Transitioning to an electronic health records (EHR) system can be daunting for any college health center, especially when faced with staffing changes or time constraints. However, Emory & Henry University’s process was made smoother thanks to Medicat’s robust onboarding support and personalized guidance.

In this blog, you’ll learn how Medicat’s onboarding support empowered Emory & Henry University to overcome challenges and achieve a seamless EHR transition.

The Challenge of Transitioning

Emory & Henry College began their journey to adopt an EHR system to modernize their health center operations, shifting away from paper processes. However, the transition wasn’t without its hurdles.

The college experienced a change in leadership during the EHR transition, as their initial director, who had been instrumental in planning and implementing the system, moved on to a new role. This shift brought in a new director who had to quickly adapt to the learning curve while managing a small team.

Hear Emory & Henry University’s Health Director, Jessica Fain, explain why their clinic chose Medicat in the clip below:

Personalized Onboarding Made the Difference

The Medicat onboarding team provided invaluable support, ensuring the new director felt equipped to take on the challenge. “The onboarding has been invaluable,” Fain said. “Joelle and the team were always available, even during off-hours, to answer questions and provide guidance.”

Medicat’s onboarding approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Here’s an overview of what the process generally involves:

• Dedicated Support: After officially joining Medicat, clients are assigned an Onboarding Specialist who works closely with them throughout the process. For example, Joelle collaborated with Emory & Henry University, offering one-on-one assistance to set their clinic up for success.
• Kick-Off Call: The implementation begins with a kick-off call that brings together the client’s stakeholders, the Onboarding Specialist, and the Account Executive. During this session, goals are set, expectations are aligned, and a go-live date or gradual launch plan is determined.
• Custom Setup: The Onboarding Specialist handles key initial steps, including setting up the database, incorporating custom branding into the Patient Portal, organizing demographic import requirements, configuring single sign-on, and creating initial user credentials. For Emory & Henry, this included helping their team build templates and add transaction codes tailored to their health center’s workflow.
• Comprehensive Training: Medicat also has an online Help Center which is constantly updated with new information and recorded sessions (more on that later). And concluding the kick-off call, the Onboarding Specialist will typically set up weekly one-hour meetings to help get key team members to feel comfortable with Medicat as quickly as possible.

This structured yet customizable approach ensures every client’s implementation process is seamless and aligned with their specific needs.

Learn more about Medicat’s implementation process in this blog.

Why Onboarding and Customer Support Matter

Selecting the right EHR vendor goes beyond choosing the best technology; it’s about finding a partner who will guide and support your team throughout the implementation process and beyond.

Ensuring a Smooth Start

The onboarding phase is critical to setting the foundation for long-term success. Without strong guidance during this period, health centers may struggle with technical issues, workflow disruptions, or staff frustrations that can derail the implementation process. A vendor with a knowledgeable and responsive onboarding team ensures your staff is empowered to learn the system  and confident in its use from day one.

For Emory & Henry, the personalized attention they received during onboarding was vital in navigating unexpected staff changes. Medicat’s team acted as a true partner, ensuring continuity in the process and equipping the new director with the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Hear directly from Emory & Henry University’s Health Director about their onboarding experience:

Building Long-Term Confidence

A robust customer support team doesn’t stop at go-live; it provides ongoing assistance to address issues, update processes, and adapt the system as your needs evolve. This long-term relationship fosters confidence in the EHR system and helps staff focus on providing high-quality care, rather than troubleshooting technical issues.

Our Support Team is dedicated to ensuring your clinic’s success long after implementation. Our ticketing system allows you to easily log and track support requests, ensuring quick resolutions and minimizing disruptions. Whether it’s a technical question or help navigating new features, our team is just a click away.

We also prepare clients for regular product updates, so you’re always equipped with the latest tools and functionality. Through proactive communication and detailed release notes, your team is ready to take advantage of enhancements without missing a beat.

