Students requesting housing accommodations are responsible for the following:
- Housing accommodation requests must be made every year by the date posted on our webpage.
- Requests are reevaluated each year. Having a housing accommodation in one year does not guarantee that you will have it in a subsequent year.
- Requests that are incomplete or received after the deadline will be placed on a waiting list and will be evaluated as rooms become available after the campus-wide housing selection process.
- Requests that differ from year to year require additional medical documentation to support any changes.
- Students requesting housing accommodations must still: get a lottery slot, commit to a housing contract, and select their meal plan.
- Housing accommodations are for the student with the disability only, and cannot be used to pull in a roommate or to place a friend in a neighboring room unless housing regulations allow that for any student in that particular location. A student who does not receive a lottery time slot that gives him/her on-campus housing cannot be pulled in as a roommate, regardless of the location or type of room. This is a campus-wide policy. There are no exceptions.
- A student who has been approved for disability-related housing accommodations will be assigned to a room that meets his or her documented needs, within the limits of what is available and appropriate on this campus. If the student rejects the room assignment or chooses to transfer out of that room or to participate in a room swap, that student will not be eligible to receive housing accommodations later in the semester.
- Roommates will not be assigned on the basis of their ability to assist the affiliated student with medical, psychological, or social needs, even if the potential roommate is willing to provide that assistance.
- After the start of a semester, requests for a change of room for disability-related reasons will place the student on a waiting list. Filling requests from the waiting list can only occur when a suitable room becomes available and may or may not be possible during a given semester.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
What is an emotional support animal (ESA)?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that is prescribed for an individual to offer comfort and companionship, as well as alleviate symptoms associated with mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
So, how is an ESA different from a service animal? Or a pet?
Service animals are dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) who are trained to perform a specific task or service for an individual with a disability. The task or service that this animal is trained to do must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Examples include:
- A dog who senses the onset of a seizure.
- A guide dog for the blind.
ESAs are not required to undergo training and can be any type of animal. However, they are prescribed by a healthcare professional and are often part of an individual’s treatment plan for a mental health disorder.
Pets may offer comfort and companionship, but they are not prescribed by a healthcare professional and are not required to undergo training. Like ESAs, there are no limitations on the type of animal that can be considered a pet.
If I see someone with an animal on campus, am I allowed to pet them?
If an animal is wearing a vest, you should assume they are a service animal. In this case, you should not ask to pet this animal, as this animal is working. If an animal is not wearing a vest, you always want to ask first. But even after you ask, you must be prepared for both responses. Some owners will be comfortable with you petting their animal, and some will not. You must also keep in mind that ESA owners look out for what is best for their animal. If they feel that their animal is not comfortable interacting with others at the time, they may decline your request.
What should I do if I am uncomfortable by the presence of someone’s animal?
Fear, allergies, and cultural differences are common reasons why an individual might become uncomfortable in the presence of an animal. The college seeks to find a solution that respects the rights of both parties. For example, if a student brings their service animal to class and you are allergic to dogs, an accommodation might be made to have you sit on opposite sides of the room. Decisions regarding accommodations in various campus locations are made on a case by case basis depending on the extremity of the circumstance.
Where is my ESA allowed to go on campus?
Per TCNJ’s policy, an ESA must be contained within the owner’s room, suite, or apartment except for when the animal is taken outside to relieve itself. When the animal is taken outside of the student’s residence, he/she must be in an animal carrier or controlled by a leash or harness. However, this policy outlines the bare minimum for the college’s accommodations regarding where ESAs are permitted to go on campus. Further accommodations can be made on an individual basis.
What are my responsibilities as an owner of an ESA?
As an ESA owner, you are fully responsible for taking care of your animal. These responsibilities include proper feeding, watering, and cleaning up after the animal. Additionally, you are responsible for your animal’s care and behavior on campus. According to TCNJ’s policy, tick, flea, or other infestation, excessive barking, and aggressiveness are all examples of improper care and the owner will be held responsible. Finally, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your animal. Since your animal cannot advocate for him/herself, you are your animal’s advocate and you therefore must be able to recognize your animal’s needs. Being up to date with all vaccinations is a part of this responsibility.
Can my ESA go to class with me?
According to the college’s policy, ESAs must be confined to their owner’s residence. However, decisions regarding whether or not an ESA is allowed to attend class with his/her owner are made on an individual basis.
What do I do with my ESA if there is a fire drill?
Per TCNJ’s policy, an ESA owner is solely responsible for the removal of their animal from the residence hall. To the fullest extent possible, ESA owners will receive advance notice from ARC regarding any pre-planned fire drills in the residence halls. If a student does not receive notifications, they should contact ARC.