Campus Life

This page offers a variety of resources related to campus housing and campus life that will assist programs to develop the appropriate supports and structures to establish collaborative and effective supports for universtiy/college housing and to ensure that students in their program have access to campus life resources and the support they need to truly benefit from all the campus has to offer. 

 

News & Features

Many college programs work with the administration at their campus to alleviate as many barriers to participation as possible to the non-degree seeking students attending their program. ...Read more
Think College recorded webinars page features two excellent webinars on the operation of inclusive campus housing.  Check them out for helpful guidance and actionable strategies for residential life services in your own program. ...Read more
several students walking on a college campus, word Embracing Dignity of Risk in Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs
This recorded presentation is a great resource for anyone considering issues of risk and safety on a college campus, particularly for those students living on campus. The presenters include a very helpful "hyperdoc" with links to over a dozen related resources.  ...Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the benefits and risks to consider for students with ID when living on a college campus?

When considering residential opportunities, there are associated benefits and risks. Commonly noted benefits for living on a college campus include increased campus engagement, independence, and social maturity while having a chance to live away from home. Commonly noted risks include homesickness and health or safety concerns. The benefits and risks are in large part the same for students with ID as they are for all students. There is a need however to plan ahead, work collaboratively with campus housing partners, and be thoughtful about the supports that will be provided in the residence halls to mitigate risk as well as mazimize the benefits.

What are some proactive strategies college programs can initiate to ease liability concerns and safety for students with ID?

Ensuring student support systems within residence halls can help reduce liability concerns and proactively ensure increased safety with families and administrators. A few proactive strategies include: preplanning with residential living staff the details and room assignments (with roommates also being near entry ways for emergencies), providing initial CPR and first aid training as well as program awareness for natural supports living around students in residence halls, having program personnel on-call systems in place to ensure coverage for emergencies, frequently rehearsing emergency procedures with natural disasters or campus safety trainings, and/or establishing a buddy or having check-in system during overnight hours as emergencies may arise.

Who are various campus or community partners that can help plan residential opportunities alongside students with ID and what are their potential roles?

There are many campus departments as well as community agencies that are important partners in the development and operation of campus housing for students in the program. Typically, residential living directors and residence assistants, facilities management, disability services, and campus police are involved as each of these offices have a role in ensuring appropriate supports, training and safety protocols. In addition, community agency personnel may be involved in with supporting the living or personal care needs of students living on campus. At many campuses offering campus housing, peers are also involved to provide some of the more naturally occuring support that may be needed.

Do colleges have to make reasonable housing accommodations for individuals with ID?

If there are legitimate and reasonable requests made to Disability Services, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, there may be resources available for housing accommodations or accessible rooms as requested.

How many of the currently established programs offer access to campus housing?

Currently 126 programs of the total 332 listed in Think College Search report offering campus housing to students with ID. It is typical that community college programs and those that serve students still in high school will not offer campus housing.

Other questions?