Disability Services Housing Accommodations

Reasonable and appropriate accommodations depend upon the disability, the housing environment, and the steps necessary to create equal access for one's living situation. Requested accommodations need not be granted if: a) it is deemed unreasonable; b) alternative accommodations are available; and/or c) the student has already received desired placement through normal housing assignment processes. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Office of Disability Services along with other Residence Life offices are facing increased challenges related to providing housing accommodations. There may be specific accommodations that will need to be addressed depending on state and local mandates related to Covid-19. The College and ODS will keep students informed as this becomes available to us and any impact it may have on housing accommodations for registered DS students. 

  • Plan well in advance of housing deadlines. We cannot guarantee any accommodations if the deadline has passed and rooms are filled.

  • If an accommodation is granted, housing accommodations (occur) remain in place for one academic year.

  • If a previously granted housing accommodation is requested for the following year, students must complete a Returning Student Housing Request form and upload to their ODS portal before the housing deadline. If it is determined a student needs subsequent supporting documentation they will be notified by ODS. 

Single Rooms: Please be advised that single rooms are reserved for individuals with specific living needs and for whom living with a roommate is not viable. The housing accommodation process considers access for living purposes only and not for other aspects of the college experience, such as studying. There are many options on campus where a student can study in an environment suitable for one's situation. All other requests mid-year should be made as soon as possible.

Double Rooms: There are some disabilities that can be accommodated with a double rather than a triple room. These are determined on a case-by-case basis and the impact of the disability must be related to this request.

Off-campus: Although rare, off-campus housing accommodations will be considered depending on the nature of the disability and how this housing accommodation provides the student equal access to his or her academic and college environment.

 Directions for students new to the ODS process:

  1. Complete the ODS application. 

  2. Complete the Housing Accommodation Request

  3. Return completed forms to ods@westmont.edu or fax 805-565-7244

  4. Documentation: In addition to the requested documentation related to your disability, please ask your provider to complete the additional Housing Accommodation- Provider Addendum.

  5. Once all information is returned and deemed complete, the review process will begin. Once the review process is complete, you will be contacted to set up an appointment with the director. Be aware of the timing of your request as this may take up to ten business days prior to your meeting being scheduled.

Directions for students already registered with ODS

  1. Complete the Returning Housing Accommodation Request form
  2. Request your provider complete and return to you the Housing Accommodation-Provider Addendum
  3. Upload your Housing Accommodation- Provider Addendum either by emailing to ODS@westmont.edu or by uploading in your AIM profile
  4. Be aware of the timing of your request. Your documents will be reviewed once all of your documents are deemed complete. An appointment with the director will be sent to you by ODS. Review of your supporting materials may take up to ten business days prior to your meeting being scheduled.