Revised Housing Regulations and Living Arrangements
The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunities for all students, including those with medical conditions. The Office for Disability and Access (ODA) and the Office of Residence Life work together to ensure that students with disabilities can access necessary housing and dining accommodations.
For students seeking housing accommodations, the ODA requires the submission of a Student Housing Accommodation Request form. This form is evaluated based on the student's disability, the housing environment, and the necessary steps to ensure equal access. Only reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be approved; those deemed unreasonable or for which alternative accommodations exist will not be granted. It's important to note that students approved for housing accommodations will not be charged extra fees specifically for the accommodations, though room rates may be set on a case-by-case basis by the College.
Key details for housing accommodations include:
- The policy is aligned with ADA and Section 504 standards, ensuring non-discrimination and equal access.
- Approval depends on submitted documentation and a review process.
- Housing accommodation requests are distinct from the application for general housing, often requiring coordination with housing services.
- Accommodations may include physical modifications such as accessible bathrooms, ramps, or specific room requirements (e.g., single rooms).
- Students may need to provide thorough medical, educational, psychological, or therapeutic documentation to support their accommodation requests.
In the realm of dining accommodations, while explicit procedural details are less frequently outlined, the College's disability services work with Dining Services to adjust meal plans as needed to meet accessibility needs. Adjustments may include modifications such as emergency light signals for deaf and hard of hearing students or other relevant accommodations.
In summary, students must engage actively with the ODA by:
- Submitting the required accommodation request forms.
- Providing current, comprehensive documentation of their disability.
- Engaging in an interactive process for customized accommodation decisions.
- Working with both housing and dining services to implement approved accommodations.
The accommodation process is individualized and intended to provide equal access without charge for the accommodations themselves, ensuring compliance with ADA guidelines and fostering an inclusive living and dining environment.
It's worth mentioning that the College requires all students to participate in the housing and dining program until graduation, and has a list of permitted and non-permitted items for its housing. The College's Housing and Dining Policy may include provisions for disability-related accommodations.
For more information about the process for requesting housing and dining accommodations based on a disability, students should reach out to the Office for Disability and Access (ODA), the designated office for disability-related housing and dining accommodation requests. The Office of Residence Life does not disclose the criteria used to evaluate and approve disability-related housing and dining accommodation requests.
By offering these accommodations, the College's programs offer students opportunities for socialization and idea exchange, aligning with the College's mission to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
In the College's pursuit of equal access, learning, and personal growth, they provide necessary accommodations for students with disabilities. For housing accommodations, students must submit the Student Housing Accommodation Request form and engage in an interactive process, while dining accommodations are adjusted cooperatively with Dining Services to meet accessibility needs.
