Meal Plan Waiver — Dean of Students

Purpose

This policy establishes the guidelines and procedures for students requesting a waiver from the University Meal Plan program. The Meal Plan Waiver Policy covers Meal Plans for all students required to purchase a meal plan.

Are you a campus Resident?
- Yes - Meal Plan Required
- No - Are you a commuter student enrolled in at least 6 hours on Belknap campus?
  - Yes - Meal Plan Required
  - No - Meal Plan Not Required. You may voluntarily add funds to your meal plan account for a 6% savings on food purchases at campus dining locations.

2024 – 2025 Meal Plan Rates

Residence Hall without a kitchen $2331 per semester
Residence Hall with a kitchen $1250 per semester
Commuters taking at least six hours on Belknap campus $400 per semester

If you are unsure about your required meal plan, please visit the dining services web page.

Meal Plan Waiver Request Forms will be accepted as outlined below:

Fall Semester: The form will open July 5th and is due the first Friday of September at 4:00pm EST (If your circumstances have changed after these deadlines, please email mpwaiver@louisville.edu with an explanation of your request for a waiver).

Spring Semester: The form will open November 24th and is due the third Friday of January at 4:00pm EST (If your circumstances have changed after these deadlines, please email mpwaiver@louisville.edu with an explanation of your request for a waiver).

Meal Plan Waiver Request Forms received after 4:00pm EST on the final submission date will automatically be denied.
All correspondence related to the Meal Plan Waiver Request Form will be communicated through the student's louisville.edu email account.
The student is responsible for paying all charges related to their meal plan including any and all late fees incurred, while a waiver is still in progress.
The Meal Plan Waiver Request Form is not available after the deadline. When the form is not live, you will receive an error message stating "Insufficient Privileges."

Submit Meal Plan Waiver Request Form Here

COMPLETE A MEAL PLAN WAIVER REQUEST FORM

Meal Plan Waiver Documentation

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 and read all information. Incomplete documentation will not be reviewed.

