Meal Plan Waiver
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The Meal Plan Waiver will open 7 days before the start of the semester and will close on the Friday after the drop/add period.
Meal Plan Requirement
This page explains who is required to purchase a meal plan, the available waiver categories, and how to submit a Meal Plan Waiver Request.
Use the questions below to determine whether you are required to have a meal plan.
Do you live in University Housing?
- Yes → A meal plan is required.
- No → Proceed to next question.
Are you a commuter student enrolled in six (6) or more in-person credit hours on the Belknap Campus?
- Yes → A meal plan is required.
- No → A meal plan is not required.
Students who are not required to purchase a meal plan may still choose to participate voluntarily. Eligible students may purchase a meal plan during the designated Meal Plan Portal enrollment period. Meal plans can be used at University dining locations and provide approximately a 6% savings on eligible food purchases.
Meal Plan Waiver Submission Deadlines
Waiver requests are accepted only during the designated submission period. Requests submitted before the form opens or after the submission deadline cannot be accepted.
Meal Plan Waiver Request Forms will be accepted according to the following schedule:
Fall Semester
The Meal Plan Waiver Request Form will open 7 days before the start of the semester and will close at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the Friday following the drop/add period.
Spring Semester
The Meal Plan Waiver Request Form will open 7 days before the start of the semester and will close at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the Friday following the drop/add period.
Important Information
- Meal Plan Waiver Request Forms submitted after 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the final submission date will automatically be denied.
- All communication regarding your Meal Plan Waiver Request will be sent to your University of Louisville @louisville.edu email account. Students are responsible for monitoring their University email throughout the review process.
- Students remain financially responsible for all meal plan charges, including any applicable late fees, while their waiver request is under review. Submission of a waiver request does not suspend payment obligations, and approval is not guaranteed.
- The Meal Plan Waiver Request Form will not be available after the submission deadline. If you attempt to access the form after it has closed, you will receive an "inactive form" message
Meal Plan Waiver Categories
The examples provided below are not guarantees of approvals and are not the only circumstances for which a student may apply for a meal plan waiver. Failure to include required documents with Meal Plan Request Form could result in a delay and/or denial of request.
Please review all requirements carefully before submitting your request. Incomplete requests or missing documentation may delay review or result in denial.
| Waiver Category | Eligibility | Required Documentation / Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary – Food Allergies | Students with documented food allergies that cannot be reasonably accommodated by University Dining Services. Students living in University Housing may request a reduction to the Apartment Flex Meal Plan. | • Current medical documentation dated within the last six months. • Documentation must be on official letterhead from a physician, allergy clinic, or registered dietitian. • Meet with the Campus Registered Dietitian and submit the dietitian's recommendation. • Approved waivers are valid for one academic year. A new waiver request and updated documentation must be submitted each academic year. |
| Dietary – Medical | Students whose current medical condition results in dietary restrictions that cannot be accommodated by University Dining Services. Students living in University Housing may request a reduction to the Apartment Flex Meal Plan. Additional reductions require approval through the Meal Plan Waiver Appeal process. | Submit physician documentation that is typed, signed, dated, and on official letterhead, including: • Current diagnosis and date of onset. • Detailed dietary restrictions. • Explanation of why Dining Services cannot accommodate the restrictions. • Recommended alternative eating plan. • Estimated duration of treatment. • Meet with the Campus Registered Dietitian and submit the dietitian's recommendation. |
| Educational & Employment Programs | Students participating in University-supported programs such as Metro College, Cooperative Education (Co-op), Student Teaching, National Student Exchange, or approved work-related employment. Students living in University Housing may request a reduction to the Apartment Flex Meal Plan while participating in the approved program. Additional reductions require approval through the Meal Plan Waiver Appeal process. | Submit documentation applicable to your program: • Weekly class schedule. • Co-op acceptance letter. • Metropolitan College verification letter or current signed Metropolitan Student Agreement. • Employer verification on company letterhead, including work schedule and supervisor signature. |
| Family Care | Students who are the primary caregiver for a young child or an elderly dependent. Students living in University Housing may request a reduction to the Apartment Flex Meal Plan. Additional reductions require approval through the Meal Plan Waiver Appeal process. | • Birth certificate(s), tax records, SNAP documentation, or dependency records. • Documentation is valid for one academic year. • Approved waivers are valid for one academic year. A new waiver request and updated documentation must be submitted each academic year. |
| Military-Connected Students | Currently serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Active Duty, Coast Guard, Reserve, National Guard), veterans, students using VA Education Benefits, and eligible ROTC cadets (Prior Service and Green to Gold). Students living in University Housing may request a reduction to the Apartment Flex Meal Plan. All students living on campus must maintain either a Traditional Meal Plan or the Apartment Flex Meal Plan. | Submit documentation applicable to your military status: • VA Certificate of Eligibility (students using VA Education Benefits). • DD Form 214 (veterans not using VA Education Benefits and ROTC Prior Service cadets). • Active Duty orders, Title 10 Tuition Assistance Form, or Military ID (currently serving members). • ROTC Green to Gold cadets should submit the documentation required for currently serving service members. • VA Education Benefits, including the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®, do not cover meal plan costs. • Approved waivers are valid for one academic year. A new waiver request and updated documentation must be submitted each academic year. |
Additional Information
Dietary Waiver Requests
Students requesting a meal plan waiver for dietary reasons must consult with the Campus Registered Dietitian before the Meal Plan Waiver submission deadline.
