Access and Opportunity 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 Opportunity: Disability Resources
University Housing strives to provide equal access to housing for all residents in accordance with applicable disability laws.
The Office of Access and Opportunity: 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 Opportunity: 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:
- Receive approval for an assistance animal through ODRs requesting accommodation procedures.
- 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.
- 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.