Navigating resources on campus
Navigating healthcare is one of many challenges new college students face, which is where Student Health Services fits into a students’ life.
SHS is a student-fee-funded program, providing a variety of healthcare to students for free or a reduced amount. Dr. Shanilka deSoyza, the medical director at SHS, is beginning her 19th year at the department.
“We see the usual things,” deSoyza said, listing the flu, sports injuries and chronic conditions like diabetes among others. Much of this care takes place at the Health Center, located directly next to Reser Stadium.
Among their offerings, students can ac- cess care like regular checkups, contraceptive care available through the Oregon Contraceptive Care program and immunizations. They also grant access to in-house laboratory tests, which only charges enough to cover their costs, according to deSoyza.
A full list of their services, which include addiction support and survivor care, can be found online. Appointments can be scheduled online and over the phone.
DeSoyza stresses the value of SHS beyond direct treatment, but also as a resource in navigating the American healthcare system, “We can’t take care of everything, but we can get (patients) where they need to go.”
She also has advice to offer to students figuring out their healthcare: “(You) don’t have to take things at face value … think of it as a partnership,” deSoyza said. Specifically, she encourages students to reach out to their insurance provider beforehand to see what services and facilities they cover in Corvallis and at SHS.
They also offer health insurance plans for students who don’t have any.
For those who struggle with healthcare anxiety, deSoyza recommends making a telehealth appointment.
She said that telehealth can make patients feel more comfortable with their providers before having to come to an appointment in-person, which is something she has seen in the past.
“The healthcare system is anxiety-provoking. There is a good reason for that … but here, we want to think of ourselves as a safe space,” deSoyza said.
Swimming, climbing, archery, gymnastics — the recently concluded Paris Olym- pics has celebrated a variety of sports, and chances are Recreational Sports has them for cheap or for free.
The Rec Sports Fair will be taking place on Sept. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Student Legacy Park. Attendees will be able to learn more about the program’s offerings.
Oregon State University’s Recreational Sports program offers students a variety of recreational and physical opportunities funded by student fees.
According to an email from Brian Hustoles, Recreational Sport’s assistant director of marketing and communications, the orga- nization oversees over 200,000 square feet of facilities and 13 acres of outdoor spaces.
Among these, Dixon and McAlexander Field House stand out. These facilities house many of the workout spaces available. Between these, there are weight rooms, multipurpose courts, climbing walls, an indoor track and swimming facilities. In both buildings, the main lobby houses an equipment rental desk.
The program offers students “Group Fitness Classes” like cycling, cardio kickboxing, yoga and a new mindfulness class.
Rec Sports also provides a number of programs on and around campus. Students can sign up for over 65 intramural leagues year- round, including wheelchair basketball, goalball and beep ball. They also house 39 sports clubs, like Archery Club, Gymnastics Club and Fishing Club.
The program also encompasses the Adventure Leadership Institute and offers several all-day trips doing activities like canyoneering, backpacking and rafting among leadership certificates and credit classes.
For students who struggle with gym anxiety, Hustoles recommends the “Find Your Fit” program, which provides tours of the Rec Sports facilities and matches students with workout partners.
“Whether you’re motivating one anoth- er at a fitness class, competing with your teammates through sports or experiencing a memorable outdoor experience, Rec Sports helps you to find your fit while forging friendships,” Hustoles said.
