Students have the right to:
Quality Care Experience
- Be treated courteously with dignity and respect. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972).
- Receive interpretation services or other reasonable accommodation of special needs or disabilities.
- Receive timely referral and access to specialty care.
Information about Your Care Team and Treatment
- Receive information concerning your diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis, in language easily understood and with an explanation of alternatives. You may choose to designate a person to receive information when it is clinically inadvisable to give such information to you.
- Participate in the development and implementation of your plan of care and treatment.
- Be informed of the name and professional credentials of your care team and the role they perform in your care.
- Request a clinician or change of clinician, if others are available. You may also seek a second opinion or consultation from another clinician.
Make Informed Decisions
- Provide informed consent to, or refuse, treatment to the extent allowed by law.
- Allow or not allow a person (not directly involved in your care) to observe during your visit.
- Participate voluntarily in research projects. The possible risks and consequences of participation must be fully explained in advance, and for which informed consent will be requested.
- Choose your pharmacy and be informed of available options to make an informed decision based on your needs.
Privacy
- Have personal privacy respected and confidentiality of treatment records maintained.
- Be assured that personally identifiable information (PII) and treatment records, will be kept confidential and only released to third-parties with your written consent or if required by law.
Be Heard
You have the responsibility to:
- Take time to read, understand and sign the consent and privacy forms located in the student portal.
- Provide complete and accurate information about your past medical history, allergies, medications and current health status to allow for proper evaluation and treatment. Participate actively in the treatment planning and review process.
- Participate in decisions involving your care, follow the treatment plan prescribed by your clinician, and notify your clinician of changes.
- Discuss and ask questions about any information, instructions, or treatment recommendations that are unclear.
- Arrive on time for your scheduled appointments and cancel only when necessary, giving at least 24 hours’ notice when possible.
- Voice any concerns through the proper channels.
- Inform your clinician about any living will, medical power of attorney, or other directives that could affect your care.
- Understand the coverage provided by your health insurance policy, or ask your insurance carrier for clarification.
- Accept personal financial responsibility for charges not covered by insurance.
- Provide a responsible adult to transport you home and remain with you if directed by the clinician.
- Behave respectfully toward all Student Wellness staff, as well as other students and visitors.
Revised: 04/2025
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