A Visit To Remember: Students At Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is a private university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, offering more than 150 degrees, certificates, and credentials across five schools. The university welcomes prospective students and their families, as well as ASL classes and other visitors, to explore its campus, also known as Kendall Green. Visitors can take a guided campus tour offered throughout the day or explore the campus on their own with a self-guided tour brochure available at the Maguire Welcome Center. For those who cannot visit in person, Gallaudet offers a virtual tour of its 99-acre campus.

Tour the campus

Gallaudet University is the world's only university designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, attracting students and visitors from across the United States and the world.

The best way to learn about the campus is to visit in person or take a virtual tour. The campus, also known as Kendall Green, is located in Washington, D.C., and blends modern DeafSpace facilities with historical buildings from the 1800s.

The Maguire Welcome Center

The Maguire Welcome Center welcomes all visitors, including prospective students and their families, and those interested in learning about the university's history, culture, and traditions. All guided campus tours are offered four times daily at 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 3:15 p.m., except on weekends and holidays. The tours are conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) by student ambassadors, and voice interpreters are provided for visitors who do not sign fluently.

The Campus Tour

The tours begin at the Edward Miner Gallaudet Memorial Building (EMG), which houses the Department of Business, the Undergraduate Admissions Office, and the Maguire Welcome Center. Each tour lasts approximately an hour to an hour and a half. During the tour, student ambassadors will delve into the rich history of Gallaudet and the immersive experience it offers. Visitors will also learn about the academic programs, residential and commuter life, and the extensive curricular and co-curricular activities.

Exploring Washington, D.C.

The campus is located in a vibrant and walkable neighbourhood, with a bustling food scene and easy access to national monuments, museums, and cultural attractions. Union Street Market, located next to the university, is a great place for students to explore local businesses, shop, and enjoy live performances. The nearby H Street Corridor offers outdoor events, delicious eateries, and socialising opportunities for young deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals.

Virtual Tours

For those who cannot visit in person, Gallaudet offers a virtual tour of its 99-acre campus, providing a sneak peek into campus life and its unique and vibrant campus culture. Visitors can also explore the campus on their own with a self-guided tour brochure, available at the Maguire Welcome Center.

Meet with an admissions counsellor

Meeting with an admissions counsellor is a great way to learn more about Gallaudet University and determine if it is a good fit for your students. The admissions counsellors at Gallaudet University can provide valuable information and guidance on student life, majors, degree plans, and the overall admissions process.

Scheduling a Meeting

To meet with an admissions counsellor, you can schedule an appointment by visiting the Gallaudet University website or contacting the admissions office. The website provides a directory of admissions counsellors, allowing you to identify the counsellor assigned to your region.

Campus Tours

Gallaudet University also offers campus tours, which can be a great way for your students to experience the campus environment and learn about the university's history and academic programs. Tours are offered daily at 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:15 pm, except on weekends and holidays. Each tour lasts approximately an hour to an hour and a half and is conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) by student ambassadors. Voice interpreters are provided for visitors who do not sign fluently.

Virtual Tours

If your students are unable to visit the campus in person, Gallaudet University also offers virtual tours. This option allows prospective students to explore the 99-acre campus from the comfort of their homes.

Open Houses and Events

Another opportunity to meet with admissions counsellors and learn more about the university is by attending one of their official Open Houses or university-wide events. These events provide a chance to interact with real Gallaudet students and experience the campus community.

Application Process

When your students are ready to apply, they will need to create a portal account and submit their application online. The application process may vary slightly depending on the student's background, such as whether they are first-time freshmen, transfer students, or international students.

Gallaudet University seeks applicants who demonstrate a commitment to their core values, including honouring diversity, lifelong learning, and contributing to a better world. The university welcomes deaf and hard-of-hearing students, as well as hearing students who know American Sign Language (ASL) and wish to pursue a career in deaf education.

Financial Aid

Affordability is a priority for Gallaudet University, and they offer various options for financial assistance, including financial aid, scholarships, and student employment. Nine out of ten students receive financial support to attend the university.

By meeting with an admissions counsellor and exploring the campus, your students can gain a deeper understanding of what Gallaudet University has to offer and make an informed decision about their future educational path.

Explore Washington, D.C

Washington, D.C. is a cultural hub, brimming with political, social, historical, and artistic significance. The nation's capital is easily navigable, with a walkability score of 93, and is recognised as a "Gold" Bicycle Friendly Community.

Within a few miles of the Gallaudet University campus, you'll find iconic landmarks such as the Capitol, the White House, and the National Mall. The city is also home to numerous museums, including the Smithsonian museums, which offer free entry. Washington, D.C. boasts a thriving arts scene, with over 90 theatre and dance companies. The city's culinary landscape is equally vibrant, with a diverse range of dining options to explore.

For those interested in sports, Washington, D.C. is home to several professional sports teams, including:

• D.C. United (Men's Soccer)
• Washington Capitals (Men's Hockey)
• Washington Mystics (Women's Basketball)
• Washington Nationals (Baseball)
• Washington Football Team
• Washington Wizards (Men's Basketball)

The city also offers a range of transportation options, with easy access to airports, train stations, and a well-developed public transport system, making it convenient to explore all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.

Learn about the history of the university

Gallaudet University is a private university in Washington, D.C., for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. It was founded in 1864 as a grammar school for deaf and blind children, making it the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world. It was named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a key figure in the advancement of deaf education. The university was established by philanthropist and former United States postmaster general Amos Kendall, who became aware of several deaf and blind children in Washington, D.C., who were not receiving proper care. Kendall had the children declared his wards and donated two acres of his land to set up housing and a school for them.

In its first year of operation (1857-1858), the school, then known as the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, had 14 deaf students and 7 blind students in attendance. By the 1860-1861 academic year, when the Civil War had already been underway for over six months, there were 35 deaf students and 6 blind students. During the war, a regiment of Union troops used one of the school buildings as a hospital, and some students even helped tend to the sick soldiers.

In 1863, college-level courses were offered for the first time, and in 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a charter bill into law, officially marking the beginning of Gallaudet University. Today, April 8 is celebrated at Gallaudet as Charter Day. In 1865, the school's name was changed to the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, and the blind students were transferred to a specialised facility in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1868, the first students completed a full course of college studies, and in 1869, the university held its first commencement, which was attended by President Ulysses S. Grant. In 1887, Gallaudet began admitting women, and in 1894, the collegiate division was renamed Gallaudet College in honour of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet.

Gallaudet University has continued to grow and evolve over the years, and today, it offers a wide range of academic programs and services specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Discover the academic programs

Gallaudet University offers a wide range of academic programs catering to the diverse interests and passions of its students. With over 60 areas of study across five schools, there is something for everyone at Gallaudet. The university introduced American Sign Language (ASL) to the world and offers ASL programs and Deaf Studies.

Undergraduate Programs

Gallaudet University offers various undergraduate programs, including:

• B.A. in American Sign Language
• B.A. in Communication Studies
• B.A. in Deaf Studies
• B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
• B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Government with a Specialization in Law
• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Spanish
• B.A. in International Studies
• B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Social Work (BSW)
• B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology
• B.A. in Theatre Arts: Production/Performance
• B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Business Administration

Graduate Programs

Gallaudet University also offers a variety of graduate programs, such as:

• M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. in Deaf Education
• M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in International Development
• M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research
• M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies

Online Degree Programs

In addition to its on-campus programs, Gallaudet University provides several online degree completion programs:

• B.A. in Communication Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Deaf Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program

Certificates and Minors

The university also offers a range of certificates and minors, including:

• Certificate in American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5
• Certificate in Early Intervention Studies
• ODCP Minor in Communication Studies
• ODCP Minor in Deaf Studies

Academic Support and Resources

Gallaudet University is committed to providing the necessary support and resources for its students to excel academically. The university offers services such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counselling to ensure the success of its students. Additionally, the university's libraries, innovative technology, and accessible facilities further enhance the academic experience.

Frequently asked questions