Housing Request for Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Colorado Mesa University is committed to reasonably accommodating persons with disabilities who require the assistance of service and/or assistance animals. Students needing an emotional support animal (ESA) for on-campus housing need to follow the outlined steps for consideration. Students may not bring an ESA to campus housing before approval has been determined. Relevant definitions and expectations for this request are listed below the application process.
Apply for Housing
Submit a Complete ESA Application
ESA Application Review
Educational Access Services will complete the initial review of the digital ESA application and invite qualified student applicants to an interactive access meeting.
-
Qualified Applicants
Qualified applicants will have a complete ESA application that meets all criteria and will be invited to an access meeting for further consideration.
-
Incomplete Applications
Student did not meet the qualification criteria for further consideration of an ESA for on-campus housing. This may be due to an incomplete ESA application. Applications without documentation, insufficient documentation, or lack of disability-related need explanation are considered incomplete. Student is considered ineligible for an ESA and will receive relevant communication for this determination.
Eligibility Determination
-
ESA Eligible
Student eligibility will be communicated to Residence Life. Resident Life will coordinate with the student regarding the next stage of the ESA process including arrangements to bring the ESA to campus.
-
Ineligible for ESA
Student is not eligible for an ESA on campus. Alternative accommodations will be discussed as needed, dependent on the student's diagnosis. Student can appeal the decision with new documentation or information. Contact Educational Access Services (EAS) for appeal process.
Disability Definition
"Disability" is defined as a physical or mental condition or impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities. These limitations may include but are not limited to caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning. A person is substantially limited in major life activities if the individual is unable to perform the activity or is significantly restricted as to the way the individual can perform that activity when compared to the average person.
Additional Definitions
Responsibilities of Person with Emotional Support Animal
Room selection in residence halls will often occur before a decision is reached for an emotional support animal (ESA). This means if the student plans to request an emotional support animal live in the residence halls, the student's room selection should account for the animal's needs.
Some considerations when selecting a room:
- How much space does the animal take up - kennel, cage, food supply, physical body space?
- Does the animal get along with others if you have a roommate?
- Does the animal make noise at night that might disrupt a roommate's sleep?
- Does the animal have any runaway behavior like bolting out doors or outside - keep in mind number of exits in a room (patio, suite door, personal door)?
In accordance with Mesa County law, owners are required to license their dogs. In addition, dogs over four months old are required to have a current rabies vaccination. Mandatory registration of an animal as a service animal is not permissible under the ADA; however, colleges and other entities, such as local governments, may offer voluntary registries.
The University reserves the right to implement other reasonable conditions or restrictions on the animals to maintain the safety and well-being of the animal and persons on campus. The University may exclude/remove a service or assistance animal when it
1) A dog may be excluded where the facility can show it “poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others” (28 C.F.R. § 36.208). This determination “must be based on actual risks and not on mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations” (28 C.F.R. § 36.301(b)
2) results in a fundamental alteration of the University's program, and / or
3) the animal is not properly cared for.
The University will address concerns through an interactive process of evaluation, assessment, and determination. Incidences and or concerns related to an individual accompanied by an animal may be referred to Educational Access Services for review and educational discussion (Maverick Guide pg. 35).
Application Suspension Policy
Educational Access Services (EAS) will attempt to contact the student via the student's Mavs email or phone for up to one month after the application submission date. After attempting to contact the student at least 3 times without response, EAS will suspend the student's application. The application information will be saved and can be re-activated by the student contacting EAS.