Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Where Your Contribution Counts!
    eNewsletter
    Support Us!

Celiac In The University Setting


Beth in NC

Recommended Posts

Beth in NC Contributor

My son is a Junior at NC State University. He has lived off campus his entire college experience thus far so hasn't had too much difficulty. But it has been a challenge none the less. He wants to meet with the "higher ups" and attempt to get some changes made and some gluten-free awareness there on campus for other students, because he knows they are out there.

Do ANY of you have any stories, experiences, etc of similar situation where people worked on the ground level to get things changed like this? I would appreciate anything you can offer to help.

Thank you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Mtndog Collaborator

When I was in college, I was not gluten-free. But I taught/attended a university once gluten-free. The most important suggestion I would make is that he make an appt to met with the head of Dining Services. I believe that celiac does fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that universities must, in some way, accommodate it.

I know some universities have "accommodated" it by not requiring students to buy the meal plan, but others have embraced it and tried to offer a gluten-free option at every meal. The university I taught at did this after students approached the head of Dining Services.

If he can put up flyers around campus and try to get in touch with others on campus who have celiac, then maybe they can meet as a group. Power in numbers!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenngolightly Contributor

Do ANY of you have any stories, experiences, etc of similar situation where people worked on the ground level to get things changed like this? I would appreciate anything you can offer to help.

Thank you.

I work for a university and am vocal about my gluten-free needs whenever there's a function going on. Not quite the same as for a student, but anyone who works for a college or university can be a change-agent. Our campus has an on-campus caterer who does both the student food services, and the catering for staff and faculty functions. I suppose that means I might be bringing some education to those who feed students. Unfortunately, what I'm getting is really disgusting food - yes, gluten free, but very disgusting. Last Friday I was at a conference and the lunch was greens with chicken breast and fresh peppers, asparagus, and other greens. They had ordered 8 vegetarian meals and 2 gluten-free meals (didn't see who got the other one). The vegetarians got the salad with tofu instead of chicken, the gluten-free ones were salad and tofu (why do they always assume we're vegetarians?). However, the gluten-free ones had no salad dressing and had obviously been made in the morning and sat under heat lamps. GRODY. Wilty greens and no salad dressing. I asked about the dressing and they said they weren't sure of the ingredients. Grrr.

I really should know better by now and bring my own food, but 2 years ago they didn't even have gluten-free options. Of course I complained, but their reaction was typical - they were very concerned for my health and wanted to give me the safest lunch possible. Like they were saints or something! My letter to the department reflected my disappointment and how much the lunch made me gag.

If your son's campus has an on-site food service provider - I urge him to go see the director of that department. It pays to confront the system directly. People want to keep you safe and are most likely willing to give you safe food - even if it's just salad at first. Baby steps.

I hope you get other suggestions about a movement. I can only do my part because I don't know a lot of celiacs. The kids here are so young - and most people aren't diagnosed until much later.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Help Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - Julie Riordan replied to Julie Riordan's topic in Traveling with Celiac Disease
      3

      Any ideas for travelling

    2. - trents replied to SuzanneL's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      Weak Positive Test

    3. - SuzanneL posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      Weak Positive Test

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Braver101's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      2

      Constant sweating with celiac disease

    5. - Scott Adams replied to Julie Riordan's topic in Traveling with Celiac Disease
      3

      Any ideas for travelling


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      120,495
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Zofosho
    Newest Member
    Zofosho
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.2k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Julie Riordan
      I am going to France in two weeks and then to Portugal in May   Thanks for your reply 
    • trents
      Welcome to the forum, @SuzanneL! Which tTG was that? tTG-IGA? tTG-IGG? Were there other celiac antibody tests run from that blood draw? Was total IGA measured? By some chance were you already cutting back on gluten by the time the blood draw was taken or just not eating much? For the celiac antibody tests to be accurate a person needs to be eating about 10g of gluten daily which is about 4-6 pieces of bread.
    • SuzanneL
      I've recently received a weak positive tTG, 6. For about six years, I've been sick almost everyday. I was told it was just my IBS. I have constant nausea. Sometimes after I eat, I have sharp, upper pain in my abdomen. I sometimes feel or vomit (bile) after eating. The doctor wanted me to try a stronger anti acid before doing an endoscopy. I'm just curious if these symptoms are pointing towards Celiac Disease? 
    • Scott Adams
      I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. It must be really frustrating and uncomfortable. Have you talked to your healthcare provider about these sudden sweating episodes? It might be helpful to discuss this with them to rule out any other underlying issues or to see if there are specific strategies or treatments that can help manage this symptom. Additionally, staying hydrated and wearing breathable clothing may provide some relief. 
    • Scott Adams
      I am not sure where you are going, but we have articles in this section which may be helpful: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/gluten-free-travel/ 
×
×
  • Create New...