Kitchen Access Due to Medical or Religious Needs

This section outlines the process for students to request access to kitchen facilities in residence halls, including considerations for students with religious dietary needs requiring specific kitchen practices. All requests for kitchen access related to medical or religious needs must be submitted using the Meal Accommodation Request Form.

Eligibility & Deadlines:

• Students seeking kitchen access or access to designated religious kitchen facilities (if available) should submit the completed Meal Accommodation Request Form via Workday by August 1st for the fall semester and January 5th for the spring semester.

• Requests submitted after these dates will be considered based on availability.

Required Documentation for Kitchen Access:

• A completed Meal Accommodation Request Form via Workday

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• For Religious Kitchen Access-Form: A written statement from the student detailing their religious dietary requirements that necessitate dedicated kitchen access or specific practices. Supporting documentation from a religious leader may be requested.

• For Medical Dietary Needs Requiring Kitchen Access – Form: Relevant information should be detailed in the Meal Accommodation Request Form, and supporting medical documentation is required.

Review Process for Kitchen Access:

• Campus Services will review all kitchen access requests based on availability, building policies, and the justification provided in the Meal Accommodation Request Form.

• For requests related to religious dietary needs, Campus Services may consult with relevant campus religious life advisors or Food Services to understand the requirements. The availability of dedicated religious kitchen spaces may be limited. Campus Services will work with students to explore all possible accommodations, which may include access to shared kitchens with specific guidelines or designated storage/preparation areas.

• Campus Services will notify students of their decision regarding kitchen access via their university email address.

Terms and Conditions for Kitchen Access:

• Access to kitchen facilities is subject to availability and residence hall policies.

• Students granted kitchen access may be required to sign a Kitchen Usage Agreement outlining rules and responsibilities, including cleaning protocols.

• A separate fee for kitchen access (if applicable, as determined by Residence Life) will be assessed to the student’s account.

• Gallaudet University cannot guarantee allergen-free environments in shared kitchen spaces. Students with severe allergies should carefully consider the risks associated with shared kitchens.

Appeal Process for Kitchen Access Denial:

• Students wishing to appeal a denial of kitchen access must submit a written appeal via email to Click to reveal email within five (5) business days of receiving the denial notification.

• The appeal should clearly state the reasons for challenging the decision and may include additional supporting information if relevant.

• The Executive Director of Campus Services (or their designee) will review the appeal and issue a final written decision, typically within ten (10) business days. This decision is final.

Duration of Kitchen Access:

Approved kitchen access will be granted based on a review of the individual student’s need and circumstances, as outlined in their Meal Accommodation Request Form. The duration of the approved access will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Campus Services, in consideration of factors such as the student’s housing assignment, the rationale for the request, and Residence Life policies. Students will be notified of the specific duration of their approved kitchen access in the decision letter from Campus 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 kitchen access for a subsequent academic year or if circumstances change, students must submit a new Meal Accommodation Request Form to Campus Services for review.