Course Substitutions

Colorado College recognizes that as a result of disability, some students may be unable to satisfy specific coursework typically required for degree completion. Therefore, qualified students with disabilities may request that appropriate course substitutions be considered.

The Accessibility Resources staff, in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of the College, the Registrar's Office, and appropriate faculty and staff, will review such requests on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility and to reasonably accommodate qualified students with alternative coursework that will satisfactorily fulfill the appropriate degree requirement.

Students should follow the steps below to request a course substitution:

  • Complete the Request for Course Substitution Form, which can be obtained from Accessibility Resources.
  • As appropriate, provide Accessibility Resources with complete and current documentation of disability. The documentation must include verification of disability, evidence of a disability-related need for the substitution, and justification for regarding the request as reasonable. Please refer to the documentation guidelines.
  • Provide Accessibility Resources with a history of any previous attempts to complete the coursework in question, including high school and/or college transcripts as appropriate.
  • Meet with a member of the Accessibility Resources staff to discuss the request and review the documentation.

Note: It is the student's responsibility to consult with the appropriate academic advisor(s) to determine the impact of a course substitution on the student's program of study/graduation requirements. The substitution should not substantially alter an essential element of the student's program of study, including requirements for majors and minors.

Once Accessibility Resources has received the student's request, the following actions will be taken:

  • Accessibility Resources will review the student's request. The Office of the Dean of the College, the Registrar's Office, and appropriate faculty and staff may be consulted.
  • Accessibility Resources will notify the student of the decision to grant or deny the request.
  • If denied, the student will be provided with a rationale for the denial. The student can appeal the denial via the Student Disability Appeal Policy and Procedure.
  • If the substitution is approved, Accessibility Resources will discuss course options for the substitution with the student.
  • Accessibility Resources will consult with the Dean of the College who gives final approval of courses that may be used for the substitution; Accessibility Resources will update the student on approved courses.
  • The student should notify Accessibility Resources when approved courses are completed.
  • If the course(s) are completed with a grade of C- or higher or an S, Accessibility Resources will notify the Registrar's Office so the student's degree progress can be updated.

For additional information on course substitutions or other accommodations and services, please contact Accessibility Resources.

Report an issue - Last updated: 07/29/2022