Welcome to the Housing Accommodations page at UC Merced, your dedicated resource for requesting accommodations related to specific needs in campus housing. This page provides essential information on the policies and procedures for securing adjustments to your living space. Whether you are a student seeking accommodations for a more accessible environment or a parent or guardian helping with the process, this page offers clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth experience. Here, you’ll find links to the required forms, detailed instructions for submitting your request, and contact information for further assistance. Our goal is to make your housing experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.
University of California, Merced, ("UC Merced" or the "University") provides reasonable housing accommodations to residents with disabilities. It is a resident's responsibility to make their disability known to the University. Housing accommodations are given consideration upon request and on a case-by-case basis; reasonable accommodations are determined based on documented need. This process is primarily focused on academic year housing.
Requests will be reviewed by Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Accommodation decisions will consider the resident's disability-related need(s) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, and other relevant federal, state, and campus regulations. Once accommodations are verified by SAS, housing will determine how to accommodate the student based on the verified need. Accommodations cannot be verified for individuals who did not meet all housing deadlines or are otherwise ineligible to live with Student Housing.
Resident: any student, university employee, family member, or other individual residing with Student Housing
Disability: a mental or physical impairment that limits the individual in a major life activity, as defined under the ADA
Resident Assistant student staff shall work with Student Accessibility Services on accommodation requests. Faculty and staff living or working in housing shall work with Human Resources on accommodation requests.
Applications and requests for specific housing locations or rooms will be taken into consideration as preferences; however, priority will be given to reasonably satisfying the approved accommodation, regardless of location preference.
Student Housing is currently unable to guarantee single rooms based on a desire for a quiet and distraction-free study space.
If a student is unable to care for themselves, they will need to provide a personal attendant and arrange access with housing. The university does not provide personal attendants or personal care assistance.
Depending on the time of year, housing options may be limited due to occupancy. Submission of a request in advance allows for arrangements to be made to meet the resident's needs. Requests for accommodations must be placed in advance of deadlines posted on the housing website for the upcoming academic semester. If a request is made after this date, Student Housing cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the student's request. Accommodations requests after deadlines will be made as units become available.
