Directories

Academics
Areas of Study

Orientation

Student Orientation
New Signers
Family Orientation

Immerse into Gallaudet

Gallaudet Orientation isn’t just a week of events, it’s your launchpad. Designed for deaf, hard of hearing, and signing students, our orientation programs jumpstart your college journey with immersive experiences that build community, spark confidence, and connect you with everything Gallaudet has to offer—before classes even begin.

This is where your Gallaudet story starts. Ready? Let’s go.

Student Orientation
Jumpstart
Family Orientation
ELI Student Orientation
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Student Orientation

For new undergraduate students, both first-time freshmen and transfer students

The Student Orientation (SO) program at Gallaudet is designed to provide incoming first-year and transfer students with the information, resources, and support they need to make a smooth transition into university life.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Create your portal account

Every potential Gallaudet student receives access to a private portal once they start their application. This portal allows you to track your application’s progress, see what materials you still need to submit, engage with personalized content tailored to your interests, and eventually, receive your admission decision and financial aid information. 

Start here.

CREATE PORTAL ACCOUNT

JumpStart: ASL

For new undergraduate students who are new or emerging signers

Get a Jump Start on the immersive American Sign Language (ASL) and English experience you’ll encounter at Gallaudet before the start of your first semester. This four-week program is packed with Deaf Culture and ASL to get you and your peers comfortable and confident as new signers.

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A smiling woman with curly gray hair and glasses stands on the left, a young woman with wavy brown hair in the middle, and a man with short gray hair and glasses on the right. They are standing close together outdoors, with a blurred background featuring warm colors.

Family Orientation

For families/ guardians of new undergraduate students

Gallaudet University’s Family Orientation Program (FOP) offers a welcome for families and guardians of incoming undergraduate students, providing an overview of key campus resources and support services. Families will meet faculty and staff, get answers to common questions, and connect with one another as they prepare to support their student’s transition to college life.

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Graduate Student Orientation

For incoming graduate students

Graduate Student Orientation at Gallaudet helps new on-campus graduate students connect to university life and their colleagues through program-specific orientation sessions, workshops to acclimate them to campus resources available to them, and vibrant and enjoyable activities like the Bison Walk, Personal Discovery team-building activities, or a Gallaudet Trivia Night.

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A young man and woman are engaged in conversation outdoors, standing on green grass under a large tree. The man is wearing a light blue shirt and dark pants, holding a drink and smiling. The woman is wearing a yellow top and black shorts, also smiling as she interacts with him.

International Student Orientation

For new international students

International Student Orientation (ISO) takes place a few days before Student Orientation and helps new international students from varying academic programs settle in and start strong. Through engaging workshops on SEVIS, employment options, immigration rules, and cross-cultural life at Gallaudet, students get the information they need to study in the United States – plus a warm welcome into our vibrant campus community.

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Disability PreOrientation

For new students with disabilities

The Disability Services Center (DSC), in collaboration with faculty and staff, provides qualified students with disabilities, accommodations and services so as to enable a barrier free experience. At pre-orientation for New Student Orientation (NSO), students will meet DSC staff, become oriented to the campus environment, technology supports, and accessibility elements that will support their disabilities. It is our goal that the DSC pre-orientation session will provide context on how to obtain support and be able to navigate college with the right accommodations.

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ELI Student Orientation

For new English Language Institute (ELI) students

The ELI Student Orientation program at Gallaudet runs concurrently with Student Orientation, and is designed to provide incoming students with the information, resources, and support they need to make a smooth transition into university life.

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Gally the Bison

New Student Checklist

This resource outlines essential tasks, important deadlines, and helpful tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for your academic journey.

New Bison