Medical Priority Request for Housing

Springfield College recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its housing policies and practices for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the college housing program. Students with medical, psychological, or other disability-related needs can request housing accommodation in our residence halls.

Individuals with documented disabilities who reside or intend to reside in College housing must contact the Office of Non-Discrimination Initiatives (ONDI) if they wish to request a housing accommodation. ONDI is responsible for evaluating whether to grant or deny requests for reasonable accommodation in College housing. In evaluating the request, ONDI may consult with other campus officials, as necessary, to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary and reasonable. Students seeking housing accommodations, including the request for air conditioning, must submit a letter from a licensed professional with supportive documentation annually to the Health Center.

Once a decision is made by ONDI will inform the student if the request has been approved or denied via email. Students who receive approval from ONDI will be assigned a room that meets their documented accommodation needs.

In order to receive a housing accommodation, students will need to meet the following criteria:

• Meet all housing requirements in order to reside in the preferred housing location.

• Submit appropriate medical documentation with ONDI.

• Receive approval for accommodation from ONDI.

Note: Requests for single rooms (as an accommodation) based solely on a desire to have a “quiet, undisturbed place to study” will be granted only in very unusual circumstances. By virtue of the shared facilities, resources, and number of people living under one roof, it is not logical to assume that having a private room would provide for such quiet, distraction-free space to any appreciable degree beyond living in a standard double room.

It is strongly encouraged that accommodation requests get submitted to ONDI prior to the housing selection process each academic year, in order to ensure that students are placed appropriately in accordance with their disability-related needs. Springfield College cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation needs for late requests submitted after the housing selection process has ended. Each late request will be looked at on a case by case basis and will be addressed based on availability.

Questions about housing accommodations and documentation may be directed to the Office of Non-Discrimination Initiatives (ONDI) at access@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3248. 

Download Medically Approved Air Conditioner Policy Download Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Policy