Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation, a unit within the Department of Student Life, offers services to meet the recreational needs of students, faculty, and staff. Participation in campus recreation programs is purely voluntary, and individuals do so at their own risk. Participants should be aware of the possibilities of bodily injury and should understand that they are responsible for any and all costs arising from injury or property damage sustained through participation.

Students interested in employment in capacities such as sports officials, group exercise instructors, office assistants, or lifeguards should contact Campus Recreation at 803-576-9375.

Campus Recreation offers many activities and programs throughout the year for student involvement. For more information on the services and programs offered, visit our Web site at www.sa.sc.edu/pecenter/crec.htm.

Carolina Dining Services

Carolina Dining Services offers a variety of meal plans. The campus meal plans combine a computerized meal-card system with the flexibility of 23 service locations and varied menus and hours to meet student needs. The University ID card can be set up as a "meal plan" with a specified number of meals per week, as a "cash card" with a specified cash balance, or as a combination of the two.

Students may choose from dining options that include: specialty fast foods, a la carte meals, unlimited seconds, and a soft-serve yogurt shop. There is also a market (convenient grocery store) on campus.

The meal plans are:

Resident freshmen are required to purchase at least a 10-meal plan.

Special student nights are planned throughout the year for a change of pace in dining. The student newspaper or announcements posted in the cafeteria indicate dates of such events. During the summer, meals are available only on a Dining Dollars or cash basis, and no board plans are available.

Catering services are also available. Refreshments for dorm parties, coffee breaks, cookouts, and other functions can be planned with the catering salesperson whose office is located in the Russell House, telephone 803-777-5892.

Russell House

The Russell House, located near the center of the campus, serves as the "community center" for the University. The Russell House University Union (RHUU) provides facilities, services, and programs designed to afford opportunities for social interaction and leisure activities, facilitate cocurricular learning, enhance personal growth and development, and provide for many of the day-to-day campus life needs of USC students, faculty, staff, and their guests.

The facility contains spaces for meetings, a ballroom, lounges, a gameroom (Cocky's Corner Pocket), a movie theater, and a food court. Services provided include the Information Center (offering campus-wide information, a lost and found service, fax, and limited copy services) and assistance with meeting or event planning. The RHUU Office of Student Programs provides a variety of recreational, educational, and social activities for your education, entertainment, and enjoyment through three major areas: Alcohol and Drug Programs, Carolina Productions, and Leadership Programs. In addition to coordinating all campus-wide programming, the office directs the campus-wide alcohol and other drugs prevention program, and coordinates the Office of Leadership Programs. The student program staff recruits, trains, and advises students who either serve on the all-campus student program board, Carolina Productions, or the campus-wide alcohol and other drugs peer mentoring program, the RADICAL team. In addition, the Russell House contains office spaces for many student organizations and administrative offices for various student services within the Division of Student Affairs. Carolina Dining Services operates several facilities throughout the building offering a variety of dining alternatives, from snacks or fast foods to full-course meals in the Grand Market Place.

The Russell House also houses the following:

• Mailboxes for resident students, located in the Carolina Mall and on the first floor. Package pickup is in the Carolina Mall only. Mail may be dropped off at either location for appropriate distribution.
• Quick Copy, which offers copying services for student organizations and USC departments and can be found on the third floor.
• Cocky's Corner Pocket, open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and featuring billiards, ping pong, and video games.
• CarolinaCard, your permanent University ID plus a flexible spending, declining balance card with two accounts. One account is strictly for Carolina Dining purchases. The other, general account is for all other CarolinaCard purchases across campus. Students may use their CarolinaCard for purchases at or access to the Russell House Bookstore, the Thomas Cooper Library (for copies), the Student Health Center (for prescriptions and other fees), select Pepsi machines, all Carolina Dining locations, the College of Liberal Arts Computing Lab in Gambrell Hall, the Campus Post Office in the Russell House, and many residence halls. New locations and services are currently being added as well.

For further information, call the Russell House Information Center at 803-777-3196 or the Russell House administrative office at 803-777-8182, or visit the Web page at www.sa.sc.edu/rhuu.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services provides accessible, convenient, high-quality, low-cost health care and preventive services. The USC health services team is sincerely interested in your health and wants to be your partner in wellness.

