Gallaudet University
Who We Are
Our Work
Overview
News & Stories
Oct 4, 2024
Upcoming Events
October 8, 2024
October 10, 2024
University Wide Events
No Communication Compromises
Areas of Study
Schools
Programs
Changing the world
Research
Community & Innovation
Research Experiences & Services
Our Global Presence
Global at Home
Global Learning For All
Global Engagement
Your Journey Starts Here
Admissions
Financial Aid
Explore Our Campus
Connect
Discover
Influence
Directories
Popular Keywords
Explore
Quick Links
Gallaudet University is a place that many call home, because here, you always come first in your education and in your journey.
Your experience here is like no other university, where your peers and professors are just like you, and you can connect with others who communicate just like you. Discover a world of opportunity and growth here — choose Gallaudet!
[Start Video Transcript]
hi
i’m caldwell university and
i’m acme university um i didn’t catch
that
it would help if you had an interpreter
huh
[Music]
all right hang on
hola great the interpreter’s here
as i was saying i’m acme it’s nice to
meet you
no no i didn’t mean a spanish
interpreter i meant an asl
interpreter
um wait why i
look i got one on here okay anyways no
no just stop that’s a video relay
service system that’s for phone calls it
has to be either a person interpreter or
a vri oh
there’s a difference between vrs and vri
really
you
[End Video Transcript]
i’m gals at university hello i’m acme
university
oh no no i am the interpreter
you have to talk and look at her i will
facilitate between youtube
and interpret okay go ahead uh hello i’m
acme university
so could you tell her that will be seems
this will take a while for him to get
used to working with an interpreter yes
he has no idea
what
Dealing with accommodations can be clunky and frustrating. Deaf/hard of hearing/deafblind people deserve a dignified and equitable experience, which many promise but don’t always deliver…
GU: Hi! I’m Gallaudet University!
ACME: I’m ACME University.
ACME: (points to the captioning text for GU to look at) How do you like that!?
GU: (thumbs up) Where’s the interpreter?
ACME: Oh, that’s a funny story to tell you. Um, it turns out having an interpreter is pretty expensive.
ACME: But, captioning is affordable so we’ve replaced it. Don’t worry, we’re still accessible.
GU: Did you know that it’s my right to have an interpreter?
ACME: (Confused. Looks at video director, behind the camera to confirm if GU is correct about it)
DIRECTOR: (Holds a script and looks at ACME) Yes!
ACME: Look! Why is my captioning all scrambled up?
GU: Yeah, that happens sometimes. So, interpreter?
ACME: (chuckles) Look, we all are understanding each other just fine!
No stress! Best of Both worlds in American Sign Language (ASL) and English! So many Accessible Choices!
GU: I am Gallaudet University.
ACME: I am ACME University.
GU: So, it looks like we’re stuck with captioning for now.
ACME: Yeah. After all, everything is in English anyway. No need to have someone to gesture it for us.
GU: No, did you know that ASL is actually a language– American Sign Language?
GU: It has complexity, structure, syntax, even expressed with facial expressions
ACME: Well, ASL isn’t recognized everywhere..I don’t think? (laughs awkwardly)
ACME: I see. We offer ASL as one of our foreign language courses.
GU: Perfect, take the class then?
GU: Maybe save some money?
**Please understand and respect that while ASL is a true language, learn only from the ASL experts.**
GU: Here at Gallaudet, you experience complete bilingual education by interacting with peers and professors 24/7 directly in American Sign Language and English.
ACME: We do have foreign language courses and minors. You know Spanish, French, and such.
GU: Right, same, we have these too. I think you’re missing my point; we are a bilingual university.
ACME: So, does that make us a “multilingual” university with all of those foreign languages we offer?
GU: What? No.
ACME: Alright. I got it now.
ACME: You make this 24/7 experience, and we’re like 1/7.
GU: How’s that any better?
ACME: We believe in not stressing out our students in exposing both languages all the time.
Why limit yourself in a one sided (language) university when you can expand your horizon in an immersed bilingual university!
GU: (looks at laptop, signs “finish”)
GU: (looks at ACME’s laptop)
GU: Let’s find out how their social life is over there!
GU: (taps ACME on shoulder)
GU: Got any friends I could sign hello to?
ACME: (thumbs-up)
ACME: We chat all the time! This friend, fedora_the_explorer…
ACME: …hilarious!
ACME: (types on laptop)
GU: (taps ACME on shoulder) Meet my friends.
GU: (shows laptop– a zoom conference call, all screens showing their faces, and waving).
ACME: Oh, hi!
GU: Can I sign hello at your friends?
ACME: (thumbs up)
ACME: One second.
GU: Perfect.
GU: This is Chris, Ally, and Jamal.
ACME: (waves at GU’s friends on laptop)
GU: (points at ACME’s laptop) Introduce me to your friends?
ACME: (laughs)
ACME: Look at this cool username…
ACME: …Avocadorable!
GU: (signs ‘cute’)
GU: Hi! I am Gallaudet University.
GU: (taps ACME on shoulder) We are about to start our first class! (points at laptop)
ACME: Yeah! We are excited to meet our professor & classmates.
ACME: you ready? (thumbs up)
GU: You betcha! (thumbs up)
BOTH: (looks at camera and shows thumbs up)
BOTH: (looks at laptop at their online class)
ACME: Umm. That’s quite a class! Whoa!
GU: Hey! Perfect! My favorite professor!
GU: (signs to professor virtually) How are you?!
ACME: (looks over to GU’s screen) ha.
ACME: (taps GU’s shoulder) What’s going on?
GU: (looks at ACME) What are you talking about?
ACME: (points to laptop) Look, over 300 students in my class!
GU: (points to laptop) Just six of us… perfect!
ACME: SIX!?
ACME: (exaggerated hand wave in air)
BOTH: (looking at their virtual class on laptop)
GU: (looks at laptop) Good point!
GU: What a great discussion!
ACME: My argument in the comments is about to come up! Um, you know if it gets noticed, ha.
ACME: That’s how we’re being academically challenged!
ACME: (yawns)
Transcript Needed
ACME: Hiya. I am ACME University.
ACME: How’s your group project going?
GU: GREAT! Hang on! (pulls out phone and starts typing)
ACME: (Reads GU’s text bubbles, pulls out phone to type)
GU: (Reading ACME’s text bubbles, gets horrified and gets ACME’s attention in what he typed)
ACME: Right right. (Goes back to texting)
ACME: (looks dazed)
GU: So, how was the group meeting? (waves in ACME’s face)
ACME: (snaps out of daze) Great great. Four hours long!
GU: Let me guess, no interpreter?
ACME: Everyone was involved! Alright?!
While we appreciate the efforts of access to education at other universities, as deaf/hard of hearing experts, we know the best access to our education is direct communication.
GU: Hi everyone! I am Gallaudet University.
ACME: (looks at three monitors)
GU: (taps ACME on shoulder) What are you doing?
ACME: I’m testing these accommodations for our students. I’ve figured it out!
ACME: (points to a screen) This one is for an interpreter to call in…
ACME: …this class I am accommodating…
ACME: …and this one is for captioning.
GU: Nice! Are you meeting these accommodations all by yourself?
