By attending our Orientation Express you will learn how to:

• access your student information using myCayuga
• utilize Cayuga’s Center for Academic Success
• be considered for Financial Aid
• get involved in campus clubs and groups, and much more

If you were not able to attend this semester’s Orientation, we have our resources available to you online or you can download the material right to your computer using our desktop application. (Check out the links on the right).

I encourage you to make the most of your time here at Cayuga, and welcome!

Norman Lee
Director of Student Activities
leen@cayuga-cc.edu

What is advisement?

• Having a connection with a faculty member to share information and to ease your concerns about career choices and college procedures
• Gaining knowledge from a reliable member of the College regarding course selection, degree requirements, and career planning

Proper course advisement and registration are important parts of your experience at Cayuga Community College. Your advisor serves as a guide and resource when you have any questions about your college experience. Many times your advisor can provide connections for career information that can be invaluable to you as you plan for your future. Most advisors have regular office hours and set up individual appointments as needed. Like all campus employees, advisors use their College email account as a primary mode of communication.

You will be assigned an academic advisor shortly after arriving at Cayuga. Check your student account in myCayuga to find your academic advisor. If you are not assigned an advisor, and wish to seek advisement, you can do so in the following ways;

1. You can request to be assigned to an advisor by contacting the Student Development Office in Auburn (M224). Student Development staff can be reached at 315-255-1743, ext. 2232 or 2230 on the Auburn Campus, or 315-592-4143 on the Fulton Campus; or you can email studentdev@cayuga-cc.edu.
2. You can make an appointment with a Student Development Counselor. The Auburn Campus Student Development Office is located near the main entrance in M224. Student Development staff can be reached at 315-255-1743, ext. 2232 or 2230 on the Auburn Campus, or 315-592-4143 on the Fulton Campus; or you can email studentdev@cayuga-cc.edu.
3. If you are taking courses entirely online and intend to earn a degree from Cayuga in that fashion, you should contact Ed Kowalski at kowalskie@cayuga-cc.edu.

You should see your advisor when…

1. You are thinking about dropping or adding a class but need some advice.
2. You wish to seek advice on degree requirements.
3. You need clarification on a college policy or procedure but you are not sure who to ask.
4. You wish to register for classes next semester.
5. You are interested in a second degree or certificate from Cayuga.

Registration

Each semester a period of about two weeks–called advisement/registration–is set aside for our current students. During this time, current students have first dibs on registering for the courses they want to take. You meet with your advisor to discuss course selection and degree requirements as well as other issues or questions that you might have. Advisors will post their available hours for advisement. It is your responsibility to sign up for an appointment with your advisor.

This is really important time for you to connect with your advisor to ensure you are on the right track to complete your degree requirements in a timely fashion. Meeting with your advisor helps you tailor your coursework to meet your goals and have a successful experience at the College.

Before you meet with your advisor, you should…

1. Read the College catalog to determine the requirements within your particular degree.
2. Review the semester course selection (available on the College web site) to determine the courses you think you’d like to select and when they are offered.
3. Prepare notes for questions you wish to discuss.

By following this advice, you will have a more productive appointment with your advisor.

Note: Although it is in your best interest to register during the advisement/registration period to have the best course selection, you can register after that period by arranging to meet with your academic advisor at another time that is convenient for both of you. Or, you may seek advisement through one of the counselors in the Student Development Office.

Advisement/Registration Weeks

• Students can find their academic advisors on myCayuga.
• Students must make an appointment with their assigned advisor. Advisement appointment sheets are posted on advisor’s door a week prior to advisement/registration period. (Please see academic calendar for specific dates.)
• If you are a part-time student, you may not be assigned an advisor. In this situation, contact the Student Development Office to arrange advisement.
• To sign up for part-time classes without advisement, contact the Registrar’s Office in M243 on the Auburn Campus and in Room 281 on the Fulton Campus; call 315-255-1743, ext. 2217 or 2218 in Auburn or 315-592-9983 in Fulton; or email registrar@cayuga-cc.edu.
• Course offering will be posted online before the Advisement/Registration period begins.