Overview

Student Health Services provides on-campus medical, mental health, ancillary, and health and wellness services for students. Services include ambulatory primary care at clinics and ancillary services located at the nationally accredited Thomson Student Health Center; a comprehensive array of counseling, testing, and psychological and psychiatric services available at the nationally accredited Counseling and Human Development Center; and a wide variety of wellness-oriented programs and educational services offered by the nationally accredited Health and Wellness Programs Office. Additional information on these organizations is provided below. Students are encouraged to visit the various Student Health Services Web sites for additional information on clinics, services, and programs.

Eligibility

USC Columbia students admitted to degree programs are eligible to use Student Health Services and to participate in its various programs during academic session in which they are enrolled. Most continuing students remain eligible for care on a fee-for-service basis between academic sessions. Graduates remain eligible for care on a fee-for-service basis up to three months after they graduate. Eligibility verification is required, and students seeking care should bring their student IDs or other picture IDs. Student Health Services has no authority to excuse students from classes for health-related reasons. (Excuses are a matter between the student and the concerned faculty member. Visit validation slips will be provided upon the student's request.)

Confidentiality

Medical and personal information disclosed to health services providers will be treated as privileged or confidential in accordance with federal and state laws. Student Health Services will not release information without the express consent of the patient, unless required by law or by the need to protect the welfare of the patient or others.

Costs

Students are responsible for payment of all health care related fees and charges. Student Health Services fees are generally lower than those charged by community providers. Unless a medical emergency exists, students should initially seek care at the Thomson Student Health Center (TSHC) or the Counseling and Human Development Center (CHDC).

Use of the TSHC and CHDC can significantly reduce health care costs for most students. For example, during enrolled academic sessions, there are no professional fee charges for visits at TSHC or CHDC for students who pay the health fee portion of the University fee. Students who have not paid the health fee are eligible for care, but are charged for professional services at rates well below comparable community charges. All patients are charged at student rates for certain procedures and ancillary services such as minor surgery, lab tests, X-rays, and prescriptions. Students who need specialty care, hospitalization, or other health care services not available at the TSHC or CHDC will be offered referrals to community providers. Payment of community provider charges is the student's responsibility. Given the high cost of public-sector or community health care, all students are encouraged to carry health insurance coverage.

Health Insurance

Payment for health care is the student's responsibility, and it can be very expensive if students require specialty testing and care, surgery, or hospitalization from non-Student Health Services care providers. A costly health care episode can interfere with a student’s ability to meet their educational goals. It is strongly recommended that all students be covered by adequate health insurance. USC requires all international students to be covered by an appropriate health insurance plan.

Health Insurance Coverage: Student Health Services recommends that all students check with their parents/guardians, insurance agent, employer, or managed care organization to determine their coverage status while attending the University of South Carolina. All students should have their health insurance cards and other key information, such as account numbers and authorization telephone numbers, in their possession. If enrolled in an HMO or other managed care plan, students should review rules on how the plan provides health care when they are away at school and cannot reasonably access network providers or "gatekeepers." Students should determine if their health plan reimburses for services provided by Student Health Services.

Student Health Insurance Plan: Students who need health insurance coverage should consider purchasing coverage under the USC-sponsored student health insurance plan. Most students enrolled in degree programs and in good academic standing are eligible to purchase this plan. Coverage can also be purchased by covered students for their spouses and dependent children. The USC-sponsored plan meets the mandatory international student health insurance coverage requirement.

The USC-sponsored health insurance plan is also used by six other state colleges and universities in South Carolina. It is designed to supplement primary care services available to USC students through Student Health Services. Most charges for care and services provided at Student Health Services are covered at 100 percent with no deductible. Unless an exception applies, covered students must initially seek care at Student Health Services. Referrals to network or other community providers are issued for specialty care, hospitalization, and other health needs not available through Student Health Services. Deductibles and preferred provider co-pay rates apply to community provider charges. The plan provides sound, economical coverage, with benefits designed to meet the health care needs of most University students. Students are reminded that USC neither sells health insurance, nor does it get any portion of the sponsored plan premium.

