Procedure 6.4.1 - Animals on Campus - Students

Part 1: Purpose

Lake Superior College (LSC) is committed to providing its students equal access to programs, services, and physical facilities. It is acknowledged that students may require an accommodation to bring service animals on campus.

Part 2: Students needing service animals on campus

In general, LSC will not ask about the nature or extent of a person’s disability, but may make two inquiries to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service animal. LSC may ask:

  1. If the animal is required because of a disability and;
  2. work or task the animal has been trained to perform.

LSC cannot require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal. Generally, LSC may not make inquiries about a service animal when it is readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. (e.g. the dog is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person’s wheelchair, or aiding with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability.)

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered service animals because they are not required to have special training or perform a specific task. ESAs are not protected under the ADA and not permitted in indoor areas such as classrooms, dining halls, computer labs, offices, or any LSC campus buildings.

Specific questions related to the use of service animals or ESAs on the LSC campus can be directed to the Dean of Students.

Part 3: Expectations for Service Animals on Campus

Service animals must comply with the below;

Subpart A: Animal Etiquette

To the extent possible, the handler should ensure that the animal does not:

  1. Sniff people, dining tables, or the personal belongings of others.
  2. Display any behaviors or noises that are disruptive to others, unless part of the service being provided to the handler.
  3. Block an aisle or passageway for fire egress.

Subpart B: Vaccinations

The animal must have current immunizations against diseases, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, or the appropriate vaccination series for the type of animal. Dogs must wear a rabies tag.

Subpart C: Cleanup

The student and/or handler is responsible for making sure the animal is not disruptive, is clean and free of parasites and preventable diseases, and the cleaning up of animal waste,  unless the student and/or handler is physically not able to perform the cleanup. If an individual with a disability is not able to clean up after a service animal, arrangements should be made with the Student Accessibility Services Office.

Subpart D: Off Limits Areas on Campus

It is the student and/or handler’s responsibility to understand the places where the service animal is not allowed, and where the service animal may stay if they must go into those places.

Subpart E: Attending to the Animals’ Needs

It is the student and/or handler’s responsibility to understand the animals needs and discuss those needs with the Student Accessibility Services Office.  The Student and/or handler is responsible for knowing where the animal may and may not relieve itself, where to properly dispose of animal waste, and how to attend to the animal’s needs during their breaks.

Part 4: Removal of Service Animals

Service Animals may be ordered to be removed by LSC Administration for the following reasons:

Subpart A: Out of Control Animal

A student and/handler may be directed to remove an animal that is out of control and the student and/or handler does not take effective action to control it. If the improper animal behavior happens repeatedly, the student and/handler may be prohibited from bringing the animal into any college facility until the handler can demonstrate that they have taken significant steps to mitigate the behavior.

Subpart B: Non-housebroken Animal

A student and/or handler may be directed to remove an animal that is not housebroken.

Subpart C: Direct Threat

A student and/or handler may be directed to remove an animal that the College determines to be a substantial and direct threat to the health and safety of individuals. This may occur as a result of a very ill animal, a substantial lack of cleanliness of the animal, or the presence of an animal in a sensitive area like certain laboratories or mechanical or industrial areas.

Subpart D: Removal of Animal

When a service animal is properly removed under this procedure, the Dean of Students and/or Student Accessibility Services Coordinator will work with the student and/or handler to determine reasonable alternative opportunities to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the service animal on the premises.

Part 5: Conflicting Disabilities

Some people may have allergic reactions to animals that are substantial enough to qualify for disabilities. The College will consider the needs of both persons in meeting its obligations to reasonably accommodate all disabilities and to resolve the problem as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. Students requesting allergy accommodations should contact the LSC Dean of Students. Staff and Faculty requesting allergy accommodations should contact Human Resources.

Part 6: Appeals and Grievances

Any person dissatisfied with a decision concerning a service animal may appeal by following these steps:

  1. Written or emailed complaint should be filed with the Dean of Students within 30 days of the date of the decision.
  2. If an agreeable informal resolution is not reached, a complaint should be filed under the Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy to the Designated Officer.
  3. A complaint may be filed directly with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, by calling (800) 421-3481" data-src="4"> (800) 421-3481 (voice) (800) 877-8339" data-src="4"> (800) 877-8339 (TTY) or the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling (800) 657-3704" data-src="4"> (800) 657-3704 (voice) or (800) 627-3529" data-src="4"> (800) 627-3529 (MRS/TTY). 

Related Documents

History

Date implemented: September 19, 2024

President's Signature Date: September 19, 2024

President's Signature