Foreign Language
In accordance with the State University of New York's policy on Foreign Language Students will demonstrate:
- Basic proficiency in the understanding and use of a foreign language.
- Knowledge of the distinctive features of culture(s) associated with the language they are studying,
and with SUNY Geneseo's mission as a public liberal arts college, the college requires competency in a foreign language for all students through the 102 level.
New York State neither waives, nor allows substitutions for, the foreign language requirement for students pursuing NYS teacher certification. SUNY Geneseo supports this decision by the state and feels that it is equally important for all Geneseo students, including students who were exempted from foreign language in high school due to a disability, to develop a depth of understanding of non-English speaking peoples and their language that cannot be achieved solely through taking courses in foreign cultures.
This decision was made with due deliberation and serious consideration of the burden this may place on students, especially students with auditory or learning disabilities. We also recognize that some students with disabilities may need support in completing the requirement, and, therefore, SUNY Geneseo is willing to provide such support for students with documentation that evidences a language-based disability that may interfere with success in foreign language.
There are a number of ways for a student to satisfy the requirement. Please speak with an advisor in the Office of the Dean to further investigate the different available options.