Moreover, Medicat offers an extensive Help Center, which includes information on upcoming product releases, trainings, and webinars to keep your team informed. Features like the Super User Center, along with comprehensive guides and instructional videos, empower staff to fully utilize the system and enhance their efficiency. With Medicat, you gain not only a powerful EHR, but a partnership committed to your clinic’s continued growth and success.

Choosing the Right Partner

Transitioning to an EHR system is a significant investment, both financially and operationally. Thus, choosing a vendor with exceptional onboarding and customer support, health centers like Emory & Henry can mitigate risks and set their teams up for success.

Whether it’s through personalized training, timely assistance, or ongoing resources, Medicat’s approach demonstrates the value of a partner who prioritizes client success every step of the way.

Curious about how other schools are thriving with Medicat? Explore our library of client stories.

In today’s ever-evolving campus environment, college health professionals are in a unique position to drive meaningful change and advocate for innovations that enhance student health services. From mental health support to immunization compliance, the needs of students continue to grow and diversify. Thus, taking on a leadership role in this landscape is essential to ensure that health services remain responsive, accessible, and effective.

Here’s how health professionals can become campus leaders and innovators to improve student well-being.

1. Embrace a Vision for Change

Effective leaders in college health start by cultivating a vision that prioritizes student well-being. Whether you are a health services director, a nurse, or a mental health professional, having a clear understanding of the issues facing your student population allows you to create a roadmap for change.

Action Steps:

• Assess campus health trends by gathering data on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Surveys, student feedback, and collaboration with academic and administrative departments can highlight gaps in services.
• Set specific, achievable goals that align with your campus’s mission. For instance, reducing student wait times for counseling services, increasing vaccine compliance rates, or launching a peer health education program.

2. Advocate for New Programs

Furthermore, innovation in college health often starts with advocating for new programs. Whether you’re pushing for telehealth services, wellness initiatives, or mental health crisis support, gaining buy-in from administration is critical.

Action Steps:

• Build a business case for your program. Highlight the benefits, including how it can reduce long-term care costs, improve student retention, and enhance academic success.
• Seek student input to ensure the program meets actual student needs. Involve them in the planning process to create programs that resonate and achieve better engagement.
• Leverage data and insights from similar programs at other institutions to support your advocacy efforts.

3. Champion Health Policy Changes

Campus health and counseling leaders can play a pivotal role in shaping institutional policies that promote healthier environments. This can include everything from mental health support systems to policies on substance abuse prevention.

Action Steps:

• Collaborate with key stakeholders—from student affairs and faculty to campus safety officers—to understand their perspectives and build coalitions.
• Propose policy changes that address pressing health challenges, such as increasing access to health services for underserved students or implementing campus-wide wellness days to reduce burnout.
• Stay informed on regulations and compliance requirements, like HIPAA and FERPA, to ensure your initiatives align with legal obligations.

4. Leverage Technology and Data

As college campuses increasingly adopt digital solutions, health leaders can spearhead the integration of innovative tools that streamline services and improve student outcomes.

Action Steps:

• Promote the adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to improve the accuracy and accessibility of student health data.
• Encourage the use of telemedicine and virtual mental health services to reach more students, especially those who may have difficulty with in-person services.
• Use data analytics to track student health trends, such as vaccination compliance or mental health counseling needs, and use those insights to inform decision-making.

5. Cultivate a Culture of Collaboration

Strong leadership in college health requires fostering a culture of collaboration across campus. By bringing together various departments and encouraging cross-functional initiatives, leaders can create holistic solutions to complex health challenges.

Action Steps:

• Build relationships with campus departments such as athletics, student affairs, and academic departments to promote a comprehensive approach to student well-being.
• Create interdisciplinary task forces that focus on specific issues, like mental health support systems or substance abuse prevention, ensuring all voices are heard.
• Encourage peer education programs where students play an active role in promoting healthy behaviors on campus.

