Housing Accommodation Request Information

A student who desires to live on campus but requires some level of accommodation because of medical, psychological, or physical disability may request consideration of those accommodations through The Academic Access Studio. Housing accommodations are determined on a case by case basis for each academic year, unless otherwise determined by the Director of The Academic Access Studio. Below is the Housing Accommodation Process:

1. Complete a Request for Housing Accommodations Form

2. Submit documentation from a licensed medical professional by the application deadlines (3/17 for returning students, 6/15 for new students) stating:

• Name, credentials, and contact information of the evaluator
• Nature of the disability and relevant history
• Diagnosis with information outlining the duration, severity, treatment and expected prognosis of the condition
• A description of the current, disability-based limitations and how they relate to the on-campus housing environment
• Names of any medications and potential side effects (if applicable)
• Suggested accommodations

3. Housing accommodations requests completed in compliance with the documentation guidelines above are considered on a case-by-case basis. Below are three areas considered when evaluating housing requests:

• Severity of the Condition
• Is the impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?
• Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if the request is not met?
• Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question?
• What is the impact on academic performance if the request is not met?

Timing of the Request

• Was the request made by the application deadline?
• Was the request made as soon as possible after identifying the need?

Feasibility and Availability

• Is space currently available that meets the student’s needs?
• Are there other effective methods or housing configurations that would achieve similar benefits as the requested accommodation(s)?

4. The Academic Access Studio Coordinator will notify the student of the denial or approval of their request via email.
Documentation Requirements:

• The form of a letter or report from a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other medical provider who is qualified to make a diagnosis and is currently treating the student for a disability
• Documentation must be on official letterhead and be signed and dated within the last year
• Include a diagnosis, the functional limitations (impact on residential living) and the specific housing recommendation. Information should also include date and summary of the most recent evaluation and the expected duration of the condition (chronic, cyclical, etc.)
• Include possible alternatives if the requested accommodation is not available
• Provide evidence that the provider is currently treating you for the condition for which the accommodation is requested

Determination of Reasonableness

The Academic Access Studio may deny the requested accommodation if it is unreasonable. The Academic Access Studio shall consult with the Health Center and Campus Life to determine if implementing the requested accommodation is reasonable. A student’s identity will be protected and confidential
An accommodation is unreasonable if it; (1) imposes an undue financial and/or administrative burden; (2) fundamentally alters housing policies: (3) poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or would cause substantial property damage to the property of others, including college property; and/ or (4) is otherwise unreasonable to the operation of the college

If the need for the accommodation arises while the semester is underway, students should contact the Academic Access Studio and complete the Request for Accommodations form as soon as practically possible. Montserrat cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation needs during the semester or term in which the request is received due to limitations in housing types.