Students with dietary restrictions may request a meal plan modification through Student Disability Services (SDS) if they are unable to equitably utilize their meal plan due to the impact of their disability.

Vol Dining offers a variety of dining options to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from its dining services as fully as students without disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the student’s needs. Students are encouraged to consult with Vol Dining’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to discuss safe and accessible campus dining options.

Students whose disability-related dietary needs require reasonable modifications to Vol Dining policies, practices, or services may contact SDS to request accommodations or modifications to a meal plan after admission to the university. Requests are reviewed by SDS through an individualized, interactive process in consultation with the student and Vol Dining.

Students seeking a meal plan modification for religious reasons may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility (EOA) for assistance. Students seeking a disability-related meal plan modification must follow the procedure outlined below.

Step 1: Complete the Meal Plan Modification Application

• Identify the specific meal plan modification you are requesting, describe your disability and functional limitations, and explain why you need your requested meal plan modification.
• SDS will contact you via your UT email to discuss your request and provide a referral to Vol Dining’s Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN).
• SDS may share limited information related to your disability and dietary needs with Vol Dining personnel who have a legitimate educational interest in the accommodation process.

Meal Plan Modification Application

Step 2: Schedule a Consultation with Vol Dining

• A consultation with Vol Dining’s RDN is a required part of the meal plan modification review process. The consultation helps SDS and Vol Dining evaluate available dining options, assess disability-related barriers, and determine appropriate accommodations on an individualized basis.
• Contact Vol Dining’s RDN at [email protected] to schedule a consultation to learn more about the options that are available within Vol Dining’s current offerings and potential accommodation options.
• Prior to the consultation, review the available dining options and meal plan options, including the Flex Plan.
• During the consultation, Vol Dining staff will discuss available dining options in consideration of your allergies and dietary restrictions.

Step 3: Discuss Consultation Recommendations

• After the consultation, Vol Dining’s RDN will email you and SDS a summary of the meeting and their recommendations. Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, adjustments or accommodations tailored to your individual needs, a modification or proration of the meal plan, or an exemption from a mandatory meal plan requirement.
• SDS will review the consultation information with you as part of the interactive process.
• If accommodations or modifications are needed beyond Vol Dining’s current offerings, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Submit Disability Documentation

• Review SDS’s documentation guidelines and dining documentation form.
• Documentation must be completed by your qualified health professional who:
  • Is licensed to diagnose and treat your disabling condition(s),
  • Is providing care within their scope of practice and area of expertise,
  • Has the necessary personal knowledge to establish that you have a disability and a related need for a meal plan modification
• Documentation may not be completed by a health professional who is related to you.
• Submit your documentation via mail, email, fax, or upload it to your application through the SDS Application Center.
• Contact SDS to confirm your documentation was received.

Step 5: Accommodation Evaluation

• Accommodation decisions are based on your disability-related needs, available dining options, and an individualized assessment conducted through the interactive process.
• SDS will review Vol Dining’s recommendations as part of the individualized, interactive process and will determine reasonable accommodations in consultation with you and Vol Dining.

Step 6: Accommodation Decision

• SDS will send an accommodation decision to you via your UT email and to Vol Dining.
• If you disagree with the outcome of your request, you may follow SDS’s appeal and complaint procedures.

Step 7: Ongoing Review

• If approved, the modification process may be ongoing and require additional changes throughout your enrollment.
• SDS and Vol Dining will work with you to update meal plan modifications as necessary.
• If you need to request changes to an approved meal plan modification, you may submit a request for new accommodations form in the SDS Student Portal.

Updated: 6/11/2026