Requesting Housing Accommodations

Incoming Students

We recommend incoming students request housing accommodations as soon as your admitted to Dominican University, and no later than three months before your first semester. Students can request housing accommodations at any time, but a delay in requesting may mean we cannot guarantee housing accommodations.

Current Students

We recommend that current students seeking housing accommodations for the first time submit their housing requests at least two months before housing selection. Students can request housing accommodations at any time, but a delay in requesting may mean we cannot guarantee housing accommodations. Students who have already been approved for housing accommodations at DU do not need to submit an additional accommodation request each year, unless their housing accommodations were temporary or provisional.

Returning Students

Students who are returning to campus after a leave of absence or completion of an initial degree program, should contact ADA@dom.edu, prior to housing selection, if you will need to utilize previously approved accommodations.

Confidential Request for Accommodations

Fill out the digital Confidential Request for Accommodations form

Submit Documentation

It is ideal to submit documentation of your disability to ADA@dom.edu, ahead of your intake meeting, as housing accommodations do require documentation. Students should read about documentation requirements below. If you’re unsure what to provide, or don’t currently have documentation, we can discuss this at the intake meeting.   

Schedule an Intake Meeting 

After submitting your Request for Accommodations and documentation, follow this link to Schedule an Intake for Housing Accommodations

Attend Intake Meeting

At your scheduled intake meeting, we will discuss your accommodation requests as they are related to your diagnoses. We will then inform you of any accommodations you are approved for, and how to utilize your accommodations at DU. We will also communicate whether additional documentation would be needed to approve a request. 

Documentation of disability is required to determine eligibility for housing accommodations. The primary form of documentation is the student's self-report, however additional documentation is usually required to determine eligibility for housing accommodations. Individual documentation needs can be discussed during the initial meeting with the student. Prior to your intake meeting, students should review the common forms of documentation below to determine what might be appropriate. 

Disability Verification Form

The Disability Verification form can be completed by a qualified treatment provider (licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, licensed clinical social worker, medical doctor, optometrists, audiologist, etc.). The provider completing this form cannot be a family member of the student and/or have an inherent conflict of interest. The provider must have first-hand knowledge of the student's condition, and must have experience diagnosing and treating college students.  

This form may be used to document most disabilities, such as physical health impairments, medical conditions, allergy and dietary needs, mental health conditions, ADHD, autism, d/Deaf, hard-of-hearing, visual impairments, and/or temporary conditions, such as pregnancy. Providers can make recommendations for accommodations, however, final determination regarding eligibility is made by Accommodations and Disability Access staff. 

Letter from a Treating Professional  

A letter from a qualified  treatment provider (licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, licensed clinical social worker, medical doctor, optometrists, etc.), who is not a family member of the student, may be used to document most disabilities, such as physical impairments, medical conditions, mental health conditions, ADHD, autism, d/Deaf, hard-of-hearing, visual impairment, and/or temporary conditions, such as pregnancy. 

Documentation can be completed on the provider's official letterhead and signed by the credentialed professional. 

Letter should contain: 

• The name and title of professional, license number, specialty/credentials, address, phone and signature of professional
• An identification of the disability(ies) with the date of diagnosis
• The functional impact of the disability(ies) on the student's life, academics, and housing
• Test scores/diagnostics, when applicable 

Providers can make recommendations for accommodations, however, final determination regarding eligibility is made by Accommodations and Disability Access staff. 

Copy of a Psychological/Neuropsychological Evaluation 

A copy of your most recent Neuropsychological/Psychological Evaluation may be appropriate documentation to support a housing accommodation request for students with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, developmental/cognitive/intellectual disabilities, or mental health diagnoses. These documents may be requested from your high school.

Emotional Support Animal Documentation

Dominican University requires that students seeking an Emotional Support Animal in Campus Housing have a qualified treatment provider complete the Documentation Form for Emotional Support Animals in University Housing, which is included in the Emotional Support Animal Policy and Procedure document. DU does not accept certificates, licenses, or letters from treating providers as documentation to support an ESA request. Providers can make recommendations for accommodations, however, final determination regarding eligibility is made by Accommodations and Disability Access staff. 

Documentation for Meal Plan Modifications

Students with severe allergies and dietary restrictions due to a diagnosed medical condition should consult with Dining Services regarding safety measures and general provisions that can be made. Students can share their needs and request a consultation with Dining Services by completing this Dietary Accommodation Request form. Following a consultation with Dining Services, students with diagnosed medical conditions can submit a Confidential Request for Accommodations and documentation from a treatment provider.

We recognize there are barriers to accessing documentation or you may be uncertain about your diagnosis or eligibility for accommodations. If you would like to arrange an initial conversation before submitting a request for accommodations or documentation of a disability, contact ada@dom.edu and ask to schedule an initial conversation.