Rush University Campus Information & Student Resources

Campus Information

The main campus of Rush University and Rush University Medical Center is located on the Near West Side of Chicago—not far from downtown (the Loop). The area surrounding the campus is undergoing redevelopment. Of particular interest is the Chicago Technology Park, which incorporates biomedical research facilities and programs.

Townhomes and condominiums have been built in Garibaldi Park, just east of the medical center campus, and many new businesses are flourishing in the Taylor Street area. There are other health care facilities in the Illinois Medical District, including the University of Illinois at Chicago, the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. 

The university is centrally and conveniently located. The main campus consists of 22 buildings, including facilities for achieving the goals of the medical center: patient care, education and research. The main campus also includes two indoor parking facilities.

Armour Academic Center is the hub of most student activities. The Library of Rush University Medical Center and the McCormick Educational Technology Center are located in the Armour Academic Center, along with classrooms, laboratories, academic computing, specialized facilities, the Student Affairs suite, the Office of Student Life and Engagement, the Office of Student Diversity and Community Engagement, the administrative offices of Rush Medical College, Rush University College of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences, along with the Rush University bookstore and cafeteria.

Medical Center and Facilities

Laboratories are located throughout the medical center complex but are principally found in Jelke South. Additional departmental laboratories are located in the Cohn Research Building and in the Tech 2000 building located at 2000 W. Harrison St. In addition to the Chicago campus, RUSH includes Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois, and Rush Oak Park Hospital, located in Oak Park, Illinois.

Directly across the Eisenhower Expressway from the main campus is the Triangle Office Building, which is home to Finance, Legal Affairs, Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications, the Data Center, RUSH Wellness and other functions of Rush.

Alumni Relations

The Office of Alumni Relations is located in the Rush East Building, Suite 300, at 1201 W. Harrison St. Though the legacy of a Rush education dates back to 1837, Rush University is a relatively young institution. Since the university’s inception in 1972, it has conferred more than 20,000 degrees in the health professions. The Office of Alumni Relations provides channels for the College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Rush Medical College, as well as our predecessor school alumni and former medical center house staff to stay connected to RUSH as follows:

• Remain informed of current developments at the university and medical center
• Develop an active interest in and involvement with their alma mater
• Maintain contact with fellow alumni and faculty
• Take advantage of continuing education opportunities offered through Rush University
• Promote and perpetuate the high standards of excellence in patient care, education and scientific advancement consistent with the objectives of Rush University Medical Center
• Enhance the student experience by making a gift

At this time, the following formally organized active alumni associations exist for Rush University graduates:

• Rush University Department of Health Systems Management Alumni Association
• The Rush Medical College Alumni Association

• The Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Nurses Alumni Association

Stay connected!

Center for Academic Excellence

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) provides academic support services to all Rush students, free of charge. Services include support for writing, including citation format, resumes and personal statements, academic coaching, including study skills, test-taking strategies, and time management, and math/statistical data support. The center’s administrative services and staff are located in Room 588, within the Library of Rush University Medical Center (fifth floor of the Armour Academic Center). For more information, call (312) 942-1304, email cae@rush.edu or visit www.rushu.rush.edu/rush-experience/student-services/center-academic-excellence.

Center for Clinical Wellness

The Center for Clinical Wellness is a healing environment designed for, and tailored to, Rush students, house staff and employees. Made possible by a significant philanthropic gift, the center will seek to address three primary goals:

1. Creation of a culture of wellness, including programs to address burnout, support resilience and increase joy in work
2. Increase support for mental health, including access to care, reduction in stigma and strategic partnerships to prevent suicide
3. Production of leading research through an emphasis on data and analytics

The center provides a network of on-site and virtual tools as part of an overarching wellness ecosystem including free therapy, coaching, peer support and other wellness-related services.

For additional specifics — including appointment scheduling, location, hours and current service offerings — please visit the Center for Clinical Wellness webpage at insiderush.eush.edu/wellness. 

Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation

The Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, or CTEI (pronounced ‘city’), works in partnership with faculty on instructional design and course development. Staff members and CTEI programs also expand the use of educational technologies and optimize the learning management system to enhance course goals. The center has a staff of instructional designers and an instructional technologist to support all faculty who teach at Rush.

