Housing and Meal Plan Accommodations
Requesting Accommodations in University Housing and Meal Plans
Siena Heights University and Residence Life are committed to the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of college life, including residential and dining experiences. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, along with the mission of the Dominican Sisters, Siena Heights seeks out to create this community for all students. Below you will find the established procedures to ensure that students with documented disabilities have access to reasonable University housing and meal plan accommodations. Virtually all student needs can be met through the standard room selection process or new student assignment process, but if there is a condition that cannot be met through this process, there is a process for special housing considerations.
Procedures for Requesting Accessibility Accommodations in University Housing:
Students must submit requests each academic year to renew existing accommodations, or request new accommodations by the below dates. Once the complete application and documentation has been reviewed by Office of Accessibility, it will be forwarded to the Housing Committee and you will receive an e-mail indicating the status of your request from Office of Accessibility within 2 weeks of your completed submission.
Returning Students
(Participating in regular Residence Life process)
February 15th
Incoming Students
(1st Year/Transfer Students for Fall)
May 1st - June 15th
Incoming Students
(1st Year/Transfer for Spring)
December 13th
With this in mind we have developed requirements and criteria for students living on-campus, before they are able to receive off-campus exemptions. Students must live on campus for three years (excluding commuter students):
To request your accommodations, submit forms (a & b/c) directly to Student Accessibility Services (SAS):
a. Request for Accessible Housing Accommodations
b. Treating Medical Provider Verification Form
c. Treating Mental Health Provider Verification Form
The Treating Medical Provider and/or the Treating Mental Health Provider form must be filled out by an appropriate health care or mental health provider, and must include a statement of the student’s specific disability and establish a direct link between the underlying impairment and the requested accommodation(s).
Requests are reviewed on a regular basis and the Office of Accessibility will notify students of the decision in writing. Requests may be denied for insufficient information, inaccurate/false information, or incomplete submission of required documentation. However, students will generally have the opportunity to re-apply if new information or additional physician documentation is available for submission related to the original request.
If it is determined a student’s needs do not warrant the requested accommodation, returning students should participate in the regular room selection process during their scheduled log-on time to make their housing assignment selection or new students will be assigned by the Residence Life Office solely based upon the information provided on the Housing Application.
Students must reapply for housing accommodations each academic year. NOTE: An academic year includes the fall and winter semesters only. Summer accommodation requests must be submitted and reviewed on a separate basis, as housing is limited and coordinated in designated areas.
Siena Heights University and Residence Life are committed to the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of college life, including residential and dining experiences. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, along with the mission of the Dominican Sisters, Siena Heights seeks out to create this community for all students. Below you will find the established procedures to ensure that students with documented disabilities have access to reasonable University housing and meal plan accommodations. Virtually all student needs can be met through the standard room selection process or new student assignment process, but if there is a condition that cannot be met through this process, there is a process for special housing considerations.
Procedures for Requesting Accessibility Accommodations in University Housing:
Students must submit requests each academic year to renew existing accommodations, or request new accommodations by the below dates. Once the complete application and documentation has been reviewed by Office of Accessibility, it will be forwarded to the Housing Committee and you will receive an e-mail indicating the status of your request from Office of Accessibility within 2 weeks of your completed submission.
Returning Students
(Participating in regular Residence Life process)
February 15th
Incoming Students
(1st Year/Transfer Students for Fall)
May 1st - June 15th
Incoming Students
(1st Year/Transfer for Spring)
December 13th
With this in mind we have developed requirements and criteria for students living on-campus, before they are able to receive off-campus exemptions. Students must live on campus for three years (excluding commuter students):
- Be 21 years of age
- Reach Senior status
- Married
- Parent of dependent
- Veteran
To request your accommodations, submit forms (a & b/c) directly to Student Accessibility Services (SAS):
a. Request for Accessible Housing Accommodations
b. Treating Medical Provider Verification Form
c. Treating Mental Health Provider Verification Form
The Treating Medical Provider and/or the Treating Mental Health Provider form must be filled out by an appropriate health care or mental health provider, and must include a statement of the student’s specific disability and establish a direct link between the underlying impairment and the requested accommodation(s).
Requests are reviewed on a regular basis and the Office of Accessibility will notify students of the decision in writing. Requests may be denied for insufficient information, inaccurate/false information, or incomplete submission of required documentation. However, students will generally have the opportunity to re-apply if new information or additional physician documentation is available for submission related to the original request.
If it is determined a student’s needs do not warrant the requested accommodation, returning students should participate in the regular room selection process during their scheduled log-on time to make their housing assignment selection or new students will be assigned by the Residence Life Office solely based upon the information provided on the Housing Application.
