U.S. Colleges Directory: Comparing Food Allergy & GF Policies–Massachusetts

By:
in College Directory
Published: November 22, 2016

Massachusetts For the complete directory of states and colleges, click here.

Amherst College

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    No

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; https://acnutrition.amherst.edu/NetNutrition/
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes, at Grab-N-Go; by request in other operations.
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes, utensils; no separate area.
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    Yes and no: have started asking this, but for programing reasons only.
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes, mini-fridge; microwave, only if approved by director of environmental health and safety.
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No, only shared with whole community.

 

Bentley University

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes, a note from an appropriate health-care provider indicating official food allergy diagnosis, how it impacts student, treatment plan and accommodations that are necessary.
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Residence Life and the Office of Disability Services work together on request. Final paperwork is filed in Office of Disability Services.
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    Not currently.

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; https://bentley.sodexomyway.com/
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes, Simple Servings menu choices are free of 7 top allergens and gluten.
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    No

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No area on form, but students who will be in need of an exemption are asked to complete the “Housing and Meal Plan Exemption Petition.” This separate form asks students to submit the following: 1. A letter detailing the medical condition, specific style of housing the condition requires and explaining why the condition requires such an accommodation. 2. Any supporting documents from a medical specialist, detailing: diagnosis, recommending the style of housing needed to support this condition and explaining why the condition requires such accommodation. This document must be submitted on medical letterhead, and include the date and physician’s signature. A committee consisting of representatives from the Residential Center, Center for Health and Wellness, Disability Services, and Sodexo meet to discuss each petition.
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No, RAs are not trained, but are instructed to call University Police immediately in an emergency.
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Students are not required to live on-campus during first year, but more than 95% of the class are residential.
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Meal plans are required for students in traditional residence halls and suite-style living.
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    It’s possible for students with food allergies to room together, but the Residential Center does not do this.
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Microwaves and mini-fridges are allowed in residence halls. Suite-style accommodations come with a microwave and mini-fridge in the kitchenette area.
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    These are only available to upperclass students. First-year students live in traditional residence halls.

 

Boston College

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    Yes

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; http://foodpro.bc.edu/foodpro/location.asp
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes, upon speaking with the dietitian and dining management.
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No, but the process for requesting a medical accommodation is outlined on housing application.
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    Yes
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    No
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Meal plan required if there is no kitchen in the student’s room.
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    No
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No, we meet with the students first to help them determine how to navigate the dining halls with their food allergies.

 

Brandeis University

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    Yes

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes, see: https://brandeis.sodexomyway.com/
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    No

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    Yes, but no to drug administration.
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No

 

Clark University

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    No

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes. The general manager, executive chef and/or our area dietitian are all willing to meet with prospective students.
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes, onsite.
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes, unless a student is in apartment housing.
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    No
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes. However, these must be approved by the university’s preferred vendor because of electrical requirements.
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No. Communal kitchen outside rooms.

 

College of the Holy Cross

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    Yes, food allergy information table during move-in weekend.

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; see the link here.
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    No

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    Yes
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    Not usually, but if needed due to a very severe food allergy, it is a possibility.

 

Emerson University

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    No, not specifically. There is a Self Care Fair at the beginning of each semester and the Registered Dietitian always has a table at the fair with nutrition information.

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes, both. Website and app options available. . https://emerson.sodexomyway.net/dining-choices/index.html. Download the Sodexo Bite app. Enter the access code, G8RV4, to obtain the Emerson Dining Center menu.
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    No
Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No. However, the housing form is being revamped.
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes, for three years.
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes, unless a student is in apartment housing.
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    No. Not at this time as we do not collect that information.
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No. Not in rooms, but limited cooking facilities in each residence hall.

 

Framingham University

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    No/Yes. Depending on the level of accommodation.
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?No/Yes. Depending on the level of accommodation.
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    No

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; https://framingham.sodexomyway.com/dining-near-me
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes. Plus, the management team is AllerTrain-certified.
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes. The Dining Commons is home to Simple Servings, the allergy-friendly station that provides meals free of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts and gluten. It’s open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes. Simple Servings has designated space for preparation, cooking and serving. Plus, it has separate utensils and equipment for allergy-friendly foods.
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    Yes
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No. RAs get general training on medical emergencies.
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    No
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes, following freshman year.
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes, mini-fridges are available for rent.
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No

 

Lasell College

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    No

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    No
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes, by downloading the Sodex Bite App.
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    Yes
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Some
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    No
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Microwaves are not allowed. Mini-fridges are allowed.
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No

 

Stonehill College

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    Yes

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; https://stonehill.sodexomyway.com/health/calculator.html
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for food allergy/celiac orders?
    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    No

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No. This is on health form.
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    Yes

 

Tufts University

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Yes
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Yes
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    Yes

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; http://menus.tufts.edu/foodpro/location.asp
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    No
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    No, but separate utensils used for all foods prepared, and staff trained to avoid cross-contact.
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes, but depending on the allergy, it may be limited to one location.
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    Yes
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    Yes
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Meal plan is required in first 2 years.
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No

 

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    Normally, yes. However, we have been receiving guidance encouraging Disability Services providers to not be overly restrictive/dependent on documentation. So administrators will, on occasion, offer assistance prior to receiving documentation if the circumstances are compelling.
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    Same as with medical documentation answer.
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    No. But individual orientation is offered for allergy accommodations at the start of each term.

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes. For online see: http://www.umassdining.com/nutrition/allergy-information
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    No
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    No
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes, unless student is assigned to an apartment.
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes, if students mutually request each other as roommates.
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    Yes, freshman may request an apartment with a kitchen; most residence halls have a public kitchenette.

 

Williams College

Disability Services
  1. Doctor’s note with medical documentation required for accommodations?
    No
  2. Paperwork filed with disabilities office required for accommodations?
    No
  3. Food allergy fair or similar event at start of year?
    Yes

Dining Services
  1. Dietitian or dining services staff available for a meeting before applying?
    Yes
  2. Is ingredient or allergen information onsite/online?
    Yes; http://nutrition.williams.edu/NetNutrition/1
  3. Dining staff trained regularly on food allergy, celiac disease, cross-contact?
    Yes
  4. Pre-made allergy-friendly meals available?
    Yes
  5. Ingredient substitutions available?
    Yes
  6. Separate utensils and separate area in kitchen for
    food allergy/celiac orders?

    Yes
  7. All dining halls able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes
  8. All retail sites able to accommodate allergies, gluten-free diet?
    Yes

Residential Housing
  1. Area on housing form to indicate food allergies/celiac disease?
    Yes
  2. Resident Assistants trained on allergic reactions, auto-injector administration?
    No
  3. On-campus residence required in first year?
    Yes
  4. Meal plans required if in on-campus housing?
    Yes
  5. Possible to group food allergy students as roommates?
    Yes
  6. Microwaves/mini-fridge allowed in rooms?
    Yes
  7. Room with kitchenette available, even if freshman?
    No