The Center is committed to assisting faculty with their courses, from curriculum development through delivery, whether instruction is offered online, face-to-face, or a combination of online and face-to-face. CTEI staff support faculty through highly personalized one-on-one consultations, formal training for online teaching and regularly scheduled workshops.

The center is located on the ninth floor of the Armour Academic Center, Suite 919. Please email CTEI@rush.edu or visit www.rushu.rush.edu/CTEI to learn more about available resources or to request assistance with course design or delivery.

Creative Media (Formerly Rush Production Group)

Creative Media (formerly Rush Production Group) is an award-winning media production team that is a department within Marketing/Communications. Creative Media works to effectively visualize and execute the RUSH University System for Health brand. Creative Media’s photographs and diverse video work can be seen on rush.edu, e-newsletters such as Rush News, and social media posts, as well as on local and national media. Photographers handle headshots for all Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park medical staff, and Rush University faculty.

Visual content is created for consumer marketing and publicity; photos and videos are utilized for patient education and testimonials, events, people profiles and staff recruitment. In addition, content is created for Rush University college department curriculums, events, student profiles and student recruitment. Please be aware that with the increase in marketing needs for the growing RUSH System, Creative Media may not be able to cover all requests, particularly if they have limited marketing utility. For general questions please email us at creativemedia@rush.edu, or call (312) 942-8278. For a photo or video marketing request that is not a headshot, please fill out the form at this link as completely as possible: https://rbrand.solvedp.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fworkflow%2fproject%2f35088

Headshots are taken every Tuesday in AAC 448. You can make headshot appointments online at outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/rushproductiongroup1@rush.edu/bookings/. If a headshot is for personal use and not for university use, there is a $40 charge. Finished headshots are available in the Rush Media Library at medialibrary.rush.edu/headshots/#/.

Creative Media does not have the resources to record video of classroom lectures or most university and hospital speaking events. For those seeking class recordings in the Armour Academic Center, please contact Media Services at (312) 563-2527 and press 1 at the prompt. Please call (312) 942-4969 for audiovisual assistance for the rest of the medical center. To schedule your event, please send your request to media_services@Rush.edu five business days in advance.

Digital and Information Services (D&IS) Service and Field Services Support

The Digital and Information Services (D&IS) Service Desk and Field Services team provides year-round support to the university. Its mission is to facilitate university teaching and learning through its technical services support. This support also includes classroom and in-person and phone assistance for students, faculty and staff.

The Service Desk can be reached by calling (312) 563-2527 and using option No. 2. The Service Desk is a top shop for all issues that can be handled remotely or over the phone. Additionally, it can assist with creating Service Now tickets for new issues and requests. If necessary, the Service Desk will forward a ticket to the Field Services team for additional support.

One of the primary roles of Field Services is to provide first-level audiovisual support for classrooms, meeting rooms and auditoriums throughout the university and medical center.

Additionally, Field Services provides equipment rentals. Tablets, laptops, projectors, camcorders, audio recorders and other accessories are also available to students for limited checkout. Most media and equipment may be booked ahead of time.

D&IS also coordinates the Academic Testing Center, or ATC, located in the Triangle Office Building. The ATC accommodates up to 81 students for testing and includes a multipurpose waiting area that can function as a collaborative learning space. The ATC is also reserved through the Astra room scheduling system.

The D&IS staff is available to both students and faculty to support instruction by meeting the technology needs of the university both on and off campus. D&IS staff also assist students and faculty in diagnosing, troubleshooting, software installations and hardware deployments.

Fitness Center

Whether you’re trying to get in shape, lose weight, be more active or unwind after a busy day, the Rush Fitness Center is just what you’re looking for. The Fitness Center offers group exercise classes and one-on-one personal training. In addition, the facility includes a variety of machines and equipment, a fitness studio, cardio and strength training, stretching areas, lockers rooms, showers and amenities. Membership is free to students.

 For membership inquiries, please call (312) 947-2348 or email us at rushfitnesscenter@rush.edu. We’re also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rumcfitnesscenter.

International Student Services

International Student Services, housed within the Office of the Registrar and located in Suite 440 of the Armour Academic Center, provides services for F-1 international students who are planning to study at Rush and need authorization from the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to do so. 

