Deaf Students At Gallaudet: Enrollment Numbers Revealed

Gallaudet University is a private, federally chartered university in Washington, D.C., for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing. It was founded in 1864 as a grammar school for both deaf and blind children and was the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world. It remains the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.

A small number of hearing undergraduate students (up to five per cent of an entering class) are also admitted to the university each year.

The university's history and traditions

Gallaudet University, a private federally chartered university in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1864 as a grammar school for both deaf and blind children. It was the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world and remains the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. The university was named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a notable figure in the advancement of deaf education.

Gallaudet University is officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used for instruction and by the college community. Although there are no specific ASL proficiency requirements for undergraduate admission, many graduate programs require varying degrees of knowledge of the language as a prerequisite.

The history of the university can be traced back to 1856 when Amos Kendall, a postmaster general during two presidential administrations, became aware of several deaf and blind children in Washington, D.C., who were not receiving proper care. Kendall had the courts declare the children to be his wards and donated 2 acres of his land to establish housing and a school for them. The school was established in 1857 with considerable efforts from several citizens, including Edward Miner Gallaudet, who became the first superintendent of the new school.

In 1857, the 34th Congress passed H.R. 806, which chartered the grammar school as the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind and funded tuition costs for indigent deaf, dumb (mute), or blind children belonging to the District of Columbia. During the school's second full year of operation (1858–1859), 14 deaf students and 7 blind students were in attendance.

During the 1863–64 academic year, college-level courses were offered for the first time. In early 1864, the 38th Congress authorized the institution to grant and confirm college degrees, and an enabling act was signed by President Lincoln on April 8. Today, April 8 is celebrated at Gallaudet as Charter Day in commemoration of the official beginning of Gallaudet University.

The enrollment numbers increased rapidly during the 1864–1865 academic year. That same year, in early 1865, the 38th Congress removed the provision that the institution was to educate the blind, and renamed it the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb. Gallaudet asked the government for money to accomplish several projects, including the construction of an ice house, a gas house, and sewer lines, among others.

During the 1865–1866 academic year, Gallaudet responded to criticism from supporters of the oral method in Massachusetts, saying that oral instruction is usually of little value to congenitally deaf children. He proposed that a representative of the school be sent to Europe to study the methods employed there, in order to determine which types of instructional methods might be added to those already being used successfully at the Columbia Institution and other American schools. Combined enrollment of all levels of instruction, including the collegiate level, exceeded 100 for the first time during this year.

In 1881, Laura Sheridan, a hearing woman, inquired about the school accepting women. She was told that deaf women could not enter the institution at the time. In 1887 Gallaudet agreed to allow women to matriculate for the 1887-1888 and 1888–1889 academic years with the understanding that it would be considered an experiment. Five female students remained when the school announced in 1889 that the college would be permanently coeducational, with two graduating.

In 1894, the collegiate division was officially renamed Gallaudet College from the National Deaf-Mute College in honour of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, President Gallaudet's father. In 1911, Congress amended the charter of the institution, changing the corporate name to Columbia Institution for the Deaf. It would remain the legal name for the institution until 1954, when Congress amended the charter to rename it Gallaudet College, which had been the official name of the collegiate department since 1894.

In 1965, professors at Gallaudet compiled the first-ever dictionary of ASL signs. In 1986, Congress again amended the charter of the institution, renaming it Gallaudet University.

Student strikes at Gallaudet University starting on March 6, 1988, revolutionized the perception and education of Deaf culture. Deaf students were outraged at the selection of another hearing president, Elisabeth Zinser, as the university had never selected a deaf person for this position. Alumni, faculty, staff, and students demanded that the next president of the university be deaf. After a week of protest and activism, Zinser resigned and was replaced by I. King Jordan, the university's first deaf president. This movement became known as Deaf President Now (DPN).

Gallaudet University has a rich history and has played a significant role in the advancement of deaf education and the recognition of ASL as a language. With its unique focus on serving the deaf and hard of hearing community, the university continues to be a leader in this field.

The university's academic programs

Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students. It is the world's only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing students and has been the educational, political, social, and economic engine of the deaf and signing community on a national and global scale for more than 150 years.

The university offers more than 150 degrees, certificates, and credentials to prepare outstanding individuals for lives of meaning, purpose, and professional success. With more than 60 areas of study across its five schools, there is room for everyone at Gallaudet.

The five schools are:

• School of Human Services and Sciences
• School of Language, Education, and Culture
• School of Arts and Humanities
• Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health
• School of Civic Leadership, Business, and Social Change

Gallaudet's academic programs are designed to empower deaf and hard of hearing students to achieve personal and professional success in a rapidly changing world. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

• 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.A. or B.S. in Education with a Specialization in Secondary Education: Science, English, Mathematics, or Social Studies
• B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Business Administration
• B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Data Science
• B.S. in Information Technology
• B.S. in Physical Education and Recreation
• B.S. in Public Health
• B.S. in Risk Management and Insurance

Graduate Programs:

• M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
• M.A. in Deaf Education
• M.A. in Deaf Education Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
• M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Early Intervention Studies
• M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in International Development
• M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research
• M.A. in Interpretation: Interpreting Research
• M.A. in Secondary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Sign Language Education
• M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership and Administration in Deaf Education
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners
• Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
• Ph.D. in Linguistics
• Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies
• Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN)
• Psy.D. in School Psychology

Certificates:

• Certificate in Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities
• Certificate in American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5
• Certificate in Early Intervention Studies
• Certificate in Peer Mentor Training
• Certificate in Sexuality and Gender Studies

Gallaudet also offers online degree completion programs and continuing education courses.

