Housing Accommodation Policy
This policy supersedes any and all previous housing policies and practices and may be subject to change at any time.
Housing accommodations are distinct from academic or classroom accommodations. While academic accommodations address barriers within the learning environment, housing accommodations address barriers related to a student’s ability to access and participate in the residential living environment.
Students who choose to live in university housing are expected to meet the essential components of communal residential living. These expectations support a safe, respectful, and functional community for all residents by upholding all University policies and regulations including the Fogcutter.
Requesting Housing Accommodations
Students seeking disability-related housing accommodations must complete the Student Disability Services (SDS) intake and eligibility process. Housing accommodations are not automatic and are determined through an individualized review of each student’s disability-related needs.
Housing accommodation requests are initially discussed during a meeting between the student and their assigned SDS specialist. During this meeting, the student’s disability-related functional limitations and requested housing adjustments will be reviewed. Appropriate documentation may be required to support the request.
If a request is determined to be credible and related to the student’s documented disability-related needs, the request will be forwarded to the appropriate review committee for consideration. The committee will review the request and determine whether the accommodation will be approved, modified, or denied.
Availability of Housing Accommodations
The university provides housing accommodations based on documented disability-related need and the availability of appropriate on-campus housing spaces. While the university makes reasonable efforts to meet approved accommodation needs, specific room types, buildings, or placements cannot always be guaranteed.
Housing accommodations are implemented in coordination with the residential life and housing offices to support both the student’s access needs and the broader residential community.
Examples of Housing Accommodations
Housing accommodations are determined on an individualized basis and are based on the student’s documented disability-related needs. Examples of housing accommodations that may be considered include, but are not limited to:
- A single room or reduced occupancy room
- Permission for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in university housing
- Placement on a certain floor in a residence hall
- A specific room location (e.g. near restrooms, exits, or other campus resources)
- Access to kitchen facilities
- Visual or auditory alert systems
- Accessible bathroom facilities
- Permission for medical equipment in the residence hall
The provision of a specific accommodation is not guaranteed and will depend on the individualized review process and housing availability.