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Living on campus is a learning experience and a University requirement for freshman and sophomores. Housing or dining accommodations are intended to provide equal access to students whose disability substantially impacts their ability to live on campus or to participate in campus dining options.鈥疞iving in a communal environment may require compromise and communication for all students. Living with another person can sometimes be a challenging experience, and it is understandable that students may be hesitant to share a room or bathroom with other students. However, the residence halls are designed as a community where students live and learn together with a balance of rights and responsibilities that are supported by Resident Assistants (RAs), Assistant Residence Hall Directors, and Residence Hall Directors who are trained to assist students in navigating spaces and relationships.鈥疭tudents should contact their鈥� Residence Hall staff鈥痠f they need assistance with a roommate conflict, maintenance issue, or other concerns.

All residence halls have either pod-style bathrooms (which provide privacy for the individual user with a toilet, shower, and sink behind a locked door) or attached bathrooms (shared only with those assigned to the unit). Students may choose a specific type of living arrangement during the housing assignment process, though University Housing may have limited options available. Students can explore different options on the Residence Halls website. It is in the best interest of students to sign their housing contract and to make their room selection as soon as possible each year they wish to live on campus.  Students wishing to have a specific roommate should utilize the roommate selection process when they sign their housing contract.鈥�

When necessary, reasonable accommodations are facilitated when the accommodation logically and effectively addresses the impact of a student鈥檚 disability relative to the barriers established by and rooted in the campus housing and dining environment to provide equal access for students with disabilities as they engage and participate in the same activities, services, and experiences offered to all students. 

When considering housing accommodation requests, SAS will consider how the specific request provides equal access to the University鈥檚 residential program. Accommodations for housing are considered individually after a review of documentation and student self-report. Documentation containing only a recommendation and not significant information about the student鈥檚 disability, its symptoms, or the impact in the living/learning environment may not be sufficient.鈥� 

This process is reserved for those who have a significant and unforeseen change that occurred after the contract period began that prevents the student from upholding their contractual obligation. Requests to be released from a housing contract due to a medical or psychological reason are evaluated by SAS. Students must have documentation of a diagnosed disability that substantially impacts one or more major life activities related to participation in the University鈥檚 residential program. The contract cannot be terminated solely for the purpose of living off-campus or in order to commute from home. While this process can be done at any time, students should be aware of the housing forfeiture schedule when submitting their petition. The Housing Forfeiture Schedule is outlined in the Residence Hall Contract for Room and Dining Plan. 

Students wishing to pursue a release from the housing contract for medical and/or psychological reasons should provide documentation of their disability. Documentation should be completed by the student鈥檚 healthcare provider or a licensed clinical professional that is familiar with the student鈥檚 disability and can be provided in a written letter on the medical professional鈥檚 letterhead or the medical provider can complete the Housing Contract Release Documentation Form. Documentation should include:  

• A statement of diagnosis identifying the disability, date of diagnosis, associated symptoms and their severity, frequency, and duration. 

• A description of how the disability impacts the student within the housing environment including the specific reasons preventing the student from living on campus. 

• Rationale of why other housing options such as a single room or access to a non-communal restroom would not meet the student鈥檚 needs and alternative recommendations for appropriate accommodations. 

• Rationale of why it is necessary for the student to move out of the residence halls during the contract period.  

SAS will review the documentation and student鈥檚 request for contract release. If granted, SAS will notify University Housing and the student about the decision. Students should communicate with University Housing regarding check-out procedures and other important information.  

Contact your Access Advisor if you need assistance.

Dining Accommodations

This accommodation is appropriate for students whose disability interferes with their ability to utilize campus dining facilities. University Culinary Services provides several resources to students as they navigate dining facilities. Students with food allergies and other dietary needs should contact the Registered Dietitian to review allergen information. Gluten-friendly options are available in many of the dining facilities, and nutrition information and ingredients are posted in all dining locations and online. The Design Innovation Hub, an all-you-care-to-eat facility, is designated as nut-free. If a student鈥檚 disability presents a substantial limitation to the use of campus dining plans, students may be eligible for a dining accommodation.  

How do students get dining accommodations?

SAS reviews all dining accommodation requests in conjunction with the Registered Dietitian. If approved, SAS will communicate the meal plan reduction or waiver to University Culinary Services and alert the student. Students requesting a meal plan waiver should anticipate cooking their own meals in their residence hall kitchen or through alternate arrangements. Dining accommodation requests related to religious observances or financial hardship should be directed to the Registered Dietitian in University Culinary Services.  

Contact your Access Advisor if you need assistance.