Health Resources

New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires that all degree-seeking students enrolled at a college or university for six credits or more who were born on or after January 1, 1957, provide documentation of their immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. Also, meningitis is a serious bacterial disease, and New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires that all degree-seeking students at a university or college receive information about it.

All incoming students, including transfer-in students and ESL + certificate students, must submit the proper immunization forms to the Office of Student Health Services.  

The New School offers a Student Health Insurance Plan to all degree (including online-only), visiting, mobility (study abroad), maintenance-of-status, Lang and Parsons consortium, ESL + certificate program, and graduate and undergraduate degree program non-matriculating students. The Student Health Insurance Plan is an integral part of the university's goal of promoting the well-being of our students. All eligible students are automatically charged the Student Health Services Fee and Health Insurance Fee and enrolled in the health insurance plan at registration.

Any student who does not qualify for the New School Student Health Insurance Plan must provide evidence of equivalent health insurance coverage to the Office of Student Health Services. ISSS and Student Health Services have put together a resource list of alternative health insurance plans and options.

For information on qualifying to waive enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan, please see the enrollment waiver requirements and deadlines.

U.S. State Department regulations require J-1 professors and scholars to have health or medical insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents in J-2 status for the entire time that they are in the United States as exchange visitors. Insurance coverage must provide benefits of at least $100,000 per person per year or accident; repatriation of remains in the amount of at least $25,000; medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of at least $50,000; and a deductible limited to $500 per accident or illness. J-1 professors and scholars must submit evidence of health or medical insurance coverage meeting these requirements in order to maintain status. ISSS and Student Health Services have put together a resource list of health insurance plans for J-1 professors and scholars.

F-1 students approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) are not required to have proof of health insurance coverage, but ISSS advises F-1 students to plan ahead and consider their health insurance or medical plan needs during OPT. Options include:

• Receiving health insurance coverage from an employer on OPT (if applicable)
• Continuing in the New School Student Health Insurance Plan
• F-1 students qualify only if there is no gap term in plan enrollment.
• They must be approved for OPT and enroll before the enrollment deadline.
• Enrolling in alternative insurance coverage plans

F-1 students on STEM OPT Extension are not eligible to continue enrollment in The New School's Student Health Insurance Plan during the STEM OPT extension period.

Review Health Insurance Options for F-1 Students on OPT for more details.

Please see Health Insurance Information for Study Abroad and Short-Term Travel.

Student Health Services offers medical evaluation and treatment for illness and injury, gynecological consultation and treatment, prescriptions, medications, immunizations, and other preventive services. All services are strictly confidential and do not become part of a student's academic record.

If you are experiencing a medical issue that may affect your academic attendance, feel free at any time to visit the ISSS office and speak with an ISSS advisor to learn about options for a medical leave of absence and/or authorization for a reduced course load.

Student Health Services offers counseling, which provides the opportunity to talk to someone who will listen in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. Counselors help you clarify issues, explore feelings, and discuss problem-solving strategies. Common reasons students seek counseling are depression, anxiety, stress, academic struggles, problems with adjustment to school, low self-esteem, use of alcohol and other drugs, eating and body-image concerns, relationship issues, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, suicidal thoughts, concerns about sexuality and gender identity, loss or death of a loved one, family concerns, and creativity blocks.

ISSS also encourages all international students and exchange visitors to visit the ISSS office and speak with an ISSS advisor about any concerns related to their F or J status.

Student Support and Crisis Management works with New School students who are struggling with non-academic challenges, distressing experiences, and crisis situations by:

• Providing support and advocacy to students navigating challenges that may affect university life
• Connecting students to supportive resources on and off campus
• Taking student reports of incidents of sexual violence, domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and stalking
• Responding to and managing critical incidents involving students
• Managing the health leave process to ensure that students receive personalized support and information that allows them to successfully return to the university
• Training faculty and staff to recognize and respond to students in distress

If you are experiencing a crisis, feel free at any time to visit the ISSS office and speak with an ISSS advisor to address any concerns related to your F or J status.

• Anti-Violence
• Food Pantry
• HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services
• Suicide Prevention
• Wellness and Health Promotion

The New You is The New School's peer health advocacy program, advised by Wellness and Health Promotion staff. Volunteer student leaders with a passion for health develop programs and services for their fellow students. Working with one another and health educators, these peer health advocates (PHAs) receive training in health education, promotion, advocacy, and leadership skills. They may facilitate interactive health education programs in classes, residence halls, public spaces, and online or develop promotional materials and Web-based applications related to health. Students have opportunities for training in health-related areas of particular interest.

• Athletics and Recreation
• Campus Safety and Security
• Culture Shock Symptoms and Coping Strategies
• Medical and Mental Health Resources
• Off-Campus Support Resources
• Office of Intercultural Support
• Safety in NYC
• Student Disability Services
• Topical Health Resources