Pets/Animals are never allowed in Midwestern University buildings or classrooms unless the animal is designated as a Service Animal under the Americans with Disability Act and registered with the Office of Student Services. A Service Animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse individually trained to perform work or task directly related to a person's disability. Disability needs that include a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal require accommodation(s) and must follow the guidelines outlined in the Disability Services Policy (see Disability Services). A student who requires an accommodation related to a Service Animal for disability purposes must contact their campus Disability Coordinator in the Office of Student Services.
Visitors and guests are not allowed to bring any animals on or about the premises or grounds of Midwestern University unless permission has been granted in writing in advance by Student Services for a designated Service Animal.
All Service Animals must be maintained in accordance with applicable Arizona State and Maricopa County laws for the Glendale campus and Illinois State and DuPage County laws for the Downers Grove campus. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and animals from religious health sharing ministries are not recognized as Service Animals under the ADA and are not granted campus access rights.
The care, control, and supervision of a Service Animal are the responsibility of the student. Service Animals must be on a leash at all times and may not be taken off leash on any University grounds. The student is fully and solely responsible to remove their Service Animal’s feces from University grounds, dispose of it in a plastic bag, and place that bag in a garbage dumpster. If the University, in its sole discretion, determines that the presence of a Service Animal constitutes a risk in any way, including to any person or property, or if the animal attacks, bites, or behaves in an aggressive or threatening manner, the animal is subject to immediate removal from MWU property.
A Service Animal vest must be worn by a Service Animal at all times while on University grounds.
Emotional Support Animals are residential-bound and must abide by the most current Housing Animal Policy Agreement guidelines.