Health Insurance Cautions: The USC-sponsored plan does have deductibles, co-payments, and coverage and benefit limitations. Such provisions are common, in various forms, to most health insurance plans. With respect to health insurance, no one plan is best for everyone. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the sponsored plan prior to making a purchase decision.

Pre-Existing Conditions: If you are currently being treated, have been recently treated, or should have been treated already for an injury or illness prior to purchasing the USC-sponsored plan, you may have a pre-existing medical condition.

• The USC-sponsored plan does not provide benefits for pre-existing conditions until you have been covered under the USC plan for 12 continuous months.
  
• Students with possible pre-existing conditions should carefully review their situation, compare plan requirements and coverages, and evaluate health insurance options prior to dropping their current health insurance plan or refusing continuation of coverage options. In order to continue to receive benefits for a pre-existing condition, students must remain covered under their current plan or purchase continuation coverage, such as COBRA coverage, when it is offered by their employer or current carrier.
  
• A covered illness or injury either not classified as pre-existing or occurring after enrollment in the USC-sponsored plan will normally be eligible for benefits. Additionally, after 12 continuous months of coverage under the USC-sponsored plan, pre-existing conditions are eligible for benefits.

Emergency Coverage Plan: All students who pay the University health fee for an academic session are automatically covered by an accident and illness emergency care supplemental insurance plan (the A and I plan) during that academic session. The A and I plan is designed to supplement other health insurance coverage carried the students. The A and I plan reimburses students up to $500 for out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and co-payments, associated with treatment of a true medical emergency.

Need more information? For details concerning the USC-sponsored Student Health Plan or the A and I plan, contact the Thomson Student Health Center or visit the Web site at www.sa.sc.edu/tshc/thomson.htm and follow the link "Insurance." Remember, students do suffer illness and injury, and health insurance coverage, regardless of the carrier, is strongly recommended.

Student Health Services Organizations

Thomson Student Health Center (TSHC) (803-777-3174): TSHC is located in the center of the Columbia campus, directly behind the Russell House. One of some 150 nationally accredited university student health centers, TSHC is staffed by seven board-certified or board-eligible physicians, four certified nurse practitioners, and nine licensed nurses, most of whom are also certified as college health nurses.

TSHC is open Monday through Friday, except University holidays. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during fall and spring semesters and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. at other times. A Sunday afternoon and evening clinic is held from 4 to 8 p.m. during fall and spring semesters to manage urgent conditions.

No inpatient, overnight, or after-hours services are available. During the fall and spring semesters, an EMT-qualified first responder is on duty to assist students with urgent medical needs when the health center is closed. After-hours care is available at several community hospital emergency rooms located within minutes of campus. Students are responsible for all charges for medical care and services at community providers

Daily clinics operating at TSHC include the General Medicine Clinic and the Women's Care Clinic. Weekly orthopedic and sports medicine/minor injury clinics are also offered. Ancillary services include pharmacy, diagnostic radiology, clinical laboratory, and physical therapy. Prescriptions, laboratory orders, and some radiology orders are accepted from private or community providers. Travel consultations, immunizations, and allergy injection services are also routinely offered. Students planning travel to areas with health-risks should make travel consultation appointments well in advance to allow time for necessary evaluations and immunizations.

Acute illness and injuries are seen on a walk-in basis. For routine or other non-acute needs, such as evaluations, screening examinations and testing, physical examinations, and health maintenance visits, students are expected to make appointments. Call 803-777-6816 for Women’s Care Clinic appointments and 803-777-3175 for all other appointments.

Students are encouraged to initially seek non-emergency medical care at TSHC. If a medical need cannot be appropriately managed at TSHC, a referral will be made to a local specialist, hospital, or other provider requested by the patient.

Counseling and Human Development Center (CHDC) (803-777-5223): CHDC is located on the 7th Floor of the Byrnes Building at the corner of College and Sumter streets. CHDC, a fully accredited counseling center, offers brief outpatient psychiatric intervention; psychological services, including individual and group counseling; and biofeedback and psychological testing services. CHDC also operates one of the few University-based psychology Ph.D. intern programs that are nationally accredited by the American Psychological Association. Permanent licensed clinical staff includes five Ph.D. psychologists, a psychiatrist, two social workers, and a marriage and family therapist.

Students who need inpatient care, extended outpatient services, or other clinical care that exceeds the capabilities of CHDC are referred to community providers.

Professional staff clinical evaluation and management services are free for up to 12 sessions for all students who have paid the health fee portion of the University fee. These services are provided on a fee-for-service basis for all other students.

CHDC is open daily, Monday through Friday, except University holidays. Appointments are required except for acute or urgent situations.

Health and Wellness Programs offer a variety of programs and services designed to enhance the health and wellness of the University community through information, education, and advocacy. Health and Wellness Programs is nationally accredited and staffed by four master's degree program coordinators who have specialized training and experience in a variety of pertinent disciplines. Trained graduate assistants and peer educators assist with programs and service delivery. Programs and services are offered at various campus locations. Most of these programs are provided at no charge. Health and Wellness Programs is composed of two offices that promote the physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological health and well-being of USC students:

1. Campus Wellness: This program element provides a variety of services, programs, and information on many aspects of health relevant to University students. These highly visible, convenient, and accessible services and programs of instruction, information, assistance, and guidance are designed to help students live at high levels of wellness and strive for optimal health. Programs and services are offered on the first floor of the Thomson Student Health Center (803-777-8248) and at the Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center (803-777-3656). Most of the services are available to students at no cost. Key program elements include the following:

A. Open Door Drop-In Center, operated at the Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center Monday through Friday, with extended hours three evenings per week (until 8 p.m.), no appointment necessary. Students can stop by and take advantage of one-on-one health consultations and receive information on blood pressure, weight management, exercise, nutrition, and more. The Open Door Drop-In Center is an excellent entry point into USC’s health care system for students who have health-related concerns, questions, or perceived needs.
B. Focused Programs and Services: A variety of programs and services designed to address current common health concerns of University students are provided. Among others, these include: free smoking cessation groups including medical consultations and medications; targeted college-aged men’s health initiatives; Lighten-UP!, a six-week weight management group program; the Multi-Cultural Health Initiative, targeting a number of health concerns of particular interest to minority students; and the Eating Disorder Team, dedicated to helping students struggling with eating issues.

C. WellnessWorks offers numerous health education services, classes, and wellness programs for students, faculty, and staff, including stress management, weight management, and CPR certification. Many of these services are offered in partnership with campus recreation programs. Program offerings, availability, and schedules vary. Information can be obtained at the Blatt P.E. Center or the Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center or by calling 803-777-6518.

2. Office of Sexual Health and Violence Prevention (803-777-7619): This program element provides comprehensive programs and services that address the concerns of sexual health, sexual assault, and relationship violence. Office for Sexual Health and Violence Prevention staff are available during business hours Monday through Friday and are on-call for after-hours emergencies. The office is located on the first floor of the Thomson Student Health Center. For emergency assistance contact the USC Police Department dispatcher at 911 if on campus and at 803-777-4215 if off campus. Major activities are summarized as follows:

A. Sexual Health Programs provides educational programs for the University community and individual consultation about sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, and healthy relationships; develops campus-wide campaigns to raise awareness of sexual health concerns; and provides targeted education to reach the special needs of a diverse student population. It also provides instruction to first-year students through affiliation with the University 101 program.

B. Sexual Assault Services educates students, faculty, and staff about issues related to sexual assault risk reduction strategies and provides 24-hour crisis intervention and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault, including accompaniment to the emergency room, accompaniment through criminal and student judicial processes, referrals, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Group, and academic assistance. The office consults on issues and policies related to these issues and appropriate campus safety matters.

C. Relationship Violence Services provides 24-hour emergency crisis intervention and advocacy, temporary "alternative housing" for both on-campus and off-campus students, safety planning and options counseling, relationship violence survivors' groups, and educational programs on topics of relationship violence risk reduction strategies and "safety planning."

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