International Student Services serves students in the following ways:

• Represents Rush within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Helps prospective F-1 international students navigate visa processes and other issues concerning international admission
• Provides F-1 students necessary information to maintain F-1 immigration status, comply with immigration regulations, and learn about available benefits
• Orients new students to the Rush community in collaboration with the Office of Student Life and Engagement
• Consults with and advises faculty and staff regarding F-1 student affairs
• Helps international students be an integral part of the diversity and culture of the Rush community
• Serves F-1 international student graduates for relevant work authorization matters, international travel inquiries, and other necessary assistance

Please visit Rush’s International Student Services webpage or call (312) 942-2030 for additional information.

Library and Archives

Library of Rush University Medical Center

The Library serves the education, practice and research needs of university students, faculty and staff through an extensive collection of print and electronic resources available to all students and university affiliates. A complete overview of all library resources and services is available on the library website, library.Rush.edu.

Electronic holdings, all of which are available both on-campus and off, 24 hours a day, include over 120 databases such as CINAHL Complete, ClinicalKey, AccessMedicine, MEDLINE (via both PubMed and Ovid), RefWorks, UpToDate, Scopus and an extensive electronic journal collection with access to over 10,000 titles.

In addition, the Library is a member of the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries of Illinois (CARLI), whose benefits include an integrated library system (I-Share) that serves 86 institutions, provides electronic resource brokering and free access to a collection of 27 EBSCOHost databases and over 2,000 Springer health science eBooks. With I-Share, students, faculty and staff can request materials online directly from the other 85 member libraries or check out materials in person using a Rush ID card. The library also utilizes fully electronic systems for course reserves and interlibrary loan processing and delivery (ILLIAD).

Library holdings are evaluated annually based on usage and consumer feedback. New resources are added to continually, both due to demand and through subscription services and state-funded resources gained via CARLI.

Reference librarians are available to all Rush affiliates both on campus and off. In addition to answering questions via telephone and in-person, reference staff members are available via email and live chat to assist faculty, staff and students. Reference librarians are also available to provide customized classroom support, research support and other traditional services. The librarians also create and maintain over 50 individual web-based guides on a variety of topics to assist students at their point of need. Guides are created to address specific topics (example: “an overview of resources for PT students”), teach specific processes (example: “how to find databases”) and to teach users how to use specific resources (example “how to use CINAHL”). All are available through the library homepage.

The library offers approximately 20,000 square feet of dedicated study space, all of which is available to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week via badge swipe access. The library has multiple learning environments to meet different needs, including both collaborative and quiet study. Computers with printing capabilities are available, as are group study rooms, modern individual study carrels with light and power, and individual short-term student lockers.

Rush University Medical Center Archives

The Rush University Medical Center Archives tells Rush’s story through its collections, which showcase its esteemed and enduring history of education, research, patient care and community service. Dating back to the founding of Rush Medical College in 1837, the Rush Archives identifies, preserves, organizes and enables access to valuable Rush records from our earliest years to current digital assets.

The Rush Archives engages with the Rush community and the public. Rush University students can broaden their understanding of course materials by exploring Rush’s past contributions to health care. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to contribute their experiences and materials to strengthen and diversify the collections for future researchers. Rush’s archivist provides reference services, hosts historic tours, makes presentations, helps create exhibits, and assists with records consultations and acquisitions.

The Rush Archives office is located in the basement of the Triangle Office Building at 1700 W. Van Buren St., Suite 086. Learn more about the history of Rush and explore our collections online: https://library.Rush.edu/Rusharchives.

Matthews Rush University Bookstore

The Matthews Rush University Bookstore 

The Matthews Rush University Bookstore is a health sciences bookstore serving the needs of students, faculty and staff at Rush University Medical Center. Located on the second floor of the Armour Academic Center, across from the cafeteria. The bookstore stocks some of the required and recommended textbooks for courses offered at Rush University, as well as an assortment of reference and review books. Textbooks can be ordered if available with the publishers.

The bookstore also supplies Rush insignia items, medical apparel and equipment, school supplies and stationery, snacks/drinks and miscellaneous gifts. Special orders are handled by the bookstore and will generally be fulfilled in one to two weeks depending on the item. Please keep in mind that some special orders for apparel can take several weeks to produce. Please inquire with the bookstore manager at benedicto_carlos@Rush.edu.

Media Services

Media Services, located in the Professional Office Building, provides a wide range of audiovisual support and training for meeting rooms and auditoriums throughout the university and medical center. Media Services provides recommendations to faculty, staff or students who are purchasing audiovisual equipment and directly coordinates all aspects of deploying new AV systems. Media Services also serves as a Level 3 support to the university’s Field Services group for all AV related issues.

