Washington, D.C.-based Gallaudet University, like all colleges and universities nationwide, faced the decision of whether to bring students back to campus for the fall semester amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Gallaudet ultimately decided to offer all courses remotely. However, on-campus priority housing was given to up to 100 students who are DeafBlind, experience an unsafe home, have no other viable housing options and/or need support resources for online learning. The semester began Aug. 31 and will end Dec. 18.
“Students generally understand and appreciate the reasons for our decision to go online this fall, although they have let us know that they miss being on campus in a language-rich environment and seeing their peers and professors,” says Dr. Jeffrey W. Lewis, interim provost at Gallaudet.
Under Gallaudet’s reopening plans, the key areas of health, safety, technological and academic support and the student experience were highlighted. Tuition was also reduced by 15% for all full-time and part-time students.
In fall 2019, 41% of the incoming cohort during fall 2019 had zero expected family contribution. Of that percentage, 66% were students of color, an increase from 38% from the year before. The total number of students of color enrolled last fall was 51%, the highest number seen by the university, according to Dr. Thomas P. Horejes, associate provost of student success and academic quality at Gallaudet.
Additionally, in fall 2019, 58% of all undergraduate and graduate students came from families with incomes below $60,000. Additionally, 60% of the undergraduate students were Pell Grant-eligible, reported Horejes.