Definition of Disciplines

Humanities

Art, Language, , Music, Philosophy, Theatre Arts

Behavioral/ Social Sciences 

Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology

Math and Natural Science

Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Math, Physics

English

English, Journalism, Literature, Speech

Liberal Arts

includes all previously listed disciplines and the honor’s seminar

For more information on degree programs, see your college catalog and/or your academic advisor or check out the web site.

Comprehensive information on financial aid is available on the Cayuga Community College web site. Detailed information on the status of your own financial aid is available on your MyCayuga account.

• Your financial aid awards are based on your current registration status. Disbursements will be based on actual attendance in courses that are required for your degree.
• Eligibility for TAP and Pell will be determined based on the courses you are registered for at the end of the drop/add period that are required for your degree.
• After tuition, fees, bookstore costs, and other authorized charges are paid; any remaining financial aid will be disbursed to you, beginning approximately in the sixth week of classes. You will need to cover your own expenses for the first five weeks of school.
• For a student loan to be disbursed, you must be registered for and attending at least six credits of classes.
• Payments will be disbursed based on classes that you are attending that are required for your degree.
• Aid for late-start classes will be disbursed after those classes begin.
• The amount of a Pell disbursement will be based on the classes required for your degree that you are enrolled in and attending.
• For TAP to be disbursed, you must be registered for and attending at least 12 credits of classes.
• We recommend signing up for direct deposit. Otherwise, your award check will be mailed to you at the local address on file at the Registrar’s Office. Contact the Registrar’s Office if you need to correct your address.
• If you have been awarded more aid than you need for tuition, fees, and other College charges, the College will issue a book deferral for you at the College bookstore. You may use this to purchase your textbooks and supplies. You can check for your book deferral amount on your MyCayuga account.
• Financial aid will be disbursed and bookstore credits issued only if:
• You have accepted your charges on your MyCayuga account, even if you have enough aid to cover your bill. (Click on ‘Paying for College’).
• You are in compliance with applicable state regulations regarding meningitis and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunizations. Details are available from the Nurse’s Office.
• You have provided the Admissions Office with a final high school transcript or a copy of your GED.
• You have completed your online Entrance Counseling and Promissory Note for any student loans you have accepted.

FAILURE TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE THE COURSES THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR MAY

1 – RESULT IN REDUCTIONS IN FINANCIAL AID – EVEN AFTER MONEY HAS BEEN DISBURSED

2 – RESULT IN LOSS OF ELIGIBILITY FOR FUTURE FINANCIAL AID AWARDS.

Important Web Sites

• www.fafsa.com
  To file for financial aid online or to check the status of your fafsa
• www.studentloans.gov
  To complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Mater Promissory Note
• www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA
  To identify the holder of your existing student loans
• www.tapweb.org
  To apply for TAP online
• www.sss.gov
  To file with Selective Services online
• my.cayuga-cc.edu
  To log on to MyCayuga account
• www.fastweb.com
  To search for scholarships online

Financial aid awards will begin disbursing approximately six weeks after the start of the semester. This includes all student loans. Refunds will be paid based on the number of credits you are attending that have already begun and that apply to your degree. Financial aid awards beyond the amount of a student’s tuition and fees will give the student a bookstore deferral. The dates that bookstore deferrals will be available will be posted in the Financial Aid Office. Bookstore deferrals are also posted on the student’s MyCayuga account 24 hours after the tuition bill has been signed by the student and accepted by the Business Office and all other requirements have been met. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR SCHEDULE OR DO NOT ATTEND CLASSES, IT WILL AFFECT YOUR FINANCIAL AID.

Welcome to Cayuga Community College. At the Business Office, we provide services such as student billing, payments, refunds, direct deposit, 1098T tax documents, scholarships, and certificate of residency. Our hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for the fall and spring semesters and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the summer and intersession. Most importantly, if you have a question about any of our services, please contact either the Auburn or Fulton Business Office.

Ensure Your Information is Accurate

Make sure your address and telephone number are correct. Cayuga Community College uses this information to contact you about important items. You can update this information under the Personal Information tab in your MyCayuga account. Please enter the type of phone number that you are using (for example, choose cell for your cell phone number).

Tuition Bill

Tuition bills are no longer mailed. They will be emailed to your Cayuga Community College email account. You can sign up to receive your bill through text message to your cell phone. This is in addition to the emailed bill.