Additionally, Media Services also provides support for system wide meetings, events and town halls. To schedule your event, please send your request to media_services@rush.edu

Office of General Education Resources

The Office of General Educational Resources offers a wide variety of services to Rush University students and faculty. Available services include Laboratory Services and the Quick Copy Center. The office is located in the Multidisciplinary Laboratory area on the seventh floor of the Armour Academic Center, Room 720.

Lab space is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but must be reserved by faculty. Students who need special laboratory instruments or services for education or research projects should discuss their needs in advance with the staff. Please call (312) 942-6791 if you have any questions.

Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE)

Rush University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) provides leadership and support in the area of institutional research, accreditation, academic planning, assessment and regulatory mandates.

The OIE fulfills its mission in the following ways:

• Provides comprehensive information to support institutional planning, policy formation, decision-making and evaluation of effectiveness
• Coordinates responses to external accountability mandates and a wide range of internal and external requests for information about the university
• Provides guidance and coordination support for campus-wide and unit-level assessment of academic programs and administrative processes to support the university’s quality improvement efforts
• Guides and facilitates the process of reaffirmation of accreditation and substantive change reporting
• Provides evidence of institutional effectiveness

Office of Interprofessional Education

The Office of Interprofessional Education (OIPE) advances patient-centered, collaborative learning and impactful scholarship, which fosters a culture of inclusion for our students and promotes the health and well-being of our diverse communities. OIPE develops integrative curricula where students from two or more disciplines learn from, with and about one other to enable effective collaboration, improve health outcomes and prepare them for the complex and challenging health care system of the future. 

Engagement in interprofessional education and collaborative practice offers opportunities for students to address the social determinants of health and health equity through online community experiences. Graduates of IPE 502: Interprofessional Patient Centered Teams can apply to advanced interprofessional service-learning experiences. Health Equity and Learning Projects (HELP): Interprofessional student teams work with community based organizations to improve the health outcomes of the community. Advanced Interprofessional Service Learning; Working With People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, (IDD-IPE): Student teams increase access to health care and improve health outcomes in a collaborative telehealth experience. For additional information, contact jan_a_odiaga@rush.edu.

Office of Student Accessibility Services

In keeping with its goal to promote diversity among its student population, Rush University is committed to attracting and educating students who will help to make the population of health care professionals reflective of the national population, including individuals with disabilities. In addition, Rush University is committed to ensuring equal access to its facilities, programs and services is available to students with disabilities.

To be eligible for accommodations, a student must have a documented disability as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students are required to complete a Request for Accommodation form and submit diagnostic documentation of their disability to engage in the interactive process. All documentation submitted is confidential and not shared with faculty and/or staff. Students are encouraged to apply to the Office of Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible to discuss reasonable accommodations for their specific academic programs.

To learn more about accommodations at Rush University and/or to apply, please visit the Office of Student Accessibility Services. Or you can contact the director of the Office of Student Accessibility Services:

Office of Student Diversity and Community Engagement

Diversity, equity and inclusion are critical to our mission at Rush University — to provide outstanding health sciences education in a climate of inclusion.

The Office of Student Diversity and Community Engagement strives to create an inclusive environment and learning community where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported, having opportunities to share their personal experiences.

Accordingly, the office collaborates with the entire Rush University community within the four colleges and university stakeholders to incorporate diversity and cultural principles within the campus. These aims are undergirded by the goal and vision of the office:

Goal 

Shape and sustain an inclusive and cultural campus environment for all students at Rush University steeped in health equity.

Vision

Rush University will serve as a leader in creating and fostering an inclusive environment in which students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds embody and respect attitudes, values and diverse perspectives in all areas of their work.

To achieve the goal and vision of Student Diversity, there is a commitment to the following:

Student Professional Development: Provide opportunities for students to engage in diversity and inclusion leadership opportunities and professional development activities to enhance their diversity, inclusion and multicultural awareness.

Education and Training: Offer ongoing trainings, webinars, workshops, lecture series and events to promote diversity and inclusion awareness, and leadership for students and the greater campus community.

Supporting Academic Success: Assist in developing co-curricular programming that build capacity to navigate diversity and inclusion issues and that complement the learning environment and foster academic achievement.

