Meal Plan Accommodation Request
What is a Meal Plan Accommodation Request?
The Meal Plan Contract covers an entire academic year and all undergraduate students living in university-owned housing are required to have a meal plan.
A Meal Plan Accommodation Request is a formal request for special dietary support, a change from the allowable meal plan options or a full meal plan exemption.
A Meal Plan Accommodation Request is not required for the following reasons:
- The student is accepted in a William & Mary approved study abroad program. Verification must be received from the Reves Center.
- The student is academically dismissed. Verification must be received from the Dean of Students office or the student's graduate program.
- The student is required to withdraw due to medical reasons. Verification must be received from the Dean of Students office.
- The student transfers to another institution. A copy of the acceptance letter to the institution is required for verification.
Meal Plan Accommodations are not automatic and are generally given only for well documented, extraordinary circumstance not listed above. Location of residence hall is not considered an extenuating circumstance for a meal plan accommodation.
Can I be released from the meal plan if I follow a special diet?
William & Mary Dining Services are able to accommodate students with allergies to gluten, wheat, soy, shellfish, dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts as well as vegetarian and vegan dietary restrictions, so citing these dietary restrictions are not typically approved as a reason to be released from the meal plan. Additionally, Halal-certified chicken is served throughout Commons and Sadler and Kosher meals are available upon request.
See the Special Diets page for more information about plant-based or special dietary information.
What do I need to do to submit a meal plan accommodation?
A meal plan accommodation must be submitted to formally request a change from the allowable meal plan options. While completing the accommodation, you will need to have these documents available to submit based on your reasons for an accommodation. Requests will not be reviewed until all documentation is received by William & Mary.
- Financial: income and expenses, i.e. bills, checking/savings, loans, tax returns, and W2's
- Medical: Students requesting an accommodation based on a medical need must register with Student Accessibility Services and submit the required medical documentation. Accommodation requests will be reviewed by the SAS team in consultation with the Dining Services Health & Wellness Team. Accommodation requests must be submitted for special dietary support, a change from the allowable meal plan options or a full exemption.
- Religious: document demonstrating proof of practice
- Other: verification of circumstance
Documents not written in English must be translated.
All information or appointments should be completed within two (2) weeks of the request or the petition will be voided.
Requests approved after the add/drop period will be subject to a daily rate and a change fee. Any refunds due will be based on the date of approval, not the date of petition submission.
| Medical Accommodation | FINANCIAL OR RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS |
What happens after I submit an accommodation request?
Once your request is submitted, and all supporting documentation is received, it will be reviewed by the appropriate areas:
- Accommodation requests submitted for financial reasons will go before the Office of Financial Aid.
- Accommodation requests submitted for medical reasons will be managed by Student Accessibility Services and may require a meeting with the Dining Services Health & Wellness team.
- Accommodation requests filed for religious reasons will go before Center for Student Diversity.
- Accommodation requests filed for other reasons will go before the Meal Plan Petition Committee. Meal Plan Petitions submitted based on residence hall location will not be considered.
The student will be contacted regarding the decision with an email to their W&M email address.
What do I do if I need to make an allowable meal plan adjustment after the add/drop period?
Email [[w|dining]]. Refunds and charges will be calculated on a daily meal plan rate as of the date the request was made. A $25 processing fee will also be assessed.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Contact Auxiliary Services with any questions at [[auxiliary]].
