Meal Plan Policy and Appeals

Meal Plan Contract

Residential Students

• A meal plan is required as part of your housing contract.
• Your required meal plan options are based on your residence assignment.
• You may select a meal plan when you complete your online room and meal application.
• Meal plans are non-transferable and may not be resold.

Commuter Students

• Commuter students (students not living in Longwood-managed housing) are not required to purchase a meal plan.
• Commuter students may choose any available meal plan.
• Commuter meal plans are purchased one semester at a time.
• Bonus Dollars from a Fall semester meal plan will roll over to Spring, if a Spring meal plan is purchased.

Meal Plan Appeal Procedure

If the meal plan change deadline has passed, students may submit a Meal Plan Appeal if they believe extenuating circumstances justify a meal plan change or exemption.

Eligibility

Appeals are generally considered for the following reasons:

Special Dietary or Nutritional Needs

Students must first meet with Dining Services staff to review available on-campus dining options before submitting an appeal.

Religious Restrictions or Requirements

Documentation from a recognized religious authority (such as a pastor, rabbi, or priest) is required.

Medical Restrictions or Requirements

A letter from a licensed physician or certified counselor verifying the condition is required.

Other Documented Extenuating Circumstances

Appeals are not typically granted for routine scheduling conflicts, personal preference, or convenience.

How to Submit an Appeal

• Complete the online Meal Plan Appeal Form
  Handwritten or emailed submissions will not be accepted.
• Submit all required supporting documentation at the time of submission.

The Meal Plan Appeals Committee reviews appeals weekly during the academic semester.

Form Availability

The Meal Plan Appeal Form becomes available once meal plan charges have been assessed for the applicable term.

Fall semester: Typically available in early July
Spring semester: Typically available in late November

Appeal Deadlines

Fall semester: November 1
Spring semester: April 1

Appeal Outcomes

If approved, the committee may:

• Adjust the student’s meal plan, or
• Remove the meal plan requirement, if applicable

All decisions will be communicated to students in writing.

Appeal Review and Possible Outcomes

If your appeal is approved, the committee may:

• Reduce your meal plan, or
• Cancel your meal plan.

Appeals may be approved when required documentation is provided and the situation meets one of the approved reasons below.

Reasons You May Submit an Appeal

1. Special dietary or nutritional needs
   • Students must first meet with Dining Services staff to discuss available on-campus dining options before beginning the appeal process.
      
2. Religious restrictions or requirements
   • Students must provide documentation from a pastor, rabbi, priest, or other recognized religious authority explaining the restriction or requirement.
3. Medical restrictions or requirements
   • Students must provide a letter from a licensed physician or certified counselor verifying the relevant illness or condition.

Notification of Decision

Students will be informed of the committee’s decision in a timely manner using their Longwood contact information.