Campus Climate: Implement a systematic, continuous assessment of campus climate for students and action plans to enhance and strengthen a welcoming, diverse and inclusive student environment.

Rush University Cultural Center (RUCC): The new Cultural Center has opened to provide safe space for students to gather and share/learn cultural experiences, community, and meet with a navigator to access available resources.  Students now have an Energy Pod which they can use to relieve stress by meditating or taking a 20-minute nap. A link to schedule time with the Energy Pod will be listed in the University Portal soon.

Student Diversity is in the Rush University Cultural Center, AAC, Suite 202. For additional information, please call (312) 942-3670 or email sharon_gates@Rush.edu.

Office of Student Life and Engagement

The mission of the Office of Student Life and Engagement is to provide services and opportunities that will enhance each student’s academic experience and connection with Rush University. The Student Life and Engagement staff works closely with students, faculty and administration to identify student needs, and design and implement programs and policies to meet those needs.

The professional staff serves as advisers to student organizations; provides career services to students in each academic discipline; in partnership with the Office of the Registrar supports university orientation for new students; assists with the development and implementation of commencement events; sponsors educational, multicultural and social activities for all students and supports student organizations.

Office of Student Life and Engagement
Armour Academic Center
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 984
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 942-6302
student_life@rush.edu
www.rushu.rush.edu/student-life-and-engagement

Student Activities and Programming

The Office of Student Life and Engagement sponsors programs that are open to all Rush University students, faculty and staff. The primary objective of these programs is to enhance the co-curricular life of the Rush student community. The office sponsors a variety of campus events, including but not limited to: Welcome Back Week, Fall Into Rush (student organization fair), Finals Relief Week, Constitution Day and Student Appreciation Week.

In addition, the office encourages the exploration of Chicago’s many cultural, educational and social resources and regularly collaborates with university partners to offer relevant, diverse and engaging student programming. Student Life and Engagement staff also serve as advisers to student organizations and helps plan and implement events. Students wishing to become involved are encouraged to visit www.rushu.rush.edu/getting-involved and contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement at student_life@rush.edu. 

Student Organizations

The Office of Student Life and Engagement recognizes the interests and goals of each student organization through administrative and limited financial support. Students who wish to establish a new organization are encouraged to email student_life@rush.edu to meet with a staff member.

Currently, there are more than 45 active organizations and affinity groups, including the RU Student Senate, American Medical Student Association, the Graduate College Student Council, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Rush Medical College Student Council, Rush Muslim Students’ Association, RU Student Nurses Association and the Student Occupational Therapy Association. A full listing and descriptions of all approved organizations can be found on the Student Life and Engagement involvement webpage.

Career Development

The Office of Student Life and Engagement assists students who are preparing for job searches, including internship/externship, full-time positions and residency application processes with resumes, curriculum vitae, cover letters, personal statements and interviewing techniques. Career workshops are offered, and a variety of career resources are available in the office for student use and on the Rush University Portal. Students wishing to make a one-on-one appointment for career assistance should contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement at student_life@rush.edu. Virtual career services appointments are available.

Students are also individually assigned academic advisers from their associated colleges who are knowledgeable about the student’s educational program. These advisers help with curriculum selection, academic progression, and professional and career development.

Food Pantry

In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, Rush Veggie RX and the Office of Student Diversity and Community Engagement the Office of Student Life and Engagement assists in the management of the campus food pantry by providing appointments for food insecure students to access healthy produce and healthy non-perishable items.

Student Lounge

The Student Lounge, located on the north end of the ninth floor of the Armour Academic Center (Room 992), is equipped with couches, tables and chairs, a multifunction printer/copy machine and a kitchen with refrigerators and microwave ovens. All students are invited and encouraged to use the facilities of the lounge. A student ID proxy card mechanism located in the west corridor by the back door allows students 24-hour access to the lounge via Room 984.

Student Lockers

The Office of Student Life and Engagement assigns lockers upon request during the new student onboarding experience. Lockers are located throughout the Armour Academic Center, and most lockers are shared with another student. Be advised that Rush University assumes no responsibility for the loss of personal property from lockers.

To request a locker, or should any difficulties arise with a locker, contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement, located in the Armour Academic Center, Room 984 or email student_life@rush.edu.