Sign Up for Text Messaging of the Student Tuition Bill

In your MyCayuga/Banner account:

• Click the STUDENT menu tab and then STUDENT ACCOUNTS > STUDENT BILLING (NELNET Quickpay)
• Click the SELECT A TERM dropdown menu and choose your desired semester
• Choose MAKE A PAYMENT/VIEW YOUR BILL/SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT/SET UP BILLING SMS TEXT NOTIFICATION. This will bring the student into NELNET Quickpay.
• Select USER PREFERENCES on the left side. In the middle section, there is an SMS option – this is for texting.
• Enter your cell phone number with no dashes, including area code, and enter your cell phone carrier.
• Check the box SMS under the notification section that says “When a bill arrives.” Save your changes.
• You are responsible to update your cell phone number if the information changes.

How Do I Pay My Bill?

A student can pay online by e-check, credit card, Nelnet payment plan, set up an ‘Authorize Payer,’ or use financial aid to cover the tuition bill.

Paying Online with Credit Card or e-Check

In Your MyCayuga/Banner Account:

• Click the STUDENT menu tab and then STUDENT ACCOUNTS > STUDENT BILLING (NELNET Quickpay)
• Click the SELECT A TERM dropdown menu and choose your desired semester
• Choose Make A Payment/View Your Bill/Sign up for Direct Deposit/Set up Billing SMS Text notification
• Follow the on screen instructions for type of payment chosen. Payments must be in full. Partial payments are not allowed (except for Authorized Payer).

Setting up a Nelnet Payment Plan for the Fall and Spring Semester Only

The payment plan is set up to automatically deduct monthly payments out of a checking/savings or credit card account. This option is available for the fall and spring semesters only. Nelnet automatically deducts equal tuition payments (covering tuition and fees only) from your checking or savings account, or charges them to your MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card. For details, call the College Business Office at 315-255-1743, ext. 2450, or contact Nelnet directly at 800-609-8056.

In Your MyCayuga/Banner Account:

• Click the STUDENT menu tab and then Student Accounts > Student Billing (NELNET Quickpay)
• Click the SELECT A TERM dropdown menu and choose your desired semester
• Click on the e-Cashier logo to set up a payment plan – follow screen instructions

Nelnet charges a $25 non-refundable fee per semester to participate. Nelnet is not a loan program. No debt is incurred, there is no credit search, and no interest or finance charges are assessed by Nelnet on the unpaid balance.

Using Financial Aid to Cover Tuition Bill and Fees

If you have enough financial aid to cover your tuition bill and have either a negative or zero balance on your account, you MUST confirm your charges. In your MyCayuga/Banner account:

• Click the STUDENT menu tab and then STUDENT ACCOUNTS > STUDENT BILLING (NELNET Quickpay)
• Click the SELECT A TERM dropdown menu and choose your desired semester
• Click the Confirm button. This will accept your charges. The screen will show a confirmation message.

It is very important that you confirm your charges. Failure to do so by your bill due date could result in de-registration.

• Bourke Memorial Library
  197 Franklin Street
  Auburn, New York 13021
  315-255-1743
• Fulton Learning Commons
  11 River Glen Drive
  Fulton, New York 13069
  315-593-9319

Not sure where to start? Visit us at www.cayuga-cc.edu/library.

Want to learn more about the library and how to make it work for you? The Library offers a five-week, 1 credit hour course, LIB 102 Research Skills. Learn how to find the information you need for:

• problem solving
• assignments
• research papers
• speeches
• posters
• group projects
• reports… and much, much more!

Topics include:

• understanding research
• using an online catalog
• evaluating sources of information
• searching library databases
• navigating the world wide web
• using information ethically
• documenting sources

For more information contact:

• Sara Davenport Auburn Campus 315-294-8596
• Kathy Sipling Fulton Campus 315-294-9019

The Center for Academic Success (CAS) at Cayuga Community College, in support of the institution’s mission to sustain academic excellence within a supportive learning environment, promotes the attainment of each student’s postsecondary educational goals by providing comprehensive, coordinated academic support services to all enrolled students. Center activities are grounded in research-based best practices for promoting student persistence and include but are not limited to:

