Dining & Catering Accommodations

Springfield College is a four-year residential college and finds that dining together is one factor that allows students to develop a sense of community. In addition, the College strives to provide students with sufficient housing and meal plans to support student success. For the traditional residence life buildings, which include Gulick, Reed, Massasoit, Abbey-Appleton, Alumni, International and Lakeside Hall, the College requires a minimum meal plan of the All Access + 3, as this plan ensures that students have sufficient meal coverage. The College currently offers an array of dining options that include gluten-free, vegan and allergen-friendly, in addition to other healthy eating choices.

The goal of this process is to provide students with the tools they need to actively manage their dietary needs within the residential dining program. A registered dietician is also available to consult with students as needed. Generally, exemptions requests for the following reasons will not be considered: financial, vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free diet, work/class/practice schedules, or personal preferences.

Allergies and Disabilities on the Basis of Food

Springfield College recognizes the need for reasonable modifications for disabilities on the basis of food allergies, celiac disease, or other disabilities or medical conditions requiring a special diet (collectively, "food allergies"). Read the College's food allergy policy.

If you are seeking an accommodation or reasonable modification relating to dining or catering services, including any accommodations related to your Springfield College meal plan, you can initiate that process by completing  Online Student Application through the Academic Success Center’s Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS

Accommodation Request Form

Religious Exemption Requests

The College, in unique circumstances, may exempt a student from the required meal plan due to their sincerely held religious beliefs. A meal plan exemption will only be granted when Harvest Table cannot meet the religious needs of a student. Before any exemption is granted, students are required to meet with a representative from Harvest Table to inquire about all of the dining options available. As Harvest Table works to meet the religious needs of students, students may be required to use the required meal plan option for a set period of time before an exemption will be considered. The goal of this process is to provide students with the tools they need to actively manage their dietary needs within the residential dining program. A registered dietician is also available to consult with students as needed. If an exemption is granted, the College will review further housing accommodation options to ensure that the student has access to a functioning kitchen and/or special permission to have otherwise prohibited appliances suitable for preparing their own meals. 

Please note: 

• Exemptions for the following reasons will generally not be considered: financial, vegan/vegetarian/gluten free diet, work/class/practice schedules, or personal preferences. 
• A written statement from a religious leader does not guarantee the student will receive a meal plan exemption. 
• You will be notified of the decision of your exemption request via your Springfield College email account. 
• You have an obligation to pay for your meal plan until your exemption request is approved, including through any request review period. 
• Please keep a copy of the documentation that you submit for your files.
• Meal plan exemption requests must be submitted and renewed annually. 

If you'd like to discuss this process further before beginning, please feel free to contact the Office of Spiritual Life at spirituallife@springfieldcollege.edu. 

Meal Plan Exemption Request Process 

1. Complete an online religious accommodation request form. Attach a letter/documentation from a religious leader, if available.
2. Upon receipt of the request form, the Designated Employee will refer the student to meet with Harvest Table to determine if they can meet your specific religious needs. Each request is reviewed on an individual basis. Harvest Table will report back to the Designated Employee regarding their ability to fully meet the religious needs of the student. 
3. If it is determined that they can meet your needs, students will be required to remain on the meal plan for a set period of time (to be determined individually). If after the period of time, students can provide evidence of how Harvest Table was not able to meet their needs, an exemption will be considered.
4. If it is determined that Harvest Table cannot meet your needs, they will communicate that to the Designated Employee who will process your meal plan exemption request. The Designated Employee may also consult various campus partner offices to verify the legitimacy of the sincerely held religious belief. As noted above, meal plan exemptions are only granted in the most limited circumstances.

Request Deadlines 

The requested deadline for Fall semester exemption requests is August 1, however we recommend applying by June 1 so your account can be adjusted prior to the fall billing cycle. The requested deadline for Spring semester exemptions requests is December 1, however we recommend applying by November 1 so your account can be adjusted prior to the spring billing cycle. If an exemption is granted after the dates outlined above, the cost of the meal plan will be prorated for the period of time it was active for.

Dining Support

Have questions about navigating your preferred diet or religious restrictions while at school? Looking to learn more about healthy eating while on campus? Our staff is here to help support you in finding the best meals, stations, and services to support your lifestyle. 

Learn more about the support available through Springfield College Dining Services by contacting us: 

Harvest Table Culinary Group     
Email: scdining@springfieldcollege.edu      
Phone: 413-748-3205

Registered Dietitian: Holly Corcoran     
Email:  corcoran-holly@harvesttableculinary.com     
Phone: (413) 748-4413

Learn more about our hours, daily menus, and resources here.

Questions: 

Questions regarding the meal plan exemptions can be directed to the Associate Vice President, Finance & Administration/Controller. 

If you feel as though you have been discriminated against by the College or any College employee on the basis of your religious affiliation, please contact the Office of Non-discrimination Initiatives at access@springfieldcollege.edu.