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Foreign Language Requirement and Disability

Undergraduate students are required to complete the university foreign language requirement. Accommodations may be granted for students with disabilities and are considered on a case-by-case basis by SAS. Students with disabilities that may interfere with their ability to complete the expectations required by a college-level foreign language course may be eligible for substitution of the requirement. Note that Waivers are never granted.

The following diagnoses may lend themselves to substitution of the university foreign language requirement under certain circumstances with appropriate documentation:

  • Specific Learning Disabilities that affect language development and acquisition
  • Hearing Impairment/Deafness
  • Speech Impairment (primary or secondary to other medical conditions)

The student may petition the Committee on Degrees for authorization to substitute select culture courses to fulfill the requirement. Students should petition as soon as possible, but no later than the pre-registration period of the first semester of their senior year. Substitute courses are approved by Arts & Sciences in consultation with the Chair of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department or designee. All students approved for modification of this degree requirement must successfully complete a pre-authorized substitute course for every semester of required foreign language not taken.

Documentation Requirements

Specific documentation criteria apply whether the student is seeking accommodation for or substitution of the foreign language requirement. Please refer to the SAS webpage to determine documentation criteria.