New students requesting an ESA as a housing accommodation must:

1. Go to the OARS Accommodate Portal and log in using your HPU username and password.
2. Complete the online registration.
3. Submit the completed Documentation Standards for an Emotional Support Animal signed by a qualified medical or mental health professional. A qualified medical professional, for our purposes, is defined as a non-family member whose professional training qualifies them to diagnose and treat the impairments associated with the student’s disability. The student must either be a current patient of the professional who completes the documents or have an established history of treatment that is documented.  Each question on the required forms must be completed by the medical professional.  We will not accept notes or letters in lieu of the provided documents.
4. Submit up-to-date veterinary records of your animal’s immunizations (including rabies vaccinations if applicable to your animal’s species), flea and tick treatments, and/or wellness visit.
5. Complete an In Case of Emergency (ICE) Removal Form while filling out your request. This will require you to identify an off-campus person who is not a current HPU student who will take possession of the animal if the animal must be excluded from campus under Section VI of the ESA Policy.
6. Review the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal through the OARS Accommodate portal.
7. Set up an appointment with an OARS Accessibility Specialist to review the request.
8. Receive an identification tag and door decal for the ESA (optional).

**All documentation should be uploaded to the online registration**

Once OARS receives the required documentation, an Accessibility Specialist will review the request and issue a decision regarding the requested ESA. The student requesting the ESA will be notified if the ESA is approved or if OARS needs additional information regarding the request.  Decisions regarding ESAs may take three or more weeks after documentation from a Medical Doctor, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Counselor, or Therapist has been received by OARS.  If medical documentation is incomplete or illegible, this may further delay the decision.

Denials of Requests for Emotional Support Animals.  The University is not required to provide accommodations that would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.  Thus, if a particular animal requested by a student with a disability has a history of dangerous behavior or an unsafe disposition, the University will deny the request for an ESA.  The University will also deny requests that would: (1) result in substantial physical damage to the property of others unless the threat can be eliminated or significantly reduced by a reasonable accommodation; (2) pose an undue financial and/or administrative burden on the University; or (3) fundamentally alter the nature of the University’s Student Life operations.

Conflicting Health Conditions and Aversions.  Students with a medical condition or aversion affected by animals (e.g. allergies, asthma, respiratory conditions, zoophobia, etc.) should contact OARS if they are assigned to reside in close proximity to an ESA. OARS will work with Student Life to reasonably accommodate residents with disabilities who need accommodation when living in close proximity to an ESA as may be required by applicable law.

Returning students requesting an ESA as a housing accommodation must:

1. 1. Go to the OARS Accommodate Portal and log in using your HPU username and password.
   2. Complete the Additional or Renew Accommodation Request located on the left side of the page.
   3. Submit up-to-date veterinary records of your animal’s immunizations (including rabies vaccinations if applicable to your animal’s species), flea and tick treatments, and/or wellness visit.
   4. Complete an In Case of Emergency (ICE) Removal Form while filling out your request. This will require you to identify an off-campus person who is not a current HPU student who will take possession of the animal if the animal must be excluded from campus under Section VI of the ESA Policy.
   5. Review and sign the electronic Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal through your Accommodate Portal.
   6. Set up an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist to review the request.
   7. Optionally receive an identification tag and door decal for the ESA, if not already obtained.

ESA accommodation renewals through OARS should be completed in accordance with Housing deadlines(i.e. by February 14).

Once OARS receives the required documentation, an Accessibility Specialist will review the request and issue a decision regarding the requested ESA. The student requesting the ESA will be notified if the ESA is approved or if OARS needs additional information regarding the request. Decisions regarding ESAs may take three or more weeks after documentation from a Medical Doctor, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Counselor, or Therapist has been received by OARS. If medical documentation is incomplete or illegible, this may further delay the decision.

Denials of Requests for Emotional Support Animals.  The University is not required to provide accommodations that would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.  Thus, if a particular animal requested by a student with a disability has a history of dangerous behavior or an unsafe disposition, the University will deny the request for an ESA.  The University will also deny requests that would: (1) result in substantial physical damage to the property of others unless the threat can be eliminated or significantly reduced by a reasonable accommodation; (2) pose an undue financial and/or administrative burden on the University; or (3) fundamentally alter the nature of the University’s Student Life operations.

