Rhodes College is a residential college that believes dining together is important for building a sense of community among students. As a result, all students residing on campus in the residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. The college provides a range of dining options, including gluten-free, halal, and vegan selections, as well as other healthy eating choices.
Process
To request a religious exemption from the meal plan, students need to submit the Religious Meal Plan Exemption Request Form along with all the necessary supporting documentation as outlined in the form. Once submitted, students will receive an email confirming the receipt of their request. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Student Life at studentlife@rhodes.edu to ensure that your request has been received.
Note:
- Vegetarianism or veganism are not considered a valid reason for a meal plan exemption. Our chefs carefully consider vegetarian dietary requirements in menu and recipe planning, and healthy vegetarian items are offered each meal period. Information for vegetarians is available from Bon Appetit Dining Services.
- Financial need is not considered a valid reason for a meal plan exemption.
Once the Meal Plan Exemption Request Form and all supporting documentation are received, the committee will review them in partnership with Dining Services and either approve the request in full or partially, deny it, or ask for additional information. Incomplete requests will NOT be reviewed. Decisions are sent to the student’s Rhodes email.
Required Documentation
Please ensure that the following documentation is submitted along with your Request form. Incomplete requests will NOT be reviewed.
1. A completed Religious Meal Plan Exemption Request form.
2. A signed letter on original letterhead from an authorized religious official of the student’s religious tradition explaining the specific restrictions regarding dietary needs. The letter should contain the student's name and be addressed to Rhodes College - Student Life. Religious officials must be non-relatives.
3. A letter from the student explaining how they plan to accommodate their dietary restrictions in the residential kitchen available for their use.
Once completed, the student should upload this form when they complete their request online. In addition to the necessary documentation, the student must meet with the Bon Appetit Regional Dietician. The Regional Dietician will make recommendations for accommodation based on the information provided.
All requests must be received before July 1 to be considered for the fall semester or the entire academic year. Decisions will be communicated around July 22. Subsequent requests after the July 1 deadline will be reviewed within fifteen (15) business days.
All requests must be received before October 18 to be considered for the spring semester. Decisions will be communicated around November 1. Subsequent requests after the October 18 deadline will be reviewed within ten (10) business days.
Exemption requests must be resubmitted annually for each year that a student wants to remain exempt.
Students wishing to appeal a decision to deny their meal plan exemption request can submit a written appeal to the Associate Vice-President for Student Life & Dean of Students within four (4) business days of the decision being sent to the student.
Appeal Process
In the appeal, the student should clearly and concisely articulate why they believe the Religious Meal Plan Exemption Policy and its definitions apply to their situation, including providing additional information or documentation not shared in the original meal plan exemption request.
Grounds for Appeal
- Accommodation not adequate to address the request
- Additional information/documentation shared in the original meal plan exemption request
The Associate Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students or their designee will review the appeal and respond in writing, and their decision is final.