NYU Students Guide

In the midst of New York City, NYU students are truly part of the tempo and excitement of Greenwich Village and beyond. NYU is committed to safety, wellness education, and outstanding health care as part of the University community. This section provides resources and instructions on how to stay safe and healthy while enjoying life in the big city.

Wellness Exchange

726 Broadway, Suite 402
212-443-9999 • www.nyu.edu/999 • wellness.exchange@nyu.edu

The Wellness Exchange is your key to accessing NYU’s extensive health and mental health resources. A central feature common to all these services is a private, 24/7 hotline that puts students in touch with professionals who can help them address day-to-day challenges as well as other health-related concerns, including medical issues, academic stress, depression, sexual assault, anxiety, alcohol and other drug dependence, sexually transmitted infections, and eating disorders. The hotline is also available if you just need to talk or want to call about a friend.

The hotline can be reached from any campus phone by dialing 999 or from any outside line at 212-443-9999. The number is also printed on the back of all NYU ID cards. Not ready to call the hotline? Send a private e-mail to a counselor at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu.
Visit the Wellness Exchange website at www.nyu.edu/999 for a full list of health, mental health, and wellness services at NYU.

Student Health Center

726 Broadway, 3rd and 4th Floors
212-443-1000 • www.nyu.edu/health • health.center@nyu.edu

All matriculated students may use the NYU Student Health Center (SHC). We encourage you to make appointments whenever possible and carry your NYU Card or health insurance identification card at all times. The SHC is an award-winning health care facility conveniently located on the Washington Square campus. Our multidisciplinary staff of board-certified physicians and highly trained clinicians provides comprehensive health and wellness services through close collaboration to respond to the health needs and concerns of the NYU community and promote a healthier, safer campus. These include medical, psychological, pharmaceutical, educational, crisis response, and support services.
Whether your needs involve routine or urgent medical care, counseling, education about a specific wellness issue, prescriptions, or eyewear, the staff at SHC is prepared to provide quality confidential, caring service.

Emergencies and After-Hours Crisis Response

In a life- or limb-threatening emergency, dial 911 to reach New York City Emergency Medical Services. For medical and mental health emergencies when SHC is closed, call the Wellness Exchange hotline at 212-443-9999 or the NYU Office of Public Safety at 212-998-2222 to be connected to a crisis response counselor. NYU has a 24/7 team dedicated to assisting students dealing with a crisis, including hospital transport, counseling, follow-up, and coordination of care. If you have been sexually assaulted, we strongly encourage you to obtain help from a professional counselor as soon as you are ready by calling the Wellness Exchange hotline (212-443-9999). The staff at the Wellness Exchange is available 24/7 to discuss your options and feelings. You don’t have to give your name if you prefer to remain anonymous. For more information on what to do if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, visit www.nyu.edu/health/sexual.assault.

Medical Services

Medical services at SHC constitute outpatient primary care including HIV testing and counseling, nutrition, women’s health care, sports medicine, immunization, allergy services, travel planning services, social services, and ancillary services including radiology and a pharmacy. SHC also offers specialty services on-site, including dermatology, gastroenterology, physical and occupational therapy, and optometry.

Counseling and Behavioral Health Services

Counseling and Behavioral Health Services at SHC provides confidential counseling to both full- and part-time students. Services include crisis intervention; short-term individual counseling for personal problems such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, family or other relationships, alcohol and other drugs, eating disorders, sex, or self-esteem; and group counseling for topics such as relationship issues, eating disorders, and stress management. In addition to the central location at SHC, counselors are available in multiple locations throughout the Washington Square campus. Visit our Web site for locations.

Health Promotion and Wellness Services

Health Promotion and Wellness Services at SHC provides counseling, emergency response, and health education. Students can speak with counselors in person (no appointment necessary) during office hours and 24/7 by telephone or e-mail. Crisis response counselors are available to assist students in crisis and provide close follow-up services. Health educators provide comprehensive wellness information, advocacy, and referrals on topics such as alcohol/other drugs, mental and sexual health, body image, and sexual assault prevention. Wellness programs include peer education, workshops, health fairs, and one-on-one consultations on a broad range of topics.