Students must reapply for housing accommodations each academic year. NOTE: An academic year includes the fall and winter semesters only. Summer accommodation requests must be submitted and reviewed on a separate basis, as housing is limited and coordinated in designated areas.
AIR CONDITIONERS (AC):
Siena Heights University provides a limited number of rooms to residents who are need of air conditioning accommodations due to medical reasons. This form needs to be filled out by the student and this form by his/her physician and submitted to the Office of Accessibility. Submitting this forms is not a guarantee that accommodations for an air conditioner will be approved. All students will be notified of the approval, or denial.
Due to liability reasons, all window air conditioners are owned, installed, removed, and serviced by the University.
The form must be filled out each academic year. See deadlines above.
Siena Heights University provides a limited number of rooms to residents who are need of air conditioning accommodations due to medical reasons. This form needs to be filled out by the student and this form by his/her physician and submitted to the Office of Accessibility. Submitting this forms is not a guarantee that accommodations for an air conditioner will be approved. All students will be notified of the approval, or denial.
Due to liability reasons, all window air conditioners are owned, installed, removed, and serviced by the University.
The form must be filled out each academic year. See deadlines above.
Returning Students:
New Students (entering First-year and Transfer students):
The Request for Accessible Housing Accommodations and Treating Medical and/or Mental Health Verification Form must be submitted directly to scanned and sent as an e-mail attachment, faxed, or mailed to the contact information below:
Office of Accessibility
Siena Heights University
1247 East Siena Heights Drive accessibility@sienaheights.edu
Adrian, MI 4922
Tel: 517-264-7683
Fax: 517-264-7740
- Should your accommodation request be approved, Returning Students participating in the Residence Life Housing process will receive additional instructions in their accommodation notice. You will be offered an accommodation that meets your needs and is consistent with assignments that would be available to others in your class year. If you accept the assignment on that date, your Housing Selection for the upcoming semester will be complete. ONLY those students who opt to decline this offer may proceed through the general Housing Selection process at their originally scheduled date and time.
- Students who submit requests after the February 15th deadline, and/or after the designated Residence Life Housing process will be wait-listed should a space that meets the accommodation become
New Students (entering First-year and Transfer students):
- All new students must complete the Housing Application as all students must. Once that process is complete, please provide the required documents above to the Office of Accessibility for review by the Housing Accommodations Committee.
- Requests made after June 15th for fall enrollment, or December 13th for spring enrollment, will be placed on a wait list should a space that meets the accommodation become available.
The Request for Accessible Housing Accommodations and Treating Medical and/or Mental Health Verification Form must be submitted directly to scanned and sent as an e-mail attachment, faxed, or mailed to the contact information below:
Office of Accessibility
Siena Heights University
1247 East Siena Heights Drive accessibility@sienaheights.edu
Adrian, MI 4922
Tel: 517-264-7683
Fax: 517-264-7740
Appeals Process
Siena Heights University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, religion, veteran status, age or any protected status in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, employment or in any other university program or activity. For more information on the University’s prohibition of discrimination, please see the University’s Anti-Discrimination Policies and Procedures.
Accordingly, it is Siena Heights University policy to ensure that no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any university program or activity, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In response to a request made by a qualified student with an appropriately documented disability, the university will arrange for the provision of reasonable academic adjustments (e.g., extended time on exams, course substitution) and auxiliary aids and services (e.g., alternate formats of printed materials, sign language interpreter), or housing accommodations (e.g., single room, meal plan adjustments) determined by the university to be necessary to afford the student the opportunity to participate fully in university programs. It is the responsibility of the Accessibility Coordinator (and appropriate committee members related to housing), who also serves as the university’s ADA/504 Coordinator, to uphold the rights of a student to secure access and accommodations in accordance with Section 504 and the ADA.
Students may appeal decisions regarding the determination or provision of reasonable academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and housing services. This policy and the following procedures address judgments of disability status and/or provision of accommodations. Any student of Siena Heights University may use these procedures. Students should initiate the appeal process within 10 calendar days of the judgment they wish to appeal. This procedure is not intended to replace or duplicate existing grievance procedures, including informal consultation and formal complaint procedures under the university’s Anti-Discrimination Policies and Procedures.
Should a student feel he/she has not been treated in a fair or professional manner with regard to access and accommodations, the student is encouraged to follow the procedures below. The university maintains a philosophy of student self-advocacy and the right to pursue an appeal through the formal appeal process. However, prior to initiating the formal appeal procedure set down below, it is recommended that the student make every attempt to resolve the matter in an informal manner.
Retaliation against persons who file an appeal under this policy, bring complaints of discrimination in good faith, or assist in a related investigation is prohibited.
