Housing Accommodations

The Accessibility Resource Center in collaboration with Residence Life is committed to providing appropriate housing accommodations to students with disabilities. We recognize that residential living and the learning environment are central to the Bellarmine student experience, thus we strive to make this experience accessible to all students.

The Accessibility Resource Center receives requests, reviews documentation, and works with Residence Life to facilitate housing accommodations. We evaluate all requests for disability-based housing assignments individually. Accommodated housing space is limited and spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once the completed application and deposits are received, therefore it is key to submit these requests in a timely manner. All requests for disability-related housing accommodations, along with all required documentation, must be submitted by the following dates:

• Incoming first-year students: June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.
• Returning 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. Only written requests for consideration will be accepted. Phone calls from students and/or parents regarding housing accommodation will not be accepted.

Types of Housing Accommodations

On-campus residence hall accommodations are available for students with disabilities. These accommodations may include but are not limited to:

• Single room occupancy
• Wheelchair accessible unit (ADA accessible)
• Private bathroom or semi-private bathroom
• Food safe spaces (for people with severe allergies to foods)
• Flashing fire alarms
• Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

Evaluating Housing Accommodations

When evaluating housing accommodation requests, the Accessibility Resource Center considers the factors below. No request will be considered unless there is supporting documentation submitted by an appropriate health care professional, verifying the disability, and validating the need for a disability-related housing accommodation.

Timing of the request:

1. Was the request made with the 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.)?

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?

Procedures for Requesting Housing Accommodations

To Request Disability-Related Housing Accommodations:

1. Students must follow general housing procedures and should consult Residence Life for this information. 
2. Students must register with the Accessibility Resource Center in order to apply for disability-related housing accommodations. To register with the ARC, students should complete an Accommodation Request Form and schedule an initial meeting. Students will receive an email containing a link to schedule an initial meeting once the Accommodation Request Form has been received and processed. Supporting documentation can be uploaded directly with the Accommodation Request Form or can be brought to the initial meeting..
3. No request will be considered unless there is supporting documentation submitted by an appropriate health care professional verifying the disability and validating the need for a disability-related housing accommodation. Supporting documentation must show a direct link between the disability and the requested housing accommodation(s). For more information about the ARC’s documentation guidelines, click here. 
4. All requests for disability-related housing accommodations, along with all required documentation, must be submitted by the following dates:
5. If the request is approved, a housing accommodation letter will be sent to Residence Life outlining the approved housing accommodation(s). Residence Life will then contact the student to provide details about room assignment and other information about living on campus.
6. Students who are not granted housing accommodations through this process will have the opportunity to appeal the decision. If a decision denying the request for disability-related housing accommodations is made, students will receive information about the appeals process with their decision letter. Students not approved for disability housing accommodations, or whose appeal is denied may apply for an assignment or a transfer through standard housing procedures. For more information about this process, please contact the Accessibility Resource Center by phone at 502.272.8490 or by email at arc@bellarmine.edu.

Please note the following:

1. Students must be eligible for University housing in order to be eligible for disability-related housing accommodations; this means having a guaranteed housing status at Bellarmine University.
2. Students who have been approved for disability-related housing accommodations are not eligible to participate in the Housing Lottery/Room Selection process and will receive a housing assignment with the approved accommodations. Please note that housing assignments are binding for the applicable housing period. A student who requests disability housing accommodations through this process cannot decline an assignment in favor of Room Selection participation. Requests for room changes to another location will be considered during the Bellarmine Housing transfer period(s).
3. Students with service animals, or those requesting permission to have an assistance animal in university housing, should refer to the University’s Service and Assistance Animal Policy.

Service and Assistance Animals

For information regarding service and assistance animals in university housing, please see our Service and Assistance Animal Policy.

•  Service and Assistance Animal Policy
• Assistance Animal Verification Form (Printable)
• Assistance Animal Verification Form (Fillable)

Housing Accommodations for Food Allergies

Students with food allergies may qualify for housing accommodations, such as a separate refrigerator and microwave. For information regarding food allergies and meal plans, please visit the Food Services website. Please note, meal plan exceptions are approved through Residence Life, not the ARC. Meal plan exception forms can be found on the Residence Life Policy page. For additional information about meal plan exceptions, please contact Residence Life.