Accessibility & Accommodations

Finding a Residence That Works for You

Students who require an accommodation for medical or other reasons under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act or the Ontario Human Rights Code may submit documentation to Student Housing Services to support their request.

Exemption from Residence Queue/Wait List:

Applicants seeking exemption from the residence queue/wait list must submit the Residence Eligibility Exemption Form by June 1 in order to be considered for a residence offer.

Accessibility Accommodation:

Applicants seeking consideration related to their residence placement (location or room type) must submit an Accommodation Review Form and upload appropriate documentation to the Housing Portal.

Residence building and room assignments are based on a randomized lottery system that takes into consideration your location and room type preferences. However, we recognize that some students have unique circumstances that require special consideration. We can’t guarantee that all requests can be accommodated, as availability of space is limited, but we will work with you in finding a living situation that best meets your needs. Most of our residences can accommodate a variety of accommodation situations. For a list of the most common requests and associated residence locations, consult the summary of potential locations outlined below.

The deadline for submission of the Accommodation Review Form is June 1. Submission of an Accessibility Form does not guarantee you an offer of residence. If you are seeking exemption from the wait list, please see form above. Late submissions can only be considered if sufficient vacancies permit a residence or room transfer.

Service Animals

When you complete the Residence Application, you must indicate on the form that you intend to bring a Service Animal to residence. You will be emailed additional information about the approval process once your application is complete. All service animals in residence must be pre-approved through Student Accessibility Services.

To Submit an Accessibility Accommodation Request

Access the Form – Download the Accommodation Review Form, or you can access the form under Housing Forms on the Portal.
Have Your Attesting Professional Complete the Form – Print the form and ensure that your attesting professional completes all required sections. You will need to sign and date the form in the designated sections.
1. Who is an Attesting Professional? An attesting professional is a practitioner who works directly with you and can confirm your specific accommodation needs. This may include a physician, specialist, counsellor, or therapist, and cannot be a family member. If citing lifestyle, cultural, or religious reasons, an attesting professional's supporting document/signature may not be required. Residence Admissions will contact you if further information is needed.
Upload and Submit – Once completed, upload the Accommodation Review Form, including the attestation section, and submit it through the Housing Portal.

Note: Submitting an accommodation request does not guarantee a space in residence. Residence Admissions will review your request and determine availability based on space and accommodation needs.

How We Assign

We are able to accommodate most disabilities and special needs in a variety of different residence communities.

Your assignment will be based on several factors, as follows:

Your preferences as listed on your Residence Application.
Your accommodation needs as outlined by your supporting documentation.
Our availability of specific room types and facilities
Your room assignment lottery number.

Accommodation Policies

Medical Cannabis

In consideration of revised legislation around the use of Cannabis for medical purposes, Student Housing Services, in consultation with campus stakeholders, has developed a Medical Marijuana Policy for accommodating authorized individuals. This Policy is intended to balance the need to accommodate the medical needs of an individual with the potential impact on the health and safety of the surrounding residence community, as well as meeting any legal obligations that may exist.

Service Animals

Service animals must be approved through Student Accessibility Services before being confirmed to live in residence with you. Once approved, you will be assigned to a location that has been idenfitied for a service animal; East Village Townhouses and West Village. All students with an approved service animal are required to meet with the Director, Residence Life and will enter into an agreement related to animal behaviour and welfare, and other conditions, as appropriate.

Accommodations and Potential Residence Locations

Diabetes

Mobility requiring motorized equipment (wheelchair or scooter)

Mobility requiring no stairs, and no motorized equipment

Hearing impaired, any level

Visually impaired, any level

Visually impaired with a service animal

Cultural/religious - Kosher or Halal

Cultural/religious - single-gender

Cultural/religious - same faith or ethnicity

ADHD/ADD

Learning Disability - Dyslexia/cognitive processing disorder

Vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian diet

Anxiety or Panic Disorder Depression

Support Animal or Registered Service Animal

Accommodations for Students with Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Do you have a food allergy or dietary restriction?

The University of Guelph Hospitality Services and SNAP (Student Nutrition Awareness Program) understand that many students have special dietary needs.

If you are a student or parent of a student with food allergies or dietary restrictions, we encourage you to contact SNAP with any questions, comments or concerns. SNAP will be happy to answer your question(s) or direct you to our Hospitality Services Registered Dietitian for additional support.

SNAP Contact
snap@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120, Ext. 52249

For urgent questions or concerns, email is preferred.

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