Student Wellness Commitment to Your Comfort and Safety
At the Student Wellness Center, your well-being and comfort during medical care are our top priorities. For certain types of exams—called sensitive examinations—you have the right to request extra support to ensure you feel safe and respected throughout your visit.
1. What is a sensitive examination?
A sensitive exam is a medical examination that involves parts of the body that are typically considered private or intimate. These exams may cause you to feel physically or emotionally vulnerable and often require additional sensitivity, consent, and privacy from healthcare clinicians.
Sensitive exams include procedures that involve:
- Pelvic or genital areas
- Breasts
- Rectal exams
- Removal of undergarments
- Any exam involving close physical contact that may feel personal or vulnerable
2. What is an attendant?
An attendant is a trained staff member, like a nurse or medical assistant, who is present during certain exams to:
- Support you during the exam
- Help you feel more comfortable
- Ensure professional standards are maintained
With your consent, you may still have a support person present during the exam.
3. What can I expect?
- Clear Communication – Your clinician will explain the exam, why it is needed, and what to expect.
- Privacy and Dignity – You will have a private space to change and will be offered a gown or drape.
- Your choice:
- You can request an attendant for any sensitive exam.
- You may decline an attendant, unless you’re under 18 years old.
- You may request a male or female attendant and we will do our best to accommodate based on staff availability. If an attendant of your preferred gender is unavailable, we can help you reschedule your appointment.
4. Can I decline an attendant?
Yes, if you are 18 or older, you can decline an attendant. Your choice will be documented in your medical record. However, if your clinician is not comfortable performing the exam without an attendant, they may explain why and offer to reschedule or refer you. Clinicians have the right to uphold safety standards for both parties.
5. What does an attendant do?
An attendant:
- Is present for the sensitive parts of the exam
- Can help with dressing/undressing or hygiene if needed (with your permission and always with a second staff member present)
- Documents your name and feedback in your medical record
- Will report any concerns immediately to the Medical Director or Clinical Manager
6. What are my rights?
If you ever feel uncomfortable or have concerns about a sensitive exam or any other part of your care, you have the right to speak up. You can:
- Speak directly with the Medical Director to share your concerns or experiences.
- Submit feedback regarding your appointment online. You may remain anonymous by choosing not to include any personally identifiable information (name, email address).
- File a complaint or report sexual misconduct, including harassment, unwanted touching, or assault.
- Learn more or file a complaint: equalopportunityprograms.uchicago.edu/title-ix
- Contact: titleix@uchicago.edu
Revised: 07/2025
You may request a printed copy of this document at the Student Wellness Center.