Housing Accommodations Process
Together, Residential Life and the Disability Center assist students with disabilities as they prepare to live on campus. The Disability Center meets with students to discuss barriers related to living in campus housing, identify necessary accommodations, and provides that information to Residential Life. Residential Life then works with students to place them in a housing location that meets their eligible accommodations.
Due to limited housing availability, students requesting an accommodation due to a disability should start this process immediately after they complete Phase I of the housing process (application and contract). Students must fill out the Disability Center housing accommodation application, schedule a Housing Access Planning Meeting (APM), and meet with an access advisor to discuss barriers.
By April 1, students must have met with and have been approved for housing accommodations through the Disability Center. They also need to have submitted their contract, completed their roommate profile and signed the values agreement as part of the housing process to receive priority consideration for housing assignment.
Eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Disability Center does not guarantee a housing assignment. Placement is dependent on available housing locations. Availability is limited with the number of students going through the housing process.
If a student is approved for housing accommodation after April 1, and the student has an assigned room selection time, they are advised to select a space that best meets their needs at that time. Residential Life will prioritize placement of the student in available housing that meets their eligible accommodations after room selection has concluded.
For more information, please visit the Disability Center website, call them at (573) 882-4696, or email disabilitycenter@missouri.edu. The Disability Center is located in S5 Memorial Union.
FAQs
Are there floorplans available for the halls?
Yes! On our halls page, you can review the specific details and dimensions for all the room styles offered in all halls.
What housing accommodations can Residential Life provide?
Residential Life and the Disability Center will work together to provide all reasonable housing accommodations. Contact the Disability Center to learn how Mizzou provides specific accommodations.
Can I have a specific residence hall or Residential Life apartment as part of my accommodation plan?
Residence halls and Residential Life apartments include many options that fulfill most accommodation plans. While you likely will not need a particular hall or apartment to fulfill your accommodation plan, Residential Life will help you explore housing options and find the best fit.
Can I have a single room as part of my accommodation plan?
Single rooms are limited. Should your accommodation plan include a single room, we will work to fulfill that request; however, this is subject to space availability. Because of this, we recommend students reach out to the Disability Center to establish their accommodation plan as soon as possible. Additionally, many disability-related needs may be met without the need for a single room assignment.
Though we cannot accept requests for single rooms based on the need for a quiet study space, the Disability Center can help you find quiet and distraction-free places to study independently.
Can I have a specific roommate as part of my accommodation plan?
Housing accommodations work to address a student's living environment and needs. Having a specific roommate is not considered an accommodation. If you would like to live with a specific roommate, we encourage you to roommate pair with them in the Housing Portal after roommate searching opens on March 1.
Service animals and emotional support animals (ESA)
What is the difference between a service animal and an ESA?
Service animals are defined as dogs (or miniature horses in limited situations) that are individually trained to do work or perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. The work or task a service animal does must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals are granted access to accompany the person to all places of public accommodation.
An ESA generally provides assistance and/or emotional support to people with disabilities. While dogs are the most common type of ESA, other animals can also be ESAs. Unlike a service animal, an ESA is not trained to perform specific tasks and is not granted access to all places of public accommodation.
Is an accommodation plan required before bringing a service animal into my residence hall or Residential Life apartment?
No. You may bring a service animal to Mizzou without an accommodation plan. However, we strongly recommend you contact the Disability Center, Residential Life and Campus Dining Services if you plan to have a service animal living with you.
Is an accommodation plan required before bringing an ESA into my residence hall or Residential Life apartment?
Yes. You may bring an ESA into Residential Life facilities, but you must first establish an accommodation plan with the Disability Center and request the animal as a housing accommodation. Documentation supporting your request is required. You are not permitted to bring an ESA into classrooms, meetings or other university facilities.
Are any records needed needed to bring a service animal or an ESA into my residence hall or Residential Life apartment?
Yes. A city license, when applicable, and animal vaccination records are required. For more information on specific requirements about animals in Residential Life, please see our animal submission form and our Policies and Procedures.