University Policies

File code: STU.EMSUPANIMAL.POL
Approval Date: 8/15/16
Approved By: President

Emotional Support Animal Policy

Western Illinois University (WIU) recognizes the importance of Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s) in providing physical and/or emotional support to individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the Fair Housing Act, WIU will evaluate all requests for an ESA as a reasonable accommodation for an individual with a disability who lives in University housing. Furthermore, WIU is committed to allowing these individuals the use of ESA’s necessary to provide equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.

Although WIU policy prohibits animals of any type in University housing, WIU will consider requests from individuals with disabilities under this policy. However, no ESA may be kept in University housing at any time prior to the individual receiving approval as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to this policy.

More information on the presence of ESA’s in University housing may be found in the Emotional Support Animal Guidelines.

Please note that an ESA is distinguishable from a service animal. For information regarding service animals, as defined by the ADAAA, please see the WIU Service Animal Policy.