6. Engage in Professional Development

Leaders are constantly learning. Health professionals should seek out opportunities for continuing education and stay current with the latest trends in student health.

Action Steps:

• Attend conferences and webinars focused on college health, such as the American College Health Association (ACHA) meetings, to stay informed about best practices and innovative solutions.
• Pursue certifications in areas like public health, mental health, or health leadership to enhance your expertise and credentials.
• Network with other college health leaders to exchange ideas and strategies that can help you lead more effectively.

P.S. – Stay up to date on our upcoming webinars here

7. Mentor and Empower Your Team

A true leader invests in the development of their team. By mentoring staff and encouraging professional growth, college health leaders can create a more effective and engaged team.

Action Steps:

• Offer professional development opportunities for your team, such as workshops, training, and seminars.
• Encourage a culture of feedback and innovation, where staff members feel empowered to propose new ideas and take ownership of initiatives.
• Recognize and reward success to motivate your team and foster a positive, productive environment.

Learn more about the top qualities of college health leaders here.

Key Takeaways

Driving change and innovation within college health requires vision, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. It’s crucial for those in leadership roles to advocate for new programs. As a leader in college health, your efforts can create healthier, more resilient students who are better equipped to succeed academically and beyond.

Since you’ve read this, you may also be interested in how you can improve your college health center’s operations.

When creating a Request for Proposal (RFP) for software that supports Student Health Services (SHS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on campus, it’s crucial to detail your school’s specific needs and expectations. A well-structured RFP ensures that you select the best vendor capable of meeting your institution’s unique requirements.

Here are a few examples of key questions that will help your institution better evaluate an EHR software tool. The full list of our suggested questions can be accessed here.

Integrated Health and Counseling Functions

• Does the EHR facilitate efficient referrals between departments?
• Does the EHR allow students to enter their own health information and immunization records?

Patient Portal/Student Experience

• Are students able to access all health services and records in one place?
• Does the EHR enable secure communication channels between students and providers?

Clinic Efficiency & Reporting

• What tools does the EHR offer to help our staff with record keeping, collaboration, and communication?

Health Services Specific Features

• Does the EHR include vaccine compliance management, or can it interface with other immunization compliance resources? (i.e. Med Proctor).
• Does the EHR keep track of medication/immunization inventory?

Counseling and Psychological Services Specific Features

• Does the EHR have a built in Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Services (CCAPS) with self-scoring feature?
• Does the EHR facilitate supervisor settings and note reviews, enabling feedback for supervisees?

External Communications

• How does the EHR system facilitate the exchange of communications with offices external to the EHR, such as referring physicians, laboratories, or insurance companies?

Data & Integrations

• Does the EHR system integrate with Banner for two-way demographic data exchange and billing information export?
• Can the EHR support “mining” fields within notes or physical exams for data?

Customizations

• How does the EHR system assist providers in creating customized notes and templates that align with their specific workflows and standards?
• Can different roles within the institution (e.g., physicians, nurses, administrators, interns) have varying levels of access to patient data?

Reporting

• What tools does the EHR have that will help our staff with record keeping, collaboration, and communication?
• Can the EHR system run immunization compliance reports tailored to the institution’s specifications?

Billing

• Does the EHR have the ability to set charges for services and are they easily adjustable?
• Is the EHR able to print a receipt for charges so students can self-submit to insurance if they choose?

Technical Support

• What level of institutional IT support is required to ensure the effective operation of the EHR system?
• What type of staff training is provided during and after the EHR system’s implementation? Please specify the method of delivery.

Pricing

• What is included in the base price of the EHR system?
• Please provide details about the following additional costs:
  • Ongoing maintenance and support fees
  • Hardware and software requirements
  • Training and education costs
  • Customization and integration fees
  • Data migration fees
  • Upgrades and enhancements

Implementation Process

• What is the typical process for migrating data from a previous EHR system, including timelines, overlap periods, and go-live strategies?

