Housing Accommodation Requests
Quick Links: Requesting an Accommodation, Meal Plan Exemptions
The Department of Residence is committed to ensuring that, to the extent possible, our housing facilities, programs and services are available to ALL students. Reasonable accommodations are available to meet the special needs of eligible students.
Please be aware that the information on this site is for housing accommodations only. If you require other types of accommodations, please contact the Student Disability Resources office.
Requesting an Accommodation
To request special housing accommodations you must submit a Housing Accommodation Request Form and appropriate documentation to the Department of Residence, Assistant Director for Assignments. Submission methods are specified on the Housing Accommodation Request Form. All documentation must:
- Be current (within the last 5 years for LD, last 6 months for psychiatric disabilities, or last 3 years for ADHD and most other disabilities).
- Written by someone who has the credentials / expertise in a relevant area to make a recommendation.
- Clearly support the need for the accommodations requested.
Once all materials and documentation have been received, requests will be evaluated by the Assistant Director in consultation with the Student Disability Resources office and/or other University offices (as appropriate). Approval of all requests is at the discretion of Iowa State University.
If you are requesting a housing accommodation, please follow the traditional contracting process and guidelines until a decision regarding your request has been reached. Accommodations are impacted by the date that you have contracted for housing. The earlier you contract for housing, the more likely it is that your request will be able to be accommodated.
Accommodations for requests submitted after July 1 for fall semester housing and December 1 for spring semester housing may not be available due to time constraints and space availability.
If your request is approved, you will be considered for a housing accommodation that first and foremost meets your documented needs. Building and room type preferences listed on your housing contract will be considered and honored if possible, but an assignment within your preferences is not guaranteed.
Meal Plan Exemptions
If you are requesting release from the residence hall meal plan requirement, you should be aware that dietary restrictions do not always constitute a valid reason for cancelling your meal plan contract. ISU Dining is committed to offering food options that meet the needs of students on special / restricted diets.
Students with dietary issues should Email the Dietician. Unlimited nutritional counseling is available and our on-staff, Registered, Licensed Dietician would be more than happy to work with you to find ways to make sure your needs are met. When necessary, ISU Dining chefs can prepare you special meals.
You can also use Net Nutrition on the ISU Dining Web site to identify which Dining Centers will be serving the most options that fit your needs at any particular meal time. Once in the Dining centers, if you need assistance finding appropriate items to eat, you can speak to the Dining Center Manager. That person can guide you through the facility and help you make appropriate meal choices.
If you still wish to request release from the residence hall meal plan requirement, you may e-mail your request to . Please include your full name, ISU ID# and the reason for your request in your e-mail. You may be asked to supply additional documentation or be required to meet with the Dietician before your request will be considered.
Please be aware that retroactive requests will not be considered.
Department of Residence, (515) 294-2900