Pharmacy Services

The pharmacy at the SHC provides

Pharmaceuticals (brand and generic)
Vitamins and over-the-counter medications
Pharmaceutical counseling
A wide variety of other items at competitive prices
Drug information/education

To transfer prescriptions from your local pharmacy, contact the pharmacist. Over 60 different kinds of insurance are accepted.

Optometry Services

Eyewear and optical services are available at SHC and include

Prescription eyeglass, sunglass, and contact lens fittings
A large selection of designer frames, sunglasses, and contact lenses
Eye examinations
Eye care products
Information about visual health

Fees

All matriculated students are eligible to use the SHC. Primary care, women’s health services, routine laboratory tests, counseling services, and health promotion are provided at no or low cost. Additional specialty and ancillary services will incur charges. SHC will bill you for these services or file insurance claims on your behalf.

Health Insurance

New York University students in degree-granting programs are required to maintain health insurance. Many are enrolled automatically in an NYU-sponsored student health insurance plan as a part of the University’s registration process. NYU sponsors several student health insurance plans, and automatic enrollment varies according to school, credit load, and visa status. If you maintain your own health insurance, you can waive the NYU plan (and corresponding charge) that your school automatically enrolls you in. To select, change, or waive coverage, you must complete the online enrollment/waiver process prior to the established deadlines. For more information, refer to the Guide to Student Health Insurance, available online.

Health Requirements

All students must complete the MMR and meningitis section of the Student Health History form. Failure to comply with the following state immunization laws will prevent students from registering for classes.

New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires all students registering for 6 or more credits in a degree-granting program to provide immunization documentation for measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles)—MMR—prior to registration. (Students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt.)
New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires all students registered for 6 or more credits to decide whether or not to be immunized for meningitis and to provide formal confirmation of their decision.

Dental Faculty Practice

418 Lafayette Street, Suite 350 • 212-443-1300
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday, 8am-6pm;
Saturday, by appointment

The NYU Dental Faculty Practice in Greenwich Village is a private dental practice, which provides treatment by distinguished faculty from the NYU College of Dentistry. We offer comprehensive care, including general dentistry and all dental specialties; the newest treatment techniques; and state-of-the-art equipment. A 15% courtesy discount is extended to all NYU students, faculty, and staff. For more details, call 212-443-1300.

Stu-Dent Plan

212-443-1313 • www.nyu.edu/dental/patientinfo/nyu_stu-dent.html
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday, 8am-5pm

Stu-Dent offers personalized dental care with emphasis on preventive, restorative, and maintenance services. Membership is available to full- and part-time NYU students and includes a 10-25 percent discount off most additional services not included in the plan. Members may also enroll their spouses and children in the plan. All treatment is provided by experienced D.D.S. and dental hygiene students, overseen by licensed dental faculty members, in our state-of-the-art Dental Faculty Practice office located at 418 Lafayette Street, Suite 350, adjacent to the Student Health Center. For details, please call 212-443-1313.

NYU Department of Public Safety

14 Washington Place • 212-998-2222 • 212-998-2220 (TTY)
E-mail: public.safety@nyu.edu • www.nyu.edu/public.safety
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week

The NYU Department of Public Safety provides emergency help and information 24 hours a day. If you need assistance, call 212-998-2222 or ask a Public Safety officer on patrol around NYU. Public Safety has radio-equipped patrol vehicles that cruise the campus 24 hours a day. Look for the vehicles with the amber light on top and “New York University Public Safety” printed on the doors.

NYU Buildings with 24-Hour Security

If you need immediate assistance or can’t locate a telephone, you’ll find Public Safety officers at the University buildings listed on the next page 24 hours a day. These buildings can be quickly identified by the green light located at the main entrances. All green-light buildings are wheelchair accessible.

