Exemptions from the Dining Plan

Ordinarily, the only allowable reasons for exemption from the Dining 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 or her Dining Plan upon presenting certification from the Office of Student Health and receiving the approval of the Dining Services Office. There is a $30.00 fee for Dining Plan cancellations, or a $20.00 fee for reductions in Plan level. Guidelines for Students Requesting Release From Duke Dining Plan for Medical Reasons.

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 presenting certification from the office of the Director of Religious Life and receiving the approval of the Dining Services Office. There is a $30.00 fee for Dining Plan cancellations, or a $20.00 fee for downward reductions in Plan level.

Note:

1. 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 Duke Financial Aid Office.
2. 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 at most campus locations. Special information for vegetarians is available from the Dining Services Office, 029 West Union (660-3900), and from the registered dietician at Student Health Services.

More info on vegetarianism on campus.

How to Request an Exemption

If you believe that you qualify for an exemption for either medical or religious reasons, print a copy of the Exemption Request Form, and contact the Dining Services Office (660-3900) for information on scheduling an interview with the appropriate University Official. After certification by the authorized University official, the completed Dining Plan Exemption Request form should be returned to the Dining Services Office, 029 West Union. You will be notified of our approval or denial within two working days.

If you are moving off campus, withdrawing from school, or taking a leave of absence, approval of your exemption from the Meal Plan is automatic. Simply obtain verification of your change in status from the appropriate University Office (Housing, Registrar, etc.), and present this verification at the DukeCard Office. They have a short form for you to fill out and will process the change or cancellation of your Dining Plan. Or you can download the Dining Plan Change Form and send two copies with your status change verification to the DukeCard Office for processing.

If your situation does not qualify for exemption from the Meal Plan as outlined above, or if your application for exemption is denied, you may apply for an exemption through the Appeals Process (see below).

Appealing for a Dining Plan Change

If you believe that your circumstances warrant special consideration and you wish to argue for a special status exemption, or if you disagree with the decision of the Dining Services Office regarding changes, cancellations, or exemptions from your Dining Plan, you may file an appeal to the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee (DUSDAC). This is a peer committee constituted entirely of Duke students selected by Duke's Student Government. DUSDAC meets approximately every two weeks and reviews appeals from Dining Plan holders and makes a final decision based on the merits of each case. To file an appeal, fill out a Dining Plan Appeal Form and attach any materials or documentation supporting your arguments. Each case is confidential. The identity of the requester is concealed and unknown by the committee members to ensure confidentiality and elimination of possible bias. The Dining Plan holder will be notified of the committee’s decision within three working days of the committee’s meeting. The committee’s decision is final.

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