Additional General Features

• Does the EHR provide flexibility in note structure and design, allowing for templates, “smart phrases,” and the ability to pull from prior notes?
• Does the EHR have a built-in telehealth platform for virtual care?

Crafting a comprehensive and effective RFP is essential for colleges seeking to procure the ideal EHR software. By clearly defining your institution’s needs, attracting qualified vendors, ensuring fair competition, and negotiating favorable terms, you can mitigate risks and select a solution that aligns with your goals and objectives.

These are just a few of the questions to consider. You can download the full list of questions here: Download – 60 Questions to Ask When Selecting an EHR Vendor.

Navigating the complexities of modern college health centers requires innovative solutions and a deep understanding of student needs.

In this interview, we delve into the insights of Medicat’s Customer Success Manager, CJ Pellegrino, to uncover strategies for optimizing health center operations and enhancing student support.

1. How can student health centers improve their intake process for new students?

A. Starting at the very beginning of the student experience, clients can use the Blaster tool to email newly enrolled students instructions on how to access/utilize the Patient Portal.

Clients can then use the Patient Portal to instruct students on how to schedule an appointment – either by utilizing the Self Scheduling functionality, or by directing them to call your clinic or send a secure message.

For full optimization, we recommend implementing the self-scheduling functionality to allow for other uses of client resources.

Once the student is scheduled for their appointment, we can set up online forms to present prior to their appointment (up to 7 days in advance) or as the student is checking in.

By setting up longer, nonacute forms (such as the Health History form) for the student to complete in the days prior to their appointment, it will save valuable time during the check-in process, improving your clinic’s efficiency.

These small changes can add up to vastly improve the student experience.

2. What are the most common ways you’re able to help college health clinics optimize their workflow?

A. If a clinic is looking to optimize their workflow, I normally suggest the following:

• Setting Up Automated Intake Forms: Automating intake forms can streamline the patient onboarding process. For instance, using tools like the Template Txn Linker, clinics can automatically populate the EHR Patient Summary Screen with relevant information from these forms, saving time and reducing errors.

• Setting up Note Favorites and Quick Type: Creating template notes and quick type options can expedite documentation. By having pre-set templates for common scenarios, clinicians can quickly complete notes, ensuring consistency and accuracy. This saves critical time that allows clinicians to focus on student care, rather than tedious documentation.

• Utilizing Preload Answer Template Options: This feature enables clinics to preload answers from previous check-ins or allow students to complete them during their current visit. By integrating this data directly into the notes, clinicians can have a comprehensive view of the patient’s history, improving the quality of care.

3. How can technology be leveraged to streamline appointment scheduling and reduce administrative burdens?

A. Effective appointment scheduling is crucial for the smooth operation of college health clinics. Leveraging technology can significantly streamline this process and reduce administrative burdens. Here’s how:

• Guided Scheduling with Message Boxes: For clinics that have self-scheduling in place, they can also include various message boxes which can provide additional guidance to students. For example, special instructions for each specific appointment reason can be displayed during the scheduling process, ensuring students have all the necessary information.

• Self Check-In for Walk-In Appointments: For clinics that allow walk-in appointments, the Self Check-In module is invaluable. It allows students to schedule walk-in appointments using a kiosk, bypassing the need for front desk assistance. This not only streamlines the process, but also frees up staff to focus on other tasks.

4. Do you have tips on how to enhance communication between health centers and students?

A. Sure do! Here are several tips to enhance this communication:

• Use the Blaster Tool: The Blaster tool allows you to send the same message to a large group of students simultaneously. This is perfect for general announcements or updates that need to reach many students at once.

• Implement the Notification Tool: The Notification tool can be set up to automatically notify or remind students of important items. For example, you can schedule notifications to go out one day before a student’s appointment. These reminders can also direct students to complete any necessary forms, ensuring they are prepared for their visit.