Lost and Found

The Department of Public Safety operates a University lost and found service. If you’ve lost something in an NYU facility, you may browse the lost and found page on the Public Safety Web site at www.nyu.edu/public.safety, or visit the Department of Public Safety at 14 Washington Place. If you find a lost item in an NYU facility, turn in the item to a uniformed NYU Public Safety officer or bring the item directly to the Department of Public Safety at 14 Washington Place.

Volunteer Student Protection Program (Safe Havens)

The NYU Department of Public Safety has arranged for a number of merchants in the area to post stickers in their windows identifying them as safe havens where students can seek assistance in case of an emergency. In addition, New York City Fire Department stations and New York City Police Department precincts are open 24 hours a day and are available to assist students in an emergency. A list of safe havens in the area is available on the Department of Public Safety Web site at www.nyu.edu/public.safety/safety.

Sexual Assault Prevention, Education, and Support

212-443-9999 • www.nyu.edu/999 • wellness.exchange@nyu.edu

If you have been sexually assaulted, we strongly encourage you to obtain help from a professional counselor as soon as you are ready. Survivors of sexual assault may encounter a number of choices related to medical services, legal assistance, and counseling/support services. The staff at the Wellness Exchange is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to discuss your options and feelings. You can also call if you want to help a friend who has been assaulted. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you don’t have to give your name. For more information on what to do if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, visit www.nyu.edu/health/sexual.assault.

Safety Statistics

The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. Those statistics are available online at http://ope.ed.gov/security or may be obtained in hard copy form by contacting Thomas Grace, Director of Judicial Affairs, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, at 212-998-4403, or the Department of Public Safety, at 212-998-1300.

Safety Tips

Safety on the Streets

Walk in an assertive manner and plan your route in advance.
Walk in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Avoid parks at night.
Be aware of your surroundings and of suspicious persons or circumstances.
Travel with a friend if possible.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and flashing money on the street and in the subways.
Always keep bags closed and backpacks zipped and buckled. Keep your purse on your lap in restaurants. Avoid hanging it on the back of your chair or leaving it on an empty chair.
If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street or go into a store. If you’re at NYU, go to the Department of Public Safety at 14 Washington Place or another safe place.
Be aware of safe haven locations. (See above.)
Always have enough money for cab fare home and quarters to make telephone calls.
Use cash machines only in the daylight.
Program your cell phone to call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at 212-998-2222 in an emergency.

Safety in University Buildings

NYU is very much a part of New York City. While officers from the NYU Department of Public Safety staff our buildings, people not affiliated with the University may occasionally gain access.

Be alert and avoid, if possible, isolated areas in the buildings.
Have a friend accompany you to remote areas, such as restrooms.
Notify security officers immediately of any unusual circumstances.
If you are alone in offices after business hours, notify the NYU Department of Public Safety and request attention.
Secure your office doors when working alone or if you must leave for a few minutes.
Never obviously label your keys.
Report the loss of keys, equipment, or valuables to the NYU Department of Public Safety. Have your locks changed immediately.
If you are attacked or confronted, try to attract the attention of others.
If you feel threatened in an elevator, hit the alarm button and then press as many buttons as possible. When riding alone, stay close to the control panel.
If you hear a scream or see a struggle on campus or in a University building, get help immediately. Call 212-998-2222 (8-2222 from a campus telephone) or 911. TTY 212-998-2220 is for the hearing impaired.

The most frequent crime committed at New York University is the theft of wallets, bags, purses, and other personal belongings that are left in unlocked lockers in the Silver Center for Arts and Science, Bobst Library, or Coles Sports and Recreation Center or left unattended in lounges, classrooms, or Bobst Library. Never leave personal belongings unattended.

