Housing Accommodation Requests

• To determine eligibility for housing accommodation(s) or modification(s), a student must be a qualified student with a disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) (i.e., have a physical or mental impairment(s) that substantially limits one or more major life activities)
• In cases where the disability is not obvious or otherwise known to us, submit documentation from the appropriate healthcare provider or advocate.

• Specific to housing, we ask that the appropriate provider /advocate complete the Provider Verification Form and attach any supporting documentation (ex: medical records, assessments) to support the specific housing recommendations.
• In cases where the disability is not obvious or otherwise known to us, submit documentation from the appropriate healthcare provider or advocate. The provider/advocate must be familiar with the history and functional limitations of the student’s disability and be able to comprehensively answer the questions provided below. The provider/advocate cannot be a relative of the student. 

Questions that are considered when determining the most effective accommodation(s) necessary to ensure access to university living: 

• What is the (linear) connection between the functional impact of the disability and the necessity for  the specific housing recommendation(s)? 
• Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if the specific request is not met? 
• Is the student’s disability permanent or temporary? 
• Can you recommend alternate accommodations? 
• Is the recommendation an integral component of a treatment plan for the disability in question? If yes, please explain: 
• Does the recommendation center on room adaptations that are necessary for safe and independent occupancy in the residence hall? 
• Describe the likely impact to the student’s ability to use and enjoy the dwelling and/or common area if the request is not met? 
• Do you recommend an alternate accommodation if the recommended accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration or undue burden, i.e. significant difficulty or expense? 
• What medications does the student take for the disability and are there potential side-effects that may further impact living in the residence hall and/or unit or apartment? 

CDR will continue to accept and review housing accommodation requests beyond the deadlines below, however, fulfillment will depend on availability. If a request is received after the deadlines and approved, the student will be placed on a waitlist. The process duration may vary based on the number and complexity of requests. As such, all housing accommodation requests are strongly recommended to be submitted by the following dates in order to mitigate being put on a waiting list. Current students must submit by Mar 1 for the following academic year. Incoming students must submit their housing requests by Jun 1.

Most requests pertaining to dietary options can be satisfied by working directly with Syracuse University’s Food Services and the University’s registered dietitian. If the university’s dietitian recommends that a student qualifies for a meal plan accommodation due to dietary restrictions that Dining Services cannot fulfill, students will be referred to the Center for Disability Resources to formally register and request a disability-related meal plan accommodation.  In this case, students should follow the same guidelines for requesting housing accommodations.