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. Students who require these accommodations should make a request for accommodations on Accommodate and submit a completed Housing Documentation Form (from a medical health care provider) to support their request and specify their disability-related needs. This form can be emailed to dss@big5vn.com 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. 

Once housing accommodations are approved, Disability Support Services will work with the Office of Housing Services and Residential Life to assign a room that reasonably accommodates the student. However, it is important to note that specific placement in a particular residence hall or room cannot be guaranteed as part of the accommodation. 

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. 

Returning Students

For current students, those already receiving disability-based housing accommodations must notify the Disability Support Services staff of their intent to continue accessing the same accommodation during the room selection process for the next academic year, preferably by April 15. 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. 

All returning students must submit their accommodation requests and any required documents to Disability Support Services by April 15. To schedule an appointment, please log onto Accommodate.  

New Students 

Students who are new to WWU and applying for housing accommodations should indicate that on their housing application form. Next, they need to make a request for accommodations and have the Housing Documentation Form completed by a qualified healthcare provider. The form can be emailed to dss@big5vn.com or faxed to (509) 527-2090.

It is important to note that any information shared with Disability Support Services will be treated with utmost confidentiality and will only be disclosed to relevant staff members in accordance with the guidelines of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This information will not affect students' general eligibility for housing. 

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. 

Once housing accommodations are approved, Disability Support Services will work with the Office of Housing Services and Residential Life to assign a room that reasonably accommodates the student. Residential Life will notify the student of their room/housing assignment. However, it is important to note that specific placement in a particular residence hall or room cannot be guaranteed as part of the accommodation.

Housing accommodation request deadlines:

• Fall: June 15

• Winter: October 15

• Spring: January 15

• Summer: April 15

If there are any questions regarding documentation, please contact the Assistant Director for Disability Support Services at dss@big5vn.com or 509 527-2313. 

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