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Course Substitutions

Course Substitutions

Messiah University does not waive course requirements, in line with court findings that uphold the rights of colleges and universities to establish and uphold standards. However, in certain cases, a disability may necessitate course substitutions.

For instance, students may be able to substitute a series of cultural studies and cross-cultural courses for the language and culture requirement. To justify such substitutions, there must be a clear correlation between the disability and the requested modification, as supported by ADA eligibility documentation. Students who have documented efforts, along with accommodations, in learning a foreign language during high school will have an easier time justifying their request compared to those without such records.

The university maintains the right to require students to complete at least one semester of a language sequence. The Office of Academic Accessibility will consult with language instructors to obtain recommendations regarding the continuation or discontinuation of further language study.

To request modifications, students should submit a letter of request to the Director of the Office of Academic Accessibility. The director will review the submission and, if approved, recommend a series of courses that have been endorsed by the Director of General Education. The Office of Academic Accessibility will notify the Registrar about the approved courses for tracking purposes related to degree requirements. Only students who provide written evidence of an approved accommodation for alternative courses will be granted approval for these substitutions.