Housing Accommodations

Rider University is committed to providing accessible and inclusive housing for qualified students with disabilities, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We ensure that students with disabilities receive housing comparable to that of their peers, at the same cost, and we make reasonable modifications to housing policies and procedures unless such modifications would fundamentally alter our housing program.

Requesting Housing & Dining Accommodations

Students may request housing and dining accommodations for a disability or medical condition (e.g. 1st floor, strobe lights, accessible exterior entrance/exit) by:

1. Downloading the Request for Disability Housing Accommodations form from the Student Accessibility and Support Services office webpage. 
2. Submitting the completed form and appropriate documentation to the Student Accessibility and Support Services Office. 

Note: To initiate the accommodation process, students must pay the housing deposits and complete the housing agreement by the annual housing deadlines.

Important Deadlines

The deadline for submission of the Request for Disability Housing Accommodations form is:

• March 1 for returning students, and
• May 1 for new students.

Forms and documentation received after these deadlines may result in delays in obtaining reasonable accommodations. 

Review Process

Each housing & dining accommodation request is reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Residence Life Office, Student Accessibility and Support Services and Student Health Services. Among other accommodations, many students request air conditioned rooms. Because there are limited residence halls with air conditioning, students are encouraged to submit requests promptly to avoid delays in receiving this accommodation. Each request is reviewed on an individualized basis and students are reminded that air conditioners/air conditioning is available as an accommodation only to students who establish a need for an air conditioner due to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

In some instances, the University may determine that a student has not provided documentation sufficient to support a request for a particular modification and may deny a student’s request or provide an alternative reasonable accommodation. Students who disagree with the University’s decision regarding a requested accommodation or modification may file a complaint by contacting the Student Accessibility and Support Services Office.