Medical Leave of Absence
Pratt Institute students who feel they need to take a temporary leave from their studies due to physical or mental health concern, may apply for a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA).
An MLOA allows a student to take time away from their academic work for one or more semesters for medical or psychological illnesses. In these instances, time away for treatment and recovery can restore a student’s functioning to a level that will enable him/her to return to Pratt.
Eligibility:
- Students should be in good academic standing which is defined as a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduate students.
- Students must have completed at least one semester at Pratt
- Students must be in good financial standing
- Health Insurance: If a student is covered by the Student Health Insurance then they may continue coverage during the MLOA for up to 2 consecutive semesters.
- International Students: International Students holding visas must consult with the International Affairs office before filing for a MLOA to make sure they meet the immigration regulatory requirements.
- Access to Campus and Student Services: Access to campus facilities and services is limited when a student is on a MLOA. Further restrictions may be applied as a result of the circumstances associated with the MLOA. The student would be notified in writing by the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee) if any further restrictions apply.
- On-Campus Housing: Students may not remain in on-campus housing. Students intending on returning to housing must contact the Office of Residence Life after obtaining clearance to return.
- Tuition Insurance: Students who have chosen to be enrolled in Tuition Insurance may file a claim to be reimbursed for a portion of their Tuition and fees. Students who withdraw and have received financial aid must contact the Financial Aid office. Some aid may need to be returned. Any balance that results from a reduction in aid is the student’s responsibility.
PROCESS FOR OBTAINING AN MLOA
If you are a student who is considering a leave of absence, please email Martha Cedarholm, the Senior Student Advocate and Care Coordinator at mcedarho@pratt.edu or call 718-399-4546 for assistance.
Once you have decided to take a MLOA you should compete a Leave of Absence Form available from the Registrar online here:
DEADLINES FOR REQUESTING A MLOA
Students must have completed an evaluation, for a MLOA no later than the final day of classes as listed on the on-line academic calendar in order for a MLOA to be processed for that semester.
RETURNING FROM A MLOA
When a student feels ready to resume studies at Pratt, they must present compelling evidence that their medical condition has resolved or been sufficiently treated so that it will no longer adversely affect their safety and functioning or that of the larger Pratt community.
If you are returning from a leave of absence, students should email Martha Cedarholm, Senior Student Advocate and Care Coordinator at mcedarho@pratt.edu or 718-399-4546, to get further instructions on returning to Pratt. Requests to return must be submitted in writing by the following dates:
Fall semester return: July 1
Spring semester return: December 1
Summer semester return: April 1
Students must provide documentation from a qualified medical or mental health provider who can attest to the student’s readiness to return and meet with the Student Advocate in an in-person or phone meeting to discuss their return to Pratt. Following this evaluation, the Care Coordinator will make a recommendation, in consultation with Health and or Counseling staff, as to the student’s readiness to return. If restrictions or conditions were applied upon the student’s exit, the Student Advocate will forward their recommendations to the Vice President for Student Affairs who then renders a decision regarding the student’s return.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Please view the link for Medical Leave of Absence under Pratt Policies (Student Life section) on the Pratt Intranet for more details regarding this policy. The Pratt Intranet can be accessed through a student’s myPratt account.
TUITION REFUND INSURANCE [ https://www.pratt.edu/about/offices/student-financial-services/tuition-refund-insurance/]
Pratt offers Tuition Refund Insurance for students withdrawing from classes after refund deadlines have passed. The Tuition Refund Insurance provides coverage through a plan designed to refund 75% of your semester tuition and on-campus room and board when a student withdraws at any time during a semester for covered medical reasons. Please contact Student Financial Services for more information at 718.636.3599
sfs@pratt.edu