The Office of Learning & Disability Services receives requests, reviews documentation, and works with the Office of Residence Life to facilitate housing accommodations. All requests for disability-based housing assignments are evaluated individually, on a case-by-case basis. Accommodated housing space is limited and spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once the completed application (including all required documentation) and any associated deposits are received, therefore it is key to submit requests in a timely manner. All requests for disability-related housing accommodations, along with all required documentation, must be submitted by the following dates:
New First-Year and Transfer Students: June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.
Continuing Students: February 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.
All applications submitted will be considered, regardless of timing, however there is no guarantee that the late applicant’s needs, including any needs that develop during the semester, can be met.
Housing accommodation requests are reviewed on an individual basis. It is important to note that students are not making a request for a specific housing assignment, but rather a request for an accommodation. The Housing Accommodation Committee, comprised of representatives from the Office of Learning & Disability Services, the Office of Residence Life, and the Counseling Center, reviews each request and determines an appropriate and reasonable housing accommodation.
Individuals requesting a housing accommodation related to a mental/emotional disorder (anxiety, depression, etc.) may be required to submit updated documentation annually.
Please note that King University does not grant accommodations solely based on the recommendations of care providers. The determination is made based on all information relevant to the documented functional limitations caused by the disability in relation to the residential program.
Commuter Policy Exemption (permission to live off campus)
Generally, exemptions are granted for students whose disability imposes functional limitations that cannot be adequately accommodated within the shared residential space of the University. Exemptions require substantial documentation of needs that cannot be met within the residence hall and/or for whom residential living is not a viable option. Examples of conditions that ordinarily do not warrant a commuter policy exemption include:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Learning disorders / ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety
Allergies are relatively common and generally not an accommodation issue except when the allergy is severe, as documented by a qualified healthcare provider, and impacts breathing or other bodily functions. Living off campus does not guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Requests for commuter policy exemptions as an accommodation based solely on a desire for a ‘quiet place to study’ or a ‘reduced distraction environment’ will not be granted. The University provides numerous places on campus that can provide this environment thus it is not deemed necessary as a housing accommodation.
Single Rooms
The provision of a single room as an accommodation is not common. The number of single rooms available is limited and it may not be possible for the University to offer a single room in every situation. Medical single rooms are reserved for individuals who document substantial needs and for whom living with a roommate is not viable. Examples of conditions that ordinarily do not warrant a medical single include:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Learning disorders / ADHD
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Orthopedic problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
A single room does not guarantee an allergen-free environment.
A single room will not prevent a student from having to interact and negotiate living arrangements with other students, such as alone time, sleep patterns, and study schedules.
Requests for a single room as an accommodation based solely on a desire for reasons such as ‘quiet place to study’ or a ‘reduced distraction environment’ for homework will not be granted. The University provides numerous places on campus that can provide this environment thus it is not deemed necessary as a housing accommodation.
King University reserves the right to reserve single rooms for non-disability-related reasons such as, but not limited to: future student needs, emergency housing options, etc.
First Floor Room
First floor rooms are offered as an accommodation to individuals with a physical disability that would make living on higher floors, accessible only by stairs, impossible. The number of first-floor rooms is limited and first-floor rooms are assigned as an accommodation on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are strongly encouraged to observe the deadlines above in making requests.
Priority Access to Bathroom
Priority access to bathroom facilities (the assignment of a room next to or across the hall from a bathroom) are offered as an accommodation to individuals with a documented chronic medical condition that requires such. The number of rooms near bathrooms is limited and such rooms are assigned as an accommodation on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are strongly encouraged to observe the deadlines above in making requests.
Exemption from the Board Fee (Meal Plan)
Exemptions from the mandatory board fee for residential students are exceedingly rare. All such requests require substantial documentation and the establishment that the dietary needs of the student cannot be met by the university’s food services provider. Before such a request is reviewed, the student is required to have a meeting with the Director of Food Services and/or the Executive Chef to discuss the dietary restrictions and/or food allergies that need to be accommodated. In most every case, the food services provider is able to work with the student to develop a plan to accommodate dietary matters without the need for exemption from the board fee. Requests based on personal preferences, versus medical necessity, will not be granted.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals will be permitted to reside with the student when there is a documented need for the animal to alleviate the functional impact(s) of the individual’s disability and in order to permit the student to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy on-campus residential housing. However, if the animal is not of the type commonly kept in the household for pleasure the animal will generally not be permitted, unless the student demonstrates, via reliable documentation, a disability-related therapeutic need for the specific animal or the specific type of animal. The University will evaluate whether to permit any specific animal on a case-by-case basis.
The granting of a reasonable accommodation for a support animal does not mean that the animal is permitted to access other areas of campus in which animals, other than service animals, are prohibited.
A student with an on-campus emotional support animal is responsible for assuring that the animal does not unreasonably interfere with the routine activities of the residence hall, the students who reside there, or the employees who work there. All rules and requirements associated with having an emotional support animal in the residence hall must be followed.
Please see the Animals on Campus Policy for a comprehensive description of the request process and expectations/requirements for having an emotional support animal in the residence hall.