Voter Registration

Voter registration materials are available through the Office of Student Life and Engagement, located in Armour Academic Center, Room 984. Voter registration can also be completed online at ova.elections.il.gov/ and www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/voter-registration. Voter registration materials allow students to vote in local, state and federal elections.

Office of the Registrar

The Office of the Registrar supports the academic mission of the university by facilitating the transition of students from matriculation to degree completion; creating, interpreting and enforcing academic and administrative policies and procedures; overseeing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA); scheduling all classroom space in the Armour Academic Center and academic testing in the Triangle Office Building; fulfilling transcript and credentialing/licensing requests; and providing accessible, reliable, responsive and courteous personal services and support that meet the diverse needs of the university’s students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni. More information about the Office of the Registrar is available at www.rushu.rush.edu/registrar.

Quick Copy Center

Located on the seventh floor of Armour Academic Center, Room 780, the Quick Copy Center duplicates materials for educational purposes as well as general needs. A full range of services are offered including front-back copying, three-hole punched copies, booklets and multiple binding options, limited layout design, colored copying and large format posters and banners on a variety of materials.

Personal work of one or more copies can be accommodated for faculty and students at a reasonable fee.

Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity

The Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity, or the Institute, was formally founded in 2021, and built on a strong ongoing mission dedicated to health equity. The Institute links the many health equity initiatives that Rush has spearheaded for decades. It is committed to strategically connecting neighbors, community leaders, nonprofit organizations and other healthcare institutions to advance health equity — the idea that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The Institute is a catalyst for community health and vitality through multifaceted approaches to dismantling barriers to health and promoting health equity both within and outside of Rush.

Our approach is based on a unique partnership with the community that we call bi-directional learning with the community voice at the center of all our work. The Institute helps Rush to effectively incubate, pilot, scale and sustain promising solutions with this bi-directional model, partnering with our communities to advance the following:

• University curriculum review and enhancements with a health equity lens focused on antiracism and social justice
• Education and training programs like the Rush Education and Career Hub, give community members a pathway to higher-paying careers and strengthen academic attainment
• Community clinical practices, like our school-based health centers and College of Nursing faculty practices staffed by nurse practitioners, embed high-quality care within Rush’s surrounding communities to address health access issues and train future generations of health care providers
• Community engagement initiatives that address social determinants of health, including programs to combat food and housing insecurity
• Policy and advocacy for health equity initiatives including the evaluation of benefits and burdens of proposed health policy and legislation
• Community-based health equity research tied into NIH grants and philanthropic support working with the community to develop evidence-based solutions and understand the factors preventing communities from thriving

Rush Community Service Initiatives Program

The mission of the Rush Community Service Initiatives Program, or RCSIP, is to provide community-based volunteer experiences for Rush students. These experiences enhance our students’ ability to work in interprofessional teams, develop patient relationships, care for diverse populations and provide targeted services based on community need.

RCSIP achieves its mission through the following:

• Aligning volunteer experiences with the findings from the Rush Community Health Needs Assessment
• Developing community programs that align with Rush’s community implementation plan
• Providing appropriate support and training for student volunteers
• Assessing the outcomes of community programs
• Evaluating the effects of community service experiences on the personal learning and development of the students

For additional information please contact:

Sharon Gates
Senior Director, Community Engagement
(312) 942-3670
Sharon_Gates@rush.edu

Student Health

Rush University’s Office of Student Health Services is committed to supporting student health and wellbeing through a collaborative and integrated approach by working across campus and partnering with several support offices. While the university’s Student Health team does not offer direct patient care, the office supports students by ensuring they are well-informed of the university’s vaccination compliance policies.  

The Student Health office works closely with each of the university’s three colleges and maintains strict confidentiality of student health status as it relates to the university’s vaccination policies. Student Health administers registration holds for students that fail to comply with required policies. Once a student has successfully met their university vaccination requirement, the registration hold is released.

Students can contact the Office of Student Health Services at student_health@rush.edu regarding university vaccinations or any student health related question. Student inquiries remain confidential and are only shared with the appropriate university representatives on a need-to-know basis.

Hazardous Exposure Procedures

Exposure Incident Definition: Eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin contact or parenteral exposure to blood or potentially infectious or hazardous materials that result from the performance of a duty related to a student’s educational program.

