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 options to meet a wide range of dietary needs, and students are encouraged to consult with the Vol Dining dietitian to discuss safe and accessible campus dining options. If a student’s disability-related dietary needs cannot be equitably met through existing options, the student may contact SDS to request adjustments or modifications to a meal plan. Requests are reviewed on an individualized, case-by-case basis in collaboration with 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: Schedule a Consultation with Vol Dining

• Contact Vol Dining at volnutrition@utk.edu to schedule a consultation. Students who have not met with Vol Dining will be asked to do so as part of the meal plan modification process.
• 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.
• If the student or Vol Dining determines that a meal plan modification is needed due to disability, proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Complete the Meal Plan Modification Application

• Identify the specific meal plan modification you are requesting.
• Describe your disability, functional limitations, and how your disability affects your ability to access and utilize your meal plan.
• Explain why you need your requested meal plan modification.

Meal Plan Modification Application

Step 3: 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.

After Submission

• Your request will be reviewed once all steps are complete: the consultation with Vol Dining, the meal plan modification application, and submission of disability documentation.
• If needed, SDS will contact you via your UTK email to ask follow-up questions or request additional documentation.
• You may check the status of your application by logging into the SDS Application Center or contacting SDS.
• An accommodation decision will be sent to your UTK email.
• Students who disagree with the outcome of their request may follow SDS’s appeal and complaint procedures.

Updated: 12/15/2025