Accommodation Policies

Housing Accommodations Policy

Housing accommodation requests are subject to availability and are determined on a first-come, first-served basis. To request special housing accommodations due to a major medical issue, first complete the housing application. Then, complete the "Steps to Accommodations" with Student Disability Services. If you are requesting a specific roommate as part of your accommodations, please note you are limited to one and should include that student's information in your Accommodation Request Form.

If you are requesting accommodations for a food allergy or dietary-related issue, review the Meal Plan Waiver Process Map prior to submitting your Accommodations Request Form.

 

 

Housing Options

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Student Disability Services has specific room options available in each type of dwelling offered by Grand Canyon University (GCU). If you are approved for housing accommodations, Student Disability Services will notify you of your approved placement, and you will receive a verification of the placement from Housing Operations via email.

Denied Housing Requests

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If requests for housing accommodations are not approved, you will receive an official denial notice via email. You may reply to this email notice to appeal the decision. The appeal shall be reviewed and further decisions will be based on input from the Office of Student Affairs and university housing availability.

Doctoral Residency Accommodations

GCU is excited for your attendance at our upcoming doctoral residency. The following information will help prepare you for your time in Phoenix. If you have any concerns about access, email us at [email protected].

Pollution advisories can be high year-round and heightened during Arizona's monsoon season, typically occurring mid-June through September. Monsoon thunderstorms may cause large dust storms, high winds and rain. Please be aware, these conditions may exacerbate certain medical conditions, such as asthma and allergies. Pack any prescription medications or resources you use to treat your condition. Also, check Phoenix's weather forecast prior to arriving for your residency.

If you have a documented medical condition within this category or have questions, contact Student Disability Services and review the "Steps to Accommodations."

The dress code for residency students is business casual. Phoenix has an arid climate; however, meetings are held in facilities which may be air conditioned. For your comfort, we strongly suggest including the following attire for your visit:

  • Light-colored, cotton clothing
  • A light sweater or jacket for breakout sessions held in the hotel’s convention center
  • Tennis or rubber-soled shoes for individuals with mobility or stability concerns 

Friends or family may accompany you to the doctoral residency at their own expense. While guests are not permitted to participate in GCU-sponsored activities, several activities and amenities are available within the hotel and throughout the surrounding area.

GCU is not liable for any accompanying guests. If a guest traveling with you to the doctoral residency requires disability services, contact Student Disability Services.

Students in GCU's doctoral residency program are provided three meals and two snacks daily. These meals are served in a stationary location. Vegetarian options are also available. If you have a severe food allergy, notify Student Disability Services prior to your residency.

Please note: On arrival day, only dinner will be provided; on departure day, only breakfast will be provided. Meals are not provided for guests accompanying students.

Each hotel room is furnished with a mini fridge. If a mini fridge is needed to store medication, contact Student Disability Services to discuss available resources.

 

Steps to Accommodations

GCU provides reasonable accommodations or modifications in adherence with local, state and federal law. To receive accommodations through GCU, you must self-elect to disclose your disability to Student Disability Services and follow the steps to receive accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive. Approved accommodation requests submitted after courses have begun will be effective as of the date your completed request was received by Student Disability Services.

  1. To complete an Accommodation Request, please use your student portal login information HERE.
  2. Gather supporting documentation of your disability, such as a record of your disability acknowledged by a medical provider (such as a doctor or psychiatrist) or testing service (such as Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) on letterhead. This remains confidential and is kept on file in Student Disability Services for verification purposes.
  3. Submit copies of your supporting documentation in one of three ways:
    1. Fax: 602-589-2652, Attn: Student Disability Services
    2. Email: [email protected], Enter your name in the subject line of the email (last, first).
    3. Hand-deliver to Student Disability Services on GCU’s main campus in Phoenix.
  4. Student Disability Services begins processing your request when all documents are received. Submit all documents at least two weeks (10 working days) prior to the start of your courses to allow adequate processing time.

GCU understands that circumstances beyond your control may occur while attending classes. Temporary accommodations can be granted if you experience an unexpected or unavoidable major medical issue, such as major surgery or hospitalization. Temporary accommodations remain in effect until the end of your current course. Depending on the supporting documentation provided, accommodation can be extended up to six months. GCU cannot provide accommodations that are not requested, and accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.

To receive temporary accommodations, submit an Accommodation Request Form and provide supporting documentation. Documentation is required for all students requesting accommodations through GCU.

To continue receiving accommodations, you are required to complete a new Accommodation Request Form each year after your original approval date. Supporting documentation for permanent disabilities remains on file with Student Disability Services. If you are approved for temporary services, you will be asked to provide additional documentation to continue receiving accommodations.

Please notify Student Disability Services of any schedule changes that may occur during your program to ensure your accommodations are in place. If you withdraw or are suspended, contact Student Disability Services upon your return to re-establish accommodations.

If accommodations are not properly requested, GCU cannot provide reasonable accommodations.

If you are requesting accommodations, you are required to provide documentation from a medical provider or testing service that specifically denotes the disability and your accommodations request. Documentation should:

  • Show cause as to why your disability significantly impacts your ability to complete educational goals
  • Provide a summary of your functional limitations to help GCU determine the appropriate accommodations

Only typed documents with an official signature and contact information for the associated provider or facility (official letterhead is preferred) are accepted. GCU does not accept handwritten documentation or prescription notes.

Documentation can be submitted to Student Disability Services by:

  • Fax: 602-589-2652
  • Email: [email protected]   
  • Hand-delivery to Student Disability Services at GCU’s main campus in Phoenix

All submitted documents are scanned to a protected portion of your permanent record, and must be legible and clear. If the submitted documents do not meet GCU’s requirements, they will not be accepted. You will receive a notice via email to provide alternative supporting documentation. If you request additional accommodations after initial approval, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.

All documentation is kept on file with Student Disability Services for verification purposes.

You may request electronic copies of course textbooks as part of your reasonable accommodations. Find out the steps to request an eBook to learn more.

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