I. PURPOSE
This policy establishes the framework for administering the Meal Plan at New York Medical College (“NYMC”) and Touro College of Dental Medicine (“TCDM”). It ensures compliance with applicable regulations, including Federal Title IV regulations under the Higher Education Act of 1965, New York State tax laws pursuant to N.Y. Tax Law § 1105(d) and 20 NYCRR § 527.8, and other institutional policies.
II. POLICY
The Meal Plan applies to first and second year Medical students, first and second year Dental students, first year Physical Therapy students, and first year Speech Language Pathology students. The Meal Plan fee is set each Academic Year. Students are required to participate in the Meal Plan unless the student applies and receives an approved opt-out accommodation.
III. SCOPE
This policy applies to students enrolled at NYMC’s campus, including NYMC and TCDM students who are participating in the Meal Plan.
IV. DEFINITIONS
A. Meal Plan: a declining balance meal plan for use in the NYMC Cafeteria that provides a set dollar amount of pre-paid meal plan credits in two or three allotments during the Academic Year pursuant to the Meal Plan Terms and Conditions.
B. Cafeteria: “Doc’s CafeĢ” located at 30 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, New York in the Basic Sciences Building of the NYMC campus.
C. Academic Year: The period beginning on the start date of the first semester/trimester (Summer or Fall) of a student’s program and ending on the end date of the Spring semester/trimester. Semester dates are published in the program’s academic calendar:
V. EFFECTIVE DATE
This policy shall be effective immediately.
VI. POLICY MANAGEMENT
Executive Stakeholders: Chief of Staff
Oversight Office: Office of Food Services
Meal Plan Terms and Conditions – Doc’s Café
1. Contract Duration
The Meal Plan follows the full Academic Year calendar and consists of two or three allotments, based on the semester or trimester schedule of a student’s program, of declining balance credits. Credits roll over within the Academic Year. Students should plan on using up all credits by the end of the Academic Year. This is a “use it or lose it plan.” Unused credits at the end of an Academic Year are forfeited.
2. Participation/Eligibility
All first-year medical, dental, physical therapy, and speech language pathology, and all second-year medical and dental students enrolled at NYMC and TCDM’s Valhalla campus are required to participate in the Meal Plan, except as provided herein.
3. Usage
- Meal Plan credits are pre-paid, and purchases made with the Meal Plan are deducted from a student’s balance.
- Meal Plan credits are non-refundable unless a student officially withdraws from the school, as provided herein.
- Meal Plans may only be used at Doc’s Café in the NYMC Basic Sciences Building.
- Meal Plans are active only during Cafeteria hours.
- Only food and beverages may be purchased with Meal Plan credits.
4. Sales Tax Exemption
- Meal Plans are exempt from New York State sales tax under N.Y. Tax Law § 1105(d) and 20 NYCRR §527.8.
- To maintain this exemption, plans must be non-transferable, used solely by the student, and refunds are limited and governed by time-based criteria, not usage.
- Once Meal Plan funds are exhausted, meals purchased directly by the student will no longer be tax-exempt.
5. Refund Policy
Refunds are processed in accordance with the published refund policy of a student’s program.
6. Managing Funds
Once Meal Plan funds are exhausted, students shall be required to pay for any meals using personal credit, or debit cards.
7. Accommodations
Students seeking medical exemptions from the meal plan must complete the reasonable accommodation process by contacting the Division of Student Accommodations and Accessibility at NYMC-mealplanexemption@nymc.edu. All accommodation requests must be renewed annually.
8. Compliance and Conduct
Misuse of the Meal Plan (e.g., sharing, fraud) will be reported and may result in disciplinary action under the student conduct process.
9. Dispute Resolution and Release
Any disputes, questions, or claims regarding charges to the student’s meal plan account must be submitted in writing to the chief of staff within two (2) business days of the charge being posted via email at vilma_bordonaro@nymc.edu. Failure to notify the chief of staff of a disputed charge within this period shall constitute a waiver and release of any and all claims related to that charge, and the student shall be deemed to have accepted the charge as accurate and final. No claims or adjustments will be considered after this two (2) business day period.
10. Contact Information
For questions or support regarding the meal plan, please contact chief of staff vilma_bordonaro@nymc.edu.
11. Acceptance of Terms
By using the Meal Plan, students acknowledge and agree to abide by all terms and conditions outlined herein. Activation or use of the Meal Plan constitutes acceptance of these terms, including any updates communicated by NYMC.
