PRINCIPLES FOR ASSURING THE HEALTH OF COLLEGE-STUDENTS - A CALIFORNIAPERSPECTIVE

Given the rapidity of change in both higher education and healthcare, reexamining the values and precepts that undergird the profession of c ollege health is an ongoing need. Reported in this article are the res ults of a structured process in which a group of college health profes sionals from California, along with others interested in the health of college students, examined several trends affecting higher education and health; considered possible scenarios for these sectors; created a shared vision for the future of college health; and developed strateg ies useful in attaining that vision. The results of these deliberation s are presented as a set of principles that, if followed, should incre ase the likelihood that college health centers will be responsive to u ser needs. Although the article is based on a California-based confere nce, the principles discussed are almost certainly valuable for all in college health.