Housing Accommodations

The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) and the Office of Housing & Residence Life are 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 and strive to make this experience accessible to all students. 

Requesting Disability-Related Housing Accommodations 

The Accessibility Resource Center receives requests, reviews documentation, and works with Residence Life to facilitate housing accommodations. All requests for disability-based housing assignments are evaluated 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, so it is key to submit these requests in a timely manner prior to Housing selection deadlines.  

It is important to note that simply having a diagnosis or recommendation from a healthcare provider does not automatically qualify a student for housing accommodations. Only requests submitted through Bellarmine’s Accommodate platform will be considered. Phone calls from students and/or parents requesting housing accommodation will not be accepted. The University evaluates each request to determine if the accommodation is necessary to ensure equal access to campus housing. The request must include professional documentation that verifies the student’s disability and the need for the requested housing modification. Not all medical or psychological conditions qualify as disabilities under this policy. 

Procedures for Requesting Housing Accommodations 

1. Students must follow general housing application procedures required by Residence Life.
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 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. Requests for disability-related housing accommodations, along with all required documentation, must be submitted by the housing selection deadlines in order to be processed before room assignments are finalized.  Requests made after these stated deadlines may be placed on a waitlist or may not be able to be filled until the following semester.  
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 their 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, would need to apply for a housing assignment or room change through Residence Life’s standard housing procedures.  

Please note the following: 

1. Students must be eligible for University housing in order to be eligible for disability-related housing accommodations. This includes being enrolled full-time as a full-time student or receiving permission to live in University housing as a part-time student. 
2. Students who have been approved for disability-related housing accommodations will either be offered a time slot to select a housing assignment or be assigned a housing assignment by Residence Life, depending on their classification and the date the accommodation is approved.  Requests to move to a different room or building will be considered during scheduled room change periods. 
3. If a student chooses to decline a housing assignment that meets their disability-related housing accommodation, they will be included in Open Room Selection.  
4. 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. 

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 when the student first applied for housing?
2. Was the request made before the deadline for housing applications 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? 

All applications submitted will be considered, regardless of timing; however, applications after the housing selection deadlines may result in delays to the availability of the approved housing accommodation. 

Types of Housing Accommodations 

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

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

Examples of Disability-Related Housing Accommodation Requests 

• Medical Equipment: A student needing space for medical devices or equipment that cannot fit into a standard double room may be assigned a single room. 
• Chronic Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as mobility, chronic pain, frequent medical treatments, or conditions requiring specific medical equipment may require privacy to manage treatments, medications, or sleep needs without disruption. 
• Severe Sleep Disorders: Students with conditions like severe insomnia or sleep apnea may require a room that allows them to manage their sleep schedule and medical devices (e.g., CPAP machines) without disturbing others. 
• Psychological Conditions: A student with a severe mental health disability may require accommodations to their residential setting to access the benefits of residential living Common diagnoses like ADD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depression are sometimes cited as reasons for requesting a single room. However, these conditions alone typically do not meet the criteria for disability-related housing accommodation unless they present significant barriers to accessing residential campus housing. 

Parking Accommodations 

Accessible parking permits and campus parking passes are available through the Office of Public Safety. Both a state accessible parking permit and a campus accessible parking permit must be displayed when parking in accessible parking spaces on campus.  The Office of Public Safety provides transportation as needed for accessibility and operates the campus shuttle.  Please contact Public Safety or the ARC for additional information or questions about other parking-related accessibility needs.   

Common Questions About Housing Accommodations 

Is there an extra fee for single room accommodations? 
Single rooms are limited in availability at Bellarmine. Any student may request a single room as a preferred living space upgrade by joining the Single Room Wait List after they have completed the housing selection process, which takes place before the start of each semester.  Single room accommodations are provided to individuals with disabilities to minimize or remove barriers to access of residential living environments.   

A single may be approved as a disability accommodation if clinical documentation and student information clearly supports the need for extra or private space, such as for students using medical equipment that requires additional room, or modified environment. In these cases, the student will be charged at the standard double room rate, not the single room upgrade rate. 

Can I request a single room so that I have a quiet space for studying? 

Residence halls are primarily intended as living spaces. They may not always provide the quiet environment necessary for studying. Students can explore other areas on campus designed for focused work, including the library, quiet nooks and lounge areas in academic buildings, and outdoor spaces. Additionally, tools such as noise-canceling headphones or white noise apps may help reduce distractions in a shared living space. 

What if I need a private area to relax or manage stress? 

Having conditions like anxiety or depression doesn’t automatically qualify a student for a single room, as these issues can often be managed through other strategies. Bellarmine provides various campus spaces for relaxation, including quiet areas within academic buildings, the library, and outdoor spaces. White noise machines or earplugs may also be useful in managing distractions. 

How can I gain more control over my living environment? 

Living with a roommate provides opportunities to develop important life skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and compromise. If conflicts arise, Residence Life staff are available to assist with mediation and help students establish clear living agreements with their roommates. 

What if my roommate and I don’t get along? 

If challenges with a roommate occur, Residence Life can offer guidance on conflict resolution and communication strategies. Students are also welcome to seek support from the Bellarmine Counseling Center to discuss concerns and explore coping strategies. 

How can I ensure the safety of my medications? 

Students are encouraged to keep medications and other valuables secure by using a lockbox or safe in their room. Locking the door when leaving the room is also recommended to ensure the safety of personal items. 

What happens if my request for a single room accommodation is not approved but I still want to live in a single? 

If a student’s request does not meet the criteria for a single room accommodation, but the student would prefer to live in a single room, the student may join the Single Room Wait List to request a single upgrade for an additional housing fee. Single upgrades are provided by Residence Life as space is available throughout the academic year. 

Can I get temporary accommodations for short-term impairments? 

Students experiencing temporary impairments, such as injuries or medical conditions, may also request housing accommodations. The ARC, in partnership with Residence Life, will help arrange any necessary adjustments for students with temporary needs.