GU: I just email my professor about what I need for my class whether it’s to have an interpreter,
GU: CART (Communication Access Remote Translation),
GU: or a notetaker. My professor will meet my accommodation requests promptly.
ACME: (laughs) That’s funny.
ACME: Yeah, right, as if our professors will know exactly what we need and where to get this type of support.
ACME: (signs “crazy”)
BOTH: (ACME looking at all 3 monitors at a rapid speed while GU focusing on one)
GU: Good point, yeah.
ACME: (continues to look at all 3 monitors at a rapid speed)
GU: Whoa! Now, what are you doing?!
ACME: (looks up at GU) Trying to not miss out the info!
GU: (laughs) I need to video this! (pulls out phone)
Because we know how important it is to receive a good education with preferred accommodations, we set up an office just for that! The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD) is ready to work with you!
GU: Welcome! I am Gallaudet University.
ACME: Ahem. I am ACME University.
GU: Hey ACME, how’s your college life going?
ACME: Splendidly well! (looks at GU then to camera and winks).
GU: Me too! I gotta roll. I have an LSU (Latinx Student Union) event starting in a few mins.
ACME: (confused) LSU event? How?
GU: Yeah! We meet online/virtually every Friday.
GU: We are hosting a big online fundraising event next week, been planning for a while now.
ACME: … You got to be more direct with your questions;
ACME: I didn’t know you were asking about “virtual” campus life!
ACME: (dances with his phone front facing him)
GU: (taps ACME on shoulder) Sup?
ACME: Just trying to get this virtual thing going on, perhaps start a trend and get connected, you know…? (continues to dance holding the phone)
GU: (holds hand up to block view of ACME dancing)
No matter how we interact, nothing changes for us at Gallaudet, we understand and embrace the personal connections, even virtually.
ACME: (points to chest with both thumbs) I am ACME University!
GU: It is a great time for our students to get started on applying and getting interviews for our campus jobs.
ACME: Yeah! Our student jobs are quickly filling up.
BOTH: (high-five each other but miss)
BOTH: (high-five each other again and succeed)
GU: Every year, we have over 400+ job opportunities for our students.
GU: I was once a student employee at CA (Campus Activities). Loved it!
ACME: That was great of them to hire you when you’re hearing impaired.
ACME: I mean, deaf.
GU: (looks puzzled) Yes of course?
ACME: Must have cost a fortune for GU to hire interpreters or include that captioning thingy at your work.
ACME: Wow, that’s a lot of money! (chuckles)
GU: Seriously?
GU: Like I said, our jobs are available for our students, come one and come all.
ACME: Be careful. You don’t want to financially hurt your school.
GU: (shakes head’ whatever’ and walks away)
GU: Hello, I am Gallaudet University.
ACME: Hi, I am ACME University.
GU: We offer +400 fabulous work opportunities
GU: PLUS our tuition is also almost 40% cheaper than an average university!
GU: You get more value by coming here!
ACME: Ahem. Nice nice.
ACME: So…
ACME: …tell me more about your scholarship options that can be dispersed based on merit and qualifications?
ACME: Compared to big universities like me, Heh.
GU: Well, that’s true.
ACME: (looks at the camera) There you go!
ACME: We save more money for you!
GU: However, our endowment is reserved for our 1,200 undergraduate students,
GU: Meaning EACH student can qualify up to approximately $80,000
GU: through many channels, for example:
GU: grants
GU: scholarships
GU: work-study!
GU: Can’t beat that!
ACME: Well, we have like 25,000 students and they…
ACME: Um, let me calculate that.
ACME: (pulls out calculator and starts tapping while GU looks over shoulder)
ACME: (continues tapping on calculator with smoke coming out after overusing it)
GU: (taps ACME on shoulder) Well?
ACME: My calculator broke– it was overwhelmed with the savings. (puts calculator in pocket)
ACME: Umm, I know we can offer more!
GU: Really, it broke.
ACME: So, I got this letter from Financial Aid, I don’t understand the letter.
ACME: (shrugs shoulders)
GU: I got the same letter, too.
GU: look (shows the same letter)
ACME: Alright, we got something in common then.
ACME: (tries to fist bump GU, but GU doesn’t engage)
GU: It’s better to call the Financial Aid and find what’s up.
ACME: Great idea. I have them on my speed dial.
BOTH: (pull out phone from back pocket)
GU: (looking at phone) Hello! My name is Daniella.
GU: I got a letter from you recently. Do you mind explaining? I don’t understand the letter.
ACME: (talking on phone, nodding head)
BOTH: ACME (Speaks & Interacts) GU (Signs & Interacts)
BOTH: (conclude conversation and put phone in back pocket)
BOTH: (ACME speaks while GU signs) Got the answers I needed!
ACME: So, I saw you called and talked with them directly.
ACME: That’s pretty neat. We can offer the same.
GU: Yeah? I’m curious! Show me!
ACME: (holds finger up, just a moment)
ACME: (Pulls out a old dusty TTY, blows off the dust)
ACME: Huh? How about that?
GU: Sure, that’s one way to have direct communication.
GU: Oh WOW! I haven’t seen these since 1985! That’s so old school!
ACME: We just got this like two years ago… Literally brand new.
GU: sksksksk (stop keying)
GU: Hi, I am Gallaudet University. (wearing a mask)
ACME: Hello, I am ACME University. (wearing a mask)
ACME: I’m sure you agree, that our priority is your safety.
GU: Yup. Agreed. Let’s all stay safe and wear masks.
GU: Oh, we have an emergency assembly in 10 minutes.
ACME: I’ll be sure to take some notes for you to read later on.
GU: What do you mean?
ACME: Our University President isn’t deaf and does not sign. I doubt that an interpreter has been arranged.
GU: But… this an emergency!
ACME: I’m sure someone will be recording this and post in maybe 24 hours for you to watch with captions later on?
ACME: Gotta go! (walks away)
GU: What!?
GU: Well?
ACME: You have a deaf president, but we perfected our accessibility process to get that assembly information to you…later.
While it is important to know the emergency steps to take care of yourself, the deaf/hard of hearing population shouldn’t be left in the unknown because the techniques to make the information accessible were not prepared beforehand.
ACME: (looks over to his peer leader) This is my Peer Leader.
ACME: She’s awesome!
ACME PEER LEADER: (waves to camera and spells awkwardly) Hello I’m a PeEr LeAdEr (thumbs up)
GU and GU Peer Leader: (cheering)
GU: Hey! Meet my PL!
GU PEER LEADER: Hello! What’s up?
ACME PEER LEADER: (over emphasized speaking to ACME) What did they say?
ACME: Ahem. (points to the captioning) Just look at the captions.
ACME PEER LEADER: But that won’t be available in real life.
GU and GU PEER LEADER: Dang. True!
ACME: Just play it along…. (whispers in her ear)
ACME PEER LEADER: Oh, wait! I got this.
ACME PEER LEADER: wHaTs Up? (thumbs up)
GU: All good! I appreciate my PL is always available to support me whenever I need it!
GU: (Looking at GPL) thank you!
GU PEER LEADER: Of course! I’m always here! (fist bumps with GU)
ACME PEER LEADER: (speaking to ACME) What did they say?
ACME: (whispers in her ear)
Gallaudet is making a point showing the contrast between having a direct connection with Peer Leaders than with an interpreter as a 3rd party. This video is a fictional creation of showing said contrast.
