Beloit College is deeply committed to the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of Collegelife, including residential life. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Beloit College has established procedures to ensure that students with documented disabilities receive housing assignments that reasonably meet their needs as required by law. According to the ADA, a disability is defined as any mental or physical impairment that substantially limits the individual in a major life activity. In determining the extent of one’s limitation, the nature, severity, duration, and impact of the impairment are relevant factors.

Residence hall living provides opportunities to develop new friendships and skills, and to learn about new ideas, beliefs and cultures within a caring community atmosphere. Living on campus also provides unique opportunities for interpersonal learning and growth as students live, study and interact with the rest of the campus community. The residential “living education” is a key part of the residential liberal arts education. Consequently, full-time students are required to live in College housing and subscribe to a dining plan during their first six credit terms and participate in an on-campus meal plan. Because new students are assigned after returning students, most new students will need to share a room with a roommate.

At times, a student with a disability may warrant an exception or modification to the current residential life and food service arrangements. The college recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its residential life policies and practices where necessary for individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the residential life program. This Policy explains the specific requirements and guidelines which govern requests for reasonable accommodations to Beloit’s residential life expectations. The college reserves the right to amend this policy at any time as circumstances require.

Determination of Reasonable Accommodations

A committee made up of the Director of Learning Enrichment and Disability Services, the Director of Residence Life, and the Director of the Health and Wellness Center will meet to review all submitted housing accommodation request forms. Deadlines were established to allow application review and accommodation considerations before the general housing selection or assignment process. Those deadlines are March 1st for returning students and May 1st for all new students. Students are advised to start the process early to allow adequate time to obtain the necessary documentation. Keep in mind that efforts to obtain documentation from a healthcare provider often require advanced notice and may take several days to several weeks to prepare. Incomplete application materials will delay the eligibility-determination process. Complete applications submitted after the deadline will be accepted and reviewed at the next scheduled meeting. Requests for housing accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the college will prioritize requests based on documented needs and availability.

Please note: At times an accommodation may be deemed reasonable but our spaces that meet that accommodation(s) are at capacity. In those cases, we will work with the student to determine other reasonable accommodations and/or put the student on a waiting list until there is an opening available.