Student Life Mission Statement
The Office of Student Life strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment to promote the holistic development of Pratt Munson students, not only as artists but as actively engaged and responsible community members.
The following offices are housed in Student Life:
- Academic Accommodations
- Counseling Center
- Residence Life
- Student Activities and Leadership
- Title IX
Accommodations
Students seeking academic or residential accommodations should speak directly with the Student Life Director. Specific documentation from a licensed medical care provider is required and requests are not guaranteed. In college, students must become “self-advocates” for accommodation services. Therefore, it is critical that they inform the Student Life Director of their specific diagnoses and needs through the application process for services.
Mental Health Counseling
Counseling services are available at no charge to all Pratt Munson students. The Counseling Office is located on the first floor of the Student Life Building, Room 101. The Counselor can be reached by phone (315-797-0000 ext. 2012). Referrals can be made by anyone, including professors, Student Life staff, Campus Safety, and students. Referrals can be made via email at counseling@prattmunson.edu. Individual appointments and programs are offered by the Counselor. All counseling sessions are confidential, free, and unlimited.
Common needs addressed include:
- Stress management
- Peer pressure/conflicts
- Gender identity
- Anxiety
- Sexual identity
- Drug/alcohol-related problems
- Emotion management
- Family stressors
- Relationship issues
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Crisis management
- Academic stressors
In working with the Pratt Munson Counselor, students may also utilize virtual counseling sessions through BetterMynds. BetterMynds expands the diversity of staff, care, and hours that are provided for students.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an essential part of any clinical relationship. All aspects of student participation in services through the Counseling Center, including scheduling appointments, content of individual and group sessions and any records, are completely confidential as outlined by federal and state law. Communication between a clinician and client can only be disclosed when the client signs a release of authorization form authorizing disclosure or in cases of immediate danger or serious harm to the client or someone else.
Counseling records are maintained in confidential, electronic, secure files completely separate from the student’s academic record and cannot be accessed by faculty, parents, or staff outside the Counseling Center without the student’s signed consent.
Additional Resources
Campus Safety: 315-724-2670
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Trevor Hotline for LGBTQ+: 1-866-488-7386
YWCA 24-hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Violence Hotline: 315-797-7740
If students are experiencing a mental health crisis during regular business hours (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), they should contact the Counseling Center at 315-797-0000 ext. 2012 or 315-927-8462. During off-hours or in the event that the Counseling Center is unreachable, students should contact Campus Safety at 315-724-2670. In case of a mental health emergency and the Counselor is unavailable, students may also contact MCAT at 315-732-6228.
Health Resources
The Office of Student Life can assist you to find local resources for the below:
- Assessment of injuries, accidents, and minor illnesses
- Referral to medical resources for care
- Access to immunization services
MMR Immunization Policy
Per New York State Public Health Law (PHL) Section 2165 Immunization Requirements for Students, students are required to have the MMR vaccination first dose no more than four days before his or her first birthday and the second dose received at least 28 days after. Exceptions include physician diagnosis of the disease or serologic evidence of immunity. Thus, students will be required to provide proof of their MMR/immunizations by the time they enroll on campus. Proof of the MMR vaccine is located on the Health Evaluation Form. If a student has not fulfilled this requirement by 30 days after the first day of classes, they will be removed from classes until the requirement is fulfilled.
Meningitis Information
A law regarding meningitis immunizations, Public Health Law (NYS PHL 2167), requires institutions, including colleges and universities, to distribute information about meningitis and vaccination to all students, whether they live on or off campus, and then track whether or not the student has chosen the option to get the vaccination or has selected not to get it.
Healthcare Transportation Policy
Pratt Munson will pay for an Uber or Lyft back from the hospital to students’ residence halls. Receipts must be submitted and approved by the Student Life Director.
For liability reasons, we cannot pay for a taxi to a mental health or health services provider. Students must secure their own transportation or request an ambulance through Campus Safety to go to an emergency room. An ambulance will be called for transport in case of a mental health emergency.
Medical Insurance
All Pratt Munson students are required to carry full medical insurance while enrolled. If students do not have an existing health insurance policy that will cover them while in Utica, N.Y., they will be required to purchase the school’s Aetna Student Health Insurance plan. Students that can provide proof of an existing insurance policy have the option to waive the Aetna Student Health Insurance coverage.
This process is conducted each academic year. Students are responsible for completing the process accordingly. Any student not completing a waiver will be automatically enrolled in the Pratt Munson Aetna Student Health Insurance plan, and the charge will remain on the student invoice. Aetna Student Health insurance cards can be printed at aetnastudenthealth.com.