ACME: Okay…
ACME: …Let’s stop arguing here. Alright?
GU: I thought we were having a healthy discussion, but okay.
ACME: (chuckles)
ACME: Okay, let’s find something that we both can agree on.
ACME: Our academics are way superior compared to yours. Right?
GU: Same here. We offer beyond 100% full and comprehensive academic experience.
ACME: How so?
GU: Everything’s direct here.
GU: Our information we receive directly is always ready.
GU: Your way, information is not ready yet, and is interpreted many times.
GU: Valuable information could get lost in translation.
ACME: … Well…
ACME: …the harder/challenging it is…
ACME: …the more bang for your buck!
GU: How about campus life? Athletics?
GU: Is it a 100% inclusive experience for them?
ACME: Again, like I mentioned before…
ACME: the harder…
ACME: …the better!
For us deaf/hard of hearing students, we may feel we get our education’s worth by having direct communication accommodations furthering our full academic experience.
GU: Hey. I am Gallaudet University.
ACME: Hello. I am ACME University.
GU: (taps ACME on shoulder) I’ve got my pal here; 2nd year GU student here, Brittany.
GU STUDENT: (carrying a neat folder) Hey there!
ACME: I got a friend, too.
ACME: Here is my friend…(turns around to introduce friend, but no one there)
ACME: (looks back at GU and GU friend) …just one moment.
ACME: (calls out his student, out of the screen)
ACME STUDENT: (Runs in–out of breath, sweaty, carrying an overflowing backpack with papers falling everywhere)
ACME: Are you alright?
ACME STUDENT: (looking at ACME) I’m fine.
ACME STUDENT: (waves to the camera) Schooling here is pretty tough and I’m having a hard time managing my schedule.
GU STUDENT: (gets ACME STUDENT’s attention) Same here!
GU: (hands ACME STUDENT a handkerchief)
ACME STUDENT: Thank you! (Wipes forehead and armpit)
GU: (looks at GU student) You good?
GU STUDENT: Yup. Got hooked up with my academic advisor last week and communication was direct, with ease.
GU: Great!
ACME: Let’s get in touch with your advisor. Lemme find your info.
ACME: (pulls out phone)
ACME: (presses buttons on phone)
ACME: (looks at ACME STUDENT) I think I found you.
ACME: #67459258457203?
ACME: That’s you, right?
ACME STUDENT: (looks at ACME) Yes.
ACME: Found you! (puts phone in pocket)
GU: (Taps ACME) Don’t you want to know his name?
ACME: (looks at the camera, chuckles awkwardly.) Numbers are optimal to life’s successes!
GU: (tells ACME STUDENT to go behind ACME’s back) What’s your name?
ACME STUDENT: (with a smile) Lance.
Most, if not all, universities assign a student number to keep track of students’ academic journey from enrollment to graduation. We acknowledge the importance of this number but we have an unique way of connecting with students, by their sign names.
ACME: (looks at GU) See behind me? That’s things that you cannot compete with me on.
GU: (looking behind ACME and waving)
GU: Do you have access to….
GU: …free museums?
ACME: (#5 poof! disappears)
GU: What about…
GU: all professional sports teams?
ACME: (#4 poof! disappears)
GU: WOAH!
GU: (looking at ACME) Ooh, getting nervous now!
ACME: (looks frustrated)
GU: Do you have access to a ton of transportation options…
GU: …for example, bus, train, metro…the airport!
ACME: (#3 poof! disappears)
GU: (laughs)
GU: Are you associated with other universities for work, school related purposes?
ACME: (#2 poof! disappears)
ACME: (looks at GU and begs to stop)
GU: (looks smug)
ACME: (looks down at himself)
ACME: Well, I’m still here!
GU: Cute.
GU: Do you have a Signing Starbucks?
ACME: (eyes wide and *Poof*)
GU: Hello, I’m Gallaudet University.
ACME: Hello, I’m ACME University.
GU: Since he is still learning all of this with me, I’m curious to quiz your knowledge (looks at ACME).
ACME: Me, learning? We’ve been on the same page since day one.
ACME: but go ahead.
GU: (smiles) OK! What are you doing to jumpstart those incoming first-year and transfer deaf/hard of hearing students who don’t sign?
GU: (looks at ACME) what do you do?
ACME: I know this one!
ACME: We’ll simply provide an ASL Interpreter!
GU: Wow. I’m surprised he didn’t mention captioning. Good job!
GU: (taps ACME) Did you know we provide a program called “JumpStart” signed “J-S”
GU: It focuses on those students who have not learned ASL, it immerses them in ASL and the Deaf Culture.
GU: (looks at ACME) cool, right?
ACME: Wow, that’s new. Good thing we have a captioning option! Again, it’s handy all around.
GU: That’s not the same.
GU: Hiya, we are Gallaudet University.
ACME: Hi, I’m ACME University. (GU Interpreter signs what ACME says)
ACME: Umm, who are they?
GU Interpreter: (signing what ACME says) GU will share.
GU: Oh, that’s Eli, he’s a first-year student. He’s hard of hearing, and he’s still learning how to sign!
GU: (looks at Eli) How’s that going?
GU HH STUDENT: Awesome! I love Gallaudet! (signs Gallaudet wrong)
GU: Oh, Eli, Let me show you how to sign Gallaudet. (Shows Eli the correct sign for Gallaudet)
GU HH STUDENT: Oh Oh! Gallaudet! (signs correctly)
GU: Right!
ACME: Hey hey. What’s the sign for ACME? (GU Interpreter signs what ACME says)
GU, GU HH STUDENT & GU INTERPRETER:…
ACME: I got it. Here’s the sign for ACME University.
ACME: Here it goes…. (signs something ridiculous)
GU HH STUDENT: (waves at ACME) Wanna borrow my interpreter?
GU Interpreter: (looks shocked) me!?
GU: Hi, I’m Gallaudet University.
GU: (taps ACME) I am super excited!
ACME: What are you excited about?
GU: We were just awarded R2! (confetti comes out from top)
ACME: What? Is that like…(imitates robot)
GU: (laughs) no!
GU: Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning recognize us as a High Research university! That’s good!
ACME: That’s pretty good…I guess.
GU: Yeah! Definitely! And Carnegie also recognize us as a nationwide university.
ACME: I’m sorry I didn’t catch that. The captions got scrambled up.
CAPTIONER: [Text: ..scrambled up.. [Agent here. Sorry to interrupt you, but nothing was scrambled up. Would you like me to read back up for you?]
ACME: Huh, no thanks.
ACME: I’m sure they hand out those awards all the time. No biggie.
GU: Only 135 out of 4,298 institutions get this award.
GU: Where’s ACME on the list?
ACME: (imitating a robot)
GU: Hola, I am Gallaudet University.
ACME: Bonjour, I am ACME University.
ACME: Hey GU, watch this.
ACME: (speaks in French…)
ACME: I bet you cannot speak this (Spanish), since you only can “speak” in ASL.
GU: Really? Watch this.
GU: [signs in South Korean (KSL), Mexican (LSM), and French (LSF)]
ACME: Um.. Is it me or is the captioning broken again?
GU: No.
