EIU Department of Student Disability Services

Housing Accommodation Request (Non-ESA) 

University Housing Reasonable Accommodation Policy 

Eastern Illinois University recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its housing policies and practices where necessary for individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the University housing program. This Policy explains the specific requirements and guidelines that govern requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing. EIU reserves the right to amend this policy at any time as circumstances require. Please review the Reasonable Accommodation Analysis page before submitting a housing accommodation request. 

The Office of Accessibility & Accommodations (OAA) is responsible for evaluating whether to grant or deny requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing. In evaluating the request, the OAA will consult with the Housing Accommodation Committee and at times other relevant University departments as necessary, to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary and reasonable. Individuals with a disability who reside or intend to reside in University housing who believe they need a reasonable accommodation must contact the OAA. 

Requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing policies and practices are governed by the following requirements:  

1. Requesting a Housing Accommodation: 
   • An individual with a disability must complete the Accommodation Request Form to request a reasonable accommodation. The Accommodation Request Form can be found at the link above or copies can be obtained from the OAA. If the individual requires assistance in completing the Accommodation Request Form because of their disability, the OAA will provide assistance in completing the form. The OAA will need documentation of an individual’s disability related needs from a relevant certified medical/mental health professional in order to evaluate the request. It is recommended that individuals submit such documentation along with the Accommodation Request Form. The student may choose to submit the Provider Verification of Housing Accommodation form as documentation.
   • The individual making the request will meet with the Director of the OAA to discuss the requested accommodation. The OAA will reach out to schedule the meeting after the request has been received.
   • EIU will accept and consider requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing at any time. The individual making the request for accommodation should complete and provide the Accommodation Request Form to the OAA as soon as practicably possible before moving into University housing. However, if the request for accommodation is made fewer than 60 calendar days before the individual intends to move into University housing, EIU cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the individual's accommodation needs during the first semester or term of occupancy.  
   • If the need for an accommodation arises when an individual already resides in University housing, they should contact the OAA and complete the Accommodation Request Form as soon as practicably possible. EIU cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation needs during the semester or term in which the request is received.
2. Information that May Be Requested for Housing-Related Reasonable Accommodation Requests:
   • The OAA will require the individual to complete the OAA eligibility process and provide information from a health care provider or other relevant certified professional who can verify that the individual has a disability and that the requested accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing. Please note, while documentation may be sufficient to establish a disability and is always considered, documentation alone does not automatically qualify a student or determine whether accommodations are reasonable.
   • If the information provided through the interactive process is not sufficient for the OAA to determine whether an accommodation is necessary, the OAA will inform the individual in writing of the insufficiency and may request additional information, including speaking directly with the individual supplying third-party verification, within seven (7) business days of completing the eligibility process.
   • The individual making the request for accommodation must cooperate with the OAA in a timely manner in providing all information needed to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary.
3. Determination of Reasonableness:
   • The OAA may deny the requested accommodation if it is unreasonable. The OAA shall consult with the Housing Accommodation Committee to determine if implementing the requested accommodation is reasonable. 
   • An accommodation is unreasonable if it: (1) imposes an undue financial burden 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 property damage to the property of others, including University property; and/or (4) is otherwise unreasonable to the operation of the University. 
4. Approval of Accommodation:
   • If the OAA in conjunction with the Housing Accommodation Committee determines a requested accommodation is necessary and is not unreasonable, it will contact the individual, in writing, within seven (7) business days of its determination.
5. Denial of an accommodation appeal:  
   • If the OAA determines a requested accommodation is necessary but unreasonable, the OAA will contact the individual, in writing, within seven (7) business days of its determination to determine if there are alternative accommodations that might effectively meet the individual’s disability-related needs.
   • If the OAA determines a requested accommodation is not necessary, the OAA will contact the individual, in writing, within seven (7) business days of its determination with an explanation of its determination.
   • If the individual is unwilling to accept any alternative accommodation offered by the OAA or there are no alternative accommodations available, the OAA will provide a verbal explanation and written notification to the individual of the denial, the reasons for the denial, the right to appeal the decision, and the procedures for that appeals process. The notification shall be in writing and made within seven (7) business days of the notification from the individual of their unwillingness to accept any of the alternative accommodations offered or the determination that there are no alternative accommodations available.
   • An individual may also use the Accommodation Determination Reconsideration and Appeal procedure.
6. Confidentiality and record keeping:
   • In processing requests for reasonable accommodations, the University will take all steps required by federal, state, and/or local law to protect the confidentiality of any information or documentation disclosed in connection with the requests. Such measures may include limiting access to such information to individuals specifically designated to determine and implement requests for reasonable accommodations, who will disclose the information only to the extent necessary to determine whether to grant the request, determine if the request is unreasonable, and implement any request granted, keeping all written requests and accompanying documentation in a secure area to which only those designated individuals have access, except as otherwise required by law.
7. Non-retaliation provision:
   • EIU will not retaliate against any individual because that individual has requested or received a reasonable accommodation in University housing. 

Webpage updated 06/02/2025.