COVID-19 FAQs

Below you may find the answers to some commonly asked questions regarding the Disability Resource Center's COVID-19 policies and procedures. Please feel free to contact our office if your question is not answered below, or if you have additional questions.

• I am scheduled to be in face-to-face classes, but I have a disability or underlying medical condition that puts me at an increased risk of illness from COVID-19. What options are available to me? 

  Students who report barriers to being in face-to-face courses are encouraged to contact their academic advisor to explore remote alternative options whenever possible. Options may include, but are not limited to, switching to an online section, or registering for a different course that fulfills the same requirement. 

  If viable alternative options are not identified through advising, students with a medical condition should fill out an application with the Disability Resource Center (found here). Should the student qualify for services with the DRC, the DRC may gather documentation and engage in the interactive process to determine if reasonable alternatives exist. This process does not guarantee that a reasonable alternative will be found, as there may be circumstances where such alternative does not exist. 

• I have a disability that affects my ability to safely wear a face covering. Can I (1) Get an exemption from the university wide policy that requires all individuals to wear a face covering on campus or (2) Get an accommodation that would allow me to attend face-to-face classes remotely, via Zoom or another video streaming platform?

  The COVID-19 Prevention Policies at UNC requires that all students, employees, and visitors wear face coverings at all times while in public or shared spaces on campus. These prevention measures described are critical to protect all members of the campus community, including those at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

  No individual will be exempt from wearing a face mask on campus, as to do so would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. A student may ask their instructors if remote learning options are available in a course. If, based on a medical or psychological disability, a student requests alternatives to being in face-to-face courses, they must fill out an application with the Disability Resource Center (found here). Should the student qualify for services with the DRC, the DRC may gather appropriate documentation and engage in the interactive process to determine if reasonable alternatives exist. This process does not guarantee that a reasonable alternative will be found, as there may be circumstances where such alternative does not exist.

• Can I get a single room or other housing accommodation if I have a health condition or disability that puts me at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19? 

  Any student with a medical condition that puts them at a higher risk for complications due to COVID-19, or higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and requires specific housing accommodations, can apply for housing accommodations through the Disability Resource Center. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if a reasonable accommodation is required under the circumstances. For more information about the process of applying for accommodations, please visit our 'Getting Started' page. A request for accommodations does NOT guarantee that the desired accommodations will be made.

• Can I get a single room or other housing accommodation if my mental health condition is exacerbated by concerns of contracting COVID-19?

  Any student with a mental health condition that requires specific housing accommodations can apply for housing accommodations through the Disability Resource Center. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if a reasonable accommodation is required under the circumstances. For more information about the process of applying for applications, please visit our ‘Getting Started’ page. A request for accommodation does NOT guarantee the desired accommodation will be made.

• I have a health condition that puts me at a higher risk for complications or severe illness due to COVID-19. Can I be released from my campus housing contract in order to stay home or live off campus?

  The Housing & Residential Education Office requires a Petition for Release Form to be filled out by any student who wants to live off campus during their first year or who has already signed a housing contract. This includes students who would like to be released due to medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Please check the correct box and follow instructions as outlined on the form. Please visit the Housing and Residential Education website for updated information regarding petitions for release based on COVID-19 related circumstances.

• I don’t have an underlying medical condition, but I am uncomfortable being in face-to-face classes due to risk of contracting COVID-19. Will the Disability Resource Center still evaluate my request for accommodations?

  No, the DRC provides accommodations to students with a documented disability.