Things to Do Before Sending Your Son or Daughter Off to UW-Whitewater

1. Make sure all immunizations are up to date (forms available at http://www.uww.edu/uhcs/brochures/ImmuRecord.pdf). Send this record to UHCS and give a copy to your son or daughter. Recommended – Polio, DPT, Tetanus/Pertussis booster, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken Pox). Optional – Pneumovax, Meningococcal, HPV, Hepatitis A. Menactra (meningitis) vaccine is free at Jefferson County Public Health for students entering college. Check with your county Public Health for prices.
2. Write down a list of current health care providers and counselors and their addresses and phone numbers; all medications; drug allergies; and health history for your daughter or son to bring to campus and keep. Include a wallet card of emergency contact information.
3. Pack a first aid kit with Band-Aids, thermometer, tweezers and non-prescription medications your daughter or son uses. Also send along at least enough prescription medicine for one month and a self care book with a symptom decision tree.
4. If there are special medical or psychiatric needs, have the appropriate release of information forms signed and the practitioner's report sent to UHCS (form available on our website at http://www.uww.edu/uhcs/brochures/ChronicHealthProb.pdf). This transition time may not be a good time to change medications, especially psychiatric medication. If your son or daughter wants to continue allergy shots at UHCS, ask the allergist to send your student's diagnosis, written instructions, and the allergens to UHCS.
5. If you currently have health insurance for your daughter or son, send along a copy of the card and check the following:
• How is non-emergency care in the Whitewater area covered?
• How many credits does your student need to take to be covered?
• What is the upper age limit for your student to be covered?
6. If you do not have health insurance covering your daughter or son, we recommend you obtain adequate coverage. UHCS does not provide hospitalization, X rays or specialty care and even our lab test costs and medications can add up. Information on a reasonably priced policy endorsed by UW System will be sent to you mid-summer by Student Assurance Services or you can access their website at https://www.gallagherkoster.com/uwisystem/.
7. Talk to your son or daughter about what to expect of living away from home. Communicate your values and expectations of their behavior and invite them to do the same. Assure them you remain available and interested. Give them easy access for communicating with you, e.g., email, best time to catch you by phone.
8. Talk to your daughter or son about using UHCS. Students have already prepaid for the office visits through their tuition and fees. Discuss your willingness to pay for lab tests or medications as needed. If you have health insurance, help your student ascertain which of our services are reimbursable.
9. It would be normal for your son or daughter to experience homesickness or sadness, especially during the first few months. Many students benefit from talking to a counselor about their adjustment to college and the many changes they face during this time of transition. Encourage your student to use our free counseling services if needed.