Exceptions to the CLAS Second Language Requirement

A student may be granted a substitution for a CLAS Second Language course when they have a documented disability related to learning a second language, as verified by the Disability Resources and Services (DRS) office.  

Follow these steps to submit your petition for a second language substitution: 

  • Contact DRS to obtain documentation of a disability.
  • Contact your assigned CLAS Academic Advisor to discuss your situation and to choose the classes you wish to use as substitutes, and these classes will be noted on the CLAS Second Language Substitution Contract.

  • The substitutions cannot be used for the CU Denver core or a CLAS graduation requirement.

  • The substitutions may be courses in the major or minor department but may not double count towards the major/minor and second language requirement. 

  • Substitutions may be lower- or upper-division courses. 

  • The substitutions must be courses covering a culture in which the native language is other than English. (Ex. Chicano, Native American). 

  • Substitution courses must be in the same cultural area. 

  • Independent study courses may be used to fulfill the requirement as long as the content of the independent study is consistent with being an examination of a culture in which the native language is other than English. 

  • The courses may be completed at any institution and be transferred into CU Denver. Students should be aware of college residency requirements. 

  • A minimum grade of “C-” must be achieved in all substitution courses. Students may not take the courses Pass/Fail. 

  • CLAS Exception to Degree Requirements Petition Form

  • Personal Statement: Explain why your circumstances and why they warrant an exception to CLAS Graduation Requirements 

  • Second Language Substitution Contract  

  • Statement from your CLAS Academic Advisor explaining whether they support your petition – your advisor can send this directly to the committee. 

  • Supporting documentation – this will be provided by DRS, and they will send it directly the CLAS Academic Standards Committee at clas.academic.standards@ucdenver.edu 

  • An unofficial transcript - You can obtain an unofficial transcript through your UCDAccess portal.

Students can email their petition materials to the Academic Standards Committee at clas.academic.standards@ucdenver.edu or they may drop off paper copies at the CLAS Academic Advising office in 1030 North Classroom. Please save electronic documents in PDF format. Petitions will be scheduled for review once all items have been received.