CSU joins S.C. Seal of Biliteracy program

Charleston Southern University is now the fourth university in South Carolina to recognize the S.C. Seal of Biliteracy in awarding placement and credit for language study.

Charleston Southern recognizes Spanish and French credit when assessing placement of incoming students. Entering students with a 3.0 ELA GPA or higher and at least an intermediate midlevel proficiency in Spanish or French are eligible for the S.C. Seal of Biliteracy. 

Eligible students will benefit from cost savings and will be able to complete majors and minors more quickly.

Dr. Hannah Sullivan, chair of the CSU Department of Languages, said, “Our new Seal of Biliteracy policy allows us to reward students for putting in the effort to gain proficiency in Spanish and French before coming to college. We also hope that honoring the S.C. Seal of Biliteracy will encourage students to begin working on Spanish and French majors and minors very early in their college career. We want students to build on what they already know, so we can foster greater proficiency and remove obstacles toward completing language majors and minors.”

Dr. Rocío Zalba, of the South Carolina Department of Education, said, “We all know that language proficiency and intercultural competence is a K-16 journey and beyond. The research has found that recognizing the seal tends to motivate students to continue with language study beyond high school.” 

The nationally recognized credential is granted by the South Carolina Department of Education to certify a student’s high proficiency in English and at least one other world language.For more information, visit charlestonsouthern.edu/academics/registrar/transfer-credit/.

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