CRITERIA	DEFINITION	REQUIRED DOCUMENTS/ACTIONS
Housing Change or Cancellation	Students who have changed their housing address (either switched halls or moved off campus)	A meal plan waiver is *not* required - Students will be contacted through their university email address regarding what options are available at the time they move out of the hall. If not, please email the Cardinal Card Office for more information
Change in Student Enrollment Status	Students who have transferred, withdrawn, including students not returning for the Spring semester.	A meal plan waiver is *not required* - Adjustments will be automatically made to your account after the drop/add date, less any usage. If not, please email the Cardinal Card Office for more information
Student Not Returning to Campus	Students who have withdrawn and will not be returning the following semester	A meal plan waiver is *not* required - Adjustments will be automatically made to your account after the drop/add date, less any usage. If not, please email the Cardinal Card Office for more information
Dependent Care Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Student is responsible for full time care of young or elder dependents.	At least one of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for dependent care. Birth record(s) of your dependent child/children. Listing of young or older dependents on your tax records. Tax records must be previous year or current year. S.N.A.P documentation that list your dependents. Document must clearly identify you as the recipient of the benefit AND list your dependent(s). Document must be dated within the current academic year. Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must submit a new waiver each academic year.
Dietary – Allergy+ Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Students with dietary restrictions	Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for allergy reasons. Current medical documentation of specific food allergies. This must be provided by a doctor’s office, allergy clinic, or registered dietitian Documentation from the Dining Services Dietician indicating that student and dining services have reviewed the food service options and a recommendation has been made. Documentation must be dated within the current academic year. A copy of the Meal Plan waiver submission will be emailed to the Registered Dietitian by the MPW committee. The Dietitian will email the student to set up an appointment time. It is the student’s responsibility to check emails and respond in a timely fashion. Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must request a new waiver each academic year.
Dietary – Medical Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Student with medical restrictions due to current health conditions	Each of the following documents MUST be completed by your physician when requesting a meal plan waiver for medical reasons. A current statement of the diagnosis and date of onset. Detailed information of all the medical restrictions. An explanation on why the campus dining services cannot meet the student’s medical restrictions. An alternative plan recommended for the student and how the student will eat throughout the semester. An estimate of the length of time that the is food restriction will be necessary. Documentation from the physician should be on letterhead, typed, dated, and signed. Documentation must be dated within the current academic year. The MPW Committee may request that you meet with the Campus Registered Dietitian before a ruling can be made.
Dietary – Religious+ Student may request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Student with dietary restrictions due to religious beliefs	Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for religious reasons. Current written statement on letterhead from your religious leader stating reason for dietary restriction. If letterhead is unavailable, please provide a contact phone number for the religious leader. Documentation from the Dining Services Dietician indicating that student and dining services have reviewed the food service options and a recommendation has been made. Documentation must be dated within the current academic year. A copy of the Meal Plan waiver submission will be emailed to the Registered Dietitian by the MPW committee. The Dietitian will email the student to set up an appointment time. It is the student’s responsibility to check emails and respond in a timely fashion. Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must request a new waiver each academic year.
Educational “Co-op” Requirement Programs Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing during their Co-op. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Students participating in University supported programs such as National Student Exchange, Co-op or Student Teaching programs	Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver due to an Educational Co-op. An image or screenshot of your final class schedule for the current semester. Please provide in a weekly view* format. A copy of your co-op letter of acceptance, including the duration of the co-op assignment.
Financial Hardships (Documents valid for one (1) academic year) Student may request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Life altering experiences such as job loss, medical expenses, natural disasters, death or other income reducing experiences.	Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for financial hardship. Student tuition account. Document must show a time stamp. Current year/semester Financial Aid Award Summary. At least one of the following documents MUST accompany the above documents. This document must list the student as the recipient or debt holder. F.A.F.S.A documents, S.N.A.P documents, unemployment benefits, medical expenses, or other applicable financial documents.
Military-Connected Students May request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/ she continues to live in on-campus housing during their employment. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Currently serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Active-Duty, Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard) students using Department of Veterans affairs (VA) Education benefits, veterans not using VA Education benefits, and ROTC cadets (Prior Service and Green to Gold only). All students living on campus must have either a traditional or apartment meal plan. * VA Education Benefits, including the Chapter 33-Post 9/11® G.I. Bill, do not cover this cost.	The applicable document MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver due to being a military-connected student. Submit the required document that best represents your military connected status. Students using VA Education Benefits must submit a copy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for education benefits. Veterans not using VA Education Benefits must submit a copy of Department of Defense Form 214. Currently serving member of U.S. Armed Forces (Active-Duty, Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard) must submit your Active-Duty orders, a copy of your Federal (Title 10) Tuition Assistance Form, or a copy of your military identification card (ID). ROTC Cadets (Prior Service) must submit copy of your Department of Defense Form 214. ROTC Cadets (Green to Gold) See section above about currently serving members of the Armed Forces. Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must request a new waiver each academic year.
Metropolitan College May request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing during their employment. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Students participating in Metropolitan College/UPS program working at the UPS overnight air operation (3^rd Shift, Next Day Air)	Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver waiver due to being participating in Metropolitan College. An image or screenshot of your final class schedule for the current semester. Please provide in a weekly view* format. Either a letter from a Metropolitan College (MC) Student Development Counselor verifying your MC participation OR a copy of your signed Metropolitan College Student Agreement for the current semester.
Work Related Student may request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing. No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.	Students working full time with no break in between classes	Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver due to work related challenges. An image or screenshot of your final class schedule for the current semester. Please provide in a weekly view* format. A verified work schedule on company letterhead and signed by a supervisor. The work schedule must show that the student is working at least 37.5 hours per week.

CRITERIA

DEFINITION

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS/ACTIONS

Housing Change or Cancellation

Students who have changed their housing address (either switched halls or moved off campus)

A meal plan waiver is not required - Students will be contacted through their university email address regarding what options are available at the time they move out of the hall.

If not, please email the Cardinal Card Office for more information

Change in Student Enrollment Status

Students who have transferred, withdrawn, including students not returning for the Spring semester.

A meal plan waiver is not required - Adjustments will be automatically made to your account after the drop/add date, less any usage.

If not, please email the Cardinal Card Office for more information

Student Not Returning to Campus

Students who have withdrawn and will not be returning the following semester

A meal plan waiver is not required - Adjustments will be automatically made to your account after the drop/add date, less any usage.

If not, please email the Cardinal Card Office for more information

Dependent Care

Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Student is responsible for full time care of young or elder dependents.

At least one of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for dependent care.

