Common Reasons Housing Accommodation Requests May Not Be Approved
- Allergies and/or Asthma – Many students come to campus with allergies, asthma, or some other type of chronic health problem. Some students develop allergies after they arrive due to the new environment. Although many students have allergies, it is rarely the basis for an exemption as it does not prevent them from living and academically achieving in the residence halls. In severe cases of allergies and asthma, the College can usually offer some type of accommodations that can help, such as year-round air conditioning, a single room, an air purifier (purchased by the student), etc., in addition to whatever medications or strategies are prescribed by their physician. While we do not attempt to ensure that all allergic symptoms are eliminated, we will do what we can to provide accommodations that help alleviate the symptoms in severe cases.
- ´¡²Ô³æ¾±±ð³Ù²â&²Ô²ú²õ±è;–&²Ô²ú²õ±è;The transition into college can be a stressful one, but our Residence Life staff is trained to assist our students through such transitions and do so in a supportive environment. It is not uncommon for college students to face some level of anxiety; there are many resources on campus – Counseling Center and Wellness Center – that are available to assist our students through their college transition. Unless it can be documented that the student’s anxiety is unique and severe enough to warrant an exemption, such requests are typically not approved.
- Bad Experience with Roommates –The staff of Residence Life wants students to have a rich and rewarding residence hall experience. Sometimes, however, roommates are not compatible – even roommates who originally chose to live together. In these cases, we recommend that both roommates work with the hall staff to try to work out their problems or make a room change. A room change process occurs within a couple of weeks after the start of each semester for any resident who would like to make a room change based on availability. Living in an undesirable situation can often be avoided by working with the professional Residence Hall staff to resolve the issue or make a room change.
- ¹ó´Ç´Ç»å/¶Ù¾±²Ô¾±²Ô²µ&²Ô²ú²õ±è;–&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Food Service offers a wide variety of dining options and types of food, including low-fat and vegetarian options. Food Service can almost always accommodate students who are on special diets and have food allergies (including gluten and dairy). Contact Tim Raible, Food Service Director, at 863-680-4187 or traible@flsouthern.edu for more information.
- Lack of Privacy – Most students are used to having more privacy at home than they have in the residence halls and this can require a major adjustment. If it is extremely disturbing to the student or if the student is an individual with a disability and needs more privacy for medical reasons, the Office of Student Disability Services can determine if a reasonable accommodation is necessary.