Military Waiver – Global Perspectives Requirement

This was formerly the AALAME requirement.

Cleveland State University offers a waiver for the Global Perspectives requirement—formerly known as the AALAME (Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Middle East) requirement—within the General Education curriculum. This waiver applies to eligible students with qualifying U.S. military service abroad.

Apply below.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the waiver, students must meet both of the following conditions:

1. 1. Completed at least 180 consecutive days of active-duty military service on foreign soil, in any international region (not limited to AALAME).
2. 2. Had meaningful, sustained engagement with the local population and culture during that service—beyond base operations or transit alone.

Note for students with older degree maps: If your catalog year references the AALAME requirement, this waiver still applies. The Global Perspectives course now serves the same curricular function under the updated General Education framework.

Reminder: This waiver covers only the Global Perspectives overlay. Students are still required to complete:
- Two (2) approved Arts & Humanities GenEd courses
- Two (2) approved Social Sciences GenEd courses

Purpose of the Waiver

The Global Perspectives requirement is designed to help students gain awareness of non-U.S. cultures and worldviews. For veterans who have spent extended time deployed abroad, the lived cultural immersion often provides learning outcomes equivalent to or beyond what a course might offer.

This waiver acknowledges and honors that experience—while also supporting greater flexibility for transfer and military-affiliated students.

How to Apply

Students must submit the following materials:

1. Online Waiver Application Form
2. Copy of your DD-214 that clearly shows dates and locations of foreign service
3. A one-page written statement responding to both questions below:
   1. What interactions did you have with local populations during your deployment(s)? Be as specific as possible.
   2. What cultural experiences did you have abroad, and what did you learn from them?

Submit the Application Materials HERE

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by the Director of Military Outreach and Prior Learning Assessment. If approved, the waiver will be recorded in your academic file. If denied, you’ll receive written feedback outlining the decision and next steps.

Questions or Help?

Please contact:
vabenefits@csuoho.edu