ACME: Really?! Over 300 Sign Languages?
GU: Don’t know ASL and American culture?
GU: Don’t worry! We welcome all international students!
GU: This is your home, too!
ACME: All students?…wow!
GU: (wearing a mask) Hey, I’m Gallaudet University.
ACME: (wearing a mask) I’m ACME University.
GU: Hold a second, Let’s make sure we are social distancing.
BOTH: (move further apart and take masks off).
GU: Whoa, new look! Beard and longer hair! What’s going on?
ACME: Yeah, you know, with the pandemic, it has been hard to get a haircut. I’m actually groovin’ with this new look to stay in touch with the youth!
GU: Umm, alright, keep grooving!
ACME: Yeah!! OHH! You know what! I can’t believe I didn’t mention this…
ACME: We have a deaf university here at ACME!
ACME: We have an ACME University… FOR… THE… DEAF!
GU: Whoa, take it easy on that emphasis.
GU: Whoo! Sister University! Same!
GU: Does that mean you also offer BA, MA, PhD programs like here at Gallaudet?!
ACME: Well, not all of them.
ACME: You see, most have to be admitted at ACME for the deaf first, then apply for ACME University to be eligible for our achievements.
GU: Oh…okay.
GU: I see, you mean deaf students go to ACME for the deaf for 2 years then start at ACME University?
ACME: Yup…just for 2 years for most. But, technically, not all of them…
ACME: …as you know, we believe in keeping our students academically challenged!
GU: I think you need to think about what you just said.
ACME: (looks puzzled).
GU: Hi! I’m Gallaudet University (Interpreter voices what she said).
ACME: I’m ACME University (Interpreter signs what he said).
ACME: I would like to introduce Barry, our interpreter. (Barry signing what he said).
ACME: I will share the reasons why Barry is CHAMP! He’s certified…(Barry signing what he said).
ACME: …5 years of experience… (Barry signing what he said).
ACME: …he knows universal signing…. (Barry signing what he said).
ACME: …and so much more! (Barry signing what he said).
GU: Wow! That’s impressive! (Barry voicing what she signed).
BARRY: (looks at GU) Watch this.
BARRY: (signing at a rapid speed).
GU and ACME: (waving the fire/smoke coming out of Barry).
GU: Amazing! Any student would be lucky to have you! (Barry voicing what she signed).
ACME: I fully agree! Students coming here would be receiving full access to information! (Barry signing what he said.)
ACME: Barry, do you enjoy working here? (Barry signing what he said).
BARRY: Oh yeah! I love working here at ACME University!
BARRY: My schedule is so busy!
BARRY: The community loves me! I have so many contracts that I go work at.
BARRY: But, here at ACME University, I come maybe once or twice a month.
GU: Hold up. What about classes that may need your services? (Barry voicing what she signed).
GU: Do you have a line of phenomenal interpreters ready? (Barry voicing what she signed).
ACME: Yeah! They are just as awesome as Barry!
BARRY: (side conversation with GU) That’s not true, out of the group of interpreters, I’m the only one qualified.
BARRY: (taps ACME) I really should leave, but I will give you one more class.
BARRY: But, the students must come visit me at ASL night for coffee chat in ASL.
BARRY: When I show up, they look up to me!
AMCE: Perfect! That really lines up with the college life experience! (Barry signing what he said).
GU: (shakes head in disapproval).
GU: Hello, I’m Gallaudet (in GU Football Jersey)
ACME: Hello, I’m ACME (in ACME spirit-wear)
GU: Let’s go Bison! (Starts to sign Bison Song)
ACME: Whoa. This is pretty neat. (Pulls out his phone to film.)
GU: (continues to sign the Bison song)
ACME: So, what are you doing exactly?
GU: Of course, signing our school song!
ACME: (looks puzzled) Aren’t you guys deaf?
ACME: So, you follow the beats…
ACME: …how are you able to know the words?
GU: Time-out! Stay.
GU: (walks closer to camera while ACME stays frozen to the spot)
GU: (points thumb at ACME) Funny!
GU: Always explaining to ACME, a hearing university, about deaf experiencing college life.
GU: ACME does not fully understand.
GU: We finished filming the promotion…
GU: Gallaudet
GU: ACME
GU: there’s no comparison.
GU: You know where you want to go.
GU: Gallaudet! That. (walks off camera)
ACME: (still standing frozen in spot, lights dim and then go off.)
At Gallaudet University, we know that one size does not fit all. Our light-hearted and occasionally comical #ChooseGallaudet campaign showcases how Gallaudet can customize your learning experience in ways that other schools can not.
At other universities, often you may face challenges in acquiring accommodations in their education. Like ACME, many universities struggle with hiring qualified interpreters, scheduling appropriately, and often, the burden of educating others and when arranging accommodation falls on you, diminishing the spontaneity and freedom of a true college experience.
At Gallaudet University, you’re all set. Thanks to our in-house interpreting agency, we’re ready to support you in a variety of ways, from pro-tactile interpreting for deafblind students, to voice interpreting for emerging signers. Best of all, our staff and faculty can directly engage with you in our American Sign Language (ASL) – rich environment and arrange accommodations without any headaches!
Did you know that there are many ways to make interactions with deaf and hard of hearing people successful?
Certified ASL Interpreter: What Does This Mean?Certified American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters are specialized and trained to facilitate the interaction between deaf/hard of hearing/deafblind individuals and individuals who are hearing. When a deaf person requests an ASL interpreter, it means they communicate through ASL, a visual language, which they,hear with their eyes.
Relay Services: What Does This Mean?With relay services, deaf/hard of hearing people can communicate through:
Tru-Biz Tidbits – One of the most well known slang terms in Deaf Culture, tru-biz stands for “true business” and is similar to “for real” in English slang, which is used to emphasize the actuality of any topic. These tidbits about ASL, Deaf Culture, and Gallaudet University are all indeed tru-biz!
Communication etiquette, especially when using interpreters, is something you may often find yourself explaining to others, over and over.. and over again. ACME is not the first to do this, and won’t be the last- no need to settle for this in your education!
Here at Gallaudet, we cut out the extra steps and aim for easy communication flow everywhere. The stress and frustration of educating others on what you need- gone! Feel at home in a place that understands how to interact with varied communication styles respectfully. No crash-course in etiquette needed!
Tru-Biz
When using an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter in any interaction, there is appropriate etiquette to follow, out of respect for all parties and to ensure ideal communication flow.
The ASL Interpreter is present for the deaf or hard of hearing individual, to facilitate interactions with those who do not use ASL. ASL Interpreters are trained to translate spoken words in ASL to the deaf individual.
Oftentimes, this type of interaction is common:
Hearing: (looking at ASL Interpreter) “Tell her/him I said Hello, how are you?”ASL Interpreter: (looking at Deaf and signing): “Tell her/him, I said Hello, how are you?” Additionally, looking at the interpreter and speaking directly to them instead of the deaf individual is considered impolite.
It is important to look at the deaf individual and speak to their face, because they are the individual you are speaking with. They may not make eye contact because they are focusing on the ASL interpreter, but once the deaf individual begins signing, they most likely will make eye contact.
Through following this appropriate etiquette, you can have a smooth and enjoyable conversation with your deaf and hard of hearing peers!