Hazardous Exposure Procedure at Rush University Medical Center

1. Wash injured area with soap and water. Use water only for the eyes, nose or mouth.
2. Immediately report the incident to your preceptor, supervisor and/or course instructor. Do not complete the employee injury report.
3. Immediately call, and then report to, Employee and Corporate Health Services, or ECHS, during regular hours (Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Room 475, fourth floor of the Atrium, 1650 W. Harrison St., (312) 942-5878 for blood/body fluid exposures only. People who are exposed to hazardous materials or other injuries should report to the Emergency Department, or ED, and follow up with a health care provider. Medical students should follow up with Lifetime Medical Associates. 
4. If ECHS is closed, immediately report to the ED, first floor of the Tower, 1620 W. Harrison St., (312) 947-0100. Please bring your student ID or indicate that you are a student and not an employee. If a student is seen in the ED, they must report to ECHS the next business day. Medical students should follow up with Lifetime Medical Associates.
5. Supply the ECHS or ED nurse or physician with the following information on the source: name, date of birth, medical record number, known medical diseases (e.g., hepatitis B, HIV) and patient room number. All information is recorded confidentially in the Blood/Body Fluid Exposure Record. 
6. If the incident occurs in the OR, have personnel draw two red top tubes on source, label them with source information and take them to the ECHS or ED. Students will be counseled or treated as deemed appropriate by ECHS or ED personnel.
7. Follow up with ECHS as directed for follow-up lab work and treatment as indicated. Only medical students will follow -up with Lifetime Medical Associates (LMA).
8. If you are not on Rush’s main campus, follow the protocol at your facility. If directed to the Rush ED, bring source patient information (No. 4) and source blood in two red top tubes with source information. Email RU.Report_Exposures@Rush.edu with the exposed student’s name, college, course, date, time and details of exposure for follow-up and billing. Follow-up care should be received at ECHS or Lifetime Medical Associates. 

Phone Numbers Students May Need

Wellness Triage Pager (24/7 Support within 60 minutes)

(312) 942-6000 ext. 2323

Center for Clinical Wellness

rushwellness@rush.edu

Rush Student Assistance Program (24/7 Immediate Support) 

(877) 465-1324

Rush University Medical Center Campus Security

(312) 942-5678

Rush University Medical Center Emergency Room

(312) 942-0100

Rush University Medical Center Employee and Corporate Health Services

(312) 942-5878

Rush Hotline

(877) 787-4009

Office of Medical Student Programs

(312) 942-6915

Lifetime Medical Associates                  

(312) 942-8000

Crisis Lines:

Chicago Police Department                   

911

National Suicide Hotline                                  

(800) 273-8255

YWCA Rape Crisis Hotline                   

(888) 293-2080

Alcoholics Anonymous 24-Hour Hotline       

(312) 346-1475

Narcotics Anonymous 24-Hour Hotline        

(708) 848-4884

Northwestern Memorial Hospital 24-Hour Hotline

(312) 926-8100

Domestic Violence Helpline (City of Chicago)

(877) 863-6338

Sarah’s Inn Hotline (domestic violence)       

(708) 386-4225

Student Identification Cards

Rush students are required to wear their student ID card at all times while on campus. Students not wearing a valid student ID card may be asked to leave theuUniversity or medical center and related clinical sites. A valid student ID card is needed to access and use the library, laboratories, bookstore and student lounge, and is required for admission to some school events.

The student ID card is valid only while the student is enrolled at Rush University and is immediately deactivated upon graduation, withdrawal or dismissal from the University. Students must return their ID card to the Office of the Registrar upon separation from the University.

New students who complete the onboarding checklist form will be issued their ID card during the orientation. Otherwise, new students can request an ID card from their college representative starting the Friday before the term of matriculation.

The Armour Academic Center building door on the 4th floor overpass from the main parking garage opens Sunday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. and is locked at 8 p.m. At all other times, this door is keycard access only. The opening and closing times may change if there is a special event in the building or a special request is made. Visitors may enter Rush through the main visitor entrance in the Atrium Building and request a visitor pass.

In order to make it easier for students to enter the Armour Academic Center after the building has been locked at night, and to utilize new and extended-hour study spaces, there is a card reader on the ground floor of the Armour Academic Center near the Starbucks cafe accessible Sunday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rush student, faculty and employee ID cards are accepted by the card reader.

The Rush Security Office is open for ID card replacement on the following days:

If an ID is lost and you need a replacement, it will be a $10 charge via Student Accounts.