Safety at Home and in Residence Halls

Always have your keys ready when approaching your door.
Be sure to secure all locks even if you are at home or if you leave for only a few minutes.
Use the peephole and ask who is at the door before opening it.
Do not admit strangers to your residence without proper identification and a call to verify their identity.
Never lend your keys to anyone.
Do not leave wallets, purses, jewelry, money, etc., exposed on desks or dressers. Keep small valuables in a drawer or somewhere out of sight.
Report lost or stolen keys and stolen property to the NYU Department of Public Safety. Have your locks changed immediately.
Record the serial number, model brand name, and description of all valuables for future reference. Keep a duplicate copy of this list in a separate location from the original. Remember that stolen property cannot be recovered by you unless it can be positively identified.
Do not let strangers in to make telephone calls. Take the number and make the call for them.
When entering your residence, if you suspect that someone is inside, do not enter. Go to the nearest telephone, call 911 (NYPD TTY 911 for the deaf or hard of hearing), and report a “burglary in progress.”
If you find suspicious individuals loitering in your building lobby, do not enter. Call 911 (NYPD TTY 911 for the deaf or hard of hearing) for help.
Keep a telephone near your bed. If you hear a burglar, don’t give any sign of being aware. If you can safely call for assistance, do so. At all costs, avoid alerting or interrupting the burglar.
Leave a light, radio, or television on while you are away. Use a timer.
If you plan to be away from home for an extended period, stop all newspaper deliveries and have the post office hold your mail or have a friend collect it for you.
Know which of your neighbors you can call in case of an emergency.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you encounter a suspicious person in your hallway, you might ring your own bell and then leave when there is no answer. Don’t lead a suspicious person to your apartment.
If you see a stranger or suspicious person in the hall, report it to the front desk attendant.
Show the security officer your ID and sign guests in and out as per guest policy.
Escort guests to and from your room.

Safety on Subways

The black-and-white striped signs that appear overhead near the center of the subway platform indicate the spot where the conductor’s car stops. This car is a safer place to ride late at night.
Avoid cars that are significantly less crowded.
Wait for the train near the station booth during nonrush hours. Many stations have established off-hour waiting areas.
Remain awake on the train.
Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
Stand away from the edge of the platform.
Keep money or jewelry hidden. Keep necklaces and rings out of sight.
Use main exits late at night.
Hold your handbag and other possessions securely.
Do not engage strangers in conversation.
It is illegal for anyone to solicit for contributions on the subway. Some people may wear name tags with photos, but these are not authorized by the MTA.

You must use your own judgment as to what you wish to do. If you are being pressured or harassed, tell the nearest police officer or get off at the next stop. To contact the New York City Police Department, call 911.

Safety on Buses

For your late-night safety and convenience, Request-a-Stop bus service is available in all five boroughs from 10pm to 5am, seven days a week. (In Manhattan, Request-a-Stop service is not available between 14th and 86th Streets.) To be let off the bus at locations along the route that are not designated bus stops, simply inform the bus operator that you would like to get off at a particular location. As long as the operator considers the requested stop to be safe, you can be let off the bus. Otherwise, the bus operator will let you off at the closest safe corner. Of course, the bus will continue to make all regularly scheduled stops.

Safety on Bicycles, Skateboards, and In-line Roller Skates

Wear protective head and joint gear when traveling in the city.
Never assume people see you. Pay attention and scan ahead to avoid trouble.
Travel in the same direction as traffic, staying as far right as possible. Use bicycle lanes when available.
Yield to pedestrians.
Stay off sidewalks.
Equip your bicycle with an audible warning device, such as a bell or horn. (Whistles are illegal.)
Equip your bicycle with a headlight and taillight if it is to be ridden at night.
Wear a reflective vest or sash when traveling at night.
Purchase a good lock and secure your bicycle where passersby, security guards, and doormen can easily see it.
Register the bicycle with the local police precinct, which will stamp an identification number on the bike. It costs nothing and may help recover a stolen bicycle.
Bikers, boarders, and bladers are subject to all traffic laws in New York City. Observe them!

The NYU Bicycle Parking Facility behind Tisch Hall at 40 West Fourth Street is a secured bicycle parking facility. Anyone with an NYUCard is authorized to park at this facility. Your NYUCard will allow you access to the facility, and you must secure your bike to a bike rack with a high-quality lock. Make sure to place the chain or lock through at least one wheel and the frame. This facility is not a storage facility. Bicycles are not to be left here for more than 24 hours at a time. Violators will have their locks cut, and bicycles will be removed. To deter theft and facilitate recovery, you can register your bike with the NYPD 6th Precinct crime prevention officer. Call 212-741-4811 for more information.

