Housing Accommodations

Living on campus is an important part of the Whitman College experience. Disability Access Services (DAS) works collaboratively with students and Residence Life and Housing to support access to the residential environment.

Students with disability-related housing needs may request housing accommodations through DAS. Housing accommodations are determined through an individualized review process that considers disability-related barriers and residential access needs.

We encourage students to connect with us as early as possible so we can discuss available options and support throughout the process.

Requesting Housing Accommodations

Step 1: Submit a Housing Accommodation Request

Log into Accommodate and complete an accommodation request.

Incoming students should wait until they have received their Whitman login credentials before accessing Accommodate.

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Upload the Housing Accommodations Documentation Form and any supporting documentation through Accommodate.

Documentation helps DAS understand:

• Disability-related barriers
• Residential access needs
• Functional impacts within the housing environment

Step 3: Meet with DAS

After submitting your request and documentation, schedule a meeting with DAS through Accommodate.

During this conversation we will:

• Learn more about your experiences.
• Discuss housing-related barriers.
• Review accommodation options.
• Answer questions about the process.

Step 4: Accommodation Review

DAS will review the request through an individualized, interactive process and work collaboratively with Residence Life and Housing regarding approved accommodations.

Students will be notified of accommodation decisions and any next steps.

Important Deadlines

To maximize available housing options and allow adequate time for review, students are strongly encouraged to submit requests as early as possible.

Fall Semester

• June 1: Recommended submission date for housing accommodations

Spring Semester

• Nov. 15:  Recommended submission date for housing accommodations

Requests submitted after recommended deadlines will continue to be reviewed; however, available housing options may become more limited depending on space availability.

Annual Renewal

Housing accommodations are generally approved for one academic year.

Students who wish to continue receiving housing accommodations should submit a new housing accommodation request each year.

Annual review allows DAS to:

• Confirm continued disability-related need.
• Review changes in housing circumstances.
• Ensure accommodations continue to meet current needs.

Students will receive information regarding renewal requirements during the housing process.

Important Housing Information

Housing accommodations are determined individually based on disability-related need and the availability of appropriate residential spaces.

Please note:

• DAS reviews and approves disability-related housing accommodations.
• DAS does not assign residence halls, buildings, rooms or roommates.
• Housing placement decisions are made by Residence Life and Housing.
• Approval of a housing accommodation does not guarantee placement in a specific residence hall, building, room type or location.
• When a requested accommodation cannot be implemented as requested, DAS and Residence Life will work with students to explore available alternatives.

Housing and Study Environments

Some students may experience disability-related challenges related to concentration, focus or studying and may request a quieter residential environment.

While DAS considers disability-related housing needs, residence halls are shared living environments and cannot guarantee completely quiet or distraction-free spaces.

Students seeking additional academic support related to studying, organization, learning strategies, or time management are encouraged to utilize campus academic support resources.

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides:

• Academic coaching
• Study strategies
• Peer tutoring
• Time management support
• Structured study opportunities

ARC services are available to all Whitman students.

Additional Information

Emotional Support Animals

Students seeking approval for an Emotional Support Animal should review the Emotional Support Animal page for information regarding documentation requirements, timelines and the approval process.

Orientation Accommodations

Students who anticipate disability-related accommodation needs during Orientation are encouraged to contact DAS as early as possible so support can be arranged before arriving on campus.

Questions?

Students who have questions about housing accommodations, documentation or the accommodation process are encouraged to email DAS at das@whitman.edu. We are happy to discuss your situation and help you determine next steps.