Attachment I

Procedures for Service Animals at

Texas State University-San Marcos

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Texas State recognizes that service animals can play an important and necessary role in fostering the independence of some individuals with disabilities. Consequently, an appropriately trained animal, under the control of the disabled individual, may be allowed in campus facilities where animals would typically not be permitted (Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 121).

Only service animals that meet the criteria below will be exempt from rules that otherwise restrict or prohibit animals on campus.

· Individuals requiring use of a service animal must demonstrate that the service animal is needed as a reasonable accommodation which is linked to their specific disability. In cases where the disability is not readily apparent or easily perceivable documentation of disability may be requested.

Ø Students provide appropriate documentation to the Office of Disability Services.

Ø Faculty and staff provide documentation to Human Resources.

· For the purposes of these guidelines, a service animal must meet the following criteria:

Ø The animal is of a type commonly accepted and trained for performing a task or function for disabled individuals.

Ø The service animal is individually trained to perform a specific task or tasks not instinctual to the animal on behalf of an individual with a disability.

Ø Training of the animal is of a type appropriate for the disability.

· A clear and explicit rationale must exist for the function or service that the animal will fulfill. An example is a guide dog for the blind, a hearing dog which can alert a deaf individual to important sounds including a ringing telephone or doorbell, or a dog trained to provide minimal protection or rescue work.

· Any animal posing a direct threat to the health or safety others, or exhibiting repeated disruptive behavior, may be denied access to university facilities.

· Any animal whose presence would fundamentally alter the nature of a specific program or service will be excluded. However, the person with a disability will be allowed to participate without the animal. This determination would be made on a case-by-case basis.

Service Animals in University Housing

In addition to meeting the above criteria, the following guidelines will be used for requests to have service animals reside in university housing.

· Individuals receive authorization for the service animal in university housing as an appropriate accommodation prior to the animal moving into residence.

· Specific room or apartment assignments will be determined by a collaboration between Residence Life, the Office of Disability Services, and the individual making the request taking into account the individual’s needs, the animal’s needs, and the needs of those living in proximity.

· Student agrees to be responsible for any damages to property caused by behavior of the service animal. Students with disabilities who have officially met Texas State criteria to have a service animal on campus or in university housing will not be required to pay a fee or deposit for this animal.

· If a student with a disability needs an emotional support animal in university housing to ease the symptoms of a disability the student must submit a written request to Residence Life. The request should: 1) describe the disability; 2) explain how the requested support animal would help; and 3) include a note from a physician or therapist verifying the need for the support animal. The request and supporting documentation must demonstrate a relationship between the student’s ability to function and the support of the animal. A support animal is permitted in university housing but not in other campus facilities.

For questions or additional information, students should contact the Office of Disability Services and faculty and staff should contact Human Resources.

Office of Disability Services

Texas State University-San Marcos

Suite 5-5.1, LBJ Student Center

601 University Drive

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-245-3451 (Voice/TTY)

Human Resources

Texas State University-San Marcos

340 JC Kellam

601 University Drive

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-245-2557

Residence Life

Texas State University-San Marcos

320 JC Kellam

601 University Drive

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-245-2382