Accommodations for Outside of the Classroom

Housing Accommodations

Purpose and Definition

This policy outlines the Rollins College policy pertaining to Housing Accommodations based on a qualifying disability. Rollins College Office of Residential Life & Explorations and the Accessibility Services Office are committed to achieving equitable access and do not discriminate against persons with disabilities. This policy derives from the College's commitment to non-discrimination for all persons in employment, access to facilities, student programs, activities and services and addresses reasonable accommodations. These accommodations will be provided within the basic guidelines to follow, with the understanding that students with disabilities may require unique housing accommodations and these needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

This policy is in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (As Amended), and The Fair Housing Act of 1968 (42 U.S. Code § 3604).  Rollins must provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities that will ensure such access.

The definition of a “person with a disability” as defined by Sec. 12102 of the ADA is as follows:

The term "disability" means, with respect to an individual with

(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;

(B) a record of such an impairment; or

(C) being regarded as having such an impairment.

Evaluation of Housing Requests Based on Medical, Psychological or Disability Related Needs

Housing assignments and the residential learning environment are integral parts of Rollins College programs. We evaluate all requests for need-based housing assignments carefully. When a student is assigned to a single room as a disability-related accommodation, the student will be charged for a double room in the residence hall in which the student is assigned. Below is a summary of the factors considered when evaluating housing requests.

Severity of the Condition

1. Is the impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?
2. Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if the request is not met?
3. Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question?
4. What is the likely impact on academic performance if the request is not met?
5. What is the likely impact on social development if the request is not met?
6. What is the likely impact on the student's level of comfort if the request is not met?

Timing of the Request
1. Was the request made with initial housing request?
2. Was the request made before the deadline for housing requests for the semester in question?
3. Was the request made as soon as possible after identifying the need? (Based on date of diagnosis, receipt of housing assignment, change in status, etc.)

Feasibility and Availability
1. Is space available that meets the student's needs?
2. Can space be adapted to provide the requested configuration without creating a safety hazard (electrical load, emergency egress, etc.)?
3. Are there other effective methods or housing configurations that would achieve similar benefits as the requested configuration?
4. How does meeting this request impact housing commitments to other students?

Documentation:

To accurately and equitably evaluate requests for a disability-related accommodation, Rollins College will need proper documentation by a licensed professional health care provider who is qualified to diagnose the disability.  The documentation must consist of a comprehensive, typed report that states a specific, current diagnosis, describes the diagnostic criteria and/or test used, and reflect the student’s present level of functioning in the major life activity affected by the disability.  In order to avoid delays in the process, students should submit documentation in English. Documentation supporting a request will be reviewed by and held in the Office of Accessibility Services. All information is considered confidential.

Documentation should be updated and submitted yearly. The following information must be included:

1. Documentation of the physical or mental limitation that is the basis of the request and the expected duration of the limitation;
2. A clear description of the desired housing configuration;
3. An explanation of how the request relates to the impact of the condition;
4. An indication of the level of need for the recommended configuration (and the consequences of not receiving);
5. Possible alternatives if the recommended configuration is not possible.

Timeliness of Requests:

In order to be considered for reasonable housing accommodations, students must supply the above information via the Housing Accommodation Medical Provider Form to the Office of Accessibility Services by the deadline set by Residential Life and Explorations. Students must also submit an Accommodation Request Form through MyRollins. These dates will be updated annually and communicated to all students both through email and on the department’s website. Housing accommodation requests made after the communicated deadlines will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and are dependent upon availability and reasonableness of the request.

In order to be considered for reasonable housing accommodations, students must supply both the Accommodation Request Form and the substantiating medical documentation to the Office of Accessibility Services by the following dates.

Returning Students for Fall 2024: February 9, 2024 (for fraternity house, sorority house or Pinehurst), February 16, 2024 for all other residence halls.
Incoming Students for Fall 2024: June 1, 2024
Incoming Students for Spring 2025: TBD *Note: Space is limited for spring requests

Be advised that after deadlines have passed, we cannot guarantee that we will have the capacity to meet your need. Once we review your request and supporting documentation, if we determine you to be eligible for a housing accommodation, we will place you on a waiting list in the event that a space that meets your needs becomes available.

Availability of Resources:

If reasonable housing accommodations that have been approved through this process cannot be immediately satisfied due to capacity/facility design/availability/etc., the Office of Residential Life & Explorations will prioritize this request before handling other non-ADA-related requests of the same nature. 

Distraction-reduced Housing Requests: The learning environment and residential living are central to the Rollins College experience. It should be noted that living within the community and learning to share space and be considerate of others is part of that learning experience. Requests for single rooms (as an accommodation) based solely on a desire to have a "quiet, undisturbed place to study" will be granted only in unusual circumstances. By virtue of the shared facilities, resources, and number of people living under one roof, it is not logical to assume that having a private room would provide for such quiet, distraction-free space to any appreciable degree beyond living in a standard double room.

Appeal Process:

If a student with a documented disability believes that he/she has not be provided with reasonable housing accommodation, the student should direct the concern to the Director of Residential Life & Explorations. The student must provide, in writing, the nature of the concern and any other relevant information.