Accessibility Housing Accommodations | Office of Accessibility Resources and Services

Students who would like to receive housing accommodations while enrolled at High Point University must self-identify as a student with a disability by formally registering with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS). Registration, documentation, and participation in an interactive process are required for all requested accommodations.

The interactive process involves the student meeting with an Accessibility Specialist and discussing the student’s academic concerns while attending High Point University. The Accessibility Specialist will review the submitted documentation after meeting with the student and take into consideration what was discussed during the meeting. Once the Specialist has reviewed the documentation, the student will receive an eligibility letter with the approved accommodations.

Housing accommodation requests are considered for students with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities which may include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

Documentation Guidelines

Documentation for accessible housing must be from a qualified medical professional. For our purpose, a qualified medical professional 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 a documented, established history of treatment. Each question on the required forms must be completed by a qualified medical professional. We will not accept notes or letters in lieu of the provided documents.

The diagnosis of a medical condition in and of itself does not automatically qualify one for housing accommodations. In determining the reasonableness of an accommodation, the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) may not grant a specific request by a student if it is determined that there is an equally effective alternative available or if it would impose an undue administrative or financial burden on the University. Accessible housing will ensure equal access to the residence halls and campus. It does not guarantee a specific room or residence hall. Appropriate options may be suggested by the University as alternatives to the requested accommodations.

Students approved for accommodations under the ADA will be given housing assignments by the Office of Student Life (OSL). Students approved for housing accommodations will not incur additional expenses above the “standard” specified room rate unless the student elects to seek a different housing tier than the one assigned by OSL. If the student elects to seek a different housing tier than the one assigned by OSL, the student will be placed in the regular housing lottery process and will be responsible for paying any additional charges associated with that housing tier.

All High Point University housing areas are a part of the University’s overall residential community. University transportation (transportation@highpoint.edu) and security (security@highpoint.edu) are equally accessible in all areas of campus.

To Request Housing Accommodations as a New Student:

Go to the Accommodate Portal and login in using your HPU username and password.
Complete the online registration.
Submit a completed Request for Accessible Housing form signed by a qualified medical professional.** If you want to request an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) please submit a completed Request ESA Documentation form. You can find all information about ESAs including the ESA Policy and the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved ESA on the Animals on Campus page.
Meet with an Accessibility Specialist, in person or via phone, to review your request.

– NOTE –

Accessible housing requests and requests for ESAs must be made on an annual basis.
Students must adhere to all deadlines set forth by the Office of Student Life.

Each situation is reviewed, case-by-case, based on documentation of a disability and functional limitations provided to OARS. Requests and documentation should be submitted no later than February 1st for returning students and April 1st for incoming students each year. If a housing accommodation is approved, accessible housing will ensure your need is met, but it does not guarantee a specific residence hall or room within a residence hall. Students should contact the Housing Office in the Office of Student Life to inquire about housing assignments.

** 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 or have a documented established history of treatment.  Each question on the required forms must be completed by the medical professional.**

Dietary Needs – Please contact the Hospitality Team at hospitality@highpoint.edu

To Request Housing Accommodations for Returning Students:

All students MUST re-apply for housing accommodations each academic year. Housing renewals should be submitted no later than February 14th.

Students who wish to continue receiving their currently approved housing accommodations must complete the Additional or Renew Accommodation Request through their Accommodate Portal.
Students who already receive housing accommodations, but would like to request additional or modify current housing accommodations, must also submit current documentation to support their request. Documentation should consist of a Request for Accessible Housing form signed and completed by a qualified medical professional**. Documentation should be included with the online accommodation request. New housing requests should be submitted no later than February 1^st for returning students.
All students renewing and/or requesting additional or modified housing accommodations must schedule a meeting with an Accessibility Specialist, in person or via phone, to review their request.

If a housing accommodation is approved, accessible housing will ensure the student’s need is met, but it does not guarantee a specific residence hall or room within a residence hall. Students should contact the Housing Office in the Office of Student Life to inquire about housing assignments.