You may be able to demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency in a language not taught at the University of Michigan. In order to meet the LSA language requirement in this way, you will need to be tested by a LSA-approved examiner. The steps for this process are listed below:
Request for Evaluation of Language not Taught at University of Michigan
Please note that this applies only to mainstream LSA and CSP students. Finding a language tester can take time. It may take a few weeks for us to get in contact with you. If you need to follow up, please contact lsa.student.records@umich.edu. If you are in another unit, such as Honors or the Residential College, please contact your own advising office.
If the LRC and language exception committee, which oversees this process, already have a pre-approved tester for the language in which you are being tested, we will help you establish contact with the tester to set up an appointment. If the LRC and language exception committee do not yet have an approved tester, we will help you look for one. This will likely include meeting with a representative to talk about your own networks and options for finding a tester. We cannot guarantee being able to find someone, but are committed to working with you to come up with a viable plan. If a tester is found, we will vet the tester. If they are approved for testing, you will be eligible to be tested.
Please note that tests can include reading and writing. If you are testing in a language without an extensively used written form, we can waive this part of the test, but must first document that most users of the language do not know or use a written form of it. This is something to discuss with the Language Resource Center and/ or members of the language exception committee.
Any and all fees associated with this test are the responsibility of the student.
If you are proficient, the language requirement will be considered completed. If you are not, you will still need to plan to demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency in a language other than English prior to graduation.
If you are proficient, the language requirement will be considered completed. If you are not, you will still need to plan to demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency in a language other than English prior to graduation.
**Please note: This can be a lengthy process and you should begin it as early as possible in your time in LSA. We cannot guarantee a timeline for completion. Like other placement tests on campus, students may only attempt this once.
Please see our student FAQ for more information. This is a living document and will be updated as needed.