• Utilize Secure Message Templates: Secure Message Templates make one-off communication faster and more efficient. By having pre-written templates, staff can quickly send common messages without having to write them from scratch each time.

• Leverage Secure Messaging: Secure messaging can be very beneficial for direct communication with students. If there are concerns about allowing students to message specific providers, consider setting up a generic provider (like “Front Desk” or “Health Clinic Team”) that multiple users can monitor. This ensures that all messages are addressed promptly.

• Maximize Patient Portal Message Boxes: Utilize the message boxes in the Patient Portal to their full potential. You can create a checklist of steps that students need to complete, with hyperlinks that take them directly to the relevant section. This streamlined approach helps students easily navigate and complete required tasks.

By implementing these tools and strategies, health centers can significantly improve their communication with students, leading to better-prepared appointments, reduced no-shows, and enhanced overall student engagement and satisfaction.

5. How can colleges improve the immunization verification process on campus?

A. There are four main suggestions that I give to college health centers when it comes to improving the immunization verification process:

• Student Submissions via Patient Portal: Allow students to enter their immunization dates and upload associated documents directly on the Patient Portal. This eliminates the need for email or paper submissions, making the process more efficient and accessible.

• Mandatory Document Uploads: Implement a system where students must upload a document when entering an immunization date. This ensures that clinics receive the necessary proof before verifying immunizations.

• Clear Instructions on the Patient Portal: Use the blue immunization headings on the Immunization Page and the message box at the top of the screen to provide additional instructions to students. Clear guidance helps students understand the requirements and process better.

• Automated Verification with VeriVax and State Registries: For a fee, clients can use VeriVax and/or integrate with their state immunization registries for automatic verification of vaccine records. VeriVax can be particularly beneficial for campuses with a significant percentage of out-of-state students, as all vaccines from these interfaces are automatically verified, without a need for staff to manually review student records.

6. How can clinics utilize data analytics to improve their health services?

A. Clinics can significantly improve their health services by leveraging data analytics and reporting tools within their systems. Here’s how:

• Identify Common Appointment Reasons: Utilize reporting tools to determine the most frequently used appointment reasons. For instance, if many students visit for flu-like symptoms in November, consider hosting a flu shot clinic in October as a preventative measure.

• Analyze Peak Times: Use data to identify the busiest times of the year or days of the week. This information helps optimize staffing, ensuring adequate coverage during peak periods, especially for part-time employees.

• Export Data for Further Analysis: Reports can be exported to Excel for deeper data management and analysis, allowing clinics to tailor their services and outreach programs based on specific trends and needs identified through the data.

7. How can health centers collaborate with other campus departments to promote overall student wellness?

A. Some successful strategies that I’ve seen implemented on campuses of all types include:

• Utilizing Referrals: Health centers can use the Referral Manager in Medicat One to track and manage referrals between various clinics, ensuring coordinated care and streamlined communication.

• Internal Messaging: Clinics can enhance communication by using internal messaging to share patient-related information with other users or clinics. The ability to link specific client charts to internal messages facilitates seamless information exchange.

• Permission Setup: By configuring permissions, clinics can control the amount of information automatically shared across departments, ensuring privacy while fostering collaboration.

Key Takeaways

Optimizing college health center operations requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes student needs and harnesses the power of technology.

By implementing strategies such as streamlined intake processes, efficient workflows, and enhanced communication, health centers can significantly improve the overall student experience.

Additionally, leveraging data analytics and fostering collaboration across campus departments are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

Get a sneak peek of our EHR with a self-guided product tour or connect with a member of our team.

Navigating the complexities of modern counseling clinics on college campuses requires innovative solutions and a deep understanding of student needs.

In this interview, we delve into the insights of Medicat’s very own Customer Implementation Specialist, Joelle Koka, to uncover strategies for optimizing counseling clinic operations and enhancing student support.

1. How can a counseling clinic improve its intake process for new students?

A. To enhance the intake process, clinics can automate intake forms using the Medicat Patient Portal and allow self-scheduling of appointments, making services more accessible.

