A world-class institute of changemakers in the deaf and signing community.
Since 1864, we have been investing in and creating resources for deaf and hard of hearing children, their families, and the professionals who work with them.
Over 50 degree programs, with online and continuing education for personal and professional development.
Innovating solutions to break down barriers, and using science to prove what does and doesn’t work.
We make it easy for you to apply and enter here.
Ready to take the next step toward a college education?
Make lasting memories and grow in ways you never thought possible.
Menu
Hall Memorial Building (HMB) E253
(202) 250-2606 (videophone) (202) 651-5721 (voice) (202) 448-6954 (fax)
Email
The mission of ELI Student Orientation (ESO) is to ensure a smooth transition to student life for new ELI students so that they are prepared for their studies when the semester begins.
During ESO, new ELI students will attend required policy workshops, take placement tests, open a bank account, get a mailbox at the Gallaudet University postal center, and do other activities designed to help new students get familiarized with each other, the ELI program, the Gallaudet University campus, and the greater Washington, DC area.
All new ELI students are required to arrive on time for ESO, which runs for one and a half weeks before the fall semester or for one week before the spring semester. New ELI students who will check into dorm rooms need to be aware that scheduling travel plans to coincide with Arrival Day is important. If you arrive early, you will be responsible for paying nightly charges to Residence Life. There is a possibility that your dorm room would not be available if you arrive too early. In this case, please be prepared to find hotel accommodations.
On Arrival Day, please check in at Hall Memorial Building room E253 at the front desk. Check-in times are from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ELI staff will help you get settled into your dorm room if you are staying on campus. If you arrive on campus when the ELI is not open, please go directly to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), located in the lower level of Carlin Hall, to get your student ID before proceeding to your assigned residence hall. Someone at the front desk of your residence hall will have your room key. You will take required placement tests for English and mathematics. You will also attend mandatory policy workshops, follow Gallaudet University/ELI policies and procedures, and settle properly into your academic life as a new student. After your placement test scores have been evaluated by the ELI administration, you will be assigned to a level for English, ASL, and mathematics. Please note that mathematics classes are optional but the mathematics placement test is required. You will also be assigned to a Cross-Cultural Communication class, which is required for new ELI students. Classes will begin after the completion of the ESO program. You will be attending business registration during ESO in order to officially register for classes. If you have any holds on your student account, you will need to do what is necessary to clear them. When you have completed ELI Student Orientation (including business registration) and are officially registered for classes assigned to you, you can begin attending ELI classes for the semester.
New ELI Students pay a $400 ESO fee to participate in ELI Student Orientation.
Please note that separate dining cards for the student cafeteria will be given to new ELI students to purchase meals during ESO. When the semester starts, the meal plan goes into effect on the student ID cards.
Arrival Day for new students for the Fall 2021 semester is Thursday, August 19, 2021 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. ELI Student Orientation (ESO) begins on Friday, August 20, and runs through Friday, August 27. Then students begin their classes on Monday, August 30.
Admissions Requirements
Spring 2021 – Dec 12Fall 2021 – May 15