Student Identity Access Management and Email Accounts

Rush University creates Rush network accounts and email accounts for all admitted degree-, certificate- and non-degree seeking students prior to their term of matriculation. Learning Management System (LMS) access uses the student’s network account and is authorized shortly after a student enrolls in their courses for their term of entry to Rush.

Network Accounts

A student’s network account consists of a unique username and Rush email address which is associated and accessible to only one individual. The student’s network account is used to access all secure systems at Rush, including the Learning Management System (LMS) and Rush email.

Users can update their passwords by contacting the Service Desk at the number listed below. A generic sign-on used by groups of individuals is not allowed. Sharing a sign-on and password or the unauthorized access to another person’s computer account is not permitted and can lead to disciplinary action up to, and including, dismissal.

Every Rush-affiliated user is responsible for every transaction originating from their computer account. Anyone engaging in unauthorized use, disclosure, alteration or destruction of data is subject to disciplinary action. Computer accounts may not be used in any manner that would be illegal or violate the following:

• Rush University Medical Center’s Code of Conduct Policy
• Any Rush policy addressing privacy or confidentiality or the use or disclosure of patient, staff, physician, student or other data

A student’s network account will be deactivated for the following reasons:

• Inactivity: network accounts that are not used for six months will be deactivated by Information Services without notice.
• Withdrawal or Dismissal: network accounts may be immediately deactivated for a student who withdraws or is dismissed from the institution.
• Graduation: students will have access to their network account for up to three months following graduation.

Students who are also active employees will retain access to their network account after they are no longer actively enrolled as a student.

Students are expected to check their Rush email account regularly since Rush University considers email an official means of communication. Often, students receive important news and deadlines via the campus email system. Students should also use their Rush email account to communicate with faculty and staff rather than using a personal email account.

If a student has a problem with their email account, they should contact Information Services at (312) 563-2527, option NO. 2, or 3clas@rush.edu.

Rush University Medical Center has the right to assign, reassign or terminate any individual’s access to electronic communications, information systems or networks, and take disciplinary actions-up to and including dismissal-in response to any negligent or deliberate misuse thereof. Email belongs to the recipient. A user’s mailbox is treated in the same manner as any other file belonging to that user.

Information proprietary to Rush University Medical Center may not be shared outside the organization without the approval of management. Patients’ (HIPAA) protected information may qualify as a medical record and is considered confidential. Therefore, email related to patient care, treatment, therapy or testing should be incorporated into the patient’s medical record or be encrypted. Rush University Medical Center is not responsible for the content of emails received.

Examples of actions that may be subject to disciplinary action include the following:

• Sharing account information, including username and password
• Attempting to gain access to another user’s password, username or email account
• Attempting to read, delete, copy or modify the email of other users
• Posting email messages with sexually explicit images or language that may be construed as harassment, or disparagement of others based on a person’s race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or parental status, disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, veteran’s status, pregnancy or any other category protected by federal or state law or county or city ordinance
• Spamming

University Facilities

University Facilities, located on the seventh floor of the Armour Academic Center (Room 720), provides a variety of services to the patrons and users of the Armour Academic Center, including building maintenance and scheduling repairs. 

Additionally, University Facilities analyzes and allocates space, accommodates lab and classroom setup, oversees the housekeeping group (DFS) and day-to-day classroom operations (3-CLAS). For questions, please email university_facilities@rush.edu or call (312) 942-8631.

Worship/Prayer/Meditation Opportunities

The Department of Religion, Health and Human Values provides weekly opportunities for worship/prayer/meditation in the J. Hall Taylor Memorial Chapel, located on the first floor of the Kellogg building near elevator C, as well as special services on faith-group holidays. Two meditation rooms, available at all times as a refuge for the spirit, are located on the fourth floor (Tower Smith Family Lounge) as well as the second floor of the Johnson R. Bowman (JRB) building.

Rush University has also opened a new meditation space or prayer room for students, faculty and staff to utilize located in the library. To access the room, enter the library through the fifth-floor entrance, walk towards the back and you’ll see stairs on your left. Go to the top of the stairs and walk east toward the windows. The door is in the far southeast corner. The room formerly housed the rare book collection. This space is available for use 24/7.

A directory of churches in the area is available by calling the Department of Religion, Health and Human Values at (312) 942-5571. Chaplains are available for consultation about professional and personal issues.