Documentation for Housing Accommodation Requests
Students seeking disability-related housing accommodations are requested to submit a .
Through an interactive, individualized process, DASS works collaboratively with students to understand disability-related functional limitations. Reasonable documentation prepared by a qualified third-party professional may be requested, when necessary, to support the identification of appropriate housing accommodations. Submitting complete documentation at the time of application supports the timely review and processing of your request.
Documentation Guidelines
If your disability is evident:
Students with an evident disability are not typically requested to provide documentation from a licensed professional; however, they must complete and submit the the DASS Housing Self-Report Form and participate in an interactive process with DASS. Additional documentation may be requested if necessary to determine appropriate accommodations.
An example of an evident disability would be a student who uses a wheelchair and requests an accessible housing assignment with features such as a roll-in shower or ground-floor placement. In this case, the mobility disability and the connection to the requested housing accommodation are readily apparent.
If your disability is not evident:
When submitting the , students whose disabilities are not evident are requested to provide supporting documentation from a licensed professional (e.g., physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified provider) and participate in the required interactive process with DASS.
Students are encouraged to have their licensed professional complete the DASS Housing Accommodations Request Addendum (, 222KB), as it assists DASS staff in evaluating the functional limitations related to the disability and the connection to the requested housing accommodation.
If your licensed professional is unable to complete the Housing Addendum, alternative forms of documentation may be submitted; however, the documentation should include all elements requested in the Addendum to ensure it is sufficient for review.
Your documentation must clearly outline:
- Confirmation of the disability
- The housing accommodation(s) requested and how they are necessary to ensure equal access and participation within the campus housing environment
- A description of the functional limitations and their impact within the campus housing environment
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Requests:
ESA requests are evaluated under the Fair Housing Act and applicable housing guidelines and are not considered ADA service animal accommodations.
To ensure appropriate and timely review, students are encouraged to have their licensed professional complete the Addendum: Request for Emotional Support Animal in Housing (, 161KB). The Addendum is the preferred method of documentation, as it provides the necessary information for DASS to evaluate the disability-related need for the animal to live within the campus housing environment.
If your licensed professional is unable to complete the ESA Addendum, alternative documentation may be submitted; however, the documentation should include all elements requested in the Addendum to ensure it is sufficient for review.
Unacceptable ESA documentation includes, but is not limited to:
- Notes written on a doctor鈥檚 prescription pad
- Vague statements indicating an ESA is 鈥減rescribed鈥 without supporting clinical information
- Letters obtained from paid online agencies
- Letters from professionals who do not have an established, ongoing therapeutic relationship with the student
Additional information regarding ESA accommodations:
- ESA requests are encouraged to be submitted before the Housing Accommodation priority consideration deadline to allow sufficient time for review and coordination. Applications and documentation will continue to be accepted after the deadline; however, the ESA review and approval process involves multiple steps, coordination with HRE, and requires a reasonable period of time for evaluation and implementation.
- While DASS may approve an ESA as a housing accommodation, students must coordinate with HRE prior to bringing the ESA to campus. Contact HRE directly for additional procedures and housing-related requirements.
- An ESA may not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other residents or HRE staff.
- ESAs must comply with , be housebroken, and must always remain under control. Disruptive or uncontrolled behavior may result in an ESA being removed from university housing.
- Approved ESAs are permitted within the student鈥檚 assigned residence hall dwelling and designated outdoor areas. ESAs are not permitted in classrooms, laboratories, dining facilities, or other campus buildings.
Students are encouraged to review the for additional information.