Birth record(s) of your dependent child/children.
Listing of young or older dependents on your tax records. Tax records must be previous year or current year.
S.N.A.P documentation that list your dependents. Document must clearly identify you as the recipient of the benefit AND list your dependent(s). Document must be dated within the current academic year.

Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must submit a new waiver each academic year.

Dietary – Allergy+

Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Students with dietary restrictions

Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for allergy reasons.

Current medical documentation of specific food allergies. This must be provided by a doctor’s office, allergy clinic, or registered dietitian
Documentation from the Dining Services Dietician indicating that student and dining services have reviewed the food service options and a recommendation has been made.

Documentation must be dated within the current academic year.

A copy of the Meal Plan waiver submission will be emailed to the Registered Dietitian by the MPW committee. The Dietitian will email the student to set up an appointment time.

It is the student’s responsibility to check emails and respond in a timely fashion.

Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must request a new waiver each academic year.

Dietary – Medical

Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Student with medical restrictions due to current health conditions

Each of the following documents MUST be completed by your physician when requesting a meal plan waiver for medical reasons.

A current statement of the diagnosis and date of onset.
Detailed information of all the medical restrictions.
An explanation on why the campus dining services cannot meet the student’s medical restrictions.
An alternative plan recommended for the student and how the student will eat throughout the semester.
An estimate of the length of time that the is food restriction will be necessary.

Documentation from the physician should be on letterhead, typed, dated, and signed. Documentation must be dated within the current academic year.

The MPW Committee may request that you meet with the Campus Registered Dietitian before a ruling can be made.

Dietary – Religious+

Student may request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Student with dietary restrictions due to religious beliefs

Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for religious reasons.

Current written statement on letterhead from your religious leader stating reason for dietary restriction. If letterhead is unavailable, please provide a contact phone number for the religious leader.
Documentation from the Dining Services Dietician indicating that student and dining services have reviewed the food service options and a recommendation has been made.

Documentation must be dated within the current academic year.

A copy of the Meal Plan waiver submission will be emailed to the Registered Dietitian by the MPW committee. The Dietitian will email the student to set up an appointment time.

It is the student’s responsibility to check emails and respond in a timely fashion.

Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must request a new waiver each academic year.

Educational “Co-op” Requirement Programs

Student may request a meal plan reduction to the Apartment Flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing during their Co-op.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Students participating in University supported programs such as National Student Exchange, Co-op or Student Teaching programs

Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver due to an Educational Co-op.

An image or screenshot of your final class schedule for the current semester. Please provide in a weekly view* format.
A copy of your co-op letter of acceptance, including the duration of the co-op assignment.

Financial Hardships

(Documents valid for one (1) academic year)

Student may request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Life altering experiences such as job loss, medical expenses, natural disasters, death or other income reducing experiences.

Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver for financial hardship.

Student tuition account. Document must show a time stamp.
Current year/semester Financial Aid Award Summary.

At least one of the following documents MUST accompany the above documents. This document must list the student as the recipient or debt holder.

F.A.F.S.A documents, S.N.A.P documents, unemployment benefits, medical expenses, or other applicable financial documents.

Military-Connected Students

May request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/ she continues to live in on-campus housing during their employment.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Currently serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Active-Duty, Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard) students using Department of Veterans affairs (VA) Education benefits, veterans not using VA Education benefits, and ROTC cadets (Prior Service and Green to Gold only).

*All students living on campus must have either a traditional or apartment meal plan.

** VA Education Benefits, including the Chapter 33-Post 9/11® G.I. Bill, do not cover this cost.

The applicable document MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver due to being a military-connected student. Submit the required document that best represents your military connected status.

Students using VA Education Benefits must submit a copy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for education benefits.
Veterans not using VA Education Benefits must submit a copy of Department of Defense Form 214.
Currently serving member of U.S. Armed Forces (Active-Duty, Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard) must submit your Active-Duty orders, a copy of your Federal (Title 10) Tuition Assistance Form, or a copy of your military identification card (ID).
ROTC Cadets (Prior Service) must submit copy of your Department of Defense Form 214.
ROTC Cadets (Green to Gold) See section above about currently serving members of the Armed Forces.

Waiver is valid for one (1) academic year. You must request a new waiver each academic year.