As a college student at other universities, like ACME, when you are requesting educational accommodations in your preferred mode of communication, the University’s focus tends to be more on costs, trying to stay within budget more than meeting your educational needs. Ultimately, their alternative accommodations may damper your educational journey.
Here at Gallaudet University- you need educational accommodations? Done! Want them in your specific preferences? Done! Want classes where you don’t have to worry if your accommodations will work out? Done! After all, Gallaudet University is where you come first, no matter the cost.
American Sign Language (ASL) is the 3rd most popular language to learn among students. However, it is a common misconception, as you attend a university like ACME, they may assume that ASL represents spoken or written English through gestures and signs. Now, oftentimes, you have to defend and explain how ASL *IS* in fact, a true-biz language with their own grammatical structure and rules!
Don’t you just want to relax, be yourself, and just hang in your communication style? As a Gallaudet student, you can do that! No need for a paper and pen to order your favorite coffee! No need for lengthy pauses when chatting with a new friend! No need feeling left out of social gatherings! You get to express YOU!
To help you understand the complexity of American Sign Language (ASL) here is an example.
English: I hope to attend Gallaudet University in the future to major in Biology.
ASL: Future, Gallaudet University, me go want, Biology major, will.
In both examples, the exact same message is presented in two different grammatical structures. ASL, just like English, has its own grammar, syntax, and structure. One difference that sets the two languages apart is when someone speaking is asking a question or expressing an emotion, the tone in the voice reflects the message.
With ASL, that’s where facial expressions come in handy. When asking questions, it’s all in the eyebrows as well as the tilt of the body. When expressing an emotion it’s the whole face, eyes, body as well as the movement of the signs that represent the tone of the speaker’s message.
Commonly misidentified as just gestures, while ASL does use the hands, there are handshapes, classifiers, repetition, turn-taking, and much more that are critical to the structure of the language. Altogether this makes up the complexity of ASL. Fascinating, right?
When you are a student at other universities, like ACME, and they offer foregin language courses without immersion opportitutes, would you agree that it seems to be one-sided? As a deaf student, if you want to learn about bio-medical equipment, but have to spend more time shifting your eyes back and forth between the teacher and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, is that true-biz learning? Or have to turn down a study group date because no one knows your language, that does not contribute to true learning!
As a student here at Gallaudet, you will have many opportunities to immerse yourself academically and socially in both ASL and English! We guarantee there will be no barriers to face at Gallaudet, additionally, even better- never feel left out! We believe in providing accessible choices, if you want to learn about Psychology, we will teach you DIRECTLY in your chosen method! If you want to join/organize a study group, you can do so with ease knowing everyone in your group can communicate directly! Rest your eyes!
The dictionary definition of being bilingual means a person has the ability to use different languages fluently. Did you know that this also applies to sign language? Through the double use of English and American Sign Language (ASL), the deaf and hard of hearing population are considered bilingual.
To support deaf and hard of hearing students, Gallaudet University is the world’s only university where enrolled students are taught different area subjects using the bilingual approach of ASL and English. Gallaudet calls it “The Bilingual Advantage” listing many benefits of this approach all over campus, whether ordering a sub from nearby shop A. Litteri, to 8:1 class size. Through this approach, every student has communication and language access. Enjoy the ease of communication in our bilingual environment!
Let’s face it, you get tired explaining to people how it helps you to see their faces in order to follow what’s happening. We all agree we need to see expressions on their faces to understand the conversation, right?! As a student at other universities, like ACME, you may be doing more explaining than you’d like. Such as you may need to call through Video Phone (VP) to request accommodations or try to join a Zoom study group, but see they have their cameras off and explain you need to see them in order to understand. Where’s the personal touch for you to ‘see’ them? Due to this, you may lack personal connections that may not last.
No matter what, in person or FaceTime, here at Gallaudet, we know you treasure seeing faces, as it’s the key to your unique connections. Did you know that because you value visual access, we have set up the classrooms to have U-shaped tables to ensure you can see not only the teacher, but your fellow students? It’s truly an *hands waving* eye-opening experience! Rest assured that the personal connections you make at Gallaudet will be with you beyond your educational journey here!
As a cultural aspect, deaf and hard of hearing individuals value face to face interactions. With one or more of our 5 senses reduced, we rely more on the sight sense. Meaning, we use our eyes to understand the world and interact with others.
It is through visual access of other peoples’ faces, that we are able to gather information about the message. For example, looking at their facial expressions – are they asking questions? What emotions are they portraying? Additionally, body language helps us better comprehend the overall message being communicated to us.
All of the above mentioned requires the use of our eyes to visually see the person giving us the message. As well having visual access to their hands when using American Sign Language (ASL). In order to have this visual access, we appreciate and value face-to-face interactions, giving us the whole picture, hence, we do not have empty gaps in the message that we have to quickly fill in the missing pieces.
In conclusion, being able to see face to face is a must for us deaf/hard of hearing people, it greatly reduces the stress of filling in the missing pieces.
As you explore other universities, like ACME, you will discover they may have big classrooms for students where it may be hard for teachers to know your name, but you end up feeling like a statistic. Often as you may have experienced, you, along with other deaf students, will stand out in a big classroom, but for the wrong reasons, such as being known as “That’s the deaf student who has an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter in class.”
Don’t you want to be known for the right reasons? Here at Gallaudet, we not only get it, but we support it by keeping the student to teacher ratio at 8:1! Yep, that’s right! We keep it small for the right reasons, one of them is to know your name! While the smaller classes will give bilingual attention, it also ensures you that from the first day of classes, you WILL be seen and noticed. It’s the reason why we are Ranked #3 “Best Value School.”
It is common knowledge that attending classes at a university, they tend to be big and overflowing with students. For deaf/hard of hearing students, it’s more on their shoulders! They may feel lost in their big classes not knowing what’s happening or embarrassed for standing out with accommodations such as having American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters present in class with them.
At Gallaudet, we get it. We understand. Last thing we want is for you to feel lost, so with you in mind, we created a small class size of 8:1. This way, you are receiving direct bilingual instruction, as well as learning from your fellow classmates. We, at Gallaudet, want our students to excel, not be embarrassed or miss out on important information.
In order to access valuable knowledge in classes, at other universities, like ACME, you need to request educational accommodations. However, don’t you hate it when you need to ask your professor a quick question or clarify class material, but have to coordinate schedules with your American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter to make sure available for your meeting with your professor, just to ask a simple question. Sounds like extra homework that you shouldn’t have!
Here at Gallaudet, we toss out the need to coordinate schedules with ASL interpreters to meet with a professor! With 8:1 ratio, along with guaranteed face-to-face educational accommodations, it’s such a comfort knowing you can gain valuable knowledge from your professors without any additional stress. The only thing to stress about is getting to class on time in a DST environment!
Since face-to-face interactions in the Deaf Culture are valued, At Gallaudet, it is doable to transfer this cultural aspect to academic classes. We have the ability to ask our professor questions, face to face. In return, we get the answers from them in the same method.
With our small class size at Gallaudet of 8:1, we never have what ACME students may experience: frustration at being heard/seen. Through this exceptional aspect of Gallaudet’s class size, our students receive a full and comprehensive academic experience without any communication compromises.
