Student Handbook

Tea Chats The College offers workshops throughout the year called Tea Chats on topics such as stress management, sleep hygiene, and test anxiety. We strongly encourage all students to attend these workshops. Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room The College's interfaith prayer and meditation room (Rm #1220) is meant to serve and accommodate students of all beliefs and to support the holistic wellness of the College community. This room is accessible to the community Monday through Friday throughout the day. If the room is locked please see the Assistant to the President for access. Suicide Prevention Students having suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek immediate help by calling a suicide crisis helpline. Samaritans 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (212) 673-3000 http://samaritansnyc.org/24-hour-crisis hotline/ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Pre-Personal Counseling Pre-personal counseling is available for students through the Office of Student Affairs. Pre personal counseling may be sought from the vice president for student affairs, the registrar or the director of career development and minority enrichment. Students may be referred to an appropriate external healthcare provider. Food Pantry In an effort to provide confidential access to free food for SUNY Optometry students who experience food insecurity, the College established a partnership with Guttman Community College (GCC) to offer our students access to GCC’s food pantry. GCC is conveniently located across Bryant Park (50 West 40th Street). SUNY Optometry students wishing to visit the food pantry must make an appointment in advance with Single Stop office staff. There are no limits on the number of visits a SUNY Optometry student may make to the food pantry, nor any questions asked regarding a student’s need for food. The Food Pantry is open on Monday through Friday from 10am-3pm by appointment only. SUNY Optometry students can call 646-313-8101, in advance, to set-up an appointment for pick-up of food items. Students must bring their SUNY Opt ID for verification. We also recommend you read Are You Feeling Suicidal?

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