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meal plans/ Reductions or Exemptions

Meal Plan Reductions or Exemptions


Ordinarily, the only allowable reasons for exemption from the mandatory meal plan requirement include:

Medical Need
A student who has a medical condition requiring a diet that cannot be met by Dining Services may cancel or reduce in level his/her Dining Plan upon receiving the approval of the Dining Services Office. Read the Guidelines for Students Requesting Release From Dining Plan for Medical Reasons below.

Religious Convictions
A student whose religious beliefs impose dietary restrictions that cannot be met by Dining Services may cancel or reduce in level a Dining Plan upon receiving the approval from the Office of Dining Services Office.  Read the Guidelines for Students Requesting Release From Dining Plan for Religious Reasons below. 

Note:

  1. Vegetarianism is not normally considered a valid reason for Dining Plan cancellation. Vegetarian dietary requirements are carefully considered by our chefs in menu and recipe planning, and healthy vegetarian items are offered each meal period. Special information for vegetarians is available from the Dining Services Office and from our Registered Dietitian.
  2. Financial Need is not an allowable reason for exemption from the Dining Plan. Dining Services can not make decisions about financial need- that is the purview of the GU Financial Aid Office.

Guidelines for Students Requesting Release from Meal Plans for Medical Reason(s)

Student should complete the application form and mail or fax Dining Services. A written explanation by the student to the Registered Dietitian is helpful.

In addition, students must arrange with their physician or health care provider to send written documentation, as outlined on the application form, of their medical condition which necessitates the release to:

Kristen Hamilton, RD, LD
GU Dining Services
O'Donovan Hall
3800 Reservoir Road NW, Box 571143
Washington, DC  20057-1102
Phone: (202) 687-5426
Fax: (202) 687-5335
      

  • This information should include the specific medical diagnosis, results of tests documenting the diagnosis, and specific dietary requirements needed to treat the condition.  Students' requests cannot be considered until this information is received.
  • Both students and physicians should avoid making requests for release based on conscious choice or medically unsubstantiated beliefs, e.g., Dining Services' (DS) food is unhealthy or too high in fat, student is a vegetarian, student is not using DS because food disagrees with him/her, etc.
  • The Registered Dietitian will consider unusual requests not conforming to the requirements above when there is adequate documentation of a significant problem by a health care provider. Examples of such condition may include severe eating disorders which are being treated by a specific dietary regimen which cannot be accommodated by DS.
  • If a face-to-face meeting with the Registered Dietitian is needed, the office will contact the student and schedule an appointment. In general, a meeting will not be necessary. The Registered Dietitian may contact the student by telephone to briefly discuss aspects of the request.
  • The Registered Dietitian will communicate her decision in writing to the Director of Dining Services and a copy will be sent to the student. 

Guidelines for Students Requesting Release from Meal Plans for Religious Conviction

Student should complete the application form and mail or fax to Dining Services.  A written explanation by the student to the Registered Dietitian is helpful.

Kristen Hamilton, RD, LD
GU Dining Services
O'Donovan Hall
3800 Reservoir Road NW, Box 571143
Washington, DC  20057
Phone: (202) 687-5426
Fax: (202) 687-5335

  • This information should include the specific religious restrictions, as it pertains to dietary needs. Students' requests cannot be considered until this information is received. 
  • Once received the Registered Dietitian will communicate the request to the Chaplain-in-Residence, for further review.
  • If a face-to-face meeting with the Chaplain-in-Residence is needed, the office will contact the student and schedule an appointment. The Chaplain may contact the student by telephone to briefly discuss aspects of the request.
  • The Registered Dietitian will communicate her decision in writing to the Director of Dining Services and a copy will be sent to the student.