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Access and Equity in University Housing

University Housing is committed to meeting the needs of all residents, to the best of its ability, by providing an inclusive, respectful and safe living environment. University Housing takes these concerns very seriously.

Access and Equity: Disability Resources

University Housing strives to provide equal access to housing for all residents in accordance with applicable disability laws.

The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) (opens in a new tab) is the designated office to determine reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Neither the presence of a disability nor approval for a housing accommodation guarantee on-campus housing.

Both on-campus housing and housing accommodations must be applied for on an annual basis. ODR does not provide roommate assignments as a disability related accommodation.


Access and Equity: Assistance Animals

Per the University's Animals on Campus (opens in a new tab) policy, assistance animals that assist individuals with disabilities to fully access and participate within the residential community may be approved to live within the residence halls.

Individuals requesting a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal within University Housing must:

  1. Receive approval for an assistance animal through ODRs requesting accommodation procedures.
  2. Receive specific animal approval. Required information for the animal shall include veterinarian certification (See Animal Guidelines and Expectations for further information regarding this certification) and a color photograph of the animal.
  3. Agree to adhere to the University's Animal Guidelines and Expectations .

If the request is approved, University Housing will contact the resident via their Appalachian email account to electronically sign the Animal Guidelines and Expectations. If applicable, the roommate or suitemates will also be notified. Once the process is fully completed, the ODR will send official notification via the resident's Appalachian email account that the animal can begin residing in University Housing.

In the event that a suitemate or roommate has a disability which would limit their ability to live with an Assistance Animal, the ODR and University Housing will work collaboratively to explore their options. For roommates (not suitemates) who have concerns about living with an animal, please email University Housing as there may be potential options for reassignment.

Access and Equity: Gender Affirming Housing

University Housing, in collaboration with the Office of Access and Equity: Equal Opportunity, is able to offer some gender affirming housing options for students upon request. Note: UNC System policy 700.8.1 requires Appalachian State University to house students based on their sex assigned at birth.

Students who need housing considerations due to gender-related needs should complete the Gender Consideration Form, which is under the Other Processes tab on the University Housing Portal (opens in a new tab).

You are encouraged to complete the Gender Consideration Form as soon as possible after your initial housing application. We also ask that you please complete a new form for each application term (i.e. academic year, summer, etc.), regardless of whether your preferences have changed. Gender Consideration Forms will be processed beginning in early December for continuing student applications (ReApp) and by June for new student applications. You will receive an email from our office regarding your request once we have processed it. Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding Gender Affirming Housing.

For information on how to add or update your affirming/appropriate name, please check the Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian (opens in a new tab) page.