Disability Services Housing Accommodations

Westmont College recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its housing policies, where necessary, for individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the College housing program.

Reasonable and appropriate accommodations depend upon the disability, the housing environment, and the steps necessary to create equal access for a student's living situation.

Westmont housing is a social environment, consisting of shared living spaces with common-access bathrooms. Some students request accommodation specific housing based on their disability. For this accommodation, ODS requires clear documentation of limitations, functions, or performance, specifically as it relates to housing (i.e. there should be a distinction between other accommodation needs and living accommodation needs recorded by your provider.) This need for assistance is usually due to a severe or chronic disabling condition that has been well-documented by an appropriate, qualified professional. The goal is to provide students with an equal opportunity to safe and supportive residential living areas.

  • Plan well in advance of housing deadlines! We will work to accommodate qualified housing requests until there is no further housing availability. Spaces are limited.

  • If an accommodation is granted, generally it will remain in place for one academic year. Students wanting a continuation of a housing accommodation will need to renew it annually, Please see directions below for renewing a housing accommodation.

Descriptions of possible housing accommodations:

Single Rooms: 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 students can study in environments suitable to their situations.

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 as it relates to your disability and whether it provides the student equal access to his or her academic and college environment.

Parking Permit: First year students are not permitted to have parking permits per Westmont's Conditional Use Permit with the County of Santa Barbara. In specific instances, some students with disabilities may qualify for a parking permit, but may not receive one due to lack of availability. Important note: If a permit is needed for regular appointments for treatment of a disability, outside of Westmont's current shuttle and ride-share opportunities, students must provide a print-out with scheduled appointments to ODS on the provider's letterhead (including the provider's name, address, and contact information).

Meal Plan: Please read the information under Dietary Accommodations. Bon Appétit staff plus a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist are available to discuss individual dietary needs as it relates to meal plans in our Dining Commons (DC). Most dietary needs are able to be met through this process. Only after this process is started with the DC and concluded with a Meal Plan Review Committee meeting will a meal plan exemption be considered along with the appropriate documentation.

Directions for students who are requesting a housing accommodation for the first time:

  1. Complete the Housing Accommodation Application AND the appropriate Housing Form per Housing Office directions.

  2. Ask your provider to complete the Housing Accommodation Provider Form. Completed forms can be uploaded to the link provided or returned by: email to ODS@westmont.edu, fax to 805-565-7244, or delivered to our offices (VL 310A and VL 311).

  3. Return your completed forms to ODS@westmont.edu or fax to 805-565-7244 or upload using the link provided. Your request will be considered once ALL documents have been received. The review process may take up to ten business days.

  4. An appointment to review your accommodation request will be required. An intake appointment link will be sent to you for a meeting with the Director of Disability Services to go over your accommodation request(s).

Directions for students who are renewing a housing accommodation or a meal plan accommodation:

  1. Complete the Housing Accommodation Application AND the appropriate Housing Form per Housing Office directions.

  2. If your condition has changed, ask your licensed provider to complete the Housing Accommodation Provider Form  Completed forms can be returned to: ODS@westmont.edu, faxed to 805-565-7244, or delivered to our offices (VL 310A and VL 311).

  3. Be aware of the timing of your request! Your documents will only be reviewed once ALL documents have been received. The review process may take up to ten business days. ODS will contact you to make an appointment with the Director to discuss your request.

  4. ODS follows the Housing Office deadlines and can only provide accommodations based on availability. ODS will notify you regarding your accommodation request.