Student Support Spotlight: Service Animals

There’s a dog in my classroom… what do I do? Did I just see a rat in a backpack?

Good question! Today’s Student Support Spotlight features Service Animals on campus. Take a minute to review the policy link below.

https://intranet.highlands.edu/human-resources/policy-and-procedure-manual/service-animal-policy/ 

In accordance with federal and state laws, service animals assisting students with disabilities are permitted in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.  This policy pertains to visitors and students of Georgia Highlands College (GHC). However, federal and state law specifically excludes animals whose primary purpose is emotional support, therapy, or comfort from the definition of service animal.  Emotional support animals are considered an accommodation and require documentation review and approval through Student Disability Services as a reasonable accommodation.

So, here are the 2 questions that the ADA allows us to ask:

  1. Is your service dog required because of a qualified disability?
  2. What work or task has your dog been trained to perform?

If you have any questions, or would like to consult with one of our Disability Specialists, please email sss@highlands.edu.