Welcome to the Office of Student Affairs!
Recognizing that a majority of student hours are spent outside of the classroom, this division contributes to the personal development and academic growth of our students through an array of high quality and comprehensive learning opportunities in a supportive campus environment. Student Affairs consists of several units which work in a collaborative effort to better serve our students. All programs and services are student-centered and provide a bridge to the academic programs of the University. These units include:
Athletics and Intramural Programs
Athletics and Intramural Programs provides an equal opportunity for both male and female student-athletes of good character and acceptable academic standing to compete in organized intercollegiate athletics while pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Athletics staff and coaches also help to provide an opportunity for each student-athlete to develop as a total person by enabling involvement in more areas of student life. More importantly, the athletic programs and activities provide the necessary tools that will aid Gallaudet student-athletes after graduation.
Counseling and Psychological Services
The Counseling and Psychological Services' (CAPS) mission of service, training, and advocacy focuses on the mental health needs of Gallaudet students and the deaf community. Supporting the academic and social-emotional development of Gallaudet students, CAPS provides high quality assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, and prevention programs for students. In addition, CAPS provides consultation services for faculty and staff and contributes to student paraprofessional training programs. CAPS also maintains a high quality training program that increases the number of qualified professionals serving the mental health needs of the deaf community. Through education and information dissemination, CAPS advocates for improved mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing people.
Residence Life provides a safe and welcoming environment for all students to come together in the pursuit of academic excellence. Realizing the difficult transition to college living, the Residence Life office strives to provide monthly dorm program events that help to ease the many issues faced by students. Programs also provide opportunities for students to foster skills that contribute to living successfully in a pluralistic environment; cultivate the development of character, civility, and community; and develop an understanding of the interrelationships that support a productive and meaningful life.
Student Center Programs and Services (SCPS)
Student Center Programs and Services offers a wide variety of student-centered, service oriented co-curricular programs and activities designed to foster experiential learning to augment the academic experience. SCPS fosters student development and focuses on student learning, character and leadership development, and cultural and social programs and related activities. These programs and activities are founded on specific beliefs that include: students are our number one reason for being here; a balanced life includes some time for fun and games as well as cultural experiences; giving back to the community builds character; a healthy mind, body, and spirit are prerequisites for success; there are no bad students, only students that make bad choices; and we are more alike than we are different. Student Center Programs and Services is made up of several sub-units that work collaboratively to help make the student experience at Gallaudet a positive one:
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Services
Alcohol and Other Drugs Services provides support for students dealing with alcohol and/or other drug related infractions of the Student Code of Conduct, and ensures that students complete their assigned sanctions issued by Residence Life or the Office of Student Conduct. Alcohol and Other Drugs Services handles online alcohol and/or drug educational sessions, alcohol and drug programs, and alcohol/drug classes in collaboration with several units on and off campus. - Campus Activities
Campus Activities serves as a resource center to provide students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a wide range of information, programs, and services to meet the needs of the community. Campus Activities' core value is to offer opportunities to foster leadership, character, citizenship, social responsibility, and civility for the students and campus community. - Commuter Programs
Commuter Programs directly address the needs of commuter students, and provides them a lounge for relaxation, storage space of books and meals, a study area, and a minicomputer lab. Programs offered during the year are designed to support and enhance the educational experience of all commuter students and include networking gatherings, off campus safety tips, conflict resolution, and landlord disputes. - Health and Wellness Programs
The Health and Wellness Programs Office seeks to enhance the well-being of Gallaudet students by empowering them to make informed health and lifestyle choices in accordance with their own values and belief systems. By supporting students on behavior and lifestyle change via the dimensions of wellness - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental-the program helps students become more successful members of the academic community. - Office of Campus Ministries Realizing the importance of spiritual development as a part of the overall student development philosophy, Student Affairs supports a group of volunteer religious workers offering regular religious services; counseling on religious matters; special discussion groups; student service projects in the community; internship opportunities; and social activities. Currently, the following faiths or denominations are represented: Assemblies of God, Baptist, Episcopal, Catholic, United Methodist, Jewish, Seventh Day Adventist, Lutheran, and Latter Day Saints.
- Student Accountability and Restorative Practices
The mission of the Student Accountability and Restorative Practices is to uphold the standards of the University community as clarified in the Student Code of Conduct and other University policies through a student conduct process that promotes civility through fair and impartial discipline and educational intervention.