Housing Accommodations

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides reasonable housing accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. The Office of Accessibility and Accommodation (OAA) and Housing and Residence Life (HRL) work together to ensure equal access in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. All requests require sufficient documentation showing how the impact of the disability necessitates the accommodation for equal access, not based on preference or perceived benefit.

Requests are subject to availability, and neither the presence of a disability nor approval for housing accommodations guarantees on-campus housing or a particular kind of space.

If an accommodation is approved, Office of Accessibility and Accommodation will notify both the student and HRL.

Note that HRL, not Office of Accessibility and Accommodation, is responsible for determining the specific room assignment and managing all aspects of roommate selection and assignment.

The Process

Students interested in the possibility of a housing accommodation should initiate the following 2 steps simultaneously:

  • Apply for housing through HRL (requires submission of intent to enroll and enrollment deposit first) 
  • Request a housing accommodation through the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation (formerly Disability Services)

Follow the steps below to request a housing accommodation through Office of Accessibility and Accommodation:

  1. Submit Documentation: Find the required forms on our Documentation page.
    • New Students: Use the secure Student Portal for submission.
    • Returning Students: If you are already connected to with our office and want to submit additional documentation, please FAX (704-687-1395) or visit our office in FRET 230.
  2. Review Process: Office of Accessibility and Accommodation staff reviews your documentation, which typically takes about 7 business days.
  3. Next Steps: You’ll be notified via your University email about next steps. This often includes either scheduling a meeting for an interactive discussion, or providing additional documentation related to the request.

Only information about the approved accommodation is shared with HRL; your documentation is not shared and is kept by Office of Accessibility and Accommodation.

Animals in the Residence Halls

  • In accordance with federal and state laws and University Policy 704, Animals on Campus, authorized Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are permitted in campus residential buildings.
  • In accordance with Mecklenburg County regulations, rabies vaccinations must be current. Therefore, students with Service Animals or Service Animals in Training must contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation prior to bringing their animal to campus.
  • Students requesting an ESA as a housing accommodation must follow the process through the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation prior to bringing their animal into the residence hall. This includes providing proof of current rabies vaccination for any animal that can contract, carry, or transmit rabies.
  • Students are prohibited from bringing Service Animals, Service Animals in Training, or ESAs into the residence halls prior to receiving official authorization from the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation.
  • Additionally, an Emotional Support Animal is only permitted on the University property for which the handler has an approved ESA accommodation.

Emotional Support Animals in On-Campus Housing: Additional Information

To request an ESA, submit the Guidelines and Request Form for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in On-Campus Housing to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation. This form requires completion by both the student and your current treating healthcare provider.

  • Common Household Animal Note: Due to the communal nature of on-campus living, the ESA must be an animal commonly kept in households and appropriate for communal housing. Examples of a common household animal include a dog, cat, small bird, rabbit, hamster, gerbil, fish, turtle, or other small, domesticated animal traditionally kept in the home for pleasure. Reptiles (other than turtles) are generally not considered common household animals and not
  • Documentation Note: Documentation is generally not considered reliable if it is acquired from websites or professionals who have had no prior clinical relationship with you except for limited encounters. 
  • Accommodation Approval: If approved, you must meet with a Office of Accessibility and Accommodation staff member and review the ESA Student Agreement. Only after completing this step may the ESA be approved. Once approved as an accommodation, Office of Accessibility and Accommodation staff will notify Housing and Residence Life.

Please note: HRL requires additional steps that you must complete before your animal can be brought to campus.

Personal Care Attendant

If you plan to reside on campus and require the use of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), please visit our Personal Care Attendant page for more information.

Documentation Forms

All required documentation forms can be found on our Documentation page, including the following:

  • Housing Accommodations Request Form
  • Dining Accommodations Request Form
  • Guidelines and Request Form for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in On-Campus Housing

Deadlines

Housing Accommodation and ESA Requests

We strongly recommend submitting all documentation to Office of Accessibility and Accommodation as soon as possible and prior to housing assignments being made.

  • Fall Semester – Submit by May 1st
  • Spring Semester – Submit by November 1st

Late Housing Requests: Requests submitted after the deadline will still be reviewed. However, options become more limited, and housing space is subject to availability. Neither the presence of a disability nor approval for housing accommodations guarantees on-campus housing or a particular kind of space.

Late ESA Requests: Requests for ESAs received less than eight (8) weeks from the last day of the final exam period for the current semester will not be considered for that semester. Those late requests can be considered for the following semester, provided the documentation remains appropriate.