Things We're Proud Of:
SHAC's accomplishments

To give a flavor of the kinds of projects that the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) takes on, here are some recent accomplishments:

Technology and Customer Service

• Music has once again returned to the 642-2000 appointment line! This is in response to student complaints that it was hard to tell if the call was disconnected when on hold. Now callers will not only be entertained, but reassured that they're still on the line!

Consumer Education

• In spring 2005, it became evident that many students were unaware of the services they could access at the Tang Center for free or at reduced costs as a result of fees paid during registration. SHAC members were instrumental in authoring a new handout that shows students these services that are offered for free or at reduced costs regardless of the insurance they have.
• One of the loudest complaints we heard in spring 2004 was how difficult it is for students--often dealing with their own health care for the first time--to navigate the world of health insurance. SHAC was instrumental in authoring a comprehensive yet user-friendly brochure about health insurance that is now available at UHS. Stop by the Student Health Insurance Office (3rd floor) for your very own copy.
• A new addition to Bear Talk, UHS's newsletter for students, is the Student Corner. This section is authored by SHAC co-chairs (students!) and highlights current issues on campus that impact the student experience of health and health care.

Expanded Access to Services

• The spring 2005 Safeguard Student Health Care Fee Referendum to protect and improve Tang Center services was endorsed by SHAC, and now, post-election, several current SHAC members serve on the Health Fee Advisory Board which is the body of students that advise on fee-related matters.
• In response to student input regarding the efficacy and popularity of mental health counseling groups, the Counseling and Psychological Services unit expanded its group programs in fall 2004. This helps more students obtain support and care for various mental health needs.
• SHAC alerted UHS that seniors finishing their studies through University Extension were not being offered the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). SHIP is now available to these seniors!

Data Collection

• In fall 2004, SHAC members authored and endorsed the Student Health Services Survey, which obtained feedback about student access and satisfaction with the Tang Center from over 2,700 students. The data obtained from this survey was critical in designing the Safeguard Student Health Care Referendum and identifying what services that the health fee would help protect and improve.

Advocacy

• In response to a landmark survey on graduate student mental ealth on campus, SHAC joined other student groups in submitting letters to former Chancellor Berdahl recommending a heightened attention to mental health on campus. One result of student advocacy is the new joint Academic Senate and Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Student Mental Health set to convene in spring 2006.
  

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