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Congratulations, welcome to the Bison Community!

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.  This helps them prepare for the start of their academic careers here at Gallaudet University. During the SO, you will have time to meet your academic and career team, familiarize with the resources offered on campus, and get to know your classmates.  There is no other place like this globally; your experience here will be unique and memorable.

The orientation program takes place a few days before the start of the fall semester and is mandatory for all new students. View the Fall 2025 Orientation schedule here.

The program is three days long and includes a variety of activities, including:

  1. Information Sessions: There are several information sessions held during orientation, including sessions on academic requirements, student life, financial aid, and campus resources.
  2. Workshops: Workshops are offered on a variety of topics, such as time management, study skills, and communication strategies.
  3. Social Activities: There are also several social activities planned during orientation, such as a welcome reception and a dance, which allow students to get to know one another and make new friends.
  4. Advising and Registration: Students meet with their academic advisors during orientation to discuss their course schedules and plan their academic program for the semester.

Overall, the new student orientation at Gallaudet is designed to help new students feel comfortable and confident as they begin their college journey. The program provides students with the necessary information and resources to succeed academically, socially, and personally at Gallaudet University.

 

Important Dates

  • Move-In Day: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
  • Welcome to GU Presentation: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
  • Undergraduate Student Orientation Program: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – Friday, August 22, 2025 
  • Labor Day Holiday (no classes): Monday, September 1, 2025
  • First Day of Classes: Monday, August 25, 2025
  • Last Day to Add/Drop/Register courses: Friday, August 29, 2025 

 

Students who are interested in science, technology, or mathematics are also encouraged to join our Summer Stamp Bridge program.

If you have any questions, contact us.

Information

FAQs

Academia Questions

Classes run through Fall, Spring, and Summer. Course selection and registration begins in June for the fall semester and October for the spring semester.

Common Questions

The capital of the United States offers unparalleled cultural, educational, and career opportunities, an exciting social scene with a rich history. Gallaudet is right in the heart of it all. Learn more here.

I got in! Now what?

Between your academic life, residence life, and adjusting to your new city, there are a number of things you’ll need to bring or plan on having with you. Please refer to the Residence Life page for details.
The Undergraduate Student Orientation(NSO) program is a required transition program for all students enrolling at Gallaudet for the first time, including first-year and transfer students. It is intended to help students prepare for the start of their academic career at Gallaudet University. You can meet your academic and career advisors during NSO, become familiar with Gallaudet University resources, and get to know your classmates as well. Please refer the NSO page for the latest NSO schedule and other information.
You will have Bison Leaders (BL) to help you during your first week at Gallaudet University’s NSO Program. Bison Leaders will make sure that Gallaudet is your home away from home.

Yes, we strongly encourage you to take the placement tests online before arriving at Undergraduate Student Orientation(NSO).

You will receive an email at your Gallaudet email address with more information on how to take your placement test online. If you are unable to take the test online, you can take the placement test on campus. The placement test rooms are located in the King Jordan Student Academic Centre (JSAC) classrooms. You will be given a room number during NSO Business Registration Day at the Academic Advising Booth. You can contact your advisor to confirm if you have completed all your placement testing requirements.

Gallaudet academic advisors will work closely with you from your first semester to help you coordinate an academic plan that best reflects your career goals. You may choose a major as soon as you are accepted to Gallaudet. We encourage all students to choose a major by the spring of their sophomore year. You may also double major or create your own major.

Campus Life Questions

Rooms and roommate(s) are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis for new students. The Office of Residence Life and Housing matches roommates by sex and age similarities. If you have a preferred roommate, both you and your roommate of choice must fill out the application with the name of your roommate preference. To find out more about roommate and dorm assignments, please us for more info.
The Department of Public Safety has an escort service and will send an officer to escort you to wherever you need to go on campus. The officers, however, do not step off-campus.
All first-year students and many upper-class students live on campus. We have several residence halls, each with a rich history that reflects our campus’s beauty and the welcoming safety of an intellectual home. View our different residence halls here.
It’s beautiful! Take a Virtual Tour or visit in person by scheduling an in-person campus tour.

Services and Support

There are many different ways of getting around the Washington, D.C., area. Gallaudet University provides shuttle bus services to the nearest Metro stations. There is also a public bus stop at the front of Gallaudet University. From campus, you can use Capital Bikeshare, ZipCar (if you are at least 21 years old) and can easily walk to the trendy H Street and Atlas District areas.
Tramarvious Hosley

Orientation Program Assistant

Back to Orientation Programs

Contact Us

Student Orientation

Monday - Friday
9 - 5

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