Dining and the University Meal Plans contribute to the learning environment and residential living which are central to the University experience. SDAC receives requests, reviews documentation, and works with Dining Services to accommodate students in need of meal plan modifications due to medically-based disability conditions that result in severe food allergies or need for a strictly maintained special diet (i.e., Celiac Disease).
Request a Dietary Accommodation
Decisions regarding accommodations can be reached only after appropriate disability documentation has been received and evaluated. Please submit any dietary requests at the time of the housing request or after identifying the need.
- Complete the SDAC Student Application to request accommodations. Students with existing SDAC accommodations will continue to work with their assigned SDAC Advisor.
- Submit the Student Request for a Meal Plan Modification.
- Submit the Verification of Disability form (to be filled out by the treating provider).
The documentation will be reviewed by an SDAC Advisor in tandem with UVA Dining to determine eligibility. See documentation guidelines for Dietary Accommodations for further information.
Dietary Accommodation Considerations
Orientation for first-year incoming students is a great opportunity to meet with UVA Dining staff to discuss dietary concerns.
- UVA Dining can often address food preferences without formal accommodations.
- The student may need to meet with UVA Dining staff to discuss allergies and/or special meal preparation.
- If seeking formal accommodations the student will need to provide documentation that addresses the severity of their condition:
- Is the impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?
- Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if the request is not met?
- Even if not permanent, is there a potential adverse health reaction if the request is not met?
- Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question?