Safety of Commuters Who Drive

Invest in an antitheft device for your steering wheel. It can act as a deterrent to car thieves. Always lock your car.
Leave nothing exposed in the car. Place items in your trunk prior to parking or take them with you.
It is a good idea to check the front and back seats of your car before entering.
Drive with car doors locked and windows mostly closed.
Never park your car in a remote or dimly lighted area.

Transit Tips for Wheelchair Users and People with Mobility Impairments

The NYU Moses Center for Students with Disabilities provides information and support for students with mobility impairments. Visit their Web site at www.nyu.edu/csd for bus and subway travel tips and advice. For information on wheelchair-accessible subway stations, call 718-596-8585 or 718-596-8273 (TTY), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This information is also indicated on most subway maps. New York City has wheelchair lift buses operating on all local and express routes throughout the system. Call 718-330-1234 for a free copy of the MTA Guide to Accessible Transit. Information is also available on the MTA Web site at www.mta.info/mta/ada.

Washington Square Park Policies

Washington Square Park, one of the most visited parks in the world, sits at the center of our campus. This historic public commons is a great escape for some interesting people watching. Please be aware that New York City police and park rangers issue summonses and conduct arrests for violations in Washington Square Park, including riding bikes and skateboards, unreasonable noise making, vandalism, littering, unleashed dogs, climbing trees, possession of illegal drugs (including marijuana), and consumption of alcohol (including open containers in bags). NYPD surveillance cameras are located around the park.

How to Avoid Common Swindles and Con Games

Con artists are smooth-talking criminals who may be well-dressed men or women working in pairs or alone and may stop you on the street, call you on the telephone, or ring your doorbell. NYU students are not exempt from their games.

Stay away from something-for-nothing or get-rich-quick schemes.
If you are asked to turn over large sums of money in cash, be cautious. Ask yourself, “Why cash, why not a check?”
Be suspicious of persons asking you to “hold” money, claiming they can’t use or don’t trust banks.
Never sign a contract until you and your lawyer, banker, or other expert have carefully read it.
Don’t hesitate to check the credentials of a salesperson, a public official, a company, or a charity.

Tips for Identifying a Cult

Members of cults periodically recruit in the Greenwich Village area. They may approach you in your residence hall, in Washington Square Park, or on the streets outside of classroom buildings. In addition to sharing with you the answers they have found to life’s questions, they may seek to enlist your time, energy, and resources in endeavors they believe to be worthwhile. In short, they may ask you to join their group and make substantial contributions of time and money to their causes. Some of these groups may use recruiting tactics that are intrusive, deceitful, manipulative, and coercive. For information on identifying a cult or to seek assistance for you or someone you know who has been victimized, call the Spiritual Diversity Network at 212-998-4956 or visit the Student Resource Center’s Web page at www.nyu.edu/src.

Fire Safety

If you suspect or discover a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm, call 911, and call the NYU Department of Public Safety from a safe location.
Evacuate if you hear an alarm. Continue to evacuate even if the alarm stops sounding; do not assume an alarm is not real.
Exit the building using the nearest exit stairways and doors. Do not use the elevators. Follow the evacuation chart posted in every elevator lobby.
If doors or metal door knobs are hot to the touch, do not open the door. Use a wet towel or shirt to cover the crack at the base of the door to prevent smoke penetration.
If you are trapped, call 911, then go to a window and open it a crack at the bottom for breathing and a crack at the top to release smoke.
If it is safe to leave your room, close all doors behind you as you exit.
Keep low to the floor to avoid smoke and toxic gases.
After evacuating, move away from the building, out of the way of firefighters and other emergency personnel.
Do not attempt to reenter the building for any reason until you are authorized to do so.
Once you are out of the building, report the location of a person with disabilities or other individuals needing assistance to emergency personnel.
Do not attempt to fight a fire—always call the fire department.