Rising housing accommodation requests strain Chapman’s limited space

Illustration by Kamaal Samuel, Illustrator

As housing selection approaches at Chapman, a growing number of students are requesting accommodations such as single dorm rooms or permission to live off campus. Chapman is not alone, as requests for disability accommodations are increasing nationwide, and universities are facing new challenges in balancing student needs with available space.

According to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the percentage of college students reporting disabilities increased from 11% in 2004 to 21% in 2020. Much of this is due to more students reporting mental health conditions and attention deficit disorders. 

“Chapman has seen a gradual increase in the number of students requesting various types of accommodations, including housing-related accommodations,” said Juan Tinoco, assistant dean for the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience. “The overall trend reflects broader national patterns of students seeking additional support services.”

Chapman provides housing accommodations for students with documented disabilities to ensure equal access. To request housing accommodation, students must complete the Housing Accommodation Request Form and submit documentation from a licensed healthcare provider supporting the need for accommodation. Housing accommodations are reviewed separately from academic accommodations, which follow a different process through the university.

According to the university’s housing accessibility guidelines, accommodations can be requested for different medical, physical, psychological and sensory conditions that may affect a student’s living circumstances. The accommodations are intended to support students whose disabilities impact their ability to live in a standard residence hall.  

Housing accommodation requests are reviewed with Disability Services. 

“Students submit documentation supporting their request, and Disability Services evaluates the request and determines appropriate accommodations,” said Tinoco. “Residence Life then works to implement those accommodations within the university’s residential communities.”

Although Chapman reviews requests on an individual basis, housing accommodations can often overlap with the challenge of space availability in the residence halls. 

Despite limited inventory, Tinoco said the university has been able to meet approved needs. 

“We have been fortunate that we’ve always been able to offer a space that complies with the approved accommodations to our students,” said Tinoco. “Because housing inventory is finite, the university works closely with Disability Services to identify reasonable accommodations within available spaces.”

When specific requests cannot be met, the university looks for alternatives. 

“Residence Life works collaboratively with Disability Services to explore alternative housing arrangements that meet the student’s documented needs,” Tinoco said. “The goal is to provide a reasonable accommodation while working within the available housing inventory.”

While Chapman has a three-year on-campus housing requirement, exemptions are available for students whose circumstances make off-campus living more appropriate. Gabby Loops, a sophomore psychology major, is currently trying to get approval to live off campus next year. 

“I think living off campus would be better for my mental health,” said Loops. “Right now, I’m just trying to understand what the process for getting approved looks like.”  

Students seeking exemptions from Chapman’s three-year housing requirement must submit a formal request outlining their circumstances. According to Tinoco, exemptions may be granted under specific conditions, such as living with a parent or guardian within 30 miles, part-time enrollment or changes in marital or dependent status. 

Kelly Ciardullo, a freshman public relations, advertising and entertainment marketing major, said the housing process was relatively clear, but she thinks some students benefit more than others. Currently living in a triple in Glass Hall, she said that while she has adjusted to sharing the space, many students still prefer more privacy.

“I think almost everyone I’ve talked to would love a single room, because some of the dorms are crammed and definitely not meant for three people,” said Ciardullo. “It’s surprising that some students get assigned to live in a single suite, while most live in a three-bedroom dorm.” 

As housing selection approaches, Chapman continues to review accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis to best meet individual student needs and manage limited residential space.