Housing Accommodations

UNCG will consider reasonable housing accommodations for students with disabilities. The deadline for requesting modified housing accommodations is the same as the deadline for the housing application. When the documentation shows that a private room is a necessary method of meeting the housing needs of a student with a disability, UNCG will consider exceptions to its general room rate structure unless doing so would result in a fundamental alteration to the housing program. In order for the student with a disability to be approved to receive a private room, he/she must provide sufficient documentation completed by a qualified professional addressing the student’s disability and their unique need for special housing accommodations.

Housing Accommodation Process

1. The student must first fill out the Welcome Form on the OARS Portal using their UNCG credentials.
   • In the Welcome Form, students are able to indicate their intent to request housing accommodations.
2. Students must also complete a Housing Application and pay the $200 prepayment unless otherwise waived.
   • Any questions regarding the Housing Application can be directed to Housing and Residence Life.
3. After applying for housing, a student must fill out the Special Housing Accommodation Form.
4. Each case will be individually evaluated with respect to the documentation presented and the accommodations requested.

• Be under control, even when you’re not with the animal,  

Emotional Support Animals

The Fair Housing Act requires that Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) be considered a reasonable accommodation in campus housing. The mere presence of an ESA alleviates symptoms of an individual’s disability. While ESAs can be powerful forms of treatment, they are unlike other forms of treatment such as specific therapies or medications. Therefore, students requesting an ESAs must follow the steps below to substantiate the request.  

1. Fill out the Welcome Form on the OARS Portal  

2. Provide documentation supporting the request for an ESA. Documentation should:  

• Be on professional letterhead from the appropriate licensed provider who has been treating your disability on an ongoing basis,   

• Indicate your diagnosis,  

• Indicate why the ESA is recommended and how it mitigates symptoms of your disability,  

• Include the professional’s credential information, signature, and the date signed, and  

• The provider must be licensed to practice in NC or your home state.  

3. Complete a Housing Application. 

• Any questions regarding the Housing Application should be directed to Housing and Residence Life at [email protected] or 336.334.5680. 

4. Complete the Special Housing Accommodation Form located on the Housing and Residence Life website.  
5. Students requiring ESAs on campus should make their requests at least 45 days (about 2 months) before moving on campus. Requests made less than 45 days before moving on campus may be deferred until the following semester.  

Please note:  

• Documentation from a provider with whom you have no treatment history may not be appropriate to verify the need for an ESA. In other words, a one-time contact with a therapist may be insufficient to establish disability. 
• Calling a therapist you’ve never met with and requesting an ESA letter does not demonstrate the need for an ESA.   
• Picking up an animal from a shelter, etc., does not demonstrate that the animal alleviates symptoms. The owner must be able to describe how the animal has assisted in alleviating their disability/ mental health symptoms over time.   

Approved ESAs must:  

• Non-disruptive (no excessive barking, howling, sniffing or others invading the personal space of others, etc.), 

• Fully house-trained, and 

• Old enough to have required rabies and other vaccinations for its species.  

• In most cases, must have a demonstrated history of mitigating disability-related symptoms. 

ESA Removal:  

• Any animal that repeatedly violates the requirements must be removed from campus until it is fully trained.  

• If an animal must be removed from campus, the owner must consult with OARS to seek reapproval before bringing it back to campus.  

• If you choose to bring a different animal than the one originally approved, you must consult with OARS to seek approval for the new animal. 

• Any detrimental action of an ESA is the responsibility of the owner. For example, if your ESA chews up your roommates $600 Chemistry textbook, you must buy them another of equal quality.   

Service Animals

In accordance with State law, service animals assisting students with disabilities are permitted in all facilities where students are allowed of the university.

Personal Care Attendants

Students who need Personal Care Attendants (PCA) should contact OARS for additional information. Students Requiring Personal Care Attendants in the residence halls must inform OARS and Housing and Residence Life. A background check will be completed on the personal care attendant prior to providing access to the residence halls to comply with UNCG Policy.