Dining Service Accommodations
The University of Vermont is a residential campus with a required meal plan. We recognize that certain food-related conditions, such as an autoimmune disease like celiac disease or allergies to foods like shellfish, wheat, milk, peanuts, or eggs, constitute a disability for some students. The University encourages students to socialize over meals as part of their campus experience.
This accommodation is appropriate for students whose disability interferes with their ability to utilize campus dining facilities. UVM Dining Services provides several resources to students as they navigate dining facilities. Students with food allergies and other dietary needs should contact the Registered Dietitian to review allergen information. Gluten-friendly options are available in many of the dining facilities, and nutrition information and ingredients are posted in all dining locations and online. If a student’s disability presents a substantial limitation to the use of campus dining plans, students may be eligible for a dining accommodation.
How do students get dining accommodations?
SAS reviews all dining accommodation requests in conjunction with the Registered Dietitian. If approved, SAS will communicate the meal plan reduction or waiver to University Dining Services and alert the student. Students requesting a meal plan waiver should anticipate cooking their own meals in their residence hall kitchen or through alternate arrangements. Dining accommodation requests related to religious observances or financial hardship should be directed to the Registered Dietitian in University Dining Services.
Dining Accommodation Request Procedure:
Student's inquiring about dining accommodations should complete an SAS Getting Started Form and provide supporting documentation from a medical provider (PDF) that explains the need for the requested accommodation. Once an intake form and documentation have been submitted to SAS, an email will be sent to the student's school email giving instructions for how to schedule an intake meeting with an SAS staff member. During this meeting, the student and SAS staff member will discuss UVM Dining service accommodations based upon the submitted request and supporting documentation from the student. SAS may request additional supporting documentation as needed.
Student Accessibility Services will have the student meet with UVM Dining registered dietician to determine and finalize reasonable accommodations. If granted, the student will be given a meal plan accommodation letter detailing the specific service plan tailored to the student’s dietary requirements.
It is the student’s responsibility to notify SAS of any changes in the requested accommodations during their enrollment in the University.