Housing Accommodations
To evaluate housing accommodations requests based on medical, psychological or disability related conditions accurately and equitably Wheaton College will need documentation. Documentation consists of an evaluation by an appropriate professional that relates the current impact of the condition to the request. As appropriate to the condition documentation should include:
- A diagnostic statement including the date of the most recent evaluation
- The credentials of the diagnosing professional
- The of the diagnostic criteria or tests used
- The current impact of (or limitations imposed by) the condition
- Treatments, medications, devices or services currently prescribed or used
- The expected duration, stability or progression of the condition
In addition to the basic documentation, recommendations from the treating professional are welcome and will be given consideration in evaluating a request. Recommendations should:
- Provide clear description including level of need of the recommended housing configuration
- Connect the recommended configuration to the impact of the condition
- Possible alternatives to the recommended configuration
- A statement of the consequences of not receiving the recommended configuration
Evaluation of Housing Accommodations Requests
Housing assignments and the residential learning environment are integral parts of Wheaton College programs. The Housing Request Committee consists of representatives from Counseling, Health and Wellness, Disability Services and is chaired by Residential Life. All requests for need-based housing assignments are carefully reviewed according to the following factors:
Severity of the condition
- Is impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?
- Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if the request is not met?
- Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question?
- What is the likely impact on academic performance if the request is not met?
- What is the likely impact on social development if the request is not met?
- What is the likely impact on the student's level of comfort if the request is not met?
Timing of the request
- Was the request made with initial housing request?
- Was the request made before the deadline for housing requests for the semester in question?
- Was the request made as soon as possible after identifying the need. (Based on date of diagnosis, receipt of housing assignment, change in status, etc.)
Feasibility & availability
- Is space available that meets the student’s needs?
- Is the student in special interest housing? If so, can the requested configuration be available in that area?
- Can space be adapted to provide the requested configuration without creating a safety hazard (electrical load, emergency egress, etc.)?
- Are there other effective methods or housing configurations that would achieve similar benefits as the requested configuration?
- How does meeting this request impact housing commitments to other students?
- Is the cost of meeting the request prohibitive?
Please send documentation supporting a request to Denyse M. Wilhelm, Assistant Dean of Academic Resources and Disability Services, ADA/504 Coordinator, Kollett Hall, Wheaton College, 26 East. Main St. Norton, MA 02766. All information is considered confidential.
Please contact Residential Life for questions about the housing accommodation process.
