Alabama State University rolled out a policy that allows students with qualified disabilities to have emotional support animals (ESAs) in university housing.
The policy is designed to ensure that students requiring emotional support as part of their treatment plan can benefit from having an ESA while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all residents.
ESAs provide support through companionship and can help ease anxiety, depression, and certain phobias.
Derriya Sankey, director of the Office of Accessibility and Veteran Affairs, outlined the specifics of the policy, including the documentation required, the application process, and guidelines for ESA care and conduct.
“Students seeking to have an ESA must complete an extensive application process through the Office of Accessibility and Veteran Affairs,” she said. “They will also need to submit documentation of a qualified disability, a letter from their mental health and/or health care provider stating how and why an ESA is beneficial to the student, and how it will alleviate symptoms of their disability.”
Additionally, students must submit vaccination records for the ESA, which cannot expire before the end of the academic year and provide certification that the animal is properly trained.
“Students will also need to complete the Counseling Agreement Form, and a certificate verifying that the ESA is house-broken or potty-trained,” Sankey added.
The application process for obtaining ESA approval is thorough and can take up to 30 business days. Students must also reapply for ESA approval each academic year.
“Students will need to complete an application through our office and submit all of the required documents,” Sankey said. “Once everything is received, students will be scheduled for an Intake Interview. After the interview, students will be notified whether their request was approved or denied. Students will also need to reapply every academic year to continue having their ESA in university housing.”
The university has placed clear restrictions on the types of animals that qualify as ESAs in campus housing.
“Exotic, dangerous, poisonous, unlawful, or any other animals that pose a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the campus community will not be permitted as ESAs,” Sankey emphasized. “Additionally, size restrictions of 20 pounds or less will apply to all ESA requests.”
To ensure harmony in shared living spaces, the university will address concerns or objections from roommates.
“Any potential concerns or objections will be investigated and handled on a case-by-case basis,” Sankey said.
She further noted that students must obtain a signed Roommate Agreement before their ESA request can be approved and be respectful of their shared spaces.
“If their roommate or suitemates have allergies or fears, they do not have to sign off on it, and the application will not be approved,” she said. “Students should be mindful of shared living environments and the comfort of their roommates and neighbors. This may include keeping the animal in their designated space and ensuring it does not roam freely in common areas. Open and respectful communication with roommates about the ESA is important to address any concerns or issues that may arise. This can help to foster a harmonious living environment.”
Students with ESAs are expected to fulfill several responsibilities to maintain a clean and peaceful living environment.
“Students must ensure their ESAs receive proper care, including regular feeding, grooming, exercise and veterinary care,” Sankey said. “They are also responsible for managing the animal’s behavior to prevent issues like excessive barking, aggression or destruction of property. Students must clean up after their ESAs, including waste management. This includes immediately picking up waste in shared spaces and maintaining cleanliness in their living area.”
Students who violate the ESA policy face a tiered system of consequences.
“A first violation will result in a warning from the Office of Accessibility and Veteran Affairs and the Housing & Residential Life Office,” Sankey explained. “A second violation will lead to a monetary fine, and a third violation will result in the ESA being removed from campus within 24 to 48 hours, at the student’s expense.”
The university plans to provide workshops and educational resources to ensure that students and staff fully understand the ESA policy.
“Yes, there will be educational resources available to students and staff to help them understand and comply with the ESA policy,” Sankey confirmed.
Sankey also clarified the distinction between ESAs and Service Animals.
“ESAs are solely for emotional support and do not provide any specific services,” Sankey said. “They are limited to a dwelling and are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), whereas Service Animals provide a service to the individual with a disability and can follow them from place to place.”