The following statement is an abridged version of the full ESA policy. For the complete version, you may click on the following link: southern.edu/dss.
Southern Adventist University is committed to creating and sustaining a successful community of inclusive excellence as it prepares students to live, learn, and work among people who experience the world in fundamentally different ways. As such, Southern is committed to allowing Assistance Animals, also known as Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), on its campus to provide individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy university housing. Although it is the policy of Southern that pets, except for fish, are prohibited in university housing, Southern will consider a request for reasonable accommodation from this prohibition by an individual with a disability. 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.
The university will base such determinations upon the consideration of the behavior of the particular animal at issue, and not on speculation or fear about the harm or damages an animal may cause. Violations of the policies governing the possession of an ESA or animal behavior contrary to how the ESA was described on the application are grounds for rescinding approval. Any removal of an ESA is done in consultation with DSS.