Health, Wellness & Safety

The university is strongly committed to safety, health, and wellness for all students. There are many resources available to provide for students’ physical and mental health needs, aid in their well-being, and ensure a safe environment.

Health Insurance

Although students are not required by Grand View University to have health insurance, we strongly encourage them to enroll in a plan that provides coverage in the Des Moines area. Before arriving on campus, please review your current policy to make sure it covers your student when they are away from home.

If you are without health insurance and need assistance in obtaining it, please contact the Student Life Office at (515) 263-2885. Grand View will assist you in locating an appropriate policy. Under the Affordable Care Act, most students under the age of 26 are eligible to remain on a parent's health insurance policy, so you may want to explore that option first if it applies to you.

Emergency Planning

Family, campus or regional emergencies may occur while your son or daughter is at Grand View University. Have multiple options for communicating (email, cell, text, designating a friend or family member outside your hometown and Des Moines through which to relay messages) in case one mode is down. 

Smoke-Free Campus

State law requires all indoor and outdoor campus spaces to be smoke free. Read More

Managing Stress

Stress can affect students physically and emotionally. There are many ways students can manage stress on campus at no cost:

• Short-term counseling is available.
• The Charles S. Johnson Wellness Center is available for personal fitness.

Renter’s Insurance

Grand View highly recommends that you obtain a renter’s insurance policy to cover replacement of your student’s belongings while living away from home. Just like in your home, destructive events (like pipes bursting) can destroy property. Grand View, like other schools, does not insure students’ personal property, but we do provide immediate assistance. Think of us like the Red Cross; we’ll intervene right away to place students in safe and secure places to live and help meet immediate needs (e.g., textbooks, clean clothes). But replacing entire wardrobes, computers, etc. is the purpose of insurance. Check with your agent or research online to obtain a policy to cover your student’s belongings on and off campus. 

First Aid Kits

Encourage your student to pack a first aid kit for college. Basic wound care supplies, a thermometer, and common over-the-counter medications are good to have on hand. The Student Health Center can help with these supplies during its hours of operation, but needs for simple first aid supplies often arise after hours.

Internet Safety

Advise your student to use caution when posting personal information and pictures on social networking sites.

Don't Tempt a Thief

Most thefts in college residence halls are crimes of opportunity committed by fellow students and only take a moment to happen. For instance, a room door left open and valuables (such as cash or a laptop) sitting on a dresser near the door make for easy picking. Encourage your student to keep valuables stowed away and lock their doors when the room is unattended and when they are sleeping. Our campus is a safe place and these practices help keep it that way.