In accordance with Elon University’s ESA policy, undergraduate students with disabilities who are requesting an ESA accommodation need to follow the process outlined below.

ESA Request Timelines

Fall 2024 & Winter/Spring 2025

  • Emotional Support Animal requests are reviewed on a rolling basis during the third week of each month during the semester.
  • Please submit an ESA request and all supporting documentation to be reviewed during the third week of each month by 12:00 noon on Wednesday of the second week of each month.

Fall 2025 (Current Students)

  • Deadline for current students to submit a new ESA request, an update/change to an existing approved ESA accommodation, or continue an existing approved ESA accommodation: Thursday, May 1, 2025 @ 12:00 noon.  All supporting documentation and a request in Accommodate must be submitted by the above deadline.
  • Requests submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Requests submitted after Monday, July 21, 2025 @ 12:00 noon will not be processed until after the semester has begun.

Fall 2025 (Incoming Students)

  • Deadline for future students (who will matriculate in fall 2025) to submit a new ESA request, an update/change to an existing approved ESA accommodation, or continue an existing approved ESA accommodation: Thursday, May 1, 2025 @ 12:00 noon.  All supporting documentation and a request in Accommodate must be submitted by the above deadline.
  • Requests submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Requests submitted after Monday, July 21, 2025 @ 12:00 noon will not be processed until after the semester has begun.

ESA Request – Application Processes

First-time ESA Request

Continuing ESA Request (Keeping the same previously approved ESA accommodation)

  • Complete Residence Life’s general Housing Application in Self Service and indicate “Continuing ESA Accommodation on file” on the form.
  • Submit updated materials within ESA Request Packet to Disabilities Resources via email or fax:
    • Permission for Release of Information (page 4)
    • Roommate/Suitemate ESA Agreements (page 5)
    • ESA Agreement (pages 12 to 14)
    • ESA Photo (page 15)
    • Updated vaccination records (must include rabies) in Word or PDF format (page 16)

Changing ESA Request (Requesting change to a previously approved ESA accommodation)

  • Complete the ESA Request to Change Form and submit to Disabilities Resources.
  • These requests will be reviewed in conjunction with new ESA requests; at least 30 days prior to the start of a semester, and the third week of each month once a semester begins.

Please keep the following in mind:

  • Diagnosis of a medical condition does not, in and of itself, automatically qualify you for an ESA accommodation.
  • Requests will be accommodated based on the level of need.
  • Recommendations or statements made by your physician should not be interpreted as automatic approval for an ESA.
  • All housing/ESA accommodations approved in fall will rollover to spring term, no new applications are required.
  • If you have questions about your request or approved accommodation, please contact Disabilities Resources at disabilities@elon.edu or (336) 278-6568.  If you have questions about placement or location, please contact Residence Life at residencelife@elon.edu or (336) 278-7300.