Accordingly, it is Siena Heights University policy to ensure that no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any university program or activity, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In response to a request made by a qualified student with an appropriately documented disability, the university will arrange for the provision of reasonable academic adjustments (e.g., extended time on exams, course substitution) and auxiliary aids and services (e.g., alternate formats of printed materials, sign language interpreter), or housing accommodations (e.g., single room, meal plan adjustments) determined by the university to be necessary to afford the student the opportunity to participate fully in university programs. It is the responsibility of the Accessibility Coordinator (and appropriate committee members related to housing), who also serves as the university’s ADA/504 Coordinator, to uphold the rights of a student to secure access and accommodations in accordance with Section 504 and the ADA.
Students may appeal decisions regarding the determination or provision of reasonable academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and housing services. This policy and the following procedures address judgments of disability status and/or provision of accommodations. Any student of Siena Heights University may use these procedures. Students should initiate the appeal process within 10 calendar days of the judgment they wish to appeal. This procedure is not intended to replace or duplicate existing grievance procedures, including informal consultation and formal complaint procedures under the university’s Anti-Discrimination Policies and Procedures.
Should a student feel he/she has not been treated in a fair or professional manner with regard to access and accommodations, the student is encouraged to follow the procedures below. The university maintains a philosophy of student self-advocacy and the right to pursue an appeal through the formal appeal process. However, prior to initiating the formal appeal procedure set down below, it is recommended that the student make every attempt to resolve the matter in an informal manner.
Retaliation against persons who file an appeal under this policy, bring complaints of discrimination in good faith, or assist in a related investigation is prohibited.
Informal Resolution
Student Responsibilities:
Formal Appeal Procedure
- The student should discuss his/her concern(s) regarding the determination of disability status or provision of academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and services with the appropriate instructor, department, or office representative directly, unless extenuating circumstances prohibit doing so.
- If a conversation with the appropriate university instructor, department, or office representative does not lead to a resolution, the student should then discuss the problem with the head of that department or office.
- If a meeting with the head of the department or office does not lead to a resolution, the student should discuss his/her concern(s) with the Accessibility Coordinator.
- If the Accessibility Coordinator is unable to assist in informally resolving the student's concern(s), the student will be referred to the formal appeal procedure.
- If the Accessibility Coordinator is involved in the matter, the student should skip step 3 and will be referred to the formal appeal procedure.
Formal Appeal Procedure
- Appeals of decisions regarding the determination or provision of academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and services must be in writing. Students should initiate the appeal process within ten (10) calendar days of the judgment they wish to appeal.
- The student’s written statement must include: a) a clear statement of the request or concern; b) the grounds on which the appeal is based; c) the date of any action that the student is appealing; d) the names of all Siena Heights University employees involved; e) a summary of the action(s) the student has taken to resolve the matter informally, if any; and f) a statement of the student’s expectation of specific outcome.
- The written appeal must be submitted to the Dean of the Students (housing)/Dean of Academic Affairs (academic adjustments).
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Academic Concerns:
Matthew Draud Dean of Academic Affairs Office of the Dean Sacred Heart Hall mdraud@sienaheights.edu |
- Upon receipt of the appeal, the appropriate dean or his/her designee will review the appeal for timeliness and appropriateness for this appeal procedure and will provide the student with written notice acknowledging its receipt.
- The appropriate dean or his/her designee will promptly initiate a campus investigation and may consult with the Accessibility Coordinator seek other expertise in making a final decision.
- The appropriate dean or his/her designee may meet with both the complainant and respondent to provide opportunity for oral testimony and evidence, if there is a need to do so.
- Upon completion of the investigation, the appropriate dean or his/her designee will submit to the student, the party against whom the appeal is directed, and the Accessibility Coordinator, a final report containing a summary of the investigation and the outcome of resolution within 30 calendar days of the initial filing or sooner if time is of the essence to the matter.
- The formal appeal file and the final decision shall be confidential, but the final decision shall be provided to the complainant, the respondent, and the Accessibility Coordinator.
- The formal appeal file and all investigation materials shall be maintained in the office of the appropriate dean until ten years after the file was created.
- If the student is dissatisfied with the appeal decision, the student may file a complaint according to Siena Heights University’s Anti-Discrimination Policies and Procedures.
Additional Information
For additional information on appeal and grievance procedures, contact the Accessibility Coordinator (Office of Accessibility, Sacred Heart Hall 303, cmathis1@sienaheights.edu, 517-264-7683). In all appeal and grievance cases, the Accessibility Coordinator can advise the student of the various internal and external options available to them and the procedural steps involved, assist in the definition of charges made, and seek a timely resolution. It is the responsibility of the student to meet all conditions for filing an appeal or grievance.