Dietary Accommodations

This section explains the process for students to request a dietary accommodation from campus dining services. Accommodations are available for a range of documented medical conditions and significant dietary needs, including food allergies, intolerances, and medically prescribed diets. In some cases, students may also be eligible for partial or full waivers of their meal plan.

Eligibility & Deadlines:

• Students with documented medical conditions or other significant dietary needs (e.g., religious restrictions, ethical eating practices with significant limitations) that they believe cannot be reasonably accommodated within the dining services should submit the completed Meal Accommodation Request Form and supporting documentation as early as possible, preferably by May 15th for returning students and July 1st for new students.

• Requests submitted after these dates will be reviewed, but the ability to implement accommodations by the start of the semester cannot be guaranteed. The Meal Accommodation Committee will typically review complete applications within 10-15 business days of the submission deadline or receipt of a complete application.

Required Documentation for Dietary Accommodations:

• A completed Meal Accommodation Request Form via Workday

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• Healthcare Clinician Verification of Medical Dietary Needs

  • The specific diagnosed food-related medical condition(s).

  • The medically necessary dietary restrictions resulting from the condition.

  • Specific examples of foods or preparation methods that must be avoided.

  • Recommendations for suitable food alternatives, if applicable.

  • The date of onset or diagnosis of the condition.

  • The physician’s contact information and practice details.

• For Other Significant Dietary Needs (e.g., Religious, Ethical): A detailed written explanation from the student outlining:

  • The specific dietary restriction(s) and their origin (e.g., religious doctrine, ethical principles).

  • Specific examples of foods or preparation methods that must be avoided.

  • Any relevant documentation or explanation from a religious leader or ethical organization (optional but encouraged).

Review Process for Dietary Accommodations:

• The Meal Accommodation Committee, consisting of representatives from Campus Services, Food Service contractor Bon Appétit Management Company, and Student Health Services, will review each accommodation request and the supporting documentation.

• The committee, in consultation with the Food Services culinary team and nutritionist, will evaluate whether the student’s dietary needs can be safely and reasonably accommodated within the existing dining program. This may involve:

• Identifying existing menu items that meet the student’s needs.

• Modifying existing recipes or preparation methods.

• Providing access to dedicated preparation areas or equipment (if feasible).

• Offering reasonable substitutions when possible.

• Providing clear labeling and ingredient information.

• Regular communication between Food Services and the student.

• A meeting with the student, the Food Services Nutritionist, and/or other relevant staff may be required to discuss potential accommodations and develop a personalized meal plan.

• Upon approval of a Dietary Accommodation Request, Campus Services will provide the student with a written Dietary Accommodation Plan outlining the specific accommodations that will be implemented. A written decision outlining the specific accommodations that can be provided will also be forwarded to the student via their university email address from Click to reveal email. 

Implementation and Ongoing Communication:

• Food Services will make reasonable efforts to implement the approved dietary accommodations.

• Students are responsible for communicating any ongoing concerns or issues with their accommodations to Food Services staff.

• Regular communication between the student and Food Services is encouraged to ensure the accommodation remains effective and safe.

Appeal Process for Dietary Accommodation Decisions:

• Students who believe the proposed dietary accommodations are insufficient to meet their documented needs may submit a written appeal via email to Click to reveal email within five (5) business days of receiving the accommodation decision.

• The appeal should clearly state the reasons why the proposed accommodations are inadequate and may include additional supporting information.

• The Executive Director of Campus Services will review the appeal and issue a final written decision, typically within ten (10) business days. This decision is final regarding the feasibility of accommodations within the dining program. If the appeal pertains to a full board waiver or kitchen access, the relevant sections of this procedure will be considered.

Duration of Approved Accommodations:

Approved dietary accommodations will be granted based on a review of the individual student’s documented dietary needs and medical condition, as outlined in their Meal Accommodation Request Form and supporting documentation. The duration of the approved accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Meal Accommodation Committee, taking into consideration the nature and stability of the student’s needs. Students will be notified of the specific duration of their approved dietary accommodations in the decision letter from Food Services. An academic year generally includes the Fall semester (August to December), the Spring semester (January to May), and the Summer term (May to July), as defined by the university’s official academic calendar. To request continued dietary accommodations for a subsequent academic year or if their needs change, students must reapply annually by submitting a new Meal Accommodation Request Form and updated documentation for review.