Delta State University Policies

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Pets in the Workplace and Campus Facilities

POLICY STATEMENT

The University recognizes the important role of pets in the lives of some employees and students. This document defines the policies within which pet visits to campus are welcome.

DEFINITIONS

Pet Owner: Anyone working or studying at the University, including faculty, staff, students, temporary employees, or others who bring a pet to campus. Please refer to the Student Handbook and the Housing and Residence Life Office for applicable policies on animals in residential halls.

Pet: A domestic animal that is owned by, resides with, and is cared for by an employee or student. This will include dogs, cats, and fish in aquariums holding less than 25 gallons of water. For the purposes of this policy, pets are not snakes, ferrets, rats and spiders. Those with questions about domestic animals that are not specifically addressed here should call the offices listed at the end of this policy statement.

Service Animal: Defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, 28 CFR 36.104 as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability”.

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Delta State University is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all employees and students. In keeping with this objective, Delta State does not permit employees and students to bring their pets to work or class. Animals may pose a threat of infection and may cause allergic reactions in other employees and students. Some employees and students may feel threatened or be distracted by the presence of animals. In addition, Delta State wishes to prevent pets from fouling office spaces and campus facilities or damaging University property.

An employee and/or student who requires the help of a service animal will be permitted to bring a service animal to the office and/or classes, provided that the animal’s presence does not create a danger to others and does not impose an undue hardship upon the University. Employees and students who require the use of a service animal should submit a written statement indicating whether the dog is a required service animal because of a disability and what work or task the dog has been trained to perform. Written statements should be submitted to the following offices:

Employees:

Office of Human Resources
Kent Wyatt Hall 249
Cleveland, MS 38733
(662) 846-4035

Students:
Counseling Center
DSU Box 3303
Cleveland, MS 38733
(662) 846-4690

Areas of Campus Where Pets Are Allowed

Outdoors, on leash, and accompanied by pet owner
All areas used by employees or students with documented disabilities who are assisted by a service animal
Classrooms and instructional facilities only when pets or demonstration animals are used by faculty members for teaching purposes

Employee questions about these procedures should be directed to the following:

Human Resources: 662-846-4035
Student questions regarding other campus buildings should be directed to Student Life at 662-846-4667.

These procedures are subject to change without notice as determined by the University.

Responsible Office and/or Policy Owner: Office of Human Resources