DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
Requesting Accommodation
Students requesting housing accommodations in University Residences should complete both a Housing application and a request with the Disability Access Center (DAC). Requests should adhere to housing deadlines and priority dates.
- University Residences works in partnership with DAC to provide accommodations that meet individual student needs.
- The DAC reviews accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis. For more information on receiving accommodations, contact the Disability Access Center.
- Accommodations are subject to space availability, so we recommend getting the process started as early as possible.
Example Housing Accommodations
Single Room Options
Furniture Adjustments
Restroom Access
Early Arrival
Wheelchair Accessible Room and Restroom
Room Equipped with a Visual Fire Alert
Meal Plan Accommodations
Housing with a Service Animal or ESA
More options may be available depending on your needs.
Timeline for Disability Accommodation
University Residences recommends that students looking for housing accommodations apply for a DAC accommodation and submit a housing application as soon as possible. There are limited rooms available for accommodations, and the DAC can experience wait times for approval.
Overview:
- DAC review can take several weeks, and the DAC will inform Housing of approved accommodations.
- The priority application period for housing is Feb 1-May 1.
- Confirm housing with $250 prepayment to access Room Selection.
- Once Housing is notified of your approved accommodation, we’ll reach out and work together to find spaces and room features that meet your needs.
- Deadline to confirm and self-select a room is June 30.
- If your approved accommodation can’t be met right away, you’ll be placed on a priority waitlist.
If you need help at any step, send an email to housing@wwu.edu!
Your approved housing accommodation will automatically carry over to the next academic year. Review the returning resident FAQ for more.
The housing application opens Feb 1. It is recommended that you start this process as soon as possible.
Step-By-Step Process for Housing Accommodation
Step 1: Apply for DAC Accommodation
You may apply for housing accommodations with the Disability Access Center (DAC) as soon as you are admitted to Western. You can submit a request for accommodation before applying for housing.
DAC engages in an interactive process with students to address any barriers that may prevent a successful housing experience. This step may include DAC scheduling appointments, reviewing medical documentation, and coordinating any necessary follow-up with the student or their healthcare provider.
The DAC will notify the student of approved accommodations.
Requests submitted after fall quarter housing deadlines and any requests made for winter/spring quarters will be on a space available basis, and you may be added to a waitlist.
Step 2: Apply for Housing
You may apply for housing any time during the priority application period (Feb 1-May 1). This process includes:
- Submitting an application via the MyHousing portal
- Confirming housing with the $250 prepayment
- Browsing for potential roommates
- Browsing and selecting a room
Visit Housing Timeline for more information.
Room Selection runs on a first-come basis, meaning students who apply and confirm sooner will have more time to browse for rooms and more room options to choose from.
Step 3: Housing Assignments
University Residences will assist students in finding housing consistent with their DAC-approved accommodations.
Once students have confirmed housing with the $250 prepayment, they will gain access to Roommate Manager and Room Selection.
- Students can use filters (ex. single room, wheelchair accessible) while browsing rooms to help find what they're looking for.
- Certain rooms are reserved to support students with approved accommodations. If you can’t find a space that fits your accommodation needs, reach out to Housing as soon as possible at housing@wwu.edu.
- The deadline to self-select a room is June 30.
The Housing team is here to help! If you need assistance with finding a room, send an email to us at housing@wwu.edu. Please be aware that room availability will change throughout the room selection period. Housing will continue to monitor and work with students as rooms become available that meet their needs.
DAC-approved accommodations will be met. However, due to limited availability, some student accommodations may not be met by June 30. Students whose accommodations are not met by this time will be placed on a priority waitlist for transferring rooms if/when a space that meets their needs becomes available.
Service Animals and ESAs
For more information regarding service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) in University Residences, please refer to the Community Standards Animals in Residence section, and the Disability Accommodations section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Current Housing Accommodations: If you have approved housing accommodations this year (like a single room), your accommodation will remain on file for your second year on campus—you don't need to submit another DAC request. You'll follow the same housing timeline, so be sure to apply for housing during the application period (Feb 1-May 1). Due to availability, there is no guarantee you will be able to select the same room for the upcoming year.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email housing@wwu.edu. If you need to update your housing accommodations, please contact your DAC access manager.
New Housing Accommodations: If you need housing accommodations, complete the accommodation process with the Disability Access Center as soon as possible and follow the information on this page.
If you have any questions or concerns about your housing assignment, please email housing@wwu.edu. If you need to update your accommodations, please contact your DAC access manager.
DAC-approved accommodations will be met. However, due to limited availability, some student accommodations may not be met by June 30. Students whose accommodations are not met by this time will be placed on a priority waitlist for transferring rooms if/when a space that meets their needs becomes available. We strongly encourage students to complete the DAC request for an accommodation AND the housing application as soon as possible. Room selection runs on a first-come basis, meaning students who apply and confirm housing sooner will have more time to browse for rooms and more room options to choose from.
Students who are unable to find a space that meets their accommodations will go on a priority waitlist. If/when a space that meets their needs becomes available, Housing will work with the student to transfer into that room. There is no set timeline for this process as it is dependent on space availability.
If you miss the housing application priority deadline (May 1) and/or your DAC-approved accommodation is granted after room selection ends (June 30), Housing will still work with you to find a space that meets your needs. Because space is limited, you may be placed on a priority waitlist for transferring if/when a suitable space becomes available.
Disability Accommodations Policy
Legal Obligation
University Residences adheres to the University's Accommodating Persons with Disabilities policy (POL-U1600.03), which is in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-11) and 45 C.F.R. Part 84; Fair Housing Act of 1968 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3601 et seq., Chapter 49.60 RCW; and Chapter 288.20 RCW.
Disability Accommodation Commitment
University Residences recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its policies and practices and is committed to supporting the University's educational purpose and mission. University Residences work in partnership with the Disability Access Center (DAC) to provide comparable, convenient, and accessible housing to students with disabilities, without charging higher room rates for a DAC approved disability accommodation.