Reasonable Accommodations in Housing Assignments

Policy Statement

This document sets out policy and procedures for students with disabilities seeking reasonable accommodations in University housing assignments.

Reason for Policy

The purpose of this policy is to specify the guiding principles and specific procedures to effectuate reasonable accommodations in University housing assignments for students with disabilities approved for such accommodations.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Students requesting reasonable accommodations in housing assignments.

Policy

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. According to these civil rights laws and corresponding regulations, no otherwise qualified person with a disability shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of a public entity. This means that college housing facilities and residential life must be accessible to qualified students with disabilities.

Students approved for accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and the Fair Housing Act will be given housing assignments through the Office of Residential Life and Housing (RLH). For students approved by the Student Access Office (SAO) for reasonable accommodations in housing assignments, their assignments will be determined on a case-by-case basis and they will not incur additional expenses to obtain the approved accommodation, unless the student elects to seek a different housing tier than the one assigned by Residential Life and Housing. If the student elects to seek a different housing tier than the one assigned by Residential Life and Housing, the student will be placed in the regular housing 2 selection process and will be responsible for paying any additional charges associated with that housing tier, in accordance with the published schedule of room rates.

Definitions

This policy does not have definitions associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review, this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Procedures

1. Student must file a Petition for Reasonable Accommodation in Housing Assignment form with the Student Access Office and provide appropriate documentation to support the request.
2. Once the review process has been completed, the Student Access Office will respond to the student via email and regular mail with the determination. Should the student be approved for a reasonable accommodation in housing assignment, the Student Access Office will notify the Director of Residential Life and Housing.
3. If approved, the Director of Residential Life and Housing or designee will assign the student to the appropriate residential space that meets the specific requirements of the student’s approved accommodation.
4. Residential Life and Housing will notify Student Account Services of the student’s housing assignment and cost adjustment associated with it (if any).
5. Residential Life and Housing will notify the student of their housing assignment.

Forms

Petition for Reasonable Accommodation in Housing Assignment

Related Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504 and the Education of Students with Disabilities (U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights)

Document History

• Last Reviewed Date:February 23, 2023
• Last Revised Date: November 3, 2017
• Policy Origination Date: November 3, 2017

Who Approved This Policy

Executive Leadership, Division of Student Affairs