Metropolitan College

May request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing during their employment.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Students participating in Metropolitan College/UPS program working at the UPS overnight air operation (3^rd Shift, Next Day Air)

Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver waiver due to being participating in Metropolitan College.

An image or screenshot of your final class schedule for the current semester. Please provide in a weekly view* format.
Either a letter from a Metropolitan College (MC) Student Development Counselor verifying your MC participation OR a copy of your signed Metropolitan College Student Agreement for the current semester.

Work Related

Student may request a meal plan reduction to the apartment flex plan if he/she continues to live in on-campus housing.

No further reductions will be made unless approved through the appeal process.

Students working full time with no break in between classes

Each of the following documents MUST be provided when requesting a meal plan waiver due to work related challenges.

An image or screenshot of your final class schedule for the current semester. Please provide in a weekly view* format.
A verified work schedule on company letterhead and signed by a supervisor. The work schedule must show that the student is working at least 37.5 hours per week.

+ Dietary Criteria - For all meal plan waiver submissions where the reason is dietary, either religious or allergies, the student is required to have a consultation with the Campus Registered Dietitian. Upon submission, a copy of the meal plan waiver request will be automatically sent to the Campus Dietitian. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Campus Dietitian to schedule a consultation prior to the Meal Plan waiver submission deadline.

*Documents can be found on ULINK or other University websites.

Students may submit a waiver request with documentation for unique circumstances not noted above. The unique circumstances must demonstrate that the required meal plan creates an undue burden and cannot be utilized. Failure to include documents with Meal Plan Request Form could result in a denial of request.

Note: Due to student privacy, all paper records are destroyed within sixty (60) days of approval or denial of the request. The University is not responsible for your documentation; please make a copy for your records.

Students are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their meal plan to the lowest possible plan within their tier immediately after submitted a meal plan waiver request. If a waiver is denied, the opportunity to reduce the meal plan may not be available.

Unless otherwise noted, all waiver submissions are only valid for the current semester.

All waivers are subject to committee approval. Questions regarding this process should be directed to mpwaiver@louisville.edu.

Information regarding the appeal process will be provided via email if your waiver request is denied by the MPW committee.

Waiver Submission Procedures

Students requesting a waiver must complete the Meal Plan Waiver Request Form and submit the required applicable documentation.

Meal Plan Waiver Requests and supporting documentation can also be submitted via:

Email:
mpwaiver@louisville.edu

Delivered in person:
Cardinal Card Office
Houchens Bldg. LL05
Louisville, KY 40292

Meal Plan Waiver Review Committee/Review Process

The Meal Plan Waiver Review Committee (“Committee”) is made up of student representatives and University leadership as defined below.

Committee Chair – Program Coordinator, Cardinal Card Office
Co-Committee Chair - Vice President, Student Government Association Services
(2) Student Representatives Not Living on Campus (appointed by Committee Chair, with at least one that is not serving in an appointed or elected position of the Student Government Association)
(2) Student Representatives Living on Campus (appointed by the Committee Chair)
Student President from Resident Student Association
(1) Representative from the Dean of Students Office
(1) Representative from Business Services
(1) Representative from the Financial Aid Office
(1) University approved dietitian, provided by UofL contracted Food Service partner.

All committee members, except committee chair and dietitian, shall be voting members. There must be at least five (5) voting members in attendance. Decisions are made by simple majority vote.

The Committee will review pending waivers weekly as needed. The committee will review each request and determine if the student’s circumstance prohibits them from using the meal plan, or if the meal plan creates an undue hardship for the student. Committee review does not guarantee approval. Upon approval, a credit corresponding to the unused portion of the meal plan will post to the student’s tuition account.

2024 – 2025 Meal Plan Rates

Residence Hall without a kitchen $2331 per semester
Residence Hall with a kitchen $1250 per semester
Commuters taking at least six hours on Belknap campus $400 per semester

All students (undergraduate, graduate, post doc, etc.), living in campus housing are required to participate in a mandatory meal plan. The standard meal plan and optional meal plans are determined by where you reside. All students living in Traditional housing will be enrolled in the standard Traditional meal plan; all students living in on-campus apartments will be enrolled in the standard Apartment meal plan. All commuter students enrolled in at least six credit hours on Belknap campus, will be automatically enrolled in the standard Commuter & Affiliated Housing Meal Plan. More information on meal plans.