Since the study of a foreign language is considered by WCAS to be an integral part of a liberal arts education and important for all students, the Council on Language Instruction (CLI) has established a procedure for students who have diagnosed disabilities affecting foreign language acquisition. This process is designed to appropriately accommodate properly documented disabilities while maximizing the benefits students derive from engaging in the study of a foreign language and culture. If you would like to seek assistance on or substitution of the WCAS foreign language proficiency requirement based on a diagnosed disability affecting foreign language acquisition, please follow the steps below. It is advised that you start the process early so that you will have sufficient time to make a plan to satisfy the WCAS foreign language requirement before graduation.
1. Contact the Office for Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD) (Scott Hall, 601 University Place , Evanston ) and provide documentation of a disability affecting foreign language acquisition. The SSD staff will evaluate the documentation, decide whether to administer an additional foreign language aptitude test, and ultimately decide whether an accommodation is appropriate. A summary letter describing the impact of your disability in learning a foreign language will be written up by SSD staff for use by the CLI Proficiency Committee.
2. Once the SSD staff approves you to move forward with this process, fill out the Request for Appointment of a Language Proficiency Adviser, sign and submit the form to the CLI Proficiency Committee. The form is available at SSD. Please submit the form as soon as you receive SSD's approval so that the Committee will be able to provide you with assistance in a timely manner. Please note that assistance through the CLI Proficiency Committee or appointment of a Language Proficiency Adviser may be more limited during the summer. If you are planning to take a foreign language at Northwestern during the summer, it is advised that you submit this request form by early spring.
3. If an accommodation is warranted, the CLI Proficiency Committee will assign a Language Proficiency Adviser (LPA). The LPA will contact you and will guide you through the petition process.
4. Once you are enrolled and classes are in session, contact the LPA at least once every two weeks to discuss your progress. It is your responsibility to keep the LPA informed of your progress. Contact SSD and the LPA whenever you have questions or concerns. SSD and the LPA will suggest additional help as needed.