Conflicting Health Conditions and Aversions.  Students with a medical condition or aversion affected by animals (e.g. allergies, asthma, respiratory conditions, zoophobia, etc.) should contact OARS if they are assigned to reside in close proximity to an ESA. OARS will work with Student Life to reasonably accommodate residents with disabilities who need accommodation when living in close proximity to an ESA as may be required by applicable law.

Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal

The Resident must agree to abide by the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.

If the University grants a Resident’s request for ESA as a reasonable accommodation, the Resident is solely responsible for the custody and care of the ESA and must meet the following requirements:

A.    General Responsibilities

1. BEFORE a Resident may bring the requested ESA to campus, the Resident must be officially approved by OARS following the ESA request process. This includes meeting with an Accessibility Specialist, signing the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal, and completing the ESA In Case of Emergency Form identifying an off-campus person who can immediately take possession of the animal if needed. The student will be allowed to bring the approved ESA to campus after receiving an official approval letter from the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.
2. Once an ESA has been approved, the Resident agrees to abide by all other residential policies along with the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.
3. The ESA approval will be retained throughout the Resident’s time at the University. In the event that the Resident takes a Leave of Absence, is approved for remote participation accommodations, is suspended then readmitted, etc., the ESA approval will still apply once the Resident returns to campus, with the exception of suspension or removal from campus directly related to ESA violations.
4. Upon approval, the Resident is required to obtain an ESA identification tag and door decal. The ESA tag must be attached to the ESA’s collar (if applicable) at all times while on campus. If the ESA species is unable to wear a collar, the ESA tag should be displayed on the ESA’s enclosure. The door decal must be placed on the door of the student’s housing assignment. If the Resident fails to place the tag on the ESA’s collar or enclosure, Residence Life will assume the ESA is an unauthorized animal and will proceed with the applicable protocol.
5. ESAs brought on campus must be under the control of the Resident at all times (e.g., leash, harness, crate).
6. An ESA must be contained within the Resident’s assigned individual room when the Resident is not present. The ESA is permitted in the shared living space (suite living room area) as long as the Resident is present and has obtained permission from suitemates. The ESA is not permitted in other students’ rooms, or other commonly shared public spaces of the University such as classrooms, academic buildings, administrative buildings, libraries, dining service areas, fitness center, outside recreational areas, pools, the Promenade, Robert’s Hall Lawn, etc.
7. ESAs must be taken out of and returned to the Resident’s assigned residence by way of the shortest and most direct path. Residence Life will work with the Resident to identify appropriate spaces for the ESA to relieve itself, based on where the Resident resides. The ESA must be maintained under standard restraints, such as a carrier and/or collar, when outdoors, in public areas, or in transit.
8. The Resident is solely responsible for the animal’s well-being, care, and cleaning, including regular feeding, bathing, grooming, daily care, and veterinary services.
9. The Resident is solely responsible for cleaning up after and properly disposing of the ESA’s waste in a safe and sanitary manner. ESA dogs must be “housebroken” (no puppy pads), and ESA cats must be litter box trained.
10. Under all circumstances, animal waste deposited on University grounds or within the facilities MUST be removed immediately and disposed of properly.
11. It is the Resident’s responsibility to ensure that others are not disrupted by the ESA (e.g., barking, excessive noise, etc.).
12. The ESA may not be left unattended overnight in the residential facilities or to be cared for by another student. ESAs must be taken with the Resident if they leave campus for a night or more.
13. The ESA may not be left in the care of any other HPU student or employee.
14. When ESAs are left unattended in the Resident’s room, they must be stored in a crate, carrier, cage, or kennel. This containment will allow High Point University officials to routinely access the residential facilities for maintenance and other routine tasks without posing a risk to the animal or employees.
15. The University and University staff are not responsible for retrieving the ESA if the animal escapes or becomes lost.
16. The Resident must abide by current local and state ordinances, laws, and/or regulations pertaining to licensing, vaccination, and other requirements for animals. It is the Resident’s responsibility to know and understand these ordinances, laws, and regulations. The University has the right to require documentation of compliance with such ordinances, laws, and/or regulations, such as a vaccination certificate. The University reserves the right to request documentation showing that the animal has been licensed. The Resident must maintain and use the ESA in ways that do not create safety hazards for other people.
17. The Resident is responsible for submitting updated vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services prior to expiration of the current records (or anniversary date of ESA approval if vaccinations are not required for the animal). In the event that the Resident fails to submit updated records, OARS will file an ESA violation report and the ESA will be deemed unauthorized. A fine of $100 per day (that the ESA is on campus) is imposed on the Resident and the Resident will be expected to permanently relocate the animal off campus immediately.
18. The Resident’s living space may be inspected for fleas, ticks, pests, and/or damage to the residential facilities once a semester or as needed. The Office of Residence Life will schedule the inspection and notify the Resident before the scheduled inspection. If fleas, ticks, or other pests are detected through inspection, the residence hall will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a University-approved pest control service. The Resident will be billed for the expense of any necessary pest control treatment or repairs for damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.
19. The University may remove or require the removal of the ESA if it poses or has posed a threat to the health or safety of others on campus, the ESA fundamentally alters the nature of a University program or activity, or the Resident does not comply with the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved ESA.
20. The Resident will be referred to the Office of Housing Operations for violations of this policy (including failure to submit updated vaccination/veterinary records or ICE information) and will be financially responsible for expenses incurred above a standard cleaning or for repairs to the residential premises, including losses, liability, claims, and harm to others caused by the ESA.
21. ESA approval is valid only for the specific animal OARS named in the official ESA approval letter. To replace a previously approved ESA, the Resident must complete a supplemental accommodation request through OARS and provide new and/or up-to-date documentation for the requested ESA.
22. The University strongly urges the Resident to have their ESA (dog or cat) spayed or neutered prior to bringing the ESA to campus. This recommendation is to ensure any animal aggression is minimized and the possibility of the animal becoming pregnant and delivering a litter is prevented. In the situation of an ESA delivering a litter, the Resident will be held responsible and will be referred to the Office of Housing Operations for violations of this policy. Each additional animal will be considered unauthorized, and a fine of $100 per day, per animal, will be imposed on the Resident.
23. The Resident must notify OARS in writing if the ESA is no longer needed as an accommodation for the student in the residential facilities.

Agreement between the Resident and High Point University

The Resident has read and understands the responsibilities of a Resident with an Emotional Support Animal as outlined in the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an ESA. Should the student fail in violating the rules and responsibilities identified above, the approved accommodation may be suspended, they may be required to remove the ESA from University facilities, and/or they may be charged with a violation of student policies.

Click HERE for a copy of the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.

Emotional Support Animal Policy

I. Definitions

II. Resident Request Process

III. University’s Reasonableness Determination 

IV. Access to University Facilities by Emotional Support Animals

V. Resident’s Responsibilities for Emotional Support Animal

VI. Agreement between the Student and High Point University

VII. Voluntary Animal Removal

VIII. ESA Approval

IX. Animal Removal

X. No Retaliation

Emotional Support Animal Policy

High Point University (HPU) recognizes the importance of “Emotional Support Animals” (ESAs) under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) that provides physical and/or emotional support to individuals with disabilities. HPU is committed to approving ESAs as a reasonable accommodation in order to provide individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing. An emotional support animal (ESA) is a type of reasonable accommodation that affords a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing by alleviating one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. This policy is subject to change from time to time and explains the specific requirements applicable to a campus resident’s request for and possession of an ESA in University housing. This Policy does not apply to “Service Animals” as defined by the ADAAA.

Although it is the policy of HPU that residents are prohibited from having animals of any type in university housing, HPU will consider a request by a resident with a disability for a reasonable accommodation to allow an ESA consistent with this Policy. Before a Resident may bring a requested ESA to campus, the Resident must be approved by OARS for a reasonable accommodation under this Policy.

I. Definitions

1. Emotional Support Animal: An “ESA” is a type of reasonable accommodation that affords a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing by providing emotional support or alleviating one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. HPU does not limit the type of support animal (i.e., based on size, breed, type, etc.), but does have the right to limit based on specific issues with the animal’s conduct because it poses a direct threat or a fundamental alteration. An ESA is not a Service Animal under applicable law or University policy.
2. Resident: The “Resident” is the individual who resides in University housing and has requested to bring an ESA into University housing as a reasonable accommodation under this Policy.
3. Office of Accessibility Resources and Services: The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) collaborates with individuals, faculty, and staff to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to all HPU programs and activities.
4. Reliable Medical Provider: Someone who is familiar with the Resident’s disability and the necessity for the requested accommodation, such as a health care provider, therapist, counselor, or social worker.

II. Resident Request Process

Residents requesting an ESA as a housing accommodation must:

1. Contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services to provide notification of an ESA accommodation request.
   1. Submit an accommodation request including information about the animal being requested; and
   2. Submission of the Documentation Standards for Emotional Support Animal Form completed by a reliable medical provider with information regarding the Resident’s disability, including an explanation of how the requested animal alleviates one or more symptoms of the Resident’s disability.
   3. Provide current and up-to-date vaccination records and/or an annual veterinary visit report for the ESA that includes documentation of animal type and size, current vaccination records, and proof of flea and tick treatment.
2. Set up an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist to engage in the interactive process by discussing concerns and experiences with the proposed ESA. During this meeting, the Rules and Responsibilities of Resident with an Approved ESA will be reviewed. The Resident will be directed to not bring the ESA to campus until they have received their official ESA eligibility letter. The Accessibility Specialist reserves the right to make an eligibility decision during the initial meeting (and complete the remainder of the Resident request process) or to request a second meeting after the documentation review.
3. The Accessibility Specialist will review all of the documentation and make a decision regarding the Resident’s request.
4. If needed, the Resident will meet with the Accessibility Specialist again (to complete the final steps of approval).
5. The following items must be completed for an ESA to fully approved:
   1. The Resident will sign the ESA Rules and Responsibilities.
   2. The Resident will complete an In Case of Emergency (ICE) form. This will require the Resident to identify an off-campus person, who is not a current HPU student, who will take possession of the animal if the animal must be excluded from campus under the “Animal Removal” section of this Policy.
   3. The Accessibility Specialist will send the official approval letter (including the vaccination expiration date for the ESA and the ESA tag number). The Resident will be reminded that they must submit their ESA’s updated veterinary/vaccination records in a timely manner to avoid violating the ESA policy.
   4. The Accessibility Specialist will inform the Director of Housing Operations and the Assistant Director(s) of Housing Operations, and HPU Security of the approved ESA.
   5. The Resident should be given an identification tag (number should match what is in the official ESA eligibility letter) and door decal for the ESA.

III. University’s Reasonableness Determination

A. OARS will conduct an individualized assessment of all ESA accommodation requests. A request for an ESA may be denied as unreasonable if the presence of the animal: (1) imposes an undue financial and/or administrative burden; (2) fundamentally alters University housing policies; (3) poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or would cause substantial damage to the property of others, including University property; and/or (4) otherwise unreasonably interferes with the operation of the University.

B. HPU may consider the following factors, among others, in determining whether the request for the ESA is reasonable:

1. The size and disposition of the animal.
2. Whether the animal’s presence otherwise violates individuals’ right to peace and quiet.
3. Whether the animal is housebroken or unable to live with others.
4. The animal’s vaccination/veterinary records.
5. The history of the animal’s behavior.
6. Whether the animal poses or has posed in the past a direct threat to the individual or others, such as a history of aggressive behavior towards or injuring the Resident or others.
7. Whether the animal causes or has caused excessive damage to housing beyond reasonable wear and tear.

IV. Access to University Facilities by Emotional Support Animals

A. Equal Access to Housing for Individuals with Disabilities

HPU will not limit room assignments for individuals with ESAs to any particular residence hall because the individual needs an ESA because of a disability. HPU will not ask for or require a Resident to pay a fee or surcharge for an approved ESA.

B. ESA Access, Dominion, and Control

An ESA must be contained within the Resident’s assigned individual room when the Resident is not present. The ESA is permitted in the shared living space (suite living room area) as long as the Resident is present and has obtained permission from suitemates. The ESA is not permitted in other students’ rooms, or other commonly shared public spaces of the University such as classrooms, academic buildings, administrative buildings, libraries, dining service areas, fitness center, outside recreational areas, pools, the Promenade, Robert’s Hall Lawn, etc. ESAs must be taken out of and returned to the Resident’s assigned residence by way of the shortest and most direct path. Residence Life will work with the Resident to identify appropriate spaces for the ESA to relieve itself, based on where the Resident resides. The ESA must be maintained under standard restraints, such as a carrier and/or collar, when outdoors, in public areas, or in transit.
ESAs brought on campus must be under the control of the Resident. The Resident must be in full control of the animal at all times (e.g., leash, harness, crate). The Resident is responsible for the animal’s well-being, care, and cleaning, including regular feeding, bathing, grooming, daily care, and veterinary services. It is the responsibility of the Resident to ensure that others are not disrupted by the ESA (e.g., barking, excessive noise, etc.).

V. Resident’s Responsibilities for Emotional Support Animal

The Resident must agree to abide by the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.

If the University grants a Resident’s request for ESA as a reasonable accommodation, the Resident is solely responsible for the custody and care of the ESA and must meet the following requirements:

A. General Responsibilities

1. BEFORE a Resident may bring the requested ESA to campus, the Resident must be officially approved by OARS following the ESA request process. This includes meeting with an Accessibility Specialist, signing the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal, and completing the ESA In Case of Emergency Form identifying an off-campus person who can immediately take possession of the animal if needed. The student will be allowed to bring the approved ESA to campus after receiving an official approval letter from the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.
2. Once an ESA has been approved, the Resident agrees to abide by all other residential policies along with the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.
3. The ESA approval will be retained throughout the Resident’s time at the University. In the event that the Resident takes a Leave of Absence, is approved for remote participation accommodations, is suspended then readmitted, etc., the ESA approval will still apply once the Resident returns to campus, with the exception of suspension or removal from campus directly related to ESA violations.
4. Upon approval, the Resident is required to obtain an ESA identification tag and door decal. The ESA tag must be attached to the ESA’s collar (if applicable) at all times while on campus. If the ESA species is unable to wear a collar, the ESA tag should be displayed on the ESA’s enclosure. The door decal must be placed on the door of the student’s housing assignment. If the Resident fails to place the tag on the ESA’s collar or enclosure, Residence Life will assume the ESA is an unauthorized animal and will proceed with the applicable protocol.
5. ESAs brought on campus must be under the control of the Resident at all times (e.g., leash, harness, crate).
6. An ESA must be contained within the Resident’s assigned individual room when the Resident is not present. The ESA is permitted in the shared living space (suite living room area) as long as the Resident is present and has obtained permission from suitemates. The ESA is not permitted in other students’ rooms, or other commonly shared public spaces of the University such as classrooms, academic buildings, administrative buildings, libraries, dining service areas, fitness center, outside recreational areas, pools, the Promenade, Robert’s Hall Lawn, etc.
7. ESAs must be taken out of and returned to the Resident’s assigned residence by way of the shortest and most direct path. Residence Life will work with the Resident to identify appropriate spaces for the ESA to relieve itself, based on where the Resident resides. The ESA must be maintained under standard restraints, such as a carrier and/or collar, when outdoors, in public areas, or in transit.
8. The Resident is solely responsible for the animal’s well-being, care, and cleaning, including regular feeding, bathing, grooming, daily care, and veterinary services.
9. The Resident is solely responsible for cleaning up after and properly disposing of the ESA’s waste in a safe and sanitary manner. ESA dogs must be “housebroken” (no puppy pads), and ESA cats must be litter box trained.
10. Under all circumstances, animal waste deposited on University grounds or within the facilities MUST be removed immediately and disposed of properly.
11. It is the Resident’s responsibility to ensure that others are not disrupted by the ESA (e.g., barking, excessive noise, etc.).
12. The ESA may not be left unattended overnight in the residential facilities or to be cared for by another student. ESAs must be taken with the Resident if they leave campus for a night or more.
13. The ESA may not be left in the care of any other HPU student or employee.
14. When ESAs are left unattended in the Resident’s room, they must be stored in a crate, carrier, cage, or kennel. This containment will allow High Point University officials to routinely access the residential facilities for maintenance and other routine tasks without posing a risk to the animal or employees.
15. The University and University staff are not responsible for retrieving the ESA if the animal escapes or becomes lost.
16. The Resident must abide by current local and state ordinances, laws, and/or regulations pertaining to licensing, vaccination, and other requirements for animals. It is the Resident’s responsibility to know and understand these ordinances, laws, and regulations. The University has the right to require documentation of compliance with such ordinances, laws, and/or regulations, such as a vaccination certificate. The University reserves the right to request documentation showing that the animal has been licensed. The Resident must maintain and use the ESA in ways that do not create safety hazards for other people.
17. The Resident is responsible for submitting updated vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services prior to expiration of the current records (or anniversary date of ESA approval if vaccinations are not required for the animal). In the event that the Resident fails to submit updated records, OARS will file an ESA violation report and the ESA will be deemed unauthorized. A fine of $100 per day (that the ESA is on campus) is imposed on the Resident and the Resident will be expected to permanently relocate the animal off campus immediately.
18. The Resident’s living space may be inspected for fleas, ticks, pests, and/or damage to the residential facilities once a semester or as needed. The Office of Residence Life will schedule the inspection and notify the Resident before the scheduled inspection. If fleas, ticks, or other pests are detected through inspection, the residence hall will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a University-approved pest control service. The Resident will be billed for the expense of any necessary pest control treatment or repairs for damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.
19. The University may remove or require the removal of the ESA if it poses or has posed a threat to the health or safety of others on campus, the ESA fundamentally alters the nature of a University program or activity, or the Resident does not comply with the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved ESA.
20. The Resident will be referred to the Office of Housing Operations for violations of this policy (including failure to submit updated vaccination/veterinary records or ICE information) and will be financially responsible for expenses incurred above a standard cleaning or for repairs to the residential premises, including losses, liability, claims, and harm to others caused by the ESA.
21. ESA approval is valid only for the specific animal OARS named in the official ESA approval letter. To replace a previously approved ESA, the Resident must complete a supplemental accommodation request through OARS and provide new and/or up-to-date documentation for the requested ESA.
22. The University strongly urges the Resident to have their ESA (dog or cat) spayed or neutered prior to bringing the ESA to campus. This recommendation is to ensure any animal aggression is minimized and the possibility of the animal becoming pregnant and delivering a litter is prevented. In the situation of an ESA delivering a litter, the Resident will be held responsible and will be referred to the Office of Housing Operations for violations of this policy. Each additional animal will be considered unauthorized, and a fine of $100 per day, per animal, will be imposed on the Resident.
23. The Resident must notify OARS in writing if the ESA is no longer needed as an accommodation for the student in the residential facilities.

VI. Agreement between the student and High Point University

The Resident has read and understands the responsibilities of a Resident with an Emotional Support Animal as outlined in the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an ESA. Should the student fail in violating the rules and responsibilities identified above, the approved accommodation may be suspended, they may be required to remove the ESA from University facilities, and/or they may be charged with a violation of student policies.

VII. Voluntary Animal Removal

If a student submits, in writing, that they no longer have their ESA on campus, or OARS is made aware that the student is no longer residing on campus, the Accessibility Specialist will document the change in the student’s account and will remove the student and ESA information from the shared housing spreadsheet. The Accessibility Specialist will leave the approved accommodation in the student’s account. If OARS is notified by the student of the change in their ESA status, OARS will notify Residence Life.

VIII. ESA Approval

ESAs are approved for the entirety of the Resident’s on-campus living. Updated vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports must be submitted prior to expiration of the current records (or anniversary date of ESA approval if vaccinations are not required for the animal). OARS will send reminders of upcoming vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports at the three (3) month, two (2) month, and one (1) month mark prior to the expiration date. In the event that the Resident fails to submit updated records, OARS will file an ESA violation report and the ESA will deemed unauthorized. The Resident may incur fines or the University may remove or require the removal of the ESA. OARS will share the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved ESA annually to students with an approved ESA via email. Residents with an approved ESA are permitted to request a new identification tag and door decal for the ESA at the beginning of each academic year or in the event of a housing re-assignment or damage to the identification tag.

IX. Animal Removal

A. The University may require the removal of the animal from University housing if:

1. The animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
2. The animal causes or has caused excessive damage to University property or the property of others beyond reasonable wear and tear.
3. The animal’s presence results in a fundamental alteration to the nature of a University program or activity; or
4. The Resident fails to comply with any of their responsibilities under this Policy and the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal that is sent each academic year.

B. The decision to remove an ESA will be made based on individualized determinations regarding the behavior of the ESA and Resident and not on speculation or fear about the harm or damage an ESA may cause. Prior to removal, a Resident may receive a written warning. However, immediate removal may be necessary in certain situations such as when the ESA poses a threat to the safety of others on campus. The Resident will be afforded all rights of due process and appeal as outlined in the appeal process.

C. Removal of an ESA from University premises for any reason does not relieve the Resident from their obligation under the housing contract.

X. No Retaliation

HPU will not retaliate against any person because that individual has requested or received reasonable accommodations in University housing, including a request for an ESA.

Click HERE for a copy of the HPU ESA Policy.

Service dogs that are required because of a disability and individually trained to perform specific tasks or work are welcome on the High Point University campus and are expected to be under the handler’s control at all times.

