Foreign Language Substitution

Every student is responsible for knowing degree requirements of their major and meeting with their advisors to determine if foreign language classes will be needed in order to graduate.
While there is a foreign language substitution course policy at UNC Charlotte, it is available only to those who meet the eligibility requirements. These standards are set forth by the university with collaboration from the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, the Office of Disability Services, and the deans of the colleges.

The Office of Disability Services strongly advises students to attempt a foreign language class with accommodations and supports while at UNC Charlotte or while attending another post secondary institution prior to requesting a foreign language substitution.

Eligibility Requirements:
The following 3 factors must ALL be present in order to qualify for the foreign language substitution process.

1. Appropriate Disability:
Current documentation indicating a profound Learning Disability in the specific areas of Reading and Written Expression that specifically indicates difficulty in learning a foreign language.
OR
Documented disability which substantially impacts hearing which therefore significantly affects one’s ability to learn a foreign language.

Disabilities that do not substantially impact the cognitive or physical ability to learn a foreign language do not meet requirements.

Examples of disabilities that DO NOT meet requirements: ADHD, psychological disabilities, and most physical/medical disabilities.

2. Past Performance:
A history indicating poor performance in foreign languages, including high school, is required in conjunction with an appropriate disability.

If a student has made passing grades in past foreign language classes they will not be eligible for the substitution process as these grades indicate ability to achieve in learning a foreign language.

An official request to be considered for the foreign language substitution must be submitted to the Office of Disability Services. This is done by indicating the above information on a form obtained through the Office of Disability Services.

Only students registered with the Office of Disability Services are able to request the foreign language substitution process.

3. Assessment using the MLAT:
Once the above 2 factors are validated and the request for Foreign Language Substitution consideration has been approved by the Office of Disability Services, students must take the MLAT. The Modern Language Aptitude Test reveals one’s ability to learn a foreign language. This assessment, lasting approximately one hour, is given by the Office of Disability Services and is used to establish current ability. Based on the student’s score, eligibility for the Foreign Language Substitution process will be determined.

STUDENTS APPROVED FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE SUBSTITUTION

If a student meets all the requirements for the foreign language substitution process, they will meet with one of the DS counselors to review the process.

ABOUT THE SUBSTITUTION CLASSES:
Approved students are to take the same number of substitution courses required to complete the Foreign Language requirements. For example, if a degree calls for two foreign language classes, then 2 foreign language substitution classes will be required.

The substitution classes can not count towards any other program/degree requirement other then those for the foreign language requirement.

The foreign language substitution classes can not fulfill any other general education, major, or minor course requirements. Students need to view the foreign language substitution classes as they would typical foreign language classes such as Spanish, French, German, etc.

Appropriate foreign language substitution classes are those that are intended to teach students about cultures outside their own. Classes pertaining to a student’s own culture will not be counted. For example, a female student taking a women’s study course is not appropriate in regards to fulfilling the foreign language substitution requirements and will not be approved.

The Office of Disability Services will provide approved students with a listing of appropriate substitution courses. If a class is taken that is not indicated on the list, it can not be counted toward the requirements.

Students are not to take the substitution courses for Foreign Language classes before they have received approval from the Office of Disability Services.

Students must make passing grades in each foreign language substitution course. Students must also inform the Office of Disability Services after each class is successfully completed.

Upon completion of the requirements, a letter will be sent to the graduation clearance officer as well as to the department chair of the student’s major.

IMPORTANT:
If students do not inform the Office of Disability Services that they have completed the approved courses, validation for graduation can not occur.

As with any accommodation, collaboration and proper planning is necessary for the foreign language substitution process to be successful.

It is essential for eligible students to begin this process early in their academic career. As with any other degree requirement, it is the student's responsibility to monitor their progress towards completing the foreign language substitution classes.

NOTE: Please be advised that if approved, the foreign language substitution at UNC Charlotte only applies to your current program. The foreign language substitution may not be adequate or accepted by other institutions or other disciplines at UNC Charlotte in regards to undergraduate or graduate programs.

Students transferring to UNC Charlotte must go through the above foreign language substitution process even if they have received similar services at another institution.