Campus Exemption Policies & Request Procedures

Meal Plan Exemptions

Religious or Medical Meal Plan Exemptions

Eureka College recognizes that residential students may have sincerely held religious beliefs or documented medical conditions that prevent full participation in campus dining options. Students may request an exemption from the mandatory meal plan through the Office of Student Life.

Required Documentation

• Religious Food Exemption: The request must include an official letter from a recognized religious leader (e.g., pastor, minister, imam or rabbi) detailing the duration of their relationship with the student, the specific dietary restrictions required by faith practices and affirmation that the request is rooted in sincerely held religious beliefs. Contact details, including phone number and email, for the religious leader must be provided.
• Medical Food Exemption / Dietary Restriction: Requests based on health or severe food allergies require official documentation from a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, APRN, PA or licensed dietitian) establishing why campus dining services, provided by Quest Food Management, cannot safely accommodate the student's medical needs.

Review & Approval Process

1. The Dean of Students or designated Student Life administrator will review all submitted requests and documentation.
2. The request will be Approved, Denied or Returned for Additional Information.
3. Decisions will be communicated to the student via official campus email.

Refund Eligibility & Deadlines

• Any approved financial adjustment associated with a meal plan exemption will be processed by Student Accounts.
• Meal plan exemption requests are accepted on a rolling basis.

Conditions & Rescission

• Meal plan exemptions are conditional privileges and may be rescinded if misused, misrepresented or abused.
• The Office of Student Life reserves the right to audit exemptions and revoke accommodations if a student is found violating the terms of their exemption.

Immunization Exemptions

Purpose & State Compliance

In compliance with the Illinois College Immunization Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 694), all enrolled Eureka College students must provide proof of immunity against designated vaccine-preventable diseases.

Illinois state law permits immunization exemptions solely for valid medical contraindications or sincere religious objections. General personal, philosophical or moral objections are not recognized under Illinois state law and will be denied.

Required Documentation

1. Medical Exemption: Requires written certification from a licensed physician (MD/DO), advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or physician assistant (PA) stating that a specific vaccine is medically contraindicated due to a clinical condition, severe reaction or underlying health condition.
2. Religious Exemption: Requires a completed, signed statement from the student (or parent/guardian if under 18) explaining the specific religious beliefs that conflict with immunization. In accordance with Illinois public health guidelines, the request must also include a signed statement from a licensed healthcare provider acknowledging they have counseled the student on the health risks and benefits of immunizations.

Review & Notification

1. The Office of Student Life will review documentation for legal completeness and compliance with IDPH guidelines.
2. Official determinations (Approved, Denied or Incomplete) will be delivered via email to the student's Eureka College account.

Renewal Terms

• Medical Exemptions: Permanent medical exemptions remain valid throughout enrollment. Temporary medical exemptions expire on the date set by the attending physician.
• Religious Exemptions: Approved religious exemptions remain valid for the duration of the student's continuous enrollment at Eureka College, unless state health regulations dictate re-certification.