The university's research and innovation

Gallaudet University's research advances understanding and influences policies that impact the deaf and hard of hearing community. The university's unique mission encourages, promotes, and facilitates scholarly research to enhance the intellectual climate on campus while making a difference in local and global communities.

The number of principal investigators has doubled over the last 10 years and they are more diverse than ever. The research priorities are language and cognition.

Brain and Language Laboratory for Neuroimaging (BL2)

Led by Director Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto, BL2 uses advanced experimental equipment, such as functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging, to advance knowledge and improve deaf education worldwide.

Center for Deaf Health Equity (CDHE)

CDHE conducts population health, patient-reported outcomes, and clinical trial studies with individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing.

Center for Science and Technology Research (CSTR)

Home to multimillion-dollar labs designed for deaf scientists, CSTR is a beacon on the Gallaudet campus. Deaf and hard of hearing students work side-by-side with Gallaudet faculty across disciplines, including Molecular Genetics, Ecology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry, Information Technology, and Mathematics.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center (DHHCRC)

Research at DHHCRC addresses gaps in the delivery of mental health services to deaf and hard of hearing children by creating and adapting accessible tools to assess trauma symptoms and behaviour, adapting evidence-based trauma treatments, and providing training and ongoing consultation for mental health professionals.

Motion Light Lab (ML2)

Using motion capture technology to create bilingual learning tools in American Sign Language, ML2 makes strides in literacy development and learning experiences for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Drs. John S. & Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center

The Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center educates students in the documentary arts and explores the lives of deaf people through research, documentation, and dissemination. Special focus is given to significant historical issues and endangered cultural knowledge specific to deaf peoples.

Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2)

VL2 utilizes neuroimaging techniques to advance knowledge on how human higher cognition is realized through vision. VL2 studies the effects of visual processes, visual language, and social experience on the development of cognition, language, reading, and literacy.

Technology Access Program (TAP)

TAP conducts research and development related to communication technologies and services. It works closely with deaf and hard of hearing consumers, policymakers, and industry to inform its work and to accelerate the transition from research to practice.

The university's student clubs and organizations

Gallaudet University offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations that cater to various interests, passions, and hobbies. The university encourages students to connect with like-minded peers, explore new areas, and develop leadership skills through these clubs and organizations.

Affinity-Based Groups

These groups are formed based on shared identities and cultural backgrounds. They include the African Student Union, Asian Pacific Islander Association, Black Student Union, English Language Institute Student Organization, Global Student Association, Latine Student Union, and Muslim Student Association.

Governance-Based Groups

These groups are focused on student governance and include the Graduate Students Association and the Student Body Government, which represents the interests and voices of the student body in the university's decision-making processes.

Fraternity and Sorority Life

Gallaudet University is home to eight fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity, Delta Epsilon Sorority, Kappa Gamma Fraternity, and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. These organizations provide opportunities for community engagement, academic growth, and leadership development.

Interest-Based Groups

Interest-based groups cater to a range of student hobbies and interests. Examples include Bison With Attitude, Gallaudet University Disc Golf Club, Gallaudet University Pickleball Club, Motion Z (a majorette troupe), and Students Against Mass Incarceration.

Student Media Organizations

Gallaudet University encourages students to explore their interests in media and communications through organizations such as Bison TV, which provides opportunities to produce film shorts, news clips, and TV series. Students can also join Buff and Blue, the campus newspaper, or the Tower Clock, which produces the university's annual yearbook.

Faith-Based Activities

The Office of Campus Ministries offers faith-based activities that promote spiritual and educational development. Students can engage in Bible studies, Passover celebrations, social justice events, and other activities within the welcoming faith community at Gallaudet.

Athletics and Recreation

Gallaudet University offers a variety of athletic and recreational opportunities, including NCAA Division III teams, intramural sports, and fitness activities. The university's teams, known as the Bison, compete in sports such as baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, soccer, swimming, and track and field.

The university's spirit and athletics

The spirit of Gallaudet University is rooted in its history as the world's first and only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing students. Founded in 1864, it has been the educational, political, social, and economic engine of the deaf and signing community on a national and global scale for more than 150 years.

Gallaudet University is also officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used for instruction and by the college community.

The university's athletic teams are known as the Bison and compete at the NCAA Division III level. They are a proud member of the United East Conference for most of its sports, with the football team competing in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference. There are 14 varsity programs, a club team, and a cheerleading squad.

Gallaudet fields the only deaf-led athletic teams in the country, with clear communication and best-in-class training and resources, which leads to unforgettable life experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

The Bison Spirit and Recreation facilities provide space for every student to exercise their body, strengthen their spirit, and empower their utmost fitness and well-being. The modern facilities include an athletic training room, an athletics hall of fame, and the historic Hotchkiss Field, among others.

Intramural programs are also offered for those seeking less commitment but still want athletic competition and camaraderie. Sports offered include flag football, ultimate frisbee, and team handball, among others.

Gallaudet University's esports program is the first and only deaf-led collegiate esports program in the world, competing in recreational and varsity-level competitions through the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

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