• Early intervention, academic success strategies that lead to independent, active learning, and self-regulation
• Supplemental academic instruction via peer and professional tutorial services
• Disability services to qualified students
• Sound, timely, individualized academic advisement services
• Assistance with course registration
• Placement testing, discipline-specific testing, and make-up testing services
• Skill enhancement and leadership development
• Collaboration with faculty members, particularly those teaching developmental, foundation, and college success courses

Tutorial Assistance Services

• Academic tutorial services are provided (at no charge!) to registered Cayuga CC students.
  • Terry Kupp
    Director, Center for Academic Success
    terry.kupp@cayuga-cc.edu
• Appointment with a professional learning specialist
  • Karen Jetty
    Learning Specialist: English
    jetty@cayuga-cc.edu
    315-255-1743, ext. 2342
  • Larraine Mahoney
    Learning Specialist: Mathematics
    larraine.mahoney@cayuga-cc.edu
    315-255-1743, ext. 2285
• Weekly appointment with a certified peer tutor
  • Peer tutors assist students for a one-hour session (per subject) per week.
  • Submit a Request for Tutorial Assistance Form
• Drop-in assistance at the tables for Math and Writing
• Scheduled study groups (1x per week led by a certified peer tutor)
  • If you have a conflict with a scheduled ASC study group, submit a request form.
  • “Informal” study groups (not through the ASC) can be organized by students.
• REMINDER: Utilize faculty office hours for guidance and assistance with course content.

Disability Services

• Accommodations/services are provided for students with learning and physical disabilities.
• Contact the disability office if you have, or suspect you have, a disability.
  • Peggy Carroway
    Disability Assistant
    carroway@cayuga-cc.edu
    315-255-1743, ext. 2422

Tutor Recruitment

• Interested in becoming a peer tutor? Submit an application form.
• Minimum requirements for application:
  • Academic success (GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred)
  • Course competence/interest
  • Instructor recommendation
  • Interpersonal skills
• Note: Application is not a guarantee of employment as a peer tutor.

Cayuga is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the Region III Athletic and Mid-State Athletic Conference. Varsity competition is offered in the following 10 sports: Basketball (Men & Women), Bowling (Men & Women), Golf (Men & Women), Lacrosse (Men), Soccer (Men & Women), and Volleyball (Women). Additional programs are being considered with the creation of the proposed outdoor Karpinski Athletic Facility Complex. For additional program information and schedules, please visit the athletic department web site at www.cayugaspartans.com.

Spartan Hall (Auburn Campus)

Spartan Hall features four full courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and badminton. The facility also houses two courts for racquetball, handball, and paddleball. An Auxiliary Gym space houses additional activities, including Judo. Other building features include team locker rooms, equipment room, and athletic training room. Just outside Spartan Hall is the College’s Nature Trail with a mile-long exercise loop that is great for walking, jogging, or cross country skiing.

Faculty-Student Association (FSA)

The Faculty-Student Association (FSA) is an incorporated body of administrators, faculty, and students whose purpose is to promote and cultivate educational and cultural relations among the students and faculty of this College. The FSA oversees the expenditure of the Student Activity Fee.

Student Clubs

There are many benefits gained from joining a student club or organization, including meeting new friends. Club involvement also offers an opportunity for students to learn skills such as time management and group dynamics. These experiences combined with academic learning are the ingredients of a well-rounded education. Students are encouraged to join one of the various campus clubs or organizations because the experience gained can last a lifetime. Please take the time to review the list of updated campus clubs by stopping by the Student Activities Office on your campus.

If you wish to establish a new club on campus and know of interested students, stop by the Student Government Office (SGO) or see the director of student activities in the Student Development Center. Students at the Fulton Campus can contact the student activities coordinator, or the SGO Fulton Campus advisor.

All clubs are funded by the Student Activity Fee, distributed by the Student Government Organization.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of the two-year college, has been recognizing and encouraging excellence among two-year colleges since it was founded in 1918. Today, the society has grown to become the largest honor society in higher education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in 50 states. The recognition and scholarship opportunities that Phi Theta Kappa brings to an institution, its faculty advisors, and most importantly to its student member are unparalleled by any other student organization. Phi Theta Kappa is an invite-only club whose membership is open to students that achieve a high scholastic average and who possess leadership qualities. PTK selects its members after the first semester grades have been mailed. This great opportunity is available to students on both campuses.

