Gallaudet University Mission and Goals

Mission Statement

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Approved by the Board of Trustees November 2007

Vision Statement

Gallaudet University will build upon its rich history as the world's premier higher education institution serving deaf and hard of hearing people to become the university of first choice for the most qualified, diverse group of deaf and hard of hearing students in the world, as well as hearing students pursuing careers related to deaf and hard of hearing people. Gallaudet will empower its graduates with the knowledge and practical skills vital to achieving personal and professional success in the changing local and global communities in which they live and work. Gallaudet will also strive to become the leading international resource for research, innovation and outreach related to deaf and hard of hearing people.

Gallaudet will achieve these outcomes through:

• A bilingual learning environment, featuring American Sign Language and English, that provides full access for all students to learning and communication
• A commitment to excellence in learning and student service
• A world-class campus in the nation's capital
• Creation of a virtual campus that expands Gallaudet's reach to a broader audience of visual learners
• An environment in which research can grow, develop, and improve the lives and knowledge of all deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide

Approved by the Board of Trustees, May 2009

Other Goals and Statements

Strategic Goals

1. Maintain and strengthen its unique position as a place in which higher education, research, and scholarly pursuits of all kinds are conducted in an inclusive environment where the ASL/English bilingual communication abilities and potential of deaf students are fully realized.
2. Enroll a diverse and talented student body by providing rigorous academic programs and an effective co-curriculum and services that support recruitment, retention, graduation, and life-long learning.
3. Create and sustain a climate that fosters respect among students, faculty, staff, and administrators for the full range of human diversity, educational backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives.
4. Conduct exemplary programs of research, scholarship, and outreach within the context of its visually-oriented learning environment and with respect to its unique service population.
5. Obtain the financial and other resources necessary to support excellence in its programs and uses these resources effectively and efficiently.

EEO/Non-discrimination Policy

As an equal opportunity educational institution, Gallaudet encourages applications from racial and ethnic minorities. Gallaudet is committed to a barrier-free environment and provides students who have physical disabilities (in addition to hearing loss) the assistance they need to participate fully in campus programs and activities.

Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, hearing status, disability, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, covered veterans status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis.

The Gallaudet Credo

Gallaudet's Vision Statement expresses what the University aspires to become and achieve as the world's premier academic institution for deaf and hard of hearing people. Implicit in our vision are core values that serve as guiding principles for the way members of the campus community teach, study, work and live. The Gallaudet Credo identifies and realizes those core values.

The Gallaudet University campus community includes students, faculty, teachers and staff, all of whom share certain common goals and values that we all believe enrich our academic environment. The community's primary goal is to prepare students to be informed, literate, productive and responsible citizens. In pursuit of this goal, community members pledge to uphold the following values:

We believe that education is a dominant influence on our lives and recognize that learning is a lifelong quest. Therefore we will practice academic and personal integrity and work to create a positive and welcoming environment that is open to the free exchange of ideas among members of our community.

We believe that every person should be treated with civility and that our community is strengthened by the broad diversity of its members. Therefore, we will promote and applaud behaviors that support the dignity of individuals and groups and are respectful of others' opinions. We will especially discourage behaviors and attitudes that disrespect the diversity of individuals and groups for any reason including religion, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, hearing status, or language and communication preference.

We believe that as members of the Gallaudet community we are the recipients of a proud and rich heritage, as well as contributors to and benefactors of our institution's bright future. Therefore, we will strive to bring credit to our community and ensure that the institution flourishes and succeeds in its mission.