For Parents and Families

Welcome to the Xavier family! The staff of Xavier Student Health Services works in partnership with your student to ensure access to a continuum of medical, mental health and wellness services that may be needed during their years at Xavier. As your student transitions to college life, it is sometimes more difficult on parents, often miles away, than on the students. When your student is sick, we realize that you may be concerned about their ability to navigate healthcare, and often this is their first time doing so alone.

That is why Xavier University Student Health offers comprehensive care. Office visits are unlimited and require no copay or insurance for all enrolled undergraduate students.

Student Health Services also works closely and collaborates with other units under the umbrella of the Center for Health and Wellness who are also dedicated to the care and well-being of your student.

Health-Related Requirements (Immunizations & Health Insurance)

What are the immunizations required for my student to attend Xavier?

Xavier University of Louisiana is committed to providing our students a safe environment for learning.  To establish this environment the university follows the guidelines of the State of Louisiana, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the American College Health Association immunization requirements/recommendations for students entering institutions of higher learning. In attaining this goal, students will be required to submit Louisiana State required immunizations in order to register for classes.

The State of Louisiana requires each full-time or matriculating student born after December 31, 1956, to provide proof of adequate immunization or screening against measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis before permitting such student to enroll at the university. Go to Immunization Requirements to learn more. And go to the https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html to learn more about recommended immunizations for college students and young adults.

Should my student enroll in the Xavier Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)?

For all students, good health is essential to achieving educational goals. Because maintaining good health requires access to health care when you need it, Xavier University of Louisiana Student Health Insurance is Mandatory for all Undergraduate students.

All Undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in Xavier SHIP and the fee is assessed as a line item on your student’s fee bill. If your student intends to stay enrolled in the SHIP, there is nothing different you need to do – their coverage begins on August 16 and continues until the following August. Visit Insurance to learn more about the plan. This is a conversation that should occur at least every year since a waiver must be submitted annually.

What if we want to waive SHIP?

Students with insurance that provides coverage in the New Orleans area for both physician office visit as well as the emergency room may waive the University Student Health plan. This waiver requirement must be met each year during the Fall semester or in the Spring for students enrolling for the first time in January during the open waiver period. Visit Insurance for open waiver dates. Failure to complete the on-line waiver form @ gallagherstudent.com/XULA will result in the student's automatic enrollment in the University Student Health plan and the premium charged to the student's account. All charges are final.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Who will have access to my student’s health-related information?

We protect and maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all students – this means not sharing whether or not a student has visited Student Health Services and/or the details of any visit(s) they may have had with us without their permission. Federal and state law provides safeguards for ensuring that your student’s health information is adequately protected. This being said, it’s not uncommon for students to call a parent or family member mid-visit; we’re happy to discuss your student’s situation with you so long as your student has authorized the discussion – your student will need to fill out an “Authorization to Release Health Information “form to grant us permission to release any of their medical information to a third party. Go to Confidentiality and Patient Rights & Responsibilities to learn more about Privacy Practices.

Additional Information

What should I send to college with my student?

We understand how difficult it is to be away from your student when they leave for college. Some students feel a little lost without someone to give advice when they don’t feel well. There are some things you can do to help. Teach your student how to communicate how long they have been ill, what symptoms they have, if they have a fever, if they are vomiting, short of breath, or having other significant symptoms. This will help your student get the care they need quickly.

First Aid Kit

We suggest that your student brings a self-care/first-aid kit that contains:

• A list of medications being taken on a regular basis and the conditions the medications are treating
• A list of known or suspected allergies to medications, food, and environmental allergies
• A copy of any health insurance cards for plans that cover them
• A thermometer
• Band-Aids (various sizes)
• 4×4 gauze pads
• Polyester “silk” adhesive tape (Durapore)
• First Aid ointment, such as bacitracin or triple antibiotic ointment
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• An over the counter allergy product that contains an antihistamine
• An over the counter cold product that contains a decongestant
• An anti-diarrheal medication such as Loperamide (Imodium)
• An over the counter cough suppressant
• Saline nasal mist
• Throat lozenges
• Cough drops
• Chewable antacid tablets (Tums)
• An ace wrap
• Instant ice pack
• A microwaveable hot pack
• Tweezers
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent