Housing Requests

Guidelines for Housing Requests Based On Medical, Psychological, or Disability Related Needs

Disability-related housing accommodations provide WWU students access to an inclusive on-campus living experience under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students who require these accommodations should make a request for accommodations on Accommodate and submit a completed Disability Information and Verification Form to support their request and specify their disability-related needs. This form can be uploaded in Accommodate by the student, emailed to dss@wallawalla.edu, or faxed to (509) 527-2090.

Approval of housing accommodations is assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration the nature of the disability or health condition and the reasonableness of the request. Disability Support Services collaborates with the Office of Housing Services and Residence Life to provide suitable accommodations that meet the specific needs of each student. 

After your housing accommodations are approved, Disability Support Services and Residential Life will work together to place you in a space that reasonably accommodates your documented needs. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we will provide appropriate housing modifications; however, specific residence hall placements are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. 

Requests for single rooms are not granted solely based on the need for a quiet study environment. Residence halls are designed as communal living spaces, and students seeking a quiet study area should explore other designated locations on campus. 

How to Request Housing Accommodations

1. Indicate your need for accommodations
   1. On your WWU Housing Application, check the box for disability-related accommodations.
2. Submit your request through Accommodate
   1. For new students, submit an initial request for accommodations. Returning students should submit a supplemental request.
3. Provide documentation
   1. Have a qualified healthcare provider complete the Disability Information and Verification Form.
   2. Submit the form via:
      1. emailing dss@wallawalla.edu
      2. fax it to (509) 527-2090
4. Schedule a meeting with DSS
   1. Email dss@wallawalla.edu to request an appointment time.

Request Timeline & Deadlines

Student may submit requests at any time, but:

• Submit as early as possible to ensure your accommodation is in place by move-in.
• Requests made less than 60 days before move-in may not be guaranteed.
• Response time: Once your request and documentation are complete, DSS aims to respond within 14 business days.

Quarterly Deadlines

To maximize availability and planning, submit your request and documentation by:

• Fall: June 15
• Winter: October 15
• Spring: January 15
• Summer: April 15

For students already receiving housing accommodations, confirm your existing accommodations for next school year by April 15 via Accommodate. Late requests may result in delays or limited options. Students wishing to request new accommodations or make changes to their current accommodations will need to provide updated documentation of their disability and the need for the change. After submitting the documentation, students will be asked to schedule an appointment with the Disabilities Support Services staff to discuss their needs.

To ensure appropriate accommodations are available, new students must contact Disability Support Services by June 15 for Fall Quarter housing requests. Failure to meet these deadlines may significantly limit Disability Support Services' ability to respond to accommodation requests. 

Request Limits & Criteria

WWU may deny or modify a housing request if:

• It creates a significant financial or administrative burden.
• It fundamentally alters housing policies.
• It poses a direct threat to others’ safety, health, or property.
• It lacks a clear connection to a disability-related housing barrier.

DSS may ask for additional documentation if your disability or request is not readily apparent.

Important Notes

• Housing accommodations are reviewed individually based on your documentation and needs.
• Specific room or building placements are not guaranteed.
• Requests for single rooms will not be approved only for quiet study needs.

Missed the Deadline?

If your request or documentation is submitted after the above deadline, DSS may not be able to fulfill the request in time for the desired quarter. Accommodations will still be reviewed and implemented as soon as possible. 

Questions?

If there are any questions regarding documentation, please contact the Disability Support Services Specialist at dss@wallawalla.edu or 509 527-2366. 

For more information on housing exemption requests, please view the WWU Residential Life & Housing Policy.