Housing Accommodations

Students with documented physical, psychological, or other medical condition(s) may request a reasonable accommodation for their assignment, including but not limited to the location on campus, room type, bathroom type, or amenities offered within the assigned space which affords the student with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their living environment. Reasonable modifications to existing room assignments based on a medical condition should be submitted through this request process, as well.

Students who wish to request approval for Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals within the residence halls must submit the Request for Animal-in-Residence found on the Housing Central Home Page.  Students do not need to submit a Request for ADA/Accommodations for an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal.

Submitting a Request for Health-Based Accommodations:

Step 1. The student completes the Request for ADA/Accommodations found on Housing Central.  All requests for accommodation must include documentation from a licensed healthcare professional treating the student for the condition related to the accommodation requested. The one item of documentation that is required for all health-based accommodation requests is the Health Care Provider Form. This form is located within the Request for ADA/Accommodations on Housing Central. Additional documentation may be provided if the student feels it will assist in the housing assignment process.

Required Health Care Provider Form

Prior to contacting their healthcare provider, students should review and plan to discuss the following topics regarding their specific situation and diagnosis. The physician may find it helpful if the student has already given some thought to these items and can offer assistance when completing this form.

• 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 a discussion of why this specific configuration is the necessary accommodation for the student's disability.
• An indication of the level of need for the recommended configuration (and the consequences of not receiving it). Consider whether the impact of the condition is life-threatening and any negative health implications if the request is not met, as well as if the request is an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question.

All documentation pertaining to the student's application may not be more 3-years old. The health care provider cannot be an immediate family member or have the same last name.

If the student is registered with Academic Success for academic accommodations, further documentation may be required in order to substantiate the request for housing accommodations. Residential Living and Learning do not share student information with Academic Success and vice versa unless there is a need to know the situation.

If the student is currently working with an on-campus care provider at the University (Counseling Services, Student Health Services, etc.), the documentation provided by that office must follow the guidelines listed above.

Step 2. The Associate Director for Housing Operations & Administrative Services reviews each request along with the supporting documentation provided and reaches a decision about the request. If additional information is needed or clarification, a personal interview with the student may be scheduled by the Associate Director.

The following criteria will be considered when evaluating housing accommodation requests:

1. Has the student provided adequate documentation from their professional health care provider?
2. Does the documentation clearly articulate the need for this housing accommodation with supporting information?
3. Was the request made prior to the priority deadline? - All forms must be received by the priority deadlines (i.e. for continuing students prior to March 1, for new students prior to April 1 (fall) or November 1st (spring). Any requests received after the priority deadlines may or may not be approved dependent on space availability.

Step 3. The student is notified of the request decision via their Stetson email account. If the request is approved, the communication will include the specific housing assignment. The recommendation from the health care provider and available space within residential housing determines the assignment.  There is no guarantee that any student will be placed in a specific residence hall or room type.

If the request is denied, a rationale explaining why the request was denied will be included in the communication, providing the student with context for the decision and additional resources available to the student at the university.

It should be noted that simply submitting the Request for Housing Accommodations does not guarantee the request will be granted. Accommodations are made based on the recommendation from the health care provider and space available in the residential buildings that can accommodate the request.  

Students who wish to request approval for Emotional Support Animals (also known as Comfort/Companion Animals) and Service Animals within the residence halls must submit the Request for Animal-in-Residence found on the Housing Central Home Page.  Students do not need to submit a Request for ADA/Accommodations for an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal. Learn more about the Request for Animal-in-Residence.

While Residential Living & Learning is not required to provide special consideration for religious beliefs or practices during the assignment process, we strive to provide assignments that fit the needs of all students.  Students who wish to request religious-based accommodations pertaining to housing must submit the Request for ADA/Accommodations, including a letter from a spiritual advisor explaining the rationale behind the request. Students should be proactive and request such accommodations in a timely manner. All students, regardless of religion, must adhere to the Community Guide to Residential Living & the Code of Community Standards.  Therefore, certain religious-based accommodations cannot be approved if they conflict with residential and university policies.

Residential Living & Learning does not provide housing accommodations based on a student's dietary restrictions.  All students living within residential buildings will have access to a kitchen (community or apartment) and mini-refrigerators are permitted in the residential buildings. Please review the residential packing list for cooking items that are approved and prohibited within the residential buildings.

All issues related to food or dietary restrictions are addressed directly through Dining Services. Any students with food allergies or dietary restrictions are encouraged to contact the Residential Dining Director, Marie Destinvil, at 386-822-8780 to schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss needs and accommodations.  If the Residential Dining Director feels that additional consideration should be made in regards to a student's housing assignment, the Director will reach out to Residential Living & Learning with a recommendation regarding a housing accommodation.  You can read more about options for dietary accommodations on Dining Services' website.

Accessibility Services at Stetson University provides recommendations for reasonable academic accommodations to ensure that there will be no discrimination on the basis of disability. An academic accommodation is any change in the policies or procedures of a course and/or academic program for the purpose of allowing a student with a disability equal access to learning and an equal opportunity to demonstrate knowledge. These recommendations are developed through the review of disability documentation and with the consideration of each student's individual needs, strengths and academic program. Students who wish to request an academic accommodation should submit a request through the Accessibility Services website.