A “Support Animal” is any animal that is not a Service Animal but is necessary to afford the person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy College housing. A Support Animal may provide physical assistance, emotional support, and other kinds of assistance. Support Animals are not required to be trained to perform work or tasks that would qualify them as “service animals” and may include species other than dogs or miniature horses. Support Animals that are not Service Animals under the ADA and are generally not permitted in public spaces. These animals may still be permitted in College Housing on a case-by-case basis pursuant to this policy.
Support Animal Requests: To request the use of a Support Animal in College housing, the requesting student must register with Access and Accommodation Services and should complete the accommodation request form with appropriate documentation at least 90 days before prospective housing will be needed for the animal. The College will request documentation and a completed accommodation form from a qualified mental health or other health professional to provide sufficient information for the College to determine: (1) that the individual qualifies as a person with a disability; and (2) that the support animal is necessary to afford the person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy College housing. The Access and Accommodation Coordinator will review the documentation and with the Accommodation Committee to make determinations on the request.
Support Animal Accommodations: Unlike Service Animals, Support Animals are generally not permitted indoors on the campus (e.g., in classrooms) other than in College housing. Persons with disabilities may request approval from Access and Accommodation Services to have a support animal accompany them to other campus areas as a reasonable accommodation. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis consistent with applicable laws.
