UCA Disability Resource Center provides reasonable accommodations for students with a disability. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), an emotional support animal (ESA) may be approved while living in on-campus housing, on a case-by-case basis when there is a documented need.
The following form was created to facilitate the individualized review of each student request so that the Disability Resource Center may determine if a student qualifies to have an emotional support animal while living in a University of Central Arkansas residence hall. Once the form is filled out by the qualified professional and submitted to OARS, the ESA Committee will meet to determine if all qualifications are met.
Emotional Support Animal Request Form
This information submitted to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services should reflect the most currently available information.
This Emotional Support Animal Documentation Form should:
– Be completed by a qualified professional.
– Be completed as clearly and thoroughly as possible. Incomplete responses and illegible handwriting will require additional follow up that may delay the review process.
– Be supplemented with any evaluative reports that may provide a more complete understanding of the student. Evaluative reports may include diagnostic reports such as psycho-educational or neuropsychological reports. Please do not provide case notes or rating scales without a narrative that explains the results.
– Be submitted to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. All documentation will be held strictly confidential as a student record. This form may be released at the student’s request.
ESA Evaluating Request and Determination Notice:
The Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services, Dean of Students, Director of Housing and Residence Life, and a Representative from the Counseling Center comprise the “ESA Committee” and will consider these requests based on the following criteria provided by the FHA:
– The student has a disability
– The animal is necessary in affording the student the opportunity to use and enjoy their living space.
– There is an identifiable relationship or nexus between the disability and the assistance the animal provides.
The OARS office and the above mentioned Committee will make a determination within 60 calendar days of receipt of an ESA request on whether an accommodation will be granted.
Next Steps After Approval of ESA:
The following information will be needed after the therapy/emotional support animal is approved and at least 7 days before the animal moves into on-campus housing:
– UCA Housing and Residence Life Animal Ownership Agreement Form
– Animal Registration/Rabies Tag
– Vaccination certificate/Shot Record
– Current color picture of Animal
The Animal Housing Guidelines form must be reviewed, completed, and signed. You must also provide the documentation listed above before the animal is allowed to move into on-campus housing. The Agreement Form includes important information on Standards for approved animals, animal care & guidelines, cleaning and damage, animal liability, areas off limits to animals, removal of animal, conflicting disabilities/roommate, and the complaint process.
Students who get approval for an ESA after they receive their housing assignment may be required to change housing assignments if their roommate/suitemate are allergic to the ESA.
We strive to provide the best possible experience for all students on our campus and we ask for your help and your cooperation.
For more information please contact:
Office of Accessibility Resources and Services
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Ave.
Student Health Building, Ste. 212
Conway, AR 72035Phone: (501) 450-3613
Fax: (501) 450-5664
Email: oars@uca.eduHours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.