Meal Plan Accommodations

The Meal Plan Contract covers an entire academic year and all first-year students with a University Housing Agreement are required to have the All-Access plan.

Can I be released from the meal plan if I follow a special diet?

University of Cincinnati Dining Services is able to accommodate most students with allergies to the Top 9 Allergens, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and some religious dietary restrictions. Special cases can petition for meal plan reduction or release.

What do I need to do to submit a meal plan petition?

A meal plan petition can be submitted on the Housing Portal under the “Forms” tab.

You must submit your petition with supporting documentation to be considered for a meal plan change or release.

Please allow 10 business days for your petition to be processed by Food Services. You will be contacted with the outcome of your petition.

What if I need to petition for reasons other than dietary?

If you have a financial burden/strain, you may apply for a meal plan petition and submit supporting documents for consideration. Location of residence hall is not considered an extenuating circumstance for a meal plan reduction or cancellation.

The following documents can be submitted for supporting documentation regarding Financial.

The comparison sheet between current living expenses and anticipated expenses in your proposed alternative.
If you are a dependent student as defined by the Financial Aid office, copies of your own and your parent’s or guardian’s W-2’s and tax returns for the previous year, along with a complete listing of your current financial assets (e.g. checking/savings statements) and obligations (e.g. bills, loans, etc.)
If you are an independent student, your own W-2’s and tax returns for the previous two years and a complete listing of your current financial assets (e.g. checking/savings statements) and obligations (e.g. bills, loans, etc.)
Documentation regarding the change in the student’s or other financially responsible person’s circumstances, for example: Employment loss: Letter from employer stating and circumstances of termination, date of notification of termination, length of layoff, and any benefits received. Unforeseen expenses: Bills from auto repair, home repair, health care, or other services, along with insurance and benefits reimbursements, co-pay requirements, etc.

Petitions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis considering the individual and their unique set of circumstances.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

For questions related to special diets please contact: Jacqueline.Jones@sodexo.com

For questions related to the petition process please contact: ucfood@uc.edu