The Gallaudet Commitment
Always evolving with The Gallaudet promise.
Gallaudet is our space where the vitality of the Deaf experience and the vibrancy of sign language thrive.
By acting together for the greater good of our students and our community, we create a better world. Gallaudet University began a new 10-year vision campaign in 2020, called The Gallaudet Promise: Excellence in Learning and Discovery.
The Gallaudet Promise brings Gallaudet University's mission and vision to life by defining our transformation over the next decade.
See our mission and vision statement here.
The Why, What, and How
The Gallaudet Promise exemplifies our forward-thinking perspective and frames the University's continued becoming by addressing five grand challenges for the University and Deaf people of all identities.
Why | The Need for Change
Five grand challenges faced by Gallaudet as a community.
Gallaudet University has recognized 5 grand challenges to transform into opportunities for growth.
Accomplishments towards these challenges will be done through transformative work in the priority areas of lifelong academic learning (from birth to doctorates, and beyond), knowledge creation and discovery, scholarly studies and research, and advancement of the signing ecosystem.
Demonstrating the benefits of an ASL/English education
Expanding the impact of Gallaudet's creative edge
Realizing the value of Deaf people across the spectrum of identities
Creating pathways to success for Gallaudet students and graduates
Cultivating opportunities in both ASL and English-based economies
What | Our Priorities and Imperatives
To address the grand challenges and achieve the vision, Gallaudet has identified three priority areas to pursue and advance. This will be done through a series of strategic plans.
Imperatives
Central to achieving the Gallaudet Promise and transforming Gallaudet are three imperatives that will be woven into all aspects of the University:
Extraordinary Learning and Academic Excellence Across the Lifespan
Bilingual Mission
Knowledge Creation and Discovery
Belonging and Equity
Signing Ecosystems and Career Success
Innovation for Impact
Central to achieving the vision and transforming Gallaudet are three imperatives that will be woven into all aspects of the University:
Imperatives and principles to achieve our priorities
Shared Community Values
Gallaudet is our space where the Deaf experience and sign language vibrancy and vitality thrive. By acting together for the greater good of our students and our community, we create a better world.
Our values reflect our human connection to each other. Values make a difference when each of us actively applies them as we learn, work and engage with each other.
How | Implementing Change
An essential part of Gