Alternative Housing for Health Needs

1. Complete the Housing Application on the Online Housing Portal. Select “Yes” from the dropdown menu indicating a need for an alternative housing assignment for health needs.
2. Check your UMass Lowell student email account for a message containing the Healthcare Provider Documentation Form and a link to the online Student Alternative Housing Request Form.
3. Fill out Section One of the Healthcare Provider Documentation Form. Ask your provider to fill out the remainder of the Healthcare Provider Documentation Form completely. Incomplete forms will be returned to the student.
4. Once the Healthcare Provider Documentation form is complete, click on the link you received in your UMass Lowell student email (step 2) to access and complete the Student Alternative Housing Request Form. Answer all student questions in full and upload your completed Healthcare Provider Form when prompted.
5. Check your UMass Lowell student email account for information concerning your request. In general, decisions will be made within 15 business days. Please note that there may be delays during peak review periods.

Decision Process

• The Alternative Housing for Health Needs Committee meets regularly to review requests. The Committee is comprised of university-delegated individuals who are licensed and/or trained experts in interpreting medical documentation within the context of making determinations. In rare circumstances, the Committee may determine a need to reach out to the health care provider and/or student for any clarifying questions regarding the documentation. Requests may be partially approved, completely approved, or denied.
• Once a decision has been reached, the committee will email the student and Residence Life regarding approvals and denials pertaining to the request.
• For any approval, Residence Life will work with the student to find a space that meets the Alternative Housing criteria. A room that fits that criteria may not be immediately available; therefore, students may need to work with Residence Life to explore options or be placed on a waiting list.

Additional Notes

• Students must apply for housing on the Online Housing Portal to activate the request process.
• Students who have been away from the university for more than two semesters must re-apply for alternative housing accommodations upon return to on-campus housing.
• Please note that this is not the request process for Animals in Residence or Meal Plan Modifications. Please refer to the forms section on the Residence Life website for access to these processes.
• To explore campus housing options that meet your needs, please visit the Residence Halls section. You will be able to take a virtual tour, see the unit types offered in each hall, and may find a room type that supports your health and wellness.
• Certain specific requests, such as refrigerators, may already be allowed by Residence Life, please consult the What to Bring list.
• Alternative housing is generally not provided/approved for the following reasons:
  • To ensure academic success and quiet study spaces (accommodations support access, not outcomes). There are many spaces for studying or completing academic work around campus that students can utilize.
  • To increase comfort or alleviate discomfort and uncertainty, such as navigating typical roommate challenges and conflicts or lack of experience sharing a room with someone else.
  • For participating in telehealth and/or therapy appointments. Students are expected to communicate with their roommates when they need privacy in the room, or they can utilize private spaces available around campus.
  • As a substitute for preparation and developing the life skills needed to live independently.
  • Specific roommates, suitemates, or residence halls.
  • As a replacement for treatment plans/goals.
  • To ease academic scheduling (for example: avoiding transportation planning, concerns about extended time gaps between classes, or concerns about being on campus all day and managing daily needs, such as meal times).

Appeal Process

• If the student wishes to appeal the decision, an appeal can be submitted through the link provided in the decision letter.
• All appeals must be received within 10 business days and must include the following information:
  • Why the decision should be reconsidered.
  • Additional supporting documentation from the student’s healthcare provider.
  • Healthcare provider documentation and completed Appeal Request Form must be received within a total of 20 business days.
• Any appeal submitted beyond the window requires an explanation and the committee will determine if it can be reviewed.
• A designee from the Wellness Center will review the appeal and may speak with the student to gather more information, may consult with the Alternative Housing for Health Needs Committee, Residence Life and the health care provider, if necessary.
• Once the completed appeal application is submitted, appeal decisions will be communicated to the student in writing within 15 business days of receipt of the appeal and supporting documentation. Please note that there may be delays during peak review periods.
• All appeal decisions are considered final and may not be appealed further unless the student has a new condition or if substantially new information is submitted.
• Students who feel they have been discriminated against may contact the Equal Opportunity Office to explore options.