DEFINITIONS:
A Service Animal is an animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The two animals which can legally fulfill this definition are dogs and miniature horses.
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal selected to play an integral part of a person’s treatment process. The ESA must demonstrate a good temperament and reliable, predictable behavior. An ESA must be prescribed to an individual with a disability by a physician or mental health professional. An ESA is not a Service Animal. An approved ESA is only permitted in the student's living quarters and in appropriate areas outside to toilet. An ESA is not permitted in residence hall common areas, dining services, classrooms, other campus buildings and athletic fields without permission from the Dean of Students Office.
GUIDELINES & REQUIREMENTS An exception to the animal and pet policy is granted for approved animals provided their behavior, noise, odor and waste do not exceed reasonable standards for a well-behaved animal and that these factors do not create unreasonable disruptions for other residents. Refer to the link at the bottom of this page for more detailed information. Due to the time it takes to complete all of the steps in the approval process, please notify Student Disability Services of an ESA request by May 31st for Fall semester and November 1st for Spring semester.
Steps in being granted the approval to bring an ESA to campus residential living.
DO NOT BRING AN ANIMAL TO CAMPUS UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL STEPS IN THE PROCESS.
STEP ONE: The student will request to qualify for an ESA through Student Disability Services (SDS) either in person, over the phone, in writing, or by completing the online Graceland University Accommodations Request Form.
PLEASE SHARE THIS FAX NUMBER 515-414-2910 with your provider.
STEP TWO: The student must be verified as a person living with a disability and that they need an ESA. This process is handled through the Student Disability Services Office (SDS). The student needs to provide their healthcare provider with the ESA Documentation Guidelines. There is also an Optional Form that may be given to the healthcare provider with the guidelines. The documentation is returned to the SDS office as explained on the ESA Documentation Guidelines form.
Once verified the SDS Office will inform the student and the Residence Life Office that the student is eligible for an ESA and will include the STEP THREE procedures in an email to the student.
STEP THREE: Residence Life requires further documentation regarding the specific animal. Once documentation is received then a final meeting (STEP FOUR) will take place with the Residence Life Director or their designee to verbally discuss exceptions and agreement before the ESA is permitted on campus.
For complete details on the process and expectations for Emotional Support Animals go to the following: Procedural Guidelines for Maintaining an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Within the Graceland University Residential Community
SERVICE ANIMALS THAT WILL BE LIVING IN CAMPUS HOUSING NEED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE RESIDENCE LIFE OFFICE. Contact residencelife@graceland.edu for questions.