Testing Modifications for Foreign Students

St. Thomas University College of Law encourages applicants from other countries for all of its degree programs. All courses at the College of Law are taught in English, all admitted students are expected to be proficient in the English language. However, certain testing modifications are available to qualified foreign students to assist them in adjusting to the rigors of law study in the United States. Although testing accommodations for foreign students is not considered a disability accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act in accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504, as amended).

Eligibility: The Assistant Dean may grant a testing modification, within his or her discretion, to a foreign law student who has difficulties with the English language. In usual cases, to receive the testing modification a foreign student cannot:

a. be a native speaker of the English language;
b. have lived in an English-speaking country for five years or more, whether consecutive or not;
c. have attended an English-language high school or university for at least one academic year; or
d. have earned a degree with a major in the English language at a university.

Although the Assistant Dean may grant a testing modification to a foreign law student who does not meet the eligibility requirements, exceptions will be granted only in extraordinary circumstances. In making these determinations, the Assistant Dean may consult with individuals within or outside St. Thomas University who specialize in linguistics or other fields.

Testing Modifications: The typical testing modification for an eligible foreign student is as follows:

First fall, spring, and summer (if applicable): 50% additional time.
Remaining semesters: no testing modification.
These modifications apply only to midterms and finals for first-year classes administered through the College of Law Registrar’s office.
These modifications do not apply to:

• Papers or projects that are due on a date certain
• In-class quizzes or assessments
• Take home exams

Procedure: A student seeking a testing modification under this policy should complete the form “Request for Testing Modification(s) for a Foreign Student”, it must be submitted to the Assistant Dean no later than the second Friday in September.