ALL new undergraduate and graduate students, including business school students, are required to submit a properly completed Health Data Form (HDF) to Student Health Services. All students are also required to complete a tuberculosis (TB) screening questionnaire through the student health portal. If screening identifies risk factors for tuberculosis, additional TB testing will be required.
Returning students who have been away from Rice University for less than one year may use their previously submitted Health Data Form. This includes graduate students transitioning directly from a Rice undergraduate degree. However, vaccine records may need to be updated, so students are encouraged to contact Student Health Services for a review of their records.
Health Data Form (HDF)
The 2026–27 Health Data Form is available in your student health portal. Log in to the portal to enter your health information, upload your Health Data Form and vaccination records, and view your health compliance status. You may also download the form below.
An appointment with a healthcare provider is required to complete the form. You may see your usual healthcare provider in any country. Please print both the instructions and the form and take them to your provider.
Forms submitted through the portal will be processed beginning May 15, following spring graduation. Please do not mail or email your form. All forms must be uploaded through the portal.
The form must be completed and submitted by the due date. If your program starts on an early cycle, please plan to submit accordingly.
Deadlines
- Undergraduate students: June 15 (December 1 for spring semester starts)
- MBA students: July 1
- Graduate students: July 15 (December 1 for spring semester starts)
If you are unable to meet the deadline, please submit your forms as soon as possible. You do not need to email us to request an extension. Housing and course registration will be permitted once all required forms are completed. If you have questions about how timing may affect your enrollment, housing, or registration, please reach out to your academic advisor.
Student Health Compliance Requirements and Information
- A fully completed Health Data Form (HDF) is required for student health compliance. All sections, including vision information, must be completed. Before submitting your form, please verify that the immunization and physical exam sections have been completed and signed by your healthcare provider.
- The physical exam must be completed within one (1) year of the first day of classes and documented on the Rice Student Health Data Form (HDF).
- New students (including transfer students) and students returning from a leave of absence must submit proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination. Under Texas law, students under age 22 must have received one dose on or after their 16th birthday and within five years of enrollment. Students who do not meet this requirement may be unable to move into campus housing, register for classes, or attend classes. For information about the law, including exemptions, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
- All new students must provide documentation of two MMR vaccines.
- Students who have not received required immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, may be excluded from school during a public health emergency or epidemic.
- Undergraduate students receive information about the HDF and other required forms and deadlines from the Dean of Undergraduates Office. Graduate students receive this information, including submission instructions and deadlines, from their academic department.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the HDF is completed accurately and submitted by the required deadline. To avoid delays in processing, please review your form carefully before submission.
- We recommend keeping a copy of your completed HDF for your records.
Important: Student Health cannot complete the HDF or provide required immunizations for entering students.
Checking your Health Data Form or Vaccine Hold -First check the portal https://studenthealth.rice.edu for any compliance updates or messages. Then you can check the Rice system -
- Login to ESTHER
- Select "Student Services & Account Information"
- Select "Student Records & Account Information"
- Select "View Holds"
- Confirm that there isn't a ME - Student Health Services Hold or a VA - Vaccination Hold. The ME hold means your Health Data Form has not been received or it's incomplete. The VA hold means proof of your meningococcal meningitis vaccination has not been received.
If you have other holds on your account, consult the Office of the Registrar's information on various account holds. Please note that all new students have an "Honor Code Affirmed" hold on their account that will be resolved during orientation.
Please allow at least three (3) business days for our staff to review submitted documents before checking your hold status. Processing times may be longer during peak periods.
Before contacting our office with questions regarding the Health Data Form, please review the frequently asked questions.
Privacy policy
Student health records are protected under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Your health information is personal and we are legally required to comply with FERPA's privacy protections. For more info on Rice University privacy policies - https://policy.rice.edu/. Your mobile information and SMS opt-in data will never be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
Terms of Service
Student Health Services sends opted-in subscribers appointment reminders and other updates. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out. You agree to notify us of any changes to your mobile number. Information collected through this service (including your phone number, carrier, and message data) will only be used to contact you and fulfill your requests. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue this service at any time, with or without notice.