Student Government Organization

The Student Government Organization (SGO) is an ”official” voice for students’ concerns and suggestions, providing leadership and direction for individual students or clubs. SGO executive officers include a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and student trustee. All executive positions are elected posts. SGO also has student board members and the remaining student body is made up of student senators (comprised mostly of representatives of student clubs). SGO is responsible for distributing the budgets for student clubs. For more information, see the SGO advisor for either campus.

Theatre Productions (Harlequin)

A mainstage/studio theatre structure encourages activity in all aspects of theatrical activity, including acting, directing, production, and backstage work on the Auburn Campus. Participation is based on expressed interest and plays are selected to fit the interest and abilities of the individuals within the group. No experience is necessary to participate. If you are interested in any facet of theatre productions, you are encouraged to join this organization.

The Cayuga Collegian (Student Newspaper)

The Collegian needs students interested in news reporting, sports, column and feature writing, copy editing, business advertising, photography, art, and page design. The Collegian is Cayuga’s student newspaper, publishing 15 issues per academic year, often on a biweekly schedule. The paper has been an award-winning publication in Associated Collegiate Press, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and America’s Scholastic Press Association competitions. Get involved with the “student news voice” at Cayuga!

New York Voter Registration Form

The College encourages our New York student residents to take advantage of their right to vote and register. To encourage your registration, we provide you with this quick link to the voter registration form.

http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/voteform.pdf

Information for Students Receiving GI Bill Benefits

You must apply for your education benefits at the same time you are applying for admission to Cayuga. You may either apply online at http://www.gibill.va.gov or visit your local VA Office for assistance. Enrollment Certification is sent by the Registrar’s Office once you are registered for classes.

To receive two credits for Physical Education, a copy of your DD-214 must be on file at the College. Submit a copy to Lisa Clark in the Auburn Registrar’s Office or Jo Ann Harris in the Fulton Registrar’s Office.

If you have prior college credit that you wish to apply to your current degree program, you must submit official transcripts from the military and any other previous institutions to the Registrar’s Office at either campus.

If you are seeking a tuition deferral, please stop in the Registrar’s Office to sign a promissory note. Depending on the type of benefit you receive, you may be required to file for financial aid.

Changes in enrollment are reported to the VA Office in Buffalo by the Registrar’s Office (credits, curriculum, transfer credit, dual degrees, and withdrawals).

Verification of monthly class attendance may be required, depending on the type of veteran’s benefits you are receiving.

Veterans Resources

• Veterans Resource List
• Grading Policy – Students Activated for Military Duty
• Veteran-Checklist – Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill
• Veteran-Checklist – Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation
• Veteran-Checklist – Chapter 33 – Post 911
• Veteran-Checklist – Chapter 35 – Spouse or Dependent of Disabled or Deceased Vet

• Suzanne Wilson, RN, BS,
  Coordinator of College Health Services
  M-203, Auburn Campus
  197 Franklin Street
  Auburn, NY 13021
  Phone: 315-255-1743, ext. 2203
  Fax: 315-253-0063 wilson@cayuga-cc.edu

The Health Services Office is staffed at both campuses and open Monday through Friday. A registered nurse is available to discuss your health concerns and assist you with your immunization requirements. A variety of services are offered, including:

• First aid and assistance with illness
• Medical referrals as needed and appropriate
• Detailed information regarding immunization requirements as required by New York State Public Health Law
• Processing of insurance claim forms, medical bills, and medicine receipts for accident or illness
• Tuberculosis skin testing for Nursing and Early Childhood students
• Notes regarding health absences when requested by students for instructors
• Immunization transcripts
• Free health information brochures
• Smoking cessation information and referrals (visit the NYS Smokers’ Quitsite at www.nysmokefree.com)
• Health education programs
• Blood pressure screening

Accident insurance is required for all full-time students.

Health insurance is non-mandatory and available to all part-time and full-time students. Enrollment is based on a forced survey supplied through your MyCayuga/Banner account. The survey will ask all students if they wish to get Health Insurance for the semester at the charge of $152.50 per semester. By answering yes, this charge will be applied to their account and will be due when tuition is due. By answering no, there will be no charge and a waiver will be recorded.

