ARC Disability Resources

Housing Accommodations

The Department of Housing & Residential Life is committed to providing a healthy, inclusive, and safe environment that supports the growth and development of all students. We recognize that some residential environments and configurations may not be completely accessible to all students, therefore students may request consideration for their housing assignment in order to have equal access to the residential experience.  To help make certain each student receives an appropriate housing assignment the following process has been developed to review all requests for special housing accommodations. Please note that all issues related to food allergies or dietary restrictions are addressed under a separate process through Dining Services.  Contact Dining Services (386-822-8780) to initiate that process.

The Housing Accommodation Committee evaluates requests made by students seeking housing accommodations, as well as meets personally with those students.

In an effort to respond to these requests as fairly and knowledgeably as possible the following departments will serve the Housing Accommodation Committee in a resource capacity: Counseling Services, Health Services, Judicial Affairs, and Financial Aid.

Submitting a request for housing accommodations:

  1. The student completes the Request for Housing Accommodations form (see below) and returns it, along with supporting documentation, to Housing & Residential Life (386-822-7201; fax 386-822-8919).  Upon receipt of your completed information the personal interview will be scheduled for you by Houing & Residential Life. Please see our Guidelines for Housing Accommodation Documentation below.
  2. The Housing Accommodations Committee will review each request including the supporting documentation provided and make a decision about the request. Once all of the information is received, the evaluation team will consider the following criteria when evaluating housing accommodation requests:
    1. Has the student provided adequate documentation?
    2. Does the documentation clearly articulate the need for this accommodation with supporting information?
    3. Was the request made prior to the priority deadline?
      1. All forms must be received by the established housing deadline (i.e. for returning students prior to room selection, for new students prior to May 15 for fall or November 1st for spring).   Any forms received after that deadline may not be considered.  If approved after the deadline, it will be dependent on space availability. The committee reserves the right to ask additional documentation if the initial documentation does not provide a clear enough explanation for the request.
  3. The student will be notified of the committee's decision either via phone and or email. If the decision is to grant the request, it will include the specific housing assignment. This assignment will be determined based on student’s need; please keep in mind that there is no guarantee that student will be placed in the residence hall or specific room of his/her choice. If the decision is to deny the request, all attempts will be made to explain why a request was denied in order to keep the student informed.

Consideration is given based on the date all documentation is submitted and space availability.

It should be noted that simply submitting the Request for Housing Accommodations form does not guarantee the request will be granted.  Accommodations are made on a needs based and space available basis.

http://www.stetson.edu/housing/onlineforms.php

Request for Housing Accommodations Form (PDF)

Request for Housing Accommodations Form (Word Form--Type in and print)

Request for Release of Information to Housing Accommodation Committing (PDF)

Guidelines for Housing Accommodation Documentation

Documentation must include information prepared by the professional provider of care relevant to student’s disability or diagnosis that confirms the following:

  • Student has a current diagnosis, a history that is the basis of the request, and a documented prognosis.
  • Student has current, substantial disability-based limitations that relate to the residential hall environment.
  • Student’s current treatment, medication, and/or other mitigating measures used or recommended by the provider as they relate to the disability and housing needs.
  • Any substantial medication side effects, if applicable.
  • A complete description of the desired housing configuration and discussion of why this specific accommodation is the necessary accommodation for the student’s disability (including why the student’s needs cannot be met on campus if the request is to waive the housing requirement).
  • An indication of the level of need for the recommended configuration (and the consequences of not receiving it). Consider:
    • Is the impact of the condition life threatening if not met?
    • Are there negative health implications if the request is not met?
    • Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question?

Documentation must be recent (3 years old or newer, preferred) and on official letterhead; the professional provider of care cannot be an immediate family member.

If the student is registered with the Academic Resources Center for academic accommodations, further documentation may be required in order to substantiate the request for housing accommodations.

If the student is currently working with someone at the Counseling Center the documentation provided must follow the guidelines listed above.  Given that Health Services will not be the primary provider of care for students, documentation from their department will not be sufficient for this request.