emergency outside of Wellness Center office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), please contact your RA, GRD or Public Safety at 607-871-2108.

• Call 988 or 911
• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• Peer to Peer Hotline: 518-442-5777

Services

The Wellness Center offers the following services to all Alfred University students at no additional cost:

General Consultation: One-time meeting with a counselor to focus on answering questions about services provided at the Wellness Center, as well as referrals to community providers or other campus resources that provide student support.

Individual Counseling: Students meet one-on-one with a counselor to identify stressors and establish goals to improve mental, social, and emotional well-being. The Wellness Center uses a brief therapy model to best meet student needs with a focus on minimizing acute distress and problem-solving.

Crisis Support Services: Crisis support services are available on a walk-in basis during the Wellness Center's business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). These services are for students experiencing urgent situations that require immediate support to ensure safety to self and others.

Psychiatric Services: The Wellness Center has contracted with a community provider to offer psychiatric services including psychiatric evaluation and medication management services. There is a fee of $45 for the initial appointment and $30 for all follow-up appointments.

Peer to Peer Hotline: Middle Earth is a secure student-staffed hotline provided by the University of Albany that connects Alfred University and other SUNY students in need with peer counselors. Peer counselors can assess a student's wellbeing and if necessary, link students to appropriate mental health resources.

Students do not need to be in crisis to use the hotline. The hotline is open:

• Monday to Thursday: 1 p.m. until 12 midnight
• Friday to Sunday: 1 p.m. Friday through 12 midnight on Sunday (24/7 weekend hours)

Call the hotline at 518-442-5777. More information is available here.

Student Telecounseling Network (STCN): For a higher level of care and in order to stabilize intense mental health symptoms, SUNY Upstate is offering Student Telecounseling Network (STCN), which includes intensive CBT sessions and tele psychiatry at no additional cost. Please ask your counselor for more information about facilitating this specialized referral.

Outreach and Education: The Wellness Center provides educational programs and workshops tailored to various settings, including residence halls, classrooms, clubs and other organizational meetings, and virtual locations. Programs on stress management, self-care, sexual violence prevention, alcohol and drug education, and eating disorders are some examples of programs that have been offered in the past. If you are interested in hosting an outreach program, please contact the Health and Wellness Educator, James Ward, by calling the Wellness Center.

Confidentiality

The staff of the Wellness Center is personally, professionally, and ethically committed to upholding and protecting the privacy of our students. All patient information is kept entirely confidential unless:

• It is a matter of saving a human life
• Patients sign for release of information
• We have been ordered by a court
• Required by law

Emergency Medical Care

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis/emergency and are a student residing on or near campus, please contact Public Safety at 607-871-2108 or your Resident Director.

Additional options for after-hours assistance include the Allegany Mental Health Association 24 hour crisis line at 1-888-448-3367 and the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text HOME to 741741 for the crisis text line.

Ambulance transports are provided at no cost from the Alfred Community to Hornell or Wellsville.

Hornell
St. James Mercy Hospital
Emergency Department
411 Canisteo Street
Hornell, NY
607-324-8000

Wellsville
Jones Memorial Hospital
Emergency Department
191 North Main Street
Wellsville, NY
585-593-1100

For non-emergency but more urgent matters, visit:

Hornell
UR Medical Urgent Care
7309 Seneca Rd N Suite 103
Hornell, NY 14843
607-385-3800
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mental Health Resources

Review our robust Mental Health Resources page for links to helpful information on a variety of mental health concerns.

Insurance

All registered undergraduate students and graduate students (matriculating and non-matriculating) attending Alfred University are expected to carry health insurance. Alfred University does not offer health insurance at this time. For assistance in finding a plan that will meet your needs, please contact us.

All International students are required to enroll in the plan unless they provide proof of adequate coverage prior to their arrival on campus.

Services

The Wellness Center offers a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and administrative support staff who provide a wide range of services. If you require long term or complex care, you'll be referred to appropriate providers or agencies as warranted.

Excuses for Illness

The Wellness Center does offer documentation of illness to interested students. Wellness Center staff only provides verification of appointments actually attended at the Wellness Center, not proof of illness without Wellness Center treatment. You may use this documentation when discussing class or work absences. It is the decision of faculty and employers on how to deal with missed class time and any necessary arrangements for making up missed work.

Lab Tests

With a request from your health care provider, Health Services may obtain your lab specimens (ex. blood, urine) and process them through St. James Mercy Health's laboratory.

Your health care provider must complete the following form: Lab Work Obtained at Health Services External Provider Form. This required form ensures that your lab results will be communicated directly to your health care provider. The form can be faxed to the Wellness Center office at 607-871-2631. The form may also be mailed or hand delivered; the Wellness Center must receive this form before your appointment is scheduled.

Appointments (607-871-2400) are required for the lab specimens to be obtained at the Wellness Center. This service is available Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a venipuncture fee for blood draws, which can be billed to your AU student account. Fees for the actual laboratory tests are billed through St. James Mercy Health.

