Policies & Forms

Although Saint Joseph's University seeks to provide a peaceful and amicable environment for all students, there will be times when a disagreement will occur between the student and the University. The student has a right to file a grievance for allegations of discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the University policies regarding students with disabilities. Access the link below for information about grievance procedures, the appeals process, third-party discrimination, confidentiality and more.

Filing a Grievance

There are times when students may experience a temporary impairment that will require accommodations for a specific and limited period of time. Some examples of students who may need temporary accommodations include students who suffer a concussion, illness that requires hospitalization, broken bones (or other orthopedic injuries) or surgery for various medical conditions.

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) does not typically recognize temporary disabilities as a disability for which accommodations are legally mandated, but the Office of SDS may be able to provide some assistance and support in these situations.

Some examples of those accommodations may include a scribe if the dominant hand is injured, extended time for tests, due date extensions, change of location if the classroom is inaccessible or absence if the disability is health-related. Students who suffer from a temporary disability are advised to contact the Office of SDS as soon as possible.

The federal law Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, and this includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy.

Under Title IX:

• Schools are prohibited from excluding a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program.
• Schools are required to provide excused absences and/or the opportunity to make up work due to pregnancy and childbirth.
• Schools are required to provide reasonable adjustments for pregnant students. For example:
  •  Larger desks
  •  Elevator access
  •  Frequent trips to the restroom

Some pregnancy-related medical conditions are also a disability, and pregnant students may be entitled to disability accommodations through Student Disability Services.

If a student discloses their pregnancy to you, please notify the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@sju.edu or by calling 610-660-1145. The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to provide support and assistance and connect the student to Student Disability Services as appropriate.

Animals are generally not permitted in University buildings with some exceptions of service animals or emotional support animals determined to be a reasonable accommodation by the Office of Student Disability Services. The information below is intended to help students, employees, and visitors understand the difference between various kinds of animals, where they are permitted and when they may be removed.

Service Animal

A service animal is a dog, or a miniature horse when reasonable, that has been individually trained to do work or perform specific tasks needed to assist an individual with a disability. Disabled individuals may be accompanied by their service dogs in all areas of the University unless the presence of the service dog would be a fundamental alteration of the program or service. Departments, instructors and employees should not determine a service dog is a fundamental alteration without consulting the Office of Student Disability Services. Service dogs do not need to be approved by the Office of Student Disability Services as a reasonable accommodation, but informing them of the service animal can facilitate communication with other members of the University.

Emotional Support Animal

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal (typically a dog or cat though this can include other animals) that provides a therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. The animal provides emotional support and comfort to individuals with psychiatric disabilities and other mental impairments. The animal is not specifically trained to perform tasks for a person who has emotional disabilities. Unlike a Service Animal, an ESA is not automatically granted access to places of public accommodation, including areas where residents are normally permitted to go (example, commons areas, student lounges, laundry facilities, dining halls, classrooms). An ESA is not permitted in other areas outside the student’s residence without prior approval through the reasonable accommodation process administered through the Office of Student Disability Services.

To request a reasonable accommodation for an ESA, the student must have a qualified third-party (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical licensed social worker) who is personally treating the student write complete the Request for an Emotional Support Animal form. The student should submit the Emotional Support Animal form at least 60 days prior to the semester that the student will first move into on-campus housing to the Office of Student Disability Services. An intake meeting will be arranged with the Director of Student Disability Services and if approved, information will be forwarded to Residence Life who will determine housing options for the student. The student will also be requested to sign an agreement form that outlines the roles and responsibilities of having an ESA on campus.

This page includes details regarding the Recording Lecture Agreement, Emotional Support Animals request forms and information about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

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