Religious Meal Plan Exemption Request

Mercer University believes dining together is important for building a sense of community among students. As a result, all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students are required to live on campus and participate in the campus meal membership program. We believe the learning which occurs outside of the classroom can often be as valuable as learning which takes place in an academic setting. Experiences outside the classroom include developing close relationships with diverse individuals, enhancing leadership skills, and assuming personal responsibility.

Students may request a Religious Meal Plan Exemption from the meal plan if they have a documented religious restriction that cannot be accommodated by university dining in any way.  If it is determined that a reasonable accommodation can be implemented or is available, the Religious Meal Plan Exemption Request will be denied.   Prior to submitting this request, you must contact university dining and discuss your meal plan concerns and requested accommodations.

Please be advised that Religious Meal Plan Exemption requests will only be considered for those whose conditions CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED IN ANY WAY AND CAN BE JUSTIFIED BY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION that meets the requirements below. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and provide all supporting documentation.

SUBMISSION OF AN EXEMPTION REQUEST DOES NOT GUARANTEE APPROVAL

Required Documentation

Please ensure that the following documentation is submitted along with your Religious Meal Plan Exemption Request Form

Incomplete requests will NOT be reviewed.

1. A completed Religious Meal Plan Exemption Request Form (Access the Form Here)
2. A signed letter on official letter head from a recognized religious leader or institution that provides your name, explains the religious tradition of your religion, the dietary guidelines of your religion, what foods/food groups you cannot consume, and why the residential meal plan cannot accommodate your needs. This letter must include contact information (email and phone number) for the religious leader or institution.  DOCUMENTATION MUST BE TYPED ON OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD. HANDWRITTEN OR UNOFFICIAL TYPED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR REVIEWED. Religious officials must be non-relatives.

Should the religious documentation come from an entity outside of the United States, additional documentation will be required for verification purposes and must meet international documentation standards, including a modern web presence. Documentation that cannot be easily verified by the university will not be approved. All documentation must be submitted in English, translated by a certified, notarized translator or apostille conducted by an accredited translation service.

All requests are considered complete only when all required documentation has been received.  An approval of a Religious Meal Plan Exemption is not retroactive.  Students will be responsible for all meal plan charges prior to approval.  All exemptions will begin on the date of the approval letter.  The university will consider prorated approvals on a case-by-case bases only if good cause can be shown as to why the request and documentation were not made prior to the start of classes.  A Religious Meal Plan Exemption Request Form must be resubmitted annually for each academic year (Note:  academic years begin in the fall and end after the summer semester each year).

The university reserves the right to investigate suspected misuse of exemptions and forward cases of false information or misrepresentation to the Office of Student Conduct Resolution for review and evaluation. Students found responsible under that process are subject to sanctioning and may be held financially accountable for the entire meal plan exemption period.

Additional Information regarding University meal plans can be found at:  https://auxiliary.mercer.edu/meals/macon/

Please note:  The Office of Equity and Compliance will only review Religious Meal Plan Exemptions.  Requests related to allergies, chronic illness or other disabilities are reviewed by Access and Accommodations. https://access.mercer.edu/students/meal-plan-accommodations/