Health and Safety

doctor and patient in health office

They're in Good Hands

Your student may not be living under your roof anymore, but we know their well-being is as important to you as ever.

From exceptional medical care and mental health counseling to recreation classes, safety resources, peer advocates and more, Vanderbilt offers a breadth of resources to keep our students healthy and well cared for.

You can help your student stay well by listening to their concerns and encouraging them to seek support when they need it.

Student Health Center

The Zerfoss Student Health Center is here to serve the primary care needs of the Vanderbilt student community. There are no office co-pays for routine visits, and all registered students are eligible for care, regardless of insurance coverage. The Student Health Center's mission is to enhance the academic experience of students by providing quality primary healthcare services in a nurturing and cost-effective manner. All of our physicians and nurse practitioners have chosen college health as their area of expertise and interest, and are dedicated to meeting the unique health care needs of the student population. Whether you are sick or injured, managing a chronic health problem, or working to develop a healthier lifestyle, the VU SHC is here to help. 

For most medical situations, it is best to begin with a visit to the Student Health Center (for students) or a Primary Care Physician.  During evenings and weekends, Urgent Care Centers are an option if you cannot wait for treatment. The Student Health Center has compiled a list of health care providers in Nashville that are available for students, scholars, and families. The list can be found here.  

Student Care Network

The Student Care Network is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee. Resources are available for categories such as emotional, financial, physical, and social wellness.  

The Student Care Coordination Office is the first stop for students wanting to utilize these services. After filling out the Student Care Coordination Intake Form, students will meet with a care coordinator who can help connect them with the best resources for their needs.  

Health Care Planning

It is important that your student arrive on campus with an understanding of their specific health care needs, including any allergies and associated reactions, and medications, including doses. If they are taking medicine, it is important to ensure that they bring an adequate supply and/or refills that they can access while on campus. If they are currently seeing a health care professional for medical and/or mental health concerns, they should consider discussing a plan for ongoing care, which may include short-term services on campus and/or long-term care off campus. 

Your student can contact Student Care Coordination before arriving to campus to discuss existing health care needs and for assistance in developing a plan for ongoing care.  

 

Vanderbilt University Police Department

As one of Tennessee's larger law enforcement agencies, the Police Department provides comprehensive law enforcement and security services to all components of Vanderbilt University. The Police Department includes a staff of over 100 people. All of Vanderbilt's commissioned officers have completed officer training at a state-certified police academy. Those officers hold Special Police commissions and are required to attend annual in-service, as well as on-the-job, training. The Department also employs non-academy trained officers for security-related functions.

More to Explore

  • Student Health Insurance

    All students who have paid the Student Health Fee have access to the Student Health Center. While office visits are free and other services at the Student Health Center have minimal charges, all students are required to have health insurance coverage in the event that hospitalization or care outside the Student Health Center is required. The cost of the policy is automatically billed to your student account unless you submit an approved online waiver.

    VIEW STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE OVERVIEW

  • University Counseling Center

    The University Counseling Center (UCC) supports the mental health needs of Vanderbilt students, encouraging their work toward their academic and personal goals. The highly skilled and multidisciplinary staff develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique background and needs by working together with students, campus partners, and community providers.

    UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER

  • Project Safe

    Project Safe is here for those impacted by gender and sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and more. They offer a 24 Hour Crisis / Support Hotline.

    PROJECT SAFE

  • VandySafe

    With the VandySafe app, your student can contact Vanderbilt University Police Department via phone call or real-time chat, trigger a mobile Bluelight that shares their location instantly with VUPD, initiate a "Virtual Walkhome" where VUPD can monitor their walk, and much more!

    VANDYSAFE

  • Community Service Officers

    Need a Jump Start? Locked Your Keys in Your Car?  If you are a Vanderbilt employee, student, or visitor and your vehicle is on Vanderbilt property, our Community Service Officers are happy to assist you. VUPD employs Community Service Officers (CSO's) to enhance our emphasis on customer/community service.  The CSO's can be seen in and around campus in clearly marked vehicles.

    COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS

  • VandyRide

    The Vanderbilt University Department of Public Safety administers the VandyRide shuttle bus service at Vanderbilt University. The hours of operation for the VandyRide are 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily.

    VANDYRIDE

  • Vanderbilt Insurance Card

    We encourage students to print their Aetna medical insurance card via the form below or access their digital ID card on the Aetna HealthSM app, as Aetna is no longer issuing plastic or paper member ID cards and sending them in the mail for the majority of Student Health clients.

    GET INSURANCE CARD

Campus Contacts

Still need help finding what you're looking for? We'll be happy to point you in the right direction! Feel free to send us an email at parents@vanderbilt.edu.