This change benefits students, who often prefer to schedule appointments online. It also reduces some administrative burden on staff members to create and manage new appointments manually.

Additionally, our Mobile Self Check-in (MSCI) feature enables students to complete assessment questionnaires on their phones in the waiting room, ensuring accurate and timely insights into their well-being.

This also reduces administrative burden and helps keep appointment time focused on care, rather than assessments or paperwork.

2. What are the most common ways you can help counseling clinics optimize their workflow?

A. One way I help counseling clinics optimize their workflow is by implementing standardized documentation through note templates and forms.

Using standardized documentation provides reportable data that provides valuable insights in decision-making and process improvement.

Note templates and forms also reduce decision fatigue and help documentation to be completed sooner.

Another way I help clinics optimize their workflow is by streamlining tasks.

We have many features in Medicat that can help decrease repetitive tasks such as adding transaction codes to your notes.

Using the Manage Default Codes function in your note types can post common transaction codes automatically to decrease searching and adding transaction codes to your note.

3. How can college counseling clinics enhance communication with students?

A. Utilizing our patient portal’s secure messaging, blaster, and notification tools can significantly enhance communication.

Automated messages for appointment confirmations, reminders, cancellations, and surveys, including notifications via text, ensure students stay informed and engaged.

It’s super easy to set these automations and templates up in the platform – it’s one of my favorite features to help clients set up!

4. What do you suggest clinics do to reduce no-shows and student wait times?

A. To reduce no-shows and student/client wait times, I suggest utilizing our notification tool for appointment reminders!

College students are busy, so having a tool to send reminders via secure message or text can have a dramatic effect on minimizing no-shows and late cancellations.

Additionally, using charting efficiency tools like auto-replace shortcuts and templates reduces time spent on documentation, ensuring students are seen in a timely manner. 

5. What strategies or tools can improve the success of outreach programs?

A. The new Outreach module in Medicat One helps manage and track outreach events.

By generating reportable data on attendance and event details, clinics can make informed decisions on which outreach events to continue or cut back on based on student interest and participation.

6. How can counseling centers collaborate with other campus departments to promote overall student wellness?

A. It’s becoming increasingly common to have integrated clinics on college campuses. Integrated clinics within college health encourages collaborative care, leading to improved student outcomes and a focus on patient-centered care.

Counseling centers can collaborate with other campus departments by educating staff and faculty on available services and empowering them to be mental health advocates.

7. How do you help counseling clinics effectively measure and report on impact?

A. First, I help clinics identify which data is most important to them. Then, we leverage our platform’s capabilities to track and analyze this data.

For instance, by utilizing transaction codes, clinics can gain insights into areas like call volume and identify potential service gaps.

Our team provides training on data customization and reporting to ensure clinics can effectively measure and communicate their impact.

Key Takeaways

By implementing these strategies and leveraging technology, counseling clinics can significantly enhance their services, improve student outcomes, and create a more supportive campus environment.

Medicat is committed to partnering with college counseling centers to achieve these goals.

If you’d like to see our Counseling EHR in action, take an interactive product tour whenever it’s most convenient for you!

Questions? Looking to get the conversation started? Get in touch with our team today.

When people think of college, they often picture students in the traditional 18-22 age range. However, a significant and growing portion of the student population is comprised of non-traditional students. Non-traditional students can include those returning from military service, part-time students, parents, or those simply seeking a degree later in life. These students bring diverse experiences and face unique challenges that require tailored support to ensure their success and well-being.

Table of Contents

In this blog, we explore eight tips designed to enhance the experience of non-traditional students on your campus and ultimately, improve retention.

1. Promote Regular Health Screenings

Encourage regular health screenings for non-traditional students. Given their often busy schedules outside of school, providing these services on campus offers significant convenience and ensures they have easy access to essential health care.

