Director:  Judith Termini
IK Jordan Student Academic Center (JSAC)  1220

TTY: 202-448-7030
Voice: 202-448-7030

Every college journey begins with the first step of arriving on campus. Becoming comfortable in your new environment is an important part of adjusting to college life and that is what orientation is about. Meet your professors, make new friends, and learn about Gallaudet programs and services as you begin your academic career.

The Office of Orientation Programs, a unit of the First Year Experience, is responsible for undergraduate student orientation programs, including:

• JUMPSTART
  • New Signers Track
  • Academic Success Track
• New Student Orientation (NSO)
• International Student Orientation (ISO)
• Orientation for New Students with Disabilities (ONSD)
• Visiting Student Orientation (VSO)
• Family Orientation Programs (FOP)

JUMPSTART - New Signers Track and Academic Success Programs

July 17 - August 15, 2008
New Signers Track
The New Signers Track offers new students a four week immersion program in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. Offered primarily for mainstreamed students who do not use sign language as their primary language and have not experienced learning in a deaf-centric environment, NST teaches new students basic signing skills by the beginning of fall classes. During NST, new students are involved in concentrated instruction in sign classes while also learning about Gallaudet history and traditions, deaf awareness, deaf culture, the history of the education of deaf people, and other interesting topics. In addition to sign classes, students participate in Learning Through Discovery, an adventure-based outdoor activities course that focuses on developing teamwork, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills. This program is only offered to students who have been accepted to Gallaudet University.

Academic Success Track
The Academic Success Track for incoming first-year students takes place from July 17 through August 15. Students are provided with an intensive educational support service network and are required to use University resources such as Tutorial & Instructional Programs, the Academic Advising Center, and the Career Center. The program fosters a strong sense of "belonging and connectedness" with the Gallaudet University community. Students also receive valuable information regarding undergraduate majors and general education requirements. Course selection and registration take place for the fall semester after students take English and Math placement tests. In addition to attending classes, students participate in a variety of seminars covering topics such as interpersonal relationships, community involvement, multicultural education, and health awareness. The Academic Success Track enables students to develop practical study and time management skills to enhance their academic success, along with knowledge of resources, services, and structure of the university community.

New Student Orientation (NSO)

August 20 - 23, 2008
New Student Orientation is a required program for all new undergraduate students enrolling at Gallaudet University for the first time. This includes freshmen, transfer and international students. During NSO, new students become acquainted with Gallaudet culture, meet their academic advisors, register for classes, learn about campus policies, and participate in various activities, programs, and workshops.

Family Orientation Program (FOP)

Fall only
The Family Orientation Program is designed to help families learn about Gallaudet, and ease the transition from family to university life. Two Family Orientation Program Sessions are offered, one in July during the New Signers Program and one in August during New Student Orientation. During FOP, families learn about campus departments and services and have opportunities to ask questions. Some of the departments highlighted include the Department of Public Safety, Housing, and Academic Advising. Family members arriving during the New Signers Program receive additional information on how students learn American Sign Language. The most popular workshop for both sessions features a panel of current students who share their experiences and perceptions of college life, and discuss strategies to help ease the transition from family home to university life.

Honors Retreat

Fall only
Students who have been accepted into the Honors Program will attend a retreat prior to New Student Orientation. The retreat includes a variety of activities, including outdoor activities, games, and discussion groups. Information about the Honors Program and retreat can be found here.

International Student Orientation (ISO)

August 17-19, 2008
Offered each fall semester, international students participate in a three-day orientation in addition to NSO. This orientation is designed to assist students in their adjustment to Gallaudet and American culture. Students complete INS paperwork, meet the Office of International Programs staff, and get acquainted with other international students.

Orientation for New Students with Disabilities

August 17-19, 2008
The office for Students with Disabilities offers an orientation for students with visual, mobility, learning, or other special needs. Students should submit disability documentation as early as possible directly to the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSWD). During orientation, OSWD staff work with new students to explain how to make the best use of OSWD services and begin arrangements for accommodations needed during the New Student Orientation and the fall semester.

Visiting Student Orientation (VSO)

August 21-22, 2008
Visiting undergraduate students from other universities also participate in a two-day orientation designed primarily to introduce them to Gallaudet University and complete their course and business registration.