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with a mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties.  Service animals are working animals, not pets.  The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.  Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. (ADA.gov Bulletin July 2011)

Service Animal Policy

I. High Point University’s Inquiries Regarding Service Animals

II. Responsibilities of Handlers

III. Removal of Service Animals

IV. Public Etiquette towards Service or Assistance Animals

Service Animal Policy

In compliance with all applicable ADA laws, HPU allows Service Animals in its buildings, classrooms, residence halls, meetings, dining areas, recreational facilities, activities and events when the animal is accompanied by an individual with a disability who indicates the Service Animal is trained to provide and does provide, a specific service to them that is directly related to their disability.

HPU may not permit Service Animals when the animal poses a substantial and direct threat to the health or safety of others or when the presence of the animal constitutes a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program or service. HPU will make those determinations on a case-by-case basis.

I. High Point University’s Inquiries Regarding Service Animals

By law, HPU staff and faculty are not permitted to inquire about the nature or extent of a person’s disability requiring a Service Animal. Personnel may make two inquiries to determine whether an animal qualifies as a Service Animal:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task is the animal trained to perform?

If the individual answers the second question with a vague/undetailed response (e.g., “the animal provides me comfort”) rather than a specific, observable task, the individual should be referred to OARS to complete the ESA accommodation request process.

HPU cannot require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a Service Animal. Generally, HPU may not make any inquiries about a Service Animal when it is readily apparent that the animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for the individual with a disability (e.g., the animal is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person’s wheelchair, or providing assistance with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability). Students who disclose their use of a Service Animal will be strongly urged to pick up an animal identification tag and door decal to avoid any concerns with Residence Life.

Specific questions related to the use of Service Animals on the HPU campus by visitors can be directed to the Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services via email at [email protected] or by phone at (336) 841-9026.

II. Responsibilities of Handlers

Students bringing a Service Animal to campus are strongly encouraged to partner with OARS. Additionally, students who live in University-owned housing should provide current and up-to-date veterinary vaccination and record of flea and tick treatment. OARS staff may offer a tag and decal to the student with a Service Animal, but the student is not required to utilize these items.

Handlers are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by their animals and must take appropriate precautions to prevent property damage or injury. The cost of care, arrangements, and responsibilities for the well-being of a Service Animal are the handler’s sole responsibility.

1. Service Animal Control Requirements
   1. The animal should be on a leash when not providing a needed service to the student.
   2. The animal should always respond to voice or hand commands and be in full control of the handler.
   3. To the extent possible, the animal should be unobtrusive to other individuals in the learning, living, and working environment.
2. Service Animal Etiquette
   1. To the extent possible, the handler should ensure that the animal does not:
      1. Sniff people, tables, or the personal belongings of others.
      2. Display any behaviors or make noises that are disruptive to others unless it is part of the service being provided to the handler.
      3. Block an aisle or passageway for fire egress.
3. Waste Cleanup
   1. Cleaning up after the animal is the sole responsibility of the handler. In the event that the handler is not physically able to clean up after the animal, it is then the responsibility of the handler to hire someone capable of cleaning up after the animal. The person cleaning up after the animal should abide by the following guidelines:
      1. Always carry equipment sufficient to clean up the animal’s feces whenever the animal is on campus.
      2. Properly dispose of waste in appropriate containers.

III. Removal of Service Animals

Service Animals may be ordered to be removed by HPU Security and Transportation and/or Residence Life for the following reasons:

• An out-of-control animal: A handler may be directed to remove an animal that is out of control and the handler is not taking effective action to control it. If improper animal behavior happens repeatedly, the handler may be prohibited from bringing the animal into any University facility until the handler can demonstrate that he/she has taken significant steps to mitigate the behavior.
• Non-housebroken animal- a handler may be directed to remove an animal that is not housebroken.
• Direct threat- A handler may be directed to remove an animal that HPU determines to be a substantial and direct threat to the health and safety of individuals. This may occur because of an extremely ill animal, an animal exhibiting aggression toward others, a substantial lack of cleanliness of the animal, or the presence of an animal in a sensitive area, such as a medical facility, certain laboratories, or mechanical/industrial areas.

Where a Service Animal is removed pursuant to this policy, HPU will work with the handler to determine reasonable alternative opportunities to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the Service Animal on the premises.

IV. Public Etiquette towards Service or Assistance Animals

It is allowable to ask someone if he/she would like assistance if there seems to be confusion; however, faculty, staff, students, visitors, and members of the general public should avoid the following:

• Petting a Service Animal as it may distract them from the task at hand.
• Feeding the Service Animal.
• Deliberately startling a Service Animal.
• Separating or attempting to separate a handler from their Service Animal.