These screenings can help detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention. If your campus doesn’t offer them, partner with local healthcare providers to offer on-campus screening events for blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, and hearing, etc.

2. Create a Supportive Environment

Ensure that the campus environment is accessible and inclusive for all students. This can include:

• Installing ramps and elevators for easy mobility
• Offering plenty of seating areas throughout campus
• Ensuring accessible restrooms and gender-neutral bathrooms
• Offering assistive listening devices and captioning services in lecture halls and event spaces
• Creating family-friendly spaces and childcare facilities for students with dependents
• Offering flexible class schedules and online learning options for part-time students
• Providing military-specific support services and spaces, such as lounges or resource centers

Learn more about creating an inclusive college campus here.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is vital for maintaining health at any age or stage of life. To accommodate the diverse needs of non-traditional college students, consider organizing a variety of inclusive and accessible exercise options such as:

• Low-impact exercise classes, like yoga, tai chi, & walking groups
• Schedule classes at various times to accommodate students with other obligations such as full-time jobs or dependents
• Ensure fitness facilities are accessible and offer adaptive equipment for students with disabilities
• Create a welcoming gym environment with clear signage, approachable staff, and supportive policies for students who may feel intimidated or out of place
• Offer virtual fitness classes and resources for students who may prefer or need to exercise at home

By implementing these strategies, you can foster a welcoming and supportive fitness environment that encourages all non-traditional students to stay active.

4. Foster Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Ensure that your campus offers  counseling services tailored to the needs of ALL students. For instance, create support groups for parents enrolled at your school where students can share their experiences and connect with peers. Additionally, provides resources for stress management and mindfulness practices.

Need help connecting students to resources available on your campus? Download our guide: 22 Innovative Ways to Promote Campus Resources.

5. Nutritional Support and Education

Nutrition plays a key role in a healthy life for all college students. Offering educational workshops on balanced diets and nutritional needs tailored to student’s diverse needs can be highly valuable.

For example, host a “Healthy Cooking on a Budget” workshop for students with families or a “Quick and Nutritious Meals” session for part-time students with busy schedules. By addressing the unique nutritional requirements of these students, you can support their overall well-being and academic success.

6. Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

Encourage all non-traditional students to engage in lifelong learning and professional development. Offer workshops, seminars, and courses that cater to their diverse interests and career goals (and ensure evening or weekend sessions are available to accommodate working students and those with family responsibilities).

Colleges can also create opportunities for mentorship programs where experienced students, such as veterans or older adults, can share their knowledge and experience with younger peers. Additionally, virtual career fairs and networking events can connect non-traditional students with potential employers and widen their professional networks.

7. Promote Social Connections

Evidence shows that social isolation and loneliness can significantly harm health, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, anxiety depression, and more. Social connections are vital for emotional well-being.

To support this, colleges can host social events and activities, encouraging interaction among all non-traditional students. This can be achieved by creating family-friendly events like campus picnics or movie nights to accommodate students with children.

Additionally, support groups or social clubs specifically for veterans or working students can be invaluable in fostering a sense of community and providing peer support. Events like book clubs, cultural outings, and volunteer opportunities can help build a supportive network and foster a sense of belonging among non-traditional students.

8. Utilize Technology for Health Monitoring

Technology can elevate the support and well-being of all non-traditional college students. Colleges can provide regular informational and training sessions to help students become comfortable using health technologies, catering to different technological literacy, schedules, and availability.

Make sure health tech tools are accessible for all students, offering adaptive features and support as needed. Additionally, promotes virtual health consultations and telehealth options for students who may have limited access to on-campus health services.

Key Takeaways

Supporting the health and well-being of non-traditional students can enrich your campus community. By implementing these tips and utilizing available resources, we can help to create an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes a positive college experience for all.

Discover effective strategies for linking students to essential resources by checking out a recording of one of our recent webinars, Connecting Students to Key Resources: What, Where, and How.