AC Accommodation Policy

Frostburg State University Air Condition Accommodation Policy

Purpose: Frostburg State University is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive living environment for all students. Consistent with this commitment and as part of its efforts under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the University provides housing accommodations for students with disabilities, including the need for air conditioning. The following policy describes the terms and conditions under which requests for an air conditioning accommodation are considered.

Eligibility Criteria: Housing with air conditioning is limited to students with identified disabilities or medical conditions that are severe and multifaceted, and whose absence of air conditioning in the residence hall would likely cause hospitalization or significant deterioration in health. Examples of these may include but are not limited to:

• Severe respiratory conditions that may lead to acute exacerbation requiring emergency medical intervention.
• Conditions in which the body cannot cool itself, and extreme heat may lead to a life-threatening complication.
• All other medical conditions in which the absence of air conditioning may result in an immediate threat to health for which hospitalization or severe health impairment is likely.

Application Process:

Medical Accommodations: Students requesting an accommodation due to a need for air conditioning will be required to provide specific current medical documentation from a qualified health care provider. This documentation should, at a minimum, address the medical necessity of having air conditioning, what consequences might occur if such an accommodation is not provided, and which alternative accommodations might prove insufficient.

A Review process: The Student Accessibility Services Office will review all requests in consultation with the University's health professionals. Focus of review is on the severity and complexity of the medical condition; likely existence of serious health consequences without access to air conditioning.

Decision: Approval for air conditioning accommodations will be granted on a case-by-case basis. The University may request additional documentation or clarification from a healthcare provider of the student when needed.

Alternative Accommodations: If an air conditioning accommodation is not approved, the University will investigate alternative accommodations that may effectively meet the student's needs. This may include but is not limited to providing a fan, reassignment to a cooler area of the residence hall, another residence hall with central air, or other reasonable accommodations.

Appeal Process: A student whose request for an air conditioning accommodation has been denied can appeal. An appeal shall be made in writing to the Student Accessibility Services Office within 14 days of the date of ineligibility determination. The appeal shall be accompanied by any additional documentation or information that supports the request.

Confidentiality: All documentation and information provided as part of the accommodation request will be kept confidential and shared only with those involved in the decision-making process.

Review and Updates: This policy will be reviewed annually for compliance with federal and state laws and alignment with the University's commitment to accessibility and student well-being.