University Housing

University Housing is committed to meeting the needs of all residents, to the best of its ability, by providing a respectful and safe living environment.

Access and Opportunity: Disability Resources

For disability-related accommodations within the University Housing environment, requests must be made and approved through the Office of Access and Opportunity: Disability Resources (ODR).

Requests should be made during the housing application or reapplication process, and applicable dates should be followed within the housing portal. Both on-campus housing and housing accommodations must be applied for annually, and housing accommodations and assignments are based on occupancy and availability at the time of an accommodation approval.

Generally, housing accommodations are only applicable to the individual with the disability. Housing placements that meet accommodation needs are not always available in a location that would allow a resident to remain with their requested roommate group.

Assistance Animals

Per the University's Animals on Campus policy, assistance animals that assist individuals with disabilities in fully accessing and participating in the residential community may be approved to live in the residence halls. The presence of an unapproved animal in the residence hall will result in a fee and potential violation of the Code of Student Conduct.

Steps for individuals requesting a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal within University Housing:

1. Approval for an assistance animal is required through ODR.
2. Specific animal approval from University Housing and acknowledgment of Planning for an Emotional Support Animal. Required information for the animal may include veterinarian certification (See Animal Guidelines and Expectations for further information regarding this certification) and a color photograph of the animal.
3. University Housing will contact the resident via their Appalachian email account to electronically sign the Animal Guidelines and Expectations once the animal has been approved. If applicable, the roommate or suitemates will also be notified.
4. Once the process is fully completed, the University Housing will send official notification via the resident's Appalachian email account that the animal can begin residing in University Housing.

If a roommate (not suitemate) has a disability or medical condition that impacts their ability to live with an assistance animal, requests for accommodations can be made through ODR. Residents with non-disability-related concerns about living with an animal should contact University Housing to discuss potential options.

Access and Opportunity: Equal Opportunity (EO)

Request for housing accommodations on the basis of pregnancy or for religious-based request must be made to the Office of Access & Opportunity: Equal Opportunity.