When you are required to join a group to work together on a project, what’s the first thing that comes across your mind? How to get communication access, right? At other universities, like ACME, you may be navigating through so many avenues such as making sure American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter schedule’s coordinate with the group’s. All that extra work just to communicate with the group!? Doesn’t it get so annoying and exhausting to the point you just don’t want to contribute?
Here at Gallaudet, you will feel empowered knowing the group members spend time and energy lifting each other up, in your direct communication style. This is the key to making group projects succeed! Worry not, there’s no extra avenues to navigate through! Now, where should the group meet?? Outside, at the Deaf Starbucks, Mozzeria, or GU’s cafeteria?! Now, don’t be surprised if they need to kick you out at closing time!
Imagine traveling to another country and you are able to get by using the Google Translator App to communicate with the natives of said country. It can be time consuming at times, typing the message to be translated, wait for the native to read/listen, and wait for them to respond via typing in the Google Translator App, and then you read/listen in English. Are you exhausted after reading all this?
Now, you have somewhat a better understanding of deaf/hard of hearing students trying to succeed in a group project with their classmates who may not know American Sign Language (ASL). In order for the group to communicate smoothly with each other, including the deaf/hard of hearing individual, accommodations such as an ASL Interpreter or a Captioning Access RealTime Translation (CART) will be present to facilitate the flow of communication.
Gallaudet University students do not face those issues when it comes to small group work. With students on the same wavelength using bilingual communication, not only is it successful, but with less stress of not missing out critical information.
When you request educational accommodations, it does not need to be complicated. At other universities, like ACME, there can be obstacles you may need to fight through to get what YOU need. Because of this, not only it takes more time to uncomplicate your educational accommodations, the personal touch is lost. Therefore your college academic experience may not include personal connections with your professors.
Having complicated obstacles in your way of obtaining a valuable educational experience, you don’t want extra! Here at Gallaudet, not only are our professors hyper aware of how to meet your accommodations YOUR way, they add a personal touch to show they get it, they do care about you. Save your time having direct, face to face educational accommodations, in fact, it’ll give you extra time to join extracurricular activities such as intramurals, clubs, or hop on Metro around D.C.!
No need to make it complicated when meeting students’ accommodations in their preferred mode of communication. With lack of true knowledge and understanding about Deaf Culture and American Sign Language (ASL), most facilities may have difficulty meeting the deaf/hard of hearing’s requested accommodations the way they prefer. Additionally, costs and budgets can be a factor when it comes to accommodating expected requests.
None of that stress happens here at Gallaudet. We prefer to give our students the whole college experience without stress. Through our Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD) we collaborate with our students on what accommodations they need and meet them without question. This way, we know our students are focusing on learning and spreading their wings without having to worry about filling in the missing pieces of the puzzle. We love being proud seeing our students soar, knowing we gave them the tools.
As a virtual student, at other universities, such as ACME, you may have realized that it is hard! Even harder with educational accommodations, you may not have access to see the professor or the class on Zoom due to needing to be able to see the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or the Captioning Access RealTime Translation (CART), meaning you need to ‘pin’ your accommodations online. This blocks the visual view of your classmates or professor. This results in no personal direct communication with peers from the class or professor. Or even worse, your head is all over the place trying to follow what’s happening. Ouch, your poor eyes.
Even if you attend virtually at Gallaudet, you will thrive. There’s no difference as if you were attending college in person. You still receive the personal, direct, face-to-face educational accommodations, the only difference is, you see them through the computer. This adds tremendous worth to your overall college life. Save your eyes for watching a football game, or a show at the theater on campus. Your eyes will thank you.
Because we, members of the Deaf Culture, value personal interactions, we have a need to be able to interact with friends and family face-to-face, either online or in person! Nothing gets in our way of our treasured, personal interactions, not even COVID-19. It is through our face-to-face communication that we feel at ease and don’t worry about missing out information.
In fact, when we come together face-to-face, we do not pay attention to time. This is a cultural aspect of the Deaf Culture, called Deaf Standard Time (DST). Usually the length of time spent interacting extends over time spent with a hearing peer. Another example of DST would be getting ready to leave, but then interact longer, finally saying goodbye about 20 minutes later.
When you are applying to job opportunities at other universities, like ACME, it can often be perceived as costly, having to provide accommodations as required by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), rather than supporting you, the student. Don’t you agree that to not only receive accommodations without obstacles, but with care, would be amazing. Therefore, gaining valuable job skills to prepare you for the future may be challenging, instead of blossoming with readiness for your career path!
When you become a Bison here at Gallaudet, not only do we plant the seeds in you, we water you, we shine on you, and we watch you blossom with care. With all these tools, you will leave Gallaudet with the confidence and skills to take off in your career path! We have jobs on campus in every aspect for you to explore and apply to, but we don’t stop there! We provide connections for internships and networking opportunities as you become an alum! Can’t beat that!
Oftentimes as deaf/hard of hearing individuals search for jobs either on or off campus, employers may be unsure how to offer jobs, assist their time to train, maybe even question their abilities. This can prove to be difficult for college students looking for job experience for the first time. They need someone to take a chance on them, to believe in them, and the deaf students will succeed.
Once students enter college at Gallaudet University, the world’s only college for the deaf/hard of hearing using the Bilingual Approach, they have the opportunity to apply for one of our 400+ jobs on campus. Through these opportunities, students gain valuable experience that ensures they leave campus equipped with job readiness skills to impress the working world. All this through accommodations provided with no questions asked.
You agree college is expensive and affording that degree can be a burden on your life goals. At other universities, like ACME, as you apply for financial aid, you will learn they offer financial aid of some sort that is unique to all college-bound students. Most of us take advantage of that, leaving us with loans to pay off after graduation not knowing if that paper degree brings value to career readiness. That’s something you may think is risky!
We know you want to succeed without breaking the bank. Here at Gallaudet, *see-see* the titles when you click on “Tuition & Financial Aid” on our website, you will see one that stands out is “College Pays Off. Gallaudet Makes Sense.” makes you feel empowering, doesn’t it? That college degree you will earn from Gallaudet is an investment to your career journey. As a student at Gallaudet, we invest in that degree with you, making it easier on you, financially.
We all would be ecstatic if college was free! At Gallaudet, we aim to be as close to free as possible. Since we strive to ensure anyone who wants an education can afford one here at Gallaudet University, it does not stop at financial aid. With our endowment, we also offer scholarships, work-study, and grants.
To begin with, our tuition is about 40% cheaper than other universities. Additionally, through our endowment made up of funding and donations, for our 1,200 undergraduate students, EACH one could qualify for up to $80,000! Also, 90% of our students receive financial aid or scholarships. Between these opportunities, it’s as close to ‘free’ as it can be! Check it out below!
As you know, most facilities are not up-to-date on the latest technology advances for easier communication techniques for the deaf. At other universities, like ACME, when you have financial aid questions that you need answers for, you call the financial aid office via Video Phone (VP). Oftentimes you may get “What kind of call is this?” “I don’t want to hear what you are selling” and then there’s the hangups without giving you a chance to explain. You feel frustrated afterwards.
You will feel nothing but relief when you are a student here at Gallaudet, knowing there are no surprises with direct communication, however you want to communicate. We promise you, there won’t be hangups. We are prepared to interact with you in your communication technique, and guarantee that your questions will be answered. We always have a question for you as well! “When will we welcome you to Gallaudet?” Financial Aid is already a puzzle, at Gallaudet, we make the pieces fit, your way.
Financial Aid. It’s a sticky thing. How do you apply? Do you qualify for it? Will you get it? Lots of unknown answers to wondering questions about Financial Aid as means for financial support entering college. Therefore, you’ll be calling the office asking your unanswered questions in hopes to get them answered and moving forward. However, it’s double the work for deaf/hard of hearing students!
When conversing with the Office of Financial Aid in a language other than their own, it’s time consuming. Accommodations such as Video Relay Service (VRS), Video Remote Interpreter (VRI), and/or American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters present in Office are wonderful to have in order to assist us with getting answers to our questions. Hence, this can be exhausting for all parties involved.
Simply, it is the best for us deaf/hard of hearing to ask our unanswered questions directly in our language. Not only does it save time, it is with ease, that we receive the financial aid information needed to proceed.
Other people’s definition of access to emergency information may be different from your perspective. Furthermore, as you are a student at ACME, during emergency situations, you’ll see that providing access to information through appropriate accommodations is often not the first thing on their list, delaying getting this critical information to you. If you are not getting the critical information, it may be too late. At this point, you know it would be amazing if everyone just learned American Sign Language (ASL), right?
The opposite happens here at Gallaudet! Because we get you and we know your accommodations, we are on top of relaying emergency information to you. You won’t have anxious feelings of wondering what’s going on, nor will you be looking for the accommodations. Even better, you get the information directly from the person giving it, demonstrating that your safety is Gallaudet’s priority. It seems like a perfect world that you want to be part of, doesn’t it?
During an emergency, everyone’s safety is top priority. This includes deaf/hard of hearing as well as deafblind. However, oftentimes, access to the emergency information is not always passed on to the deaf population. Usually, the number one reason is because it is not accessible, meaning American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters are not present or maybe the information is not in print.
Emergency Information is mostly relayed through audio resources such as speaker, intercom, etc. Because a majority of the deaf population can not access the audio resources the same way as a hearing person would, we are the last people to find out what is happening. By this time, it could be too late.
As you enter your first year of college at other universities, like ACME, what are the chances the Peer Leader will know how to communicate with you? Slim to none! Again, the 3rd party gets to join the fun, not. Even with your American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter present at midnight for a floor meeting, that’s just awkward! How about you having to miss out on a social event that the floor is hosting to get to know others, just because there is no accommodations to support you or lack of people who can sign. All this can put a damper on your college social life.
Here at Gallaudet, from the minute you set foot on campus, you have a Peer Leader (PL) assigned to you. Your PL will be able to directly communicate with you and advise you no matter the time of the day or night. No need for you to scramble for an ASL interpreter. Even better, you will have a chance to revamp your social life attending the social events that your Peer Leaders organizes! Just be prepared to be up all night! It still won’t be an excuse to miss your morning classes. This won’t give you time to be homesick and miss your friends and family back home.
Going off to college can be an exciting moment, yet scary at the same time. For a deaf or hard of hearing person, the feeling of worry can be overwhelming. Peer Leaders are great guides to help new students navigate through their college experience, changing that fear to relief.
Yet, for the deaf/hard of hearing, that Peer Leader support would look and feel different if their Peer Leader does not know American Sign Language (ASL), which is the language most deaf feel comfortable using. Not only would there be a language barrier, there would be a lack of personal connection, the feeling of belonging.
Gallaudet’s Peer Leaders provide guidance and support in the Bilingual Approach, meaning they can converse in ASL or English, maybe even both! What a huge advantage for incoming new students of Gallaudet University! This makes for a warm welcome for them, their new home.
At other universities, like ACME, when you need accommodations such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, captioning, you may feel they try the best they can for students to have a full college experience, including access to classes. However, the academic information may not be fully 100% translated. Therefore, because there are other people involved in your academic classes, information may get lost or misinterpreted. Hence, you are not exactly receiving a full academic experience, because it is not direct.
You want a full academic experience. You’ll see here at Gallaudet, we offer you: 8:1 class size+bilingualism+accommodations your way+affordable education+more. Need we to sign more? You know you need your learning to be directly from your professors. Can you tell Gallaudet is more than willing to go above and beyond to support you in ways you never thought possible?
Here at Gallaudet, we do not believe in “the more difficult, the better” when it comes to your education. We do everything we can to ensure our students receive their degree in a nurturing bilingual environment. No matter what it takes, whether it is answering financial aid questions directly, meeting the students’ needs with their preferred accommodations, or embracing their culture, we believe in making a welcoming experience for their growth.
The only time we agree with “the more difficult, the better” is when it applies to social gatherings. Thanks to Deaf Standard Time (DST), the more difficult it is to leave, the better personal connections we make!
As you enroll at other universities, like ACME, you are usually viewed by the student number assigned to you, rather than by your name. You know, those universities tend to be overflowing with students that you may get lost in the crowd. Even if you become best buddies with your Academic Advisor, you may still wonder if they know who you are, or by your student number.
As a new student here at Gallaudet, you won’t need to wonder if we know who you are. You are identified by your smiling face and unique sign name. The Academic Advising office welcomes walk-ins, no need for an appointment and more useless numbers. The only number you need is the phone number to order pizza at Mozzeria for a late night study session!
At other universities, like ACME, do you want a town that also offers other things to do? You may find some exciting things to do around town, but not the whole package. You know you want to be able to get around town with public transportation, check out a sporting game in person, and immerse yourself in America’s History. There’s only one town you will find all that and many more.
You will never run out of things to do here at Gallaudet, we have a never ending list for you to see and do in the heart of Washington, DC. Our campus is just a mile away from the Capitol. You have many options to get around: hop on the Metro to the next town over, ride your bike to Union Station, go hiking in the National Parks and many others. Maryland is just miles away as well as Virgina! During your educational journey here, you may not get to see it all because the bucket list is a mile long! What’s CHAMP, is that there’s better chances you will encounter signing service around town, making you feel like you belong!
Gallaudet University is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. With the Capitol only a mile away, everyday you can enjoy the amazement at the history there. Have free time after classes? Check out one of the many free museums! Don’t have a car? Don’t fret, the metro is amazing and can take you to so many places across the tri-state area. Want to travel often? No problem! Book flights at any of the 3 nearby international airports and explore the world.
D.C. seems pretty amazing, right? Because Gallaudet is so close by, you will see more and more places using American Sign Language (ASL). For example, check out Signing Starbucks- the Nation’s only Starbucks operated in ASL! Another one is deaf-owned Mozzeria – a pizza establishment where only ASL is used! This is just the beginning of inclusive communication around the city!
At other universities, such as ACME, if you are a deaf/hard of hearing first-year and transfer student, you will be assigned to a group with a leader to ensure your first week is off to a good start. Yet, it may be awkward for you, not having a general understanding of what communication will be like. Therefore leaving you with an ‘just okay’ start that may stay with you throughout your educational journey. Paying all that money for just ‘okay’!? That does not sit well with us!
You will feel welcomed as a student at Gallaudet, whether first year or a transfer student. We have already made the leap for you with our JumpStart Program. It is a specialized 4 week long immersion program before the school year begins. Courses in Deaf Culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and Visual and Gestural Communication are designed with YOU in mind. Its goal is to provide you with a foundation of ASL understanding to help you develop confidence as a new signer. Even after this JumpStart program, you will never get enough! Good thing you plan to be with us for a while!
Imagine a deaf or hard of hearing student is bound for college or transferring to a new college, they enter an environment that does not know how to communicate with them. In that scenario, they must adapt to that language, rather than the environment adapting to them. This can hinder the true college experience.
At Gallaudet, our primary languages are American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Staying true to our bilingual approach, we offer the JumpStart program, where we welcome new or transferring students who may not be fluent in ASL to strengthen their ASL skills, as well as learn more about Deaf Culture and the community.
This ensures that students will be equipped with the tools and resources to thrive in their classes, meet friends, and order their lunch all in the bilingual approach of Gallaudet.
When you begin your new chapter of your life at other universities, like ACME, there’s often orientations to welcome you. You will receive assistance settling in your dorm room, getting your schedule, and navigating your way around campus. For you, as a deaf/hard of hearing student, it’s a double-whammy needing to adjust as a deaf student AND a new student. Makes it harder when you don’t know what is going on with lack of access to communication.
You are never alone at Gallaudet, through the support from the JumpStart leaders. After you complete the 4 week JumpStart program, as you immerse yourself in Deaf Culture and Signing Ecosystem, your JumpStart leader will continue to be there for you, providing tools, which will contribute to a great start of your educational journey with us as a Bison!
At Gallaudet’s JumpStart program, new and transferring students immerse themselves in Deaf Culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and Visual and Gestural Communication, preparing to be a member of Gallaudet’s bilingual environment.
However, it does not stop there. After completing the program and throughout their years as a student, JumpStart students have support everywhere, whether it be from another experienced student, a professor, or staff member to foster their growth. Additionally the Jumpstart team will check in with them regularly, boosting their ASL skills and sense of belonging. After all, we are in this together as one community.
If you aspire to be a researcher at other universities, like ACME, not many have the honor to be classified as a High Research Activity (R2) This is a prestigious level that allows you to be part of research that impacts the future. The Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education only hands out 135 of these awards to 4,298 colleges and universities.
You’ll be amazed to know that Gallaudet University is one of the 135. As a Gallaudet student, your future and our future are intertwined. We invite our students to contribute to the research of the future of the deaf and hard of hearing community around the world. What an amazing opportunity for you, especially when the research is conducted in your preferred language. We have also been recognized as more than just a university, we are a nationwide and global university.
135 institutions out of 4,298 are recognized with the High Research Activity (R2) Award! What does this mean? By the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning, Gallaudet is recognized as a Doctoral University, leading students in global advances in bilingual research and education. Our research activity is dedicated to better understanding the world and influencing policies and agendas that impact the deaf and hard of hearing.
Additionally, since we are recognized as a nationwide university, we pave the way for students who have always wanted to participate in research. At Gallaudet, our seasoned faculty researchers are here to mentor and collaborate with students who are eager to pursue scholarly research, nationally and internationally.
And even better, all of this is conducted directly in bilingual communication. What a rare treasure!
If you are an International student, you are welcome at other universities, like ACME. Usually universities will implement an English as a Second Language (ESOL) program to support their international students’ transitions. ESOL, interpreters, captioning, note taking, and other accommodations, whoa, that’s a mouthful! That can be overwhelming for you being from another country and adjusting to life in American Culture.
Here at Gallaudet, you’ll help us bring sign language to a whole new level! Welcoming international students into our signing ecosystem is important to us. It is so important that we have created 2 programs for you if you are not ready to enter our academic community just yet. Between the English Language Institute and the International Special Student Program (ISSP) we have a spot to welcome you, our international friend!
Did you know that there are over 300 Sign Languages in the world? You can travel all over to discover those 300 sign languages… or Gallaudet University can give you that rich exposure in one place, without even leaving the USA! At Gallaudet University, we welcome and embrace International Students.
We offer more than just enrollment. In order to support our international students in becoming proficient in English and American Sign Language (ASL), we have the English Language Institute (ELI) in place. Additionally, we offer The International Special Student Program (ISSP) which is a study program designed for international students who are interested in studying at Gallaudet for one year.
At Gallaudet, you’d learn about over 300 sign languages as well as their rich cultures. Be a part of the beautiful diversity on campus!
At other universities, like ACME, they try their best to provide a quality education for the deaf, such as requiring them to enroll in a separate institution before jumping over to their “big” university. However, this unnecessary step does not ‘academically challenge’ you, it just adds more stress you didn’t ask for. Therefore, the educational journey you experience attending 2 separate universities to obtain your degree would not be a valuable one.
No one gets it but us. As a student at Gallaudet University, you won’t need to enroll in a separate institution. During your educational journey, we don’t add more stress to your load, no need to put in extra years at a separate institute. As a deaf-led, deaf-centered university, we want you to have a ‘smooth sailing’ your way to graduation, in one place. With what we have to offer, we guarantee you, it will be a memorable experience for the books.
When you are an ACME student, like other universities, they may meet your accommodation requests of providing an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter for your academic classes, events around campus for you to attend. As ASL Interpreters, their main focus is to facilitate information exchange between the ASL user and the non-ASL user. However, the non-ASL users may misinterpret the ASL Interpreters as ASL experts.
It is the Deaf that are the ASL experts, not the ASL Interpreters. Here at Gallaudet University, our ASL Interpreters are trained to understand the proper code of ethics when facilitating information exchanges for you. They truly understand that the Deaf are the experts and leave the teaching ASL to non-ASL users to the deaf.
Often, when people are interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL), they flock to hearing ASL interpreters or teachers asking them to teach them. In certain cases, hearing individuals want to learn from other hearing people for “easier communication”. Some ASL interpreters may host events such as coffee ASL night for interested people to join and learn, but the spotlight needs to be shifted to the deaf.
The reality is, hearing ASL interpreters are not ASL experts. Deaf people, whose roots are in deaf culture and often are native signers, are the appropriate ones to educate others in ASL. This is the authentic experience.The language comes from the deaf community, therefore it should be taught by deaf people.
When you are a student at other universities, like ACME, showing your school spirit with fellow peers can enrich your college experience as well as create everlasting connections. However, if you can not follow along, it would not be fun for you to have to depend on others to know when and how to follow along. How can you help a school spread spirit if you are not included
You will experience a richer school spirit environment here at Gallaudet. There’s more than one way to show your true Bison pride. As a bilingual school, you choose how you’d like to display your school spirit, we all are Bisons together, regardless. Last thing we want is to make you feel left out. Come join your fellow Bisons at the Field House where more than 2,000 can sit to spread Buff and Blue cheer!
Sports are a bonding experience, whether you’re a spirited fan in the stands, a cheerleader cheering the team on, or a player participating in the sport! At Gallaudet, we offer it all and more! The best part is, direct access! No need to stress about not catching a call in the game, struggling to follow along with the school song, or missing out on cheering with your peers!
In addition to offering sports at a NCAA level, Gallaudet also offers clubs, intermaurals, for those wanting to play sports at a recreational level. This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun and make new friends in your language!