Policies

Language Placement is a great resource for all languages taught at UNC. This is also a great place to learn more about the Foreign Language Placement Coordinators for each language, as well as the placement exams times/locations.

All students must complete through the third level of a foreign language. This does not mean that you have to complete three courses at UNC, just through the third level. For instance, if you place into level 2 of a foreign language, you only need to complete level 2 and 3 to fulfill the general education requirement. If you place into level 3, you would only need to pass the level 3 course and you are done!

If you believe you have placed into the wrong level of the language you plan to study, we encourage you to sign up for the level you were placed into. After attending class for a day or two, you may speak with the instructor about possibly changing your placement level.

• Latin: If you place into LATN 204 or higher based on the UNC-CH online placement exam, and do not have LATN 203 BE from another test, you are required to take Part II of the UNC-CH exam to earn LATN 203 BE and place out of the UNC-CH foreign language requirement.  Students who fall into this category will be contacted by the Department of Classics to schedule taking Part II.

• Chinese, Japanese or Korean: If you have experience in Chinese, Japanese or Korean and wish to continue study of the language at UNC-CH, you must take the on-campus placement exam regardless of any IB, SAT or AP test scores.

To verify your language proficiency visit the Language Placement website (https://languageplacement.unc.edu/) for additional instructions. There will be two options for you to choose from:

1. The Verification of Educational Experience Form will ask for information about the school you attended and the language it was taught in. You will receive two confirmations – one when you submit your request and another after your transcript has been reviewed.
2. The Language Proficiency Verification Request Form will ask for information about your language to connect you with the appropriate department for a language placement test and/or interview. Email gened_glbl_language@unc.edu if you have additional questions.

Visit the Language Placement website (https://languageplacement.unc.edu/) to learn about the Educational Experience Verification form. Two years of high school or two full terms (24 eligible for transfer credit hours) of college are required to earn the general education credit. The Verification of Educational Experience Form will ask for information about the school you attended and the language it was taught in. You will receive two confirmations – one when you submit your request and another after your transcript has been reviewed.  Email gened_glbl_language@unc.edu if you have additional questions.

Certain circumstances warrant the rescheduling of a final exam.  An exam excuse is commonly granted for:

• Three exams that start within a 24-hour period
• Two exams offered at the same time

• An ARS accommodation that impacts overall testing time
• An exam scheduled on a day of religious observance
• A student with a serious illness*
• A student with a personal or family emergency

Students may submit an online request and may need to provide documentation in some cases. The online request form is typically available after the 8^th week of class in fall and spring terms or the 3^rd day of class in summer terms. To discuss a specific situation or seek clarification about the policy, students should visit drop-in advising.

*Students who are seriously ill during the time of their final exams should consult Campus Health Services (CHS) or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) about having their names entered on the Examination Excuse List (formerly known as the Infirmary List). Students on this list may obtain an official exam excuse from UNC Advising via the online request form or from the Office of the University Registrar.

If students are treated at CHS or CAPS but do not appear on the Examination Excuse List, or they are not treated at CHS or CAPS, they may submit a request via the online form and should include documentation.

Students are expected to complete their undergraduate degree in a maximum of eight semesters* of full-time enrollment at UNC, excluding summer terms. If you need to request an additional semester due to extenuating circumstances, you must fill out the Additional Semester Appeal Form.

Appeal reasons that are usually approved:

• You have not yet met minimum requirements for degree completion (120 hours earned, 2.0 GPA, and completion of one major)
• You are participating in a UNC-endorsed program that requires undergraduate status
• You must retake a course required for graduation that was failed in the final semester

Appeal reasons that are usually NOT approved:

• Sole purpose of completing multiple areas of study (i.e. a second major and minor or two minors)
• Raising a grade point average
• Taking prerequisites for graduate or professional school
• Taking courses related to employment
• Changing major from BA to BS degree
• Completing degree requirements on campus in a fall or spring semester when there are readily available alternatives via summer sessions or online courses

This is not an exhaustive list of reasons for approval or denial; appeals are taken on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about whether you are eligible for an additional semester, please meet with your assigned academic advisor. Decisions will be based on UNC Academic Policy and our shared commitment support your degree completion.

*Transfer students who transfer in the UNC-Chapel Hill equivalent of two or more semesters (24+ hours) may automatically enroll in up to 10 semesters and complete up to three areas of study (i.e. a second major and a minor or two minors) without permission.