A student with a learning disability that significantly impacts the student’s ability to acquire a foreign language may qualify for a Foreign Language Substitution accommodation.

DSS reviews and evaluates requests for a Foreign Language Substitution (FLS), and determines a recommendation of support for a substitution based on documentation of the student’s learning disability and review of the student’s educational history that specifically impairs foreign language acquisition.

The final decision to grant a substitution rests with the student’s Academic Dean. If the Foreign Language Substitution is granted, two approved alternative courses are substituted for the required foreign language courses. These approved substitution courses are released by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences each semester. 

 

Determining Eligibility

The following factors are used to review and evaluate all Foreign Language Substitution requests, and are the basis for DSS to support a Foreign Language Substitution:

• Diagnosis of a learning disability by a licensed provider with supporting documentation and test data and / or 
• A recent assessment of the specific ability to learn a foreign language. 
• A student's history of difficulty in foreign language courses and/or a waiver or substitution of the requirement from a previously attended high school or college will be considered, but without documentation as noted above, the request will not be considered.

IMPORTANT

The Office of DSS recommends that students begin the process for foreign language substitution no later than sophomore year.  Late requests may impact and extend a student’s graduation timeline, pending a determination. A student's anticipated graduation timeline is not a factor used in the order processing of the request. 

PLEASE NOTE:

• A Foreign Language Substitution is not an option if a foreign language is deemed essential to a program or course of study. 
• A Foreign Language Substitution cannot be used to substitute a language course that is a prerequisite for a required class. 
• For students in the School of Philosophy, the Foreign Language Substitution is only applicable for foreign language courses needed to receive a bachelor's degree from the School of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America. 
• For some students, including those in the seminary, foreign language courses may be deemed essential to ordination. Students should consult with their formation advisor regarding these requirements. 

 

Request Process

  

Documentation (uploaded to the Accommodate Portal)

• Documentation submitted must be from a qualified provider who can verify the diagnosis of a learning disability which specifically impacts the ability of the student to learn a foreign language. Data is required which delineates the student’s cognitive skills and academic skills. Reports such as a neuropsychological or psychoeducation report contain this information, as do assessment reports completed by a high school Child Study Team. Reports should have been completed within the last 3 years and have utilized adult versions of assessments.
• If a student does not have documentation which meets the requirements as noted above, DSS can provide a referral to a private testing center who can conduct a Foreign Language Skills Screening Assessment. The process includes a two hour virtual testing session and the provision of a report. The cost is $500, and is not covered by insurance. Please contact our office for further information. 
• A student may also submit documentation which confirms prior exemptions or substitutions around a foreign language requirement at prior learning institutions as supportive documentation.

 

Submit an Accessibility Request Form

• Students requesting accommodations for the first time with DSS need to submit an Accessibility Request Form.
• Students who are already receiving accommodations through our office need to submit an Accommodation Change Request form. Click here to learn about submitting an Accommodation Change Request.
• Indicate "yes" when asked if you would like to be considered for a Foreign Language Substitution.

 

Review and Determination

• DSS will review all documentation and notify the student if further information is required.  Once all documentation has been accepted by DSS, an Interactive Process Meeting will be scheduled with the student to discuss their educational experiences with foreign language learning and any other relevant information.
• DSS will determine a recommendation based on submitted documentation and student narrative, and write a report which either supports or does not support a foreign language substitution.  DSS does not have the authority to grant the Foreign Language Substitution.  The report is shared with the student and the Academic Dean for their enrolled School.
• The student’s Academic Dean will make the final determination to either grant or decline the Foreign Language Substitution Request and inform the student of the decision in writing. DSS has no control over the timeline that the Academic Dean will take to make a final determination.  It is the student’s responsibility for follow up communication with their School Academic Dean’s office regarding the timeframe for a final determination. 
• If the substitution is granted, the student will take 2 courses from the “Foreign Language Substitution Courses” list.  Approved courses for Foreign Language Substitution are posted each semester by the College of Arts & Sciences. Please discuss approved course options with your respective Academic Dean and / or Academic Advisor to ensure all requirements for your program are met.
  • See the list of acceptable courses for Summer and Fall.
  • See the list of acceptable courses for Spring. 
  • If the substitution is declined, the student will complete the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Foreign Language requirement without any substitution. 

Through this process, a student may be informed that they qualify to receive different accommodations through the Office of Disability Support Services. Those options will be discussed, and the student will be advised on any next steps needed to establish an accommodation plan and formally register with DSS.

 

Updated June 2025