Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the
UW-Whitewater Foreign Language Policy

1. Are the tests required?

Yes, if the student intends to continue in the language (French, German, Spanish). Students of Arabic, Chinese or Japanese should contact the instructor of the course for placement information. Native speakers should contact the Foreign Language Coordinator regarding placement. Tests are not required for the student to be exempted from the BA university language requirement.

2. Are the placement decisions binding?

Yes. If a student believes s/he has been misplaced on the basis of the placement test, s/he should talk to the Foreign Language Coordinator. Upon consultation, the student can be moved one level higher or one level lower than the one into which s/he was placed by the test.

          3.     Do students receive credit for taking the test?

No. The tests are for placement only. However, if the student completes his or her first university level foreign language course with an A or a B, s/he will receive credit for that course plus retro credits for the previous courses. For example, if a student completes F251 (3rd semester, 4 credits) with an A or B, the student earns 4 credits for that course plus eight retro credits (4 each for F141 and F142). Maximum of 16 retro credits per language.

           4.    What is the policy on AP scores?

A score of 3 on the AP test gives credit for 252 (fourth semester FL study). A score of 4 or 5 on the AP test gives the student credit for 321 (fifth semester FL study). If the student wants retro credit, s/he must take the next higher course and receive a B or better to get credit for courses preceding the one with which the AP score is associated

5. If a student took an AP test in French, German or Spanish, should s/he still take the placement test?

Yes. However, if the AP score is 3 or better and indicates a higher placement, the AP score takes precedence. If the AP score is 1 or 2, the placement test score determines placement. The student must request that his/her AP scores be sent to the Testing Office at UW-Whitewater; this does not happen automatically. Once they arrive, the student should note if the placement conflicts with the course for which the student may have already registered. See the Foreign Language Coordinator if there are problems.

6. How do I get additional information about placement testing at UW-Whitewater?

                    Contact: Peter Hoff, Foreign Language Coordinator
                    Department of Languages and Literatures
                    Heide Hall 462
                    Whitewater, WI 53190
                    (262) 472-1591 or 472-1033
                    hoffp@uww.edu