Student insurance claim forms are available in the Health Office on both campuses or visit www.studentplanscenter.com. For insurance information and verification, call the Health Office.

Cassandra A. Archer, M.D., is the College’s physician. If you choose to see Dr. Archer regarding a physical exam, illness, or meningitis vaccine, she is available by appointment at 315-255-0947. You may call the office directly, or contact the Health Services Office in Auburn.

Immunization Requirements

New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires all college students, 6 credit hours or more on campus, born in 1957 or later, to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.

This is what you need to provide:

Measles (Rubeola) requires TWO dates of immunization. Both dates must be given after 1967 and no more than four days before your first birthday. Measles immunizations given in 1967 or before may be accepted if a live vaccine was used. A positive measles titer (blood test) or a disease statement from the diagnosing physician also constitutes valid proof of immunity.

Rubella (German Measles) requires one date of immunization, no more than four days before your first birthday. A positive rubella titer (blood test) is also an acceptable proof of immunity in lieu of the immunization date.

Mumps requires one date of immunization, no more than four days before your first birthday. A positive mumps titer (blood test) or a disease statement from the diagnosing physician also constitutes valid proof of immunity.

You can obtain this information from your physician, high school record, former college, baby immunization record book, or military record.

If you have a valid medical reason for not complying with this law, please let the Health Office know. Your physician will need to sign a medical waiver form for you. An exemption for religious belief is also available, and must be approved by the Health Office.

New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires colleges to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccinations to ALL students taking 6 credit hours or more on campus.

It is your responsibility to sign and return the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form or to complete the form electronically in MyCayuga. Students 18 years old and older must sign the form. A parent or guardian must legally sign the form for any student under 18.

These laws allow a 30-day grace period for you to become compliant. After the 30-day grace period, you will be restricted from class attendance. You may resume classes as soon as you are compliant with these laws. Financial aid and final grades will be withheld and no further registration allowed until you have met New York State requirements.

Any concerns or questions should be directed to the Health Office on the Auburn Campus, 315-255-1743, ext. 2203; 315-592-4143, ext. 2203; Fax 315-253-0063. All forms are available at the Health Office and on the health office web page, or can be mailed upon request.

Meningococcal Letter

Dear Student or Parent/Guardian (for Student under the age of 18):

Meningococcal disease is a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. New York State has a Public Health Law (NYS PHL) ξ2167 that requires colleges and universities to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccination to all students meeting the enrollment criteria, whether they live on or off campus.

Cayuga Community College is required by law to send you the enclosed information. It is then your responsibility to sign and return the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form or to complete the form electronically in MyCayuga/Banner. Students 18 years old and older must sign the form. A parent or guardian must legally sign this paper for any student under 18.

You can fill out this form by:

1. Documenting you’ve had the meningococcal meningitis immunization within the past 10 years and provide the date. [Note: If you (or your child) received the meningococcal vaccine available before February 2005 called MenomuneTM, please note this vaccine's protection lasts for approximately three to five years. Revaccination with the new conjugate vaccine called MenactraTM should be considered within three to five years after receiving MenomuneTM.]                     OR
2. Acknowledging receipt of information regarding meningococcal disease risks and your declination of meningococcal meningitis immunization at this time. This declination must be signed by the student or the parent/guardian for those under 18.

Meningitis is rare. However, when it strikes, its flu-like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation, and even death.

Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age (the age of most college students) have more than doubles since 1991. The disease strikes about 2,500 Americans each year and claims about 300 lives. Between 100 and 125 meningitis cases occur on college campuses, and as many as 15 students will die from the disease.

In February 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a new vaccine, known as MenactraTM, for use to prevent meningococcal disease. The previous version of this vaccine, MenomuneTM, is still recommended for children less than 11 years old. Both vaccines are 85 to 100 percent effective in preventing four kinds of the meningococcus germ (types A, C, Y, W-135). These four types cause about 70 percent of the disease in the United States. Because the vaccine does not include Type B, which accounts for about one-third of cases in adolescents, it does not prevent all cases of meningococcal disease.

You can receive this vaccine from your own health care provider. The Health Office at Cayuga Community College will not offer the meningitis vaccine. However, it will be available at Dr. Cassandra Archer’s office at 37 W. Garden St., Auburn, by appointment only. The cost is approximately $100 per dose. Dr. Archer’s phone number is 315-255-0947.

The Health Office encourages you (and your child) to carefully review the enclosed materials. Please complete the Meningococcal Meningitis Response Form and return it to the Health Office at Cayuga Community College or submit electronically in MyCayuga/Banner. Please submit the form as soon as possible.

NOTE: PER PUBLIC HEALTH LAW, NO INSTITUTION SHOULD PERMIT ANY STUDENT TO ATTEND THE INSTITUTION IN EXCESS OF 30 DAYS WITHOUT COMPLYING WITH THIS LAW.

To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, please feel free to contact our health service and/or consult your (child’s) physician.

You can also find information about the disease at the:

• NYSDOH web site: www.health.state.ny.us
• CDC web site: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/disease/info
• American College Health Association web site: www.acha.org

College Health Services
Cayuga Community College
197 Franklin Street
Auburn, NY 13021-3099
315-255-1743, ext. 2203/2249
315-592-4143, ext. 2203/3008
Fax: 315-253-0063

Meningococcal Fact Sheet

New York State Department of Health Meningococcal Disease
Last Reviewed: November 2006

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream or meninges (a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by the meningococcus germ.

Who gets meningococcal disease?

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is more common in infants and children. For some adolescents, such as first-year college students living in dormitories, there is an increased risk of meningococcal disease. Every year in the United States approximately 2,500 people are infected and 300 die from the disease. Other persons at increased risk include household contacts of a person known to have had this disease, immunocompromised people, and people traveling to parts of the world where meningococcal meningitis is prevalent.

How is the meningococcus germ spread?

The meningococcus germ is spread by direct close contact with nose or throat discharges of an infected person.

What are the symptoms?

High fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck and a rash are symptoms of meningococcal disease. The symptoms may appear two to 10 days after exposure, but usually within five days. Among people who develop meningococcal disease, 10 to 15 percent die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, permanent brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, loss of arms or legs, or chronic nervous system problems can occur.

What is the treatment for meningococcal disease?

Antibiotics, such as penicillin G or ceftriaxone, can be used to treat people with meningococcal disease.

Should people who have been in contact with a diagnosed case of meningococcal meningitis be treated?

Only people who have been in close contact (household members, intimate contacts, health care personnel performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, daycare center playmates, etc.) need to be considered for preventive treatment. Such people are usually advised to obtain a prescription for a special antibiotic (either rifampin, ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone) from their physician. Casual contact, as might occur in a regular classroom, office or factory setting, is not usually significant enough to cause concern.

Is there a vaccine to prevent meningococcal meningitis?

In February 2005 the CDC recommended a new vaccine, known as MenactraTM, for use to prevent meningococcal disease in people 11 to 55 years of age. The previously licensed version of this vaccine, MenomuneTM, is available for children two to 10 years old and adults older than 55 years. Both vaccines are 85

to 100 percent effective in preventing the four kinds of the meningococcus germ (types A, C, Y, W-135). These four types cause about 70 percent of the disease in the United States. Because the vaccines do not include type B, which accounts for about one-third of cases in adolescents, they do not prevent all cases of meningococcal disease.

Is the vaccine safe? Are there adverse side effects to the vaccine?

Both vaccines are currently available and both are safe and effective vaccines. However, both vaccines may cause mild and infrequent side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days.

Who should get the meningococcal vaccine?

The vaccine is recommended for all adolescents entering middle school (11 to 12 years old) and high school (15 years old), and all first-year college students living in dormitories. However, the vaccine will benefit all teenagers and young adults in the United States. Also at increased risk are people with terminal complement deficiencies or asplenia, some laboratory workers and travelers to endemic areas of the world.

What is the duration of protection from the vaccine?

MenomuneTM, the older vaccine, requires booster doses every three to five years. Although research is still pending, the new vaccine, MenactraTM, will probably not require booster doses.

How do I get more information about meningococcal disease and vaccination?

Contact your physician or your student health service. Additional information is also available on the web sites of the New York State Department of Health, www.nyhealth.gov; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/; and the American College Health Association, www.acha.org.