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In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, ÂÌñÉç is committed to providing reasonable housing accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. These federal laws ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to educational programs, including college-operated housing.

ÂÌñÉç recognizes the importance of equal participation in campus life and strives to create an inclusive residential environment. Our housing program features communal living arrangements, including shared bedrooms, common-access bathrooms, and varying levels of activity and noise. For documented medical or psychological reasons, some students may require nonstandard housing accommodations.

To determine eligibility for such accommodations, the College requires current, comprehensive documentation from a qualified, licensed professional who has an established treatment relationship with the student. This documentation must demonstrate that:

• The student has a disability as defined by the ADA (i.e., a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities), and

• The requested housing accommodation is necessary to provide equal access to the College’s residential life program.

A substantiated need is defined as a severe or chronic disabling condition that directly impacts the student’s ability to live in standard college housing. Documentation must clearly identify how the condition limits the student’s functional ability in the residential setting.

This policy outlines the specific procedures and guidelines for submitting and evaluating housing accommodation requests. ÂÌñÉç reserves the right to:

• Amend this policy at any time, as circumstances require

• Request additional information or clarification to support the accommodation request

• Offer alternative accommodations when the requested one is not reasonable or not the only effective option

ðŸÇÀ&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Please note:

• A medical or psychological diagnosis does not automatically entitle a student to a housing accommodation.

• Requests based solely on preferences, such as a desire for a quiet or private space, do not meet the legal threshold for accommodation.

• In some cases, alternative reasonable accommodations may be offered to meet the student's access needs.

Students facing challenges in their living environments are encouraged to seek support through the Emmons Wellness Center and the Disability Services Office, which provide resources to build communication skills, resolve conflicts, improve study habits, and develop strategies for successful communal living.

Process for Requesting Reasonable Housing Accommodation

Disability Services is responsible for reviewing all housing accommodation requests. Staff members have the training and expertise to evaluate documentation and determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be made within College-owned residential facilities or if a release from the residency requirement is appropriate.

To ensure timely processing, all housing accommodation requests must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• March 1st for fall semester (returning students)
• July 1st for fall semester (incoming students)
• December 11 for spring semester (Transfer students)

Requests submitted after the deadlines will still be accepted and reviewed; however, the Residential Education & Housing Services office cannot guarantee that all accommodation needs will be met. If the need for an accommodation arises after a student has already moved into College housing, the student should follow the process outlined below as soon as possible.

Students seeking reasonable housing accommodations must follow the steps outlined below:

1. Students must complete the . As part of the request, students should provide a statement explaining the rationale for the accommodation(s) being requested. This statement must include specific information detailing how the student’s documented condition directly impacts their ability to live in a traditional residential community.
2. Documentation should be attached to the Accommodation Request Form. Students are encouraged to share the Housing Documentation Guidelines with their provider to ensure all required information is included.
3. Once a housing accommodation request is received, Disability Services will review the request and follow up with the student regarding next steps, which typically involve scheduling a meeting to discuss the request. Except in exceptional circumstances, the College aims to provide a written response within fourteen (14) business days of receiving complete documentation.

Temporary Housing

 

Denial of Accommodation & Appeal Process

1. If an individual is unwilling to accept any alternative accommodation offered by Disability Services, or if no alternative accommodations are available, Disability Services will provide both a verbal explanation and written notification of the denial. This notification will include the reasons for the denial, the individual’s right to appeal, and the procedures for submitting an appeal. The written notification will be issued within seven (7) business days of receiving notice of the individual’s refusal of the offered alternatives or the determination that no alternatives are available.

2. All appeals must be submitted in writing, following the Student Disability Grievance/Appeal Policy and Procedure.