Some laboratory tests require specific handling and must be done in a laboratory setting. For those needs, you may contact St. James Mercy Health Laboratory at 607-324-8080 or Jones Memorial Hospital Laboratory at 585-593-4072 for more information.

Fees

There are no charges for office visits to the Wellness Center with the exception of Psychiatric Consultation visits. Nominal charges are made for lab tests, injections, special treatments and medications. Students who require specialists or emergency care are referred to the general hospitals in neighboring Hornell or Wellsville. You still maintain the right to choose a health care provider or place of hospitalization and must assume all financial obligations for off-campus medical/surgical care.

Located within the Wellness Center, Mind Spa is a quiet, wellness-oriented space offering a unique blend of amenities designed to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. It's your private place to get away, practice mindfulness and focus on self-care.

Visit the Mind Spa webpage

Bridget Buono, RN

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Registered Nurse
• AS, Nursing, Alfred State College
• CPR certified
• Infection Control

Clinical Interests

• Health Promotion
• 25 years of Surgical Experience
• 13 years of College Health Experience
• LGBTQ

Professional Organization(s)

• American College Health, member
• American Nursing Association, member
• Alumni Association HHS

Jenny DeSanto, Medical Office Assistant

Jenny joined the Wellness Center in 2017. She brought with her 20 years of experience working as a patient service representative and financial counselor. She has extensive customer service, scheduling and billing experience in a medical setting to include mental health and substance abuse programs.

Jenny enjoys interacting and connecting with the students she serves. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, attending concerts, kayaking and traveling.

Pamela Jones, NP

Pam has worked in a variety of settings including hospital, Home Care and Education

Credentials

• BSN Alfred University
• MSN Community Health, Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Rochester
• FNP St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY

Clinical Interests

• Women’s Health
• Immunization
• Community Health
• Maintaining people at home

Professional Organizations

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
• Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society Charter Member and Past President
• Phi Kappa Phi
• Certification by AANP

Kara Taylor, Counselor

Kara is an NBCC Certified Counselor and received her M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University. She has been a member of the AU Counseling team since 2019. Kara has a passion for working with young adults and supporting students through the challenges unique to the college experience. Her approach to therapy is client-centered and trauma-informed, applying elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative and constructionist therapy to best meet the needs of individual students. In her free time, Kara enjoys playing guitar, skiing, and working toward therapy dog certification with her dog, Winnie.

James Ward, CAS, BS, CHES, Health and Wellness Educator

James earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion with a specialization in Community Health Administration and a Minor in Business Administration from Daemen University and then went on to earn his Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Health from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). James is excited to serve Alfred University and educate students in his lifelong home of Allegany County.

James is dedicated to meeting the needs of all students and educating and training them to be the most "outside of ordinary" they can be. In terms of clinical interests, James is particularly interested in promoting positive mental health, the health of the LGBT+ community, and the health of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. James is also proud to be a certified trainer in suicide prevention (QPR). In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and attempting aromatherapy.

Thomas Boyle, LPN

Thomas has been licensed as a Practical Nurse since 1992. He attended St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and Alfred University for Health Sciences. He is experienced in many health and human services settings. Thomas' nursing experience includes hospital medical and surgical units, operating room, emergency room, and medical office nursing. Thomas is also trained in CPR and basic life support, rural trauma team development, Stop The Bleed, Disaster Life Support and Opioid Overdose Prevention.

Rachel Ahart

Rachel (she/her pronouns) is a Licensed Master of Social Work. She completed her bachelor's degree at Syracuse University and then her M.S.W. in Community Based Practice and Leadership at Fordham University. She is passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and completed an advanced certificate in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities through Widener University.

Rachel has 4 years of clinical experience in mental health, and several years' experience working in community services, including work with survivors/victims of trauma, substance use, and adolescents with legal system involvement. Her values include trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming, strengths-based approaches.

In her down-time, she can be found appreciating cats, kayaking, hiking, skiing, and crafting (knitting/crocheting especially).

Rod Jeffers

I am a New York registered Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I graduated the Alfred University counseling program in 2013. I have nearly 10-years community mental health experience, serving people with a wide range of mental health concerns and co-occurring conditions. Prior to that, I worked over a decade in agencies services people with disabilities in a variety of roles, including direct care, vocational education, staff development, and human resources.

I grew up in Allegany County and lived here most of my life. Exploring the countryside, building trails, and taking photographs are among my interests. I also enjoy video games, traveling to far-off places, and researching my family history. When not doing that, my family and I chill at home with our two dogs and many cats.

If you or a friend experiences sexual assault or any form of sexual misconduct, we encourage you to tell someone about it and seek help. We are the only office on campus that is bound by confidentiality. However, you have choices about whom you disclose information to and which services you want to access. The staff at the Wellness Center can help you with these decisions and support you throughout the process.

Vaccinations (Not Required)

Effective Summer 2023, AU Policy no longer requires vaccinations for COVID-19. All students are strongly recommended to stay up to date on their vaccinations as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including obtaining any booster authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for their age group. While not required at this time, AU reserves the authority to impose a requirement for any vaccination or booster at any time because of changes in local conditions or requirements imposed by Federal, State, or local authorities. All AU faculty and staff are also strongly recommended to get vaccinated.

Masks and Social Distancing

Mask use is not required. AU will continue to monitor CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance on mask use moving forward.

Testing

No testing is currently required at AU. If conditions warrant, Alfred University may implement a surveillance testing program. AU will maintain testing supplies to support those seeking a test. These include:

• PCR testing (completed at Wellness Center)
• Rapid antigen testing (completed at Wellness Center)

Quarantine and Isolation

Students who test positive for COVID, RSV, flu, or flu-like illness will no longer be required to move to a separate isolation space. They will be asked to self-isolate, staying out of classes and public spaces and getting meals to go and wearing a mask while in the dining hall until symptoms resolve. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, runny nose and headache.

AU continues to strongly recommend that individuals stay home if they feel unwell and isolate according to CDC guidelines if they test positive for COVID-19.

Questions regarding student health and wellness should be directed to the Wellness Center Staff at 607-871-2400.

Academic Program Planning

Students can go back to class when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true: Symptoms are getting better over-all, and they no longer have a fever without the use of fever reducing medication. 

Students going back to class or activities should take added precautions over the next 5 days, including good hygiene, masks and, physical distancing when around other people. You can still spread the viruses even when starting to feel better.

Residential & Student Life

Housing accommodations for vulnerable populations will be met through established accommodative housing processes. For students, this process is organized by the Center for Academic Success (CAS). For employees, the process is organized by the Office of Human Resources. Guest policies will be adapted as conditions change.

Questions about accommodations for students can be sent to the CAS Director, Chris Gause at: [email protected].

AU Fresh (Dining)

Dining staff will follow New York State Department of Health regulations. Hand sanitizers are available for customer use. Any health requirements and protocols have been communicated to all food/vendor delivery drivers.

Questions about dining may be sent to Director of AU Fresh, Erich Dobson at: [email protected].

Facilities (Cleaning & Sanitation)

The campus will provide hand hygiene stations or supplies within workplaces for individuals to use; specifically, hand washing, such as soap, running water and disposable towels or hand sanitizing, such as alcohol-based sanitizer where hand washing may not be available or practical.

Inventories will be maintained for all cleaning products. We maintain an adequate inventory of supplies in case a supply chain disruption occurs.

The college filtration (MERV) level on all air handling units is a minimum of MERV-13, or in the case where the unit cannot accept the higher MERV-13 filter is equipped with the highest level the unit will accept.

Personal Protective Equipment includes masks (N95, KN95, surgical, general/dust), cloth face coverings, plastic face shields, gloves, and gowns. The PPE inventory is housed at the facilities building. All PPE requests can go to the director of Facilities for distribution; this central storage allows us to monitor usage rates and keep our inventory easily accessible for reporting and reordering.

For questions related to PPE, please contact Chief Environmental Health & Safety Officer, Doug Clarke at: [email protected].

Health & Wellness

The Wellness staff will only provide confirmation of their visit to the Center. Students will be responsible for contacting their own professors and making arrangement for missed class and assignments. All medical appointments will take place in person, by appointment. Counseling services will be offered in-person or virtually, depending on the preference of the student. Counseling services include:

• AU Health & Counseling Services
• Promote existing on-campus and community-based mental health treatment and resources, including:
• Provide individual counseling and/or group therapy.
• Advertise the availability of crisis services, including Crisis Text Line, including NYS OMH Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741, Peer to Peer Hotline 518-442-5777.
• Publicize the availability of free online QPR suicide prevention training for students, faculty, and staff.

If you have questions regarding medical and/or mental health services, please contact the Wellness Center at: 607-871-2400.

Athletics

Athletics will follow NCAA, AU, or conference requirements. Currently, there are NO restrictions or directives that exceed local decisions.

Questions on Athletics can be sent to Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Deb Steward at: [email protected].

Compliance

It is the responsibility of all members of the college community to not only observe all COVID-19 regulations, but to also promote safety and appropriately address non-compliance.

COVID-19 Alert Levels & Returning to Remote Learning

AU retains the authority to pause our campus activities in cases of increased community transmission. AU will use a series of variables in considering any amendment of campus operations or a request to shift to the temporary use of remote operations.

Internal variables include the severity of cases and transmission among the campus population. External variables include the issuance of an order to close from NYS / SUNY; this is measured by region with specific metrics for hospital bed availability and infection rate.

The evolving dominant strains, changing transmissibility, severity, vaccine efficacy, and more all represent variables that will be factored into changes. AU will use a flexible framework to guide decision-making, including:

Green – Normal Operations

Yellow – Modified Operations where cases are straining capacity

• Campus reduces scale or ceases student activities (programs, events)
• Athletics and recreational activity restricted
• Expansion of testing rates
• Restrictions on guests in residence halls
• Campus visitation reduced or suspended
• Limited seating in dining operations or at events

Red – Disrupted Operation - hospitals at/above 100%

• Grab-and-go only food service (no in-person dining)
• Select non-essential staff directed to telecommute
• Switch to remote learning (with potential exceptions)