Final answer:
The statement is generally false; an emotional support animal's access to university buildings varies by institution policies and laws. Emotional support animals do not have the broad access rights that recognized service animals do, following the ADA and updated DOT regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether an emotional support animal is allowed into university buildings other than a student's residence depends on the institution's policies and relevant laws. Universities typically follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which distinguishes between emotional support animals and service animals such as guide dogs and psychiatric service animals. Under the ADA, only service animals are allowed into all public areas of a university. Recently, emotional support animals have faced more stringent regulations, particularly in travel situations. The DOT has clarified that emotional support animals are not considered service animals, and they may not be allowed the same access rights, such as into airplane cabins without extra fees or special carriers.
While service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, emotional support animals do not require specific training. However, they must be manageable in public without causing a nuisance. Furthermore, the process for certifying emotional support animals has been brought into question, with some entities offering certifications with minimal requirements. The tightened regulations aim to mitigate abuse of the system by pet owners and ensure that only individuals with a genuine need for a psychiatric service animal are accommodated.
Therefore, the statement that an emotional support animal is not allowed in any other university building besides the student's personal residence is generally false. Each university may have specific policies, but overall, emotional support animals do not have the same broad access rights as service animals recognized under the ADA.