It is the student's responsibility to schedule and complete this consultation.
Submitting Your Waiver Request
To be considered, students must:
- Complete the online Meal Plan Waiver Request Form.
- Submit all required documentation for the selected waiver category before the submission deadline.
- Ensure all documentation is complete and current.
Incomplete requests cannot be reviewed and may result in a delay or denial.
Ready to Submit?
Once you have reviewed the eligibility requirements and gathered all required documentation, you may submit your Meal Plan Waiver Request using the link below.
➡ Submit Meal Plan Waiver Request Form
Students are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their meal plan to the lowest available option within their meal plan tier immediately after submitting a waiver request. If a waiver request is denied, the opportunity to reduce the meal plan may no longer be available.
Questions regarding the Meal Plan Waiver process should be directed to mpwaiver@louisville.edu.
Meal Plan Waiver Review Committee
The Meal Plan Waiver Review Committee ("Committee") reviews all Meal Plan Waiver Requests and determines whether the student's circumstances meet the requirements for a waiver or meal plan reduction.
The Committee consists of the following University representatives:
- Committee Chair – Program Coordinator, Cardinal Card Office
- Co-Committee Chair – Cardinal Card Office Manager
- One (1) representative from the Dean of Students Office
- One (1) representative from Business Services
- One (1) representative from the Financial Aid Office
- One (1) representative from the Student Success Center
- One (1) Staff Senate representative
- One (1) University-approved Registered Dietitian provided by the University's contracted dining services partner
All Committee members, with the exception of the Committee Chair, Co-Committee Chair, and the Campus Registered Dietitian, are voting members.
A quorum consists of at least three (3) voting members. Committee decisions are made by a simple majority vote.
The Committee meets weekly, as needed, to review pending Meal Plan Waiver Requests.
Each request is evaluated individually to determine whether the student's circumstances prevent them from reasonably utilizing the required meal plan or create an undue hardship.
Submission of a Meal Plan Waiver Request does not guarantee approval.
If a waiver is approved, a credit for the unused portion of the meal plan, if applicable, will be applied to the student's account.
2026–2027 Meal Plans
The standard meal plan assigned to each student is determined by their housing assignment or enrollment status.
| Student Classification | Default Meal Plan |
|---|---|
| Traditional Residence Hall Students | Unlimited 7 Meal Plan with 175 Flex Points |
| Campus Apartment Residents | Apartment All 1250 Meal Plan |
| Commuter Students enrolled in six (6) or more in-person credit hours on the Belknap Campus | Flex 400 Meal Plan |
For additional information about your required meal plan, please visit the dining services web page.
All students living in University Housing, including undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, and other resident classifications, are required to participate in the mandatory Meal Plan Program.
Students residing in traditional residence halls are automatically enrolled in the standard Traditional Residence Hall Meal Plan.
Students residing in campus apartments are automatically enrolled in the standard Apartment Meal Plan.
Commuter students enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours on the Belknap Campus are automatically enrolled in the standard Commuter Meal Plan.