Guidelines for Students Requesting Release From Duke Meal Plan for Medical Reason(s)

1. Student should complete the application form and a copy of the relevant portions should be sent or faxed (919-681-0641) to Franca Alphin, the Registered Dietician at Student Health Service (SHS). A written explanation by the student to the dietician is helpful.
2. In addition, students must arrange with their physician or health care provider to send written documentation of their medical condition which necessitates the release to:
   
   

Franca Alphin, RD
Registered Dietician, Duke Student Health
Wilson Recreation Center, Room 108
Towerview Drive
Durham, NC 27708

3. 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.
4. Both students and physicians should avoid making requests for release based on conscious choice or medically unsubstantiated beliefs, e.g., Duke Dining Services’ (DDS) food is unhealthy or too high in fat, student is a vegetarian, student is not using DDS because food disagrees with her/him, etc.
5. The Dietician at SHS 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 conditions may include severe eating disorders which are being treated by a specific dietary regimen which cannot be accommodated by DDS.
6. If a face-to-face meeting with the Dietician of SHS is needed, the Health Services Office will contact the student and schedule an appointment. In general, a meeting will not be necessary. The Dietician may contact the student by telephone to briefly discuss aspects of the request.
7. The Health Services dietician will communicate her decision in writing to the Office of Duke Dining Services and a copy will be sent to the student.

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