Guiding Principles

Gallaudet is committed to academic excellence, leadership, and remaining relevant in tomorrow’s higher education landscape

It is vital to the university’s continued survival and relevance that enrollment grow to meet and/or exceed previously-funded levels

1. To meet this enrollment goal, Gallaudet will accept all qualified students, including a diverse pool of students from varied educational backgrounds and communication modalities, and support them so they can realize the full academic and personal benefits of a Gallaudet education
2. Gallaudet will aggressively recruit and support students from traditionally-underrepresented groups (TUGs)

Gallaudet will adjust its own programs and support services as necessary to meet the needs of a changing student population – rather than expecting students to adapt to Gallaudet’s construct of the ideal student/methodologies

Gallaudet will engage and embrace the larger world beyond our walls through partnerships and outreach on all levels, encouraging our students, faculty and staff to be fully engaged participants in their local, national and global communities

Gallaudet is committed to the development and success of the whole student

Gallaudet will capitalize upon the advantages of its small size to ensure personal attention and care for each student, not only academically, but also in personal development and career exploration

1. Every student will be offered a faculty or staff mentor/advocate to guide them to the completion of their educational experience
2. Gallaudet will differentiate itself by a high level of student access and involvement with faculty/staff in their academic and non-academic experiences

Gallaudet will make real the connection between a liberal arts education and professional career success, through relevant majors/programs that meet the demands of the employment market, challenging internships, and a robust career center focused on lifelong support for our students and graduates

Gallaudet will foster an environment of respect for the full diversity of people and ideas, and be known as a community that practices zero tolerance for discriminatory and/or disrespectful behavior of any kind towards any one for any reason—including but not limited to gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, background, hearing status, or communication preferences

Gallaudet is committed to managerial and fiscal accountability and delivering value to our stakeholders

Until enrollment, retention and graduation targets are met, these areas, along with teaching and learning, will be the accountable strategic priorities for all administrators, faculty and staff

Gallaudet takes seriously its role as a responsible steward of the funding provided by the federal government, our students, and other stakeholders, constantly creating the case for continued support through achievement of value-added outcomes

University resources, including financial and human capital, will be examined annually and re-allocated as needed to support strategic priorities. All programs will face ongoing assessment of their cost/benefit to the university, and decisions about continuation, expansion or closure will be made annually as part of the budget process

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