The Office of Health Services (OHS) is your on-campus resource for health and wellness.
To contact the Office of Health Services call: 870-245-5244.
The Office of Health Services is a nurse-directed walk-in clinic and is available
free of charge to provide health care and education to Ouachita Students, faculty
and staff (with exception of flu shots, TB skin test and a minimal fee for allergy shots).
The Mission of Health Services is to promote optimal health and wellness through the
delivery of quality medical care and health education in a Christ-centered environment
in order that the student may grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially.
The nurse strives to empower the students with health care knowledge that enables
them to make informed decisions about health-related issues.
Requesting Immunization Records
Authorization for release of medical records
Students may request records for personal use or to be sent to another institution.
Request records by fax/mail:
- Print and complete an authorization for release of medical records form. Complete the entire form and make sure student's printed name and signature are
included. Parents may only request the records if student is a minor.
- Send the completed form to OBU Health Services Fax: 870-245-5244.
- Health Services attempts to be prompt with processing the request but please plan
ahead for any deadlines you may have. It could take up to 14 days for processing.
- Health Services will fax your request if the fax number is made available. If it needs
to be mailed, the records will need to be released to you personally.
Request records in person:
- Visit the Office of Health Services located on the second floor of Evans Student Center
- Complete the authorization to release medical records form
- Upon staff availability records will be provided at that time, it may be mailed to
the student's OBU post office box or another time may be arranged to pick it up.
*Please keep copies of records that are requested. Take a picture, keep in a medical
file or upload records to available options on your digital devices.
Steps to upload records to student portal
Services Available
- Evaluation of minor Illness (colds, sore throats, headaches, coughs, upset stomach
etc.)
- Over–the–Counter medications (OTC) with instructions for use
- A self-treatment option for OTC medications
- Health and wellness information and education
- Blood pressure and weight monitoring
- Minor trauma/injury care (sprained ankles, first aid, etc.)
- Equipment checkout such as crutches, wheel chairs, heating pads, etc.
- Referrals, as needed, to other health care providers
- A resource to listen to your concerns and make appropriate referrals as needing to
our Ouachita Counseling Center or other health care providers
- Services for a minimal fee:
On Campus:
As a satellite clinic of Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults, Dr. Wesley Kluck is available to see students by appointment on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. and Fridays from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Dr. Kluck will file the student's insurance, but it is the student's responsibility
to see if Dr. Kluck is in network with your insurance plan. The clinic also has a
Cash Pay option by request. The Office of Health Services can assist you in making
the appointment by calling 870-245-5244.
Off Campus:
Medical clinic and health care provider list.
Health Insurance for Students
Students at Ouachita will be responsible for any healthcare that is needed other than
the free services that are provided by our Health Services.
Ouachita does not offer healthcare insurance policies for students. Certain Programs
on campus require students to have insurance, international students (see international student resources ) and Ouachita student athletes (see athletics website).
Student's may visit www.healthcare.gov or there are many independent agents that are available to shop for individual healthcare.
It is advised that every student have an insurance card with them while on campus.
We advise students to contact their provider prior to attending Ouachita to determine
coverage in the Arkadelphia area. Many Healthcare insurance policies require you to
use an approved network or doctors, hospitals and clinics. The insurance provider
should be able to provide a list of approved healthcare providers in the Arkadelphia
area (Zip code 71923). This includes emergencies, medical, mental health, vision and
dental.
Ouachita Baptist University does not assume financial responsibility for professional
services that require physician; medical, surgical, or emergency services: or for
hospitalization. Students are financially responsible for any medical, dental, vision,
chiropractic and/or pharmacy bills.
Immunization Requirements and Recommendations:
In accordance with the Arkansas State Board of Health Rules and Regulations pertaining to immunization requirement and Ouachita Baptist University immunization requirements, all students are required
to provide legal proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
MMR Vaccines:
Undergraduate: 2 MMRs
Born outside of United States: 2 MMRs
Online: 1 MMR
Graduate: 1 MMR
To prove immunity, a copy of an official immunization record from a licensed medical
doctor, an authorized public health representative, or a military record must be uploaded
to your student Info portal before being able to complete the registration process before the semester begins.
An official record from another educational institution in Arkansas is also acceptable.
In lieu of receiving the vaccine, immunity can be shown by providing documented evidence
of appropriate serological testing. (Lab titers for measles, mumps and rubella)
Exceptions:
Students who were born prior to January 1,1957, and those who have applied for or
received a medical or non-medical exemption (philosophical/religious exemption) from
the Arkansas Department of Health. The Arkansas Department of Health can be contacted
for the application by email at immunizations.section@arkansas.gov, by phone at 501-661-2169 or online at https://onlineimmunizationexemption.adh.arkansas.gov.
Once the exemption letter is received from the Arkansas Department of Health it can
be uploaded into the student Info portal. THIS MUST BE REQUESTED YEARLY PRIOR TO THE START OF THE SEMESTER.
Immunization Frequently Asked Questions
A: No, a COVID-19 is not a requirement for employment or enrollment at Ouachita;
it is, however, recommended.
A: Some options would be to:
- Go ahead and get the 1st MMR shot at your local health department, physician’s office or many pharmacies now
offer that option. You will be able to get the 2nd MMR 28 days after the 1st one.
- You may also get a blood test or serological testing through your health care provider
that shows immunity against the measles, mumps and rubella.
- Or you may request an exemption through the Arkansas Department of Health as explained
in the Exemption Section.
A: Yes, we need a record of 2 MMRs on file or you may look into the Options from question
1.
A: Yes, if you ever come to the Ouachita campus for any reason the Arkansas Department
of Health requires that we have your proof of immunity for measles, mumps rubella
and a record of 1 MMR must be uploaded to your student portal. Since some of our online
and graduate classes do meet on campus on occasion, we will require proof of 1 MMR
for all online and graduate students. For other options, you may look into the options
from question 1.
A: Yes you must upload your immunization records with 2 MMR’s or see the other options
in question 1.
A: You will need to request that Exemption from the Arkansas Department of Health
and will have to have medical documentation from a health care provider on what the
medical reasons are. See the Exemption section above for more information
A: No, only the Arkansas Department of Health can grant exemption, so you must request that
through them. See Exemption section for further instructions
A: No, It is not required,but it is one of the highly recommended vaccines to get
prior to coming college. You can see more information on meningitis and recommendations
on the CDC website.
A: Yes, please upload the immunization records to your student Info portal to help ensure that you will not be put on HOLD when you do your final registration prior to the semester.
International Students: Please contact The Grant Center for International Education for the appropriate forms
to complete.
Download immunization requirements for Ouachita Baptist University
Recommended Immunizations/Vaccines (not required):
- COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.
- Arkansas Act 1233 of 1999 requires the Office of Health Services to inform students
of a bacterial infection known as meningitis. Although meningitis is rare, individuals who live in close proximity to many others,
such as residence halls, have a slightly higher risk of contracting this disease.
There is a vaccine available and Ouachita Baptist University recommends that all students
living in residence halls discuss receiving this vaccine with their Health Care Provider. Per the CDC meningococcal conjugate vaccines are designed to protect against four
serogroups (A, C, W, and Y), while serogroup B meningococcal vaccines help protect
against one serogroup (B). There are currently no meningococcal vaccines that can
help protect against all common serogroups that cause most meningococcal disease.
- The following are immunizations for incoming college students as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association
(ACHA). Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to occur on American campuses and this
can be a good time to update any immunizations to help prevent these diseases. These
are not required only recommended:
-
- Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis (TDAP) – Booster every 10 years
- HPV or Human Papilloma Vaccine – Three doses for lifetime immunity
- Hepatitis A Vaccine – Two doses for lifetime immunity
- Hepatitis B Vaccine – Three doses for lifetime immunity
- Influenza Vaccine – Offered Yearly
- (Meningitis Vaccine) – Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines and Serogroup B Meningococcal
Vaccines
Class & Work Absences:
It is the student’s responsibility to know the attendance policy of each individual
class. The Office of Health Services will give the student a Record of Visit form
upon request at the time of the visit. If a student is going to miss classes for an extended period due to medical reasons,
then please contact Health Services to discuss the situation and each case will be
evaluated individually.
Health Services will not give students chapel excuses. Those must be discussed with
Chapel Coordinator if there is an issue.
Health and Authorization Form:
A brief Health and Authorization form must be completed by the undergraduate student
and uploaded to their student Info portal prior to their entrance semester. There is an authorization portion of the form
that is available for students to indicate who is authorized for the Office of Health
Services staff to share protected health information with. If a parent/guardian calls to discuss their student, the Office of Health Services
is unable to speak with them unless their student has given written permission.
Download Health and Authorization form
Immunization Requirements and Recommendations:
In accordance with the Arkansas State Board of Health Rules and Regulations pertaining to immunization requirement and Ouachita Baptist University immunization requirements, all students are required
to provide legal proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
MMR Vaccines:
Undergraduate: 2 MMRs
Born outside of United States: 2 MMRs
Online: 1 MMR
Graduate: 1 MMR
To prove immunity, a copy of an official immunization record from a licensed medical
doctor, an authorized public health representative, or a military record must be uploaded
to your student Info portal before being able to complete the registration process before the semester begins.
For more information go to the Immunization tab.
Tuberculosis Screening:
If a student was born outside the United States or have lived outside the United States
for 6 months or more, they will be required to submit records of foreign born immunization
and TB skin testing. If students have been on mission trips outside of the United
States, then it is highly recommended that students receive a TB skin test prior to
coming on campus. Below is a TB questionnaire to help decide if the screening is needed.
Failure to do so may prevent the student’s ability to register.
Download Tuberculosis Screening Form
A COVID-19 vaccine is recommended, but not required for enrollment at Ouachita. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.
All forms must be uploaded to student Info portal.
Counseling services are available to help Ouachita students with a wide range of mental
health challenges – from test anxiety and dealing with stress to grieving the loss
of a loved one or depression, among others. One-on-one sessions, group sessions and
online screenings and resources are available.
The Ouachita Counseling Center is located on the first/lower floor of the Evans Student
Center, in the hallway behind the Campus Post Office, in ESC 137. They provide in-person
individual counseling sessions to students, various support groups, and telemental
health remote counseling as well.
See Ouachita’s Counseling Services
