Health and Safety

To treat most illnesses and minor injuries, the College maintains a Student Health Center.  This Center is open eight hours per day, five days per week (Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) during the academic year.  Health services are not available during weekends, major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter) and winter recess.  When the Health Center is closed, emergency medical services are provided to all on-campus students by emergency medical experts or technicians (EMT’s).

Appointments are necessary to meet with one of the Health Center physicians.  All visits to the health center are free. There is a charge for any testing or referrals off campus, as well as prescriptions dispensed by the physician.

In addition to the above services, the Student Health Center provides relevant health and wellness programming including educational workshops and screenings on nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and other drug use, tobacco, stress, and general wellness.

The center provides laboratory services but does not provide x-ray or surgical services, treatment for major illnesses, or allergy shots. The center refers students who need those services to a local hospital or physician and students assume financial responsibility for off-campus services.

EMTs are available from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. (Monday through Friday) and 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday and holidays when the Health Center is closed. PLEASE call ext. 2888 for EMTs to respond.

Location: Bedford Hall

Phone: 401.865.2422

Health Insurance

All students at Providence College are required to have valid health insurance that meets federal and state requirements.  International undergraduate students are required to purchase the Providence College Student Health Insurance Plan.  No waiver is permitted from this plan.  Students will see the charge for this insurance on their Providence College bill.

Immunization

Along with arranging for health insurance coverage, you must fill out a physical examination record before you enroll.  This record — which must include a record of your past illnesses, tuberculin test results, and evidence of immunization against common diseases, including rubella and measles — should be completed by your own physician on forms supplied by the College.  This record helps to ensure the health and welfare of you and your fellow students in a small community where illness can spread very quickly.

Emergency and Urgent Care

In the event of a medical emergency, students should call ext. 2888 for campus EMTs or ext. 2222 for security.  The person on-call will notify an ambulance and assist the student until emergency services arrive.

Safety Tips

Because Providence College is a small, intimate community, you may find yourself lulled into a sense of total safety.  However, personal safety is a concern on all college campuses, regardless of how safe they might feel.  While there are measures that the College has in place to protect students, faculty and staff, you should keep the following tips in mind when you arrive:

• Keep the door to your room and to your residence hall locked when you are away;
• Be sure the residence hall door locks behind you when you enter or leave the building;
• Do not keep large sums of money in your room, and do not carry large sums of money with you;
• Do not leave laptop computers or other expensive pieces of equipment unattended;
• When walking at night, stick to well-lighted walkways;
• Do not hitchhike, and do not accept rides from strangers.

Safety Services

A safety escort service is provided by the Department of Public Safety by request.  A student escort service is available during the school year.  An off-campus shuttle bus service is also available.

Providence College also maintains a system of emergency telephones throughout the campus.  These phones can be easily located by the bright blue light on top of the mounting pedestal.  The automatic dialing feature of these phones provides direct contact with the Department of Public Safety, which can immediately send a Security Officer.

Fire Safety

For your own safety and the safety of your fellow students, fire and safety hazards of any kind are not allowed in the residence halls.  These include, but are not limited to, open flames and objects that create them (i.e., candles), flammable materials used as decoration, lighting that contains halogen bulbs, decorative electrical lighting, and other personal belongings.

In addition, please consider the types of electrical appliances that you bring along or purchase.  Items such as hot plates, broiler ovens, toasters and space heaters are not allowed in the residence halls.  Popcorn makers, curling irons, flat irons, coffee makers, and other similar items may be used, but only in common areas such as lavatories and kitchens.  Hair dryers and small microwaves may be used in student rooms.   All extension cords must meet the following safety standards: They must be UL-approved/listed, have a grounded plug (have a third prong), and be 14 gauge and 15 amps.  UL-approved circuit breaker multi-plugs are also allowed.  If you have any questions about the electrical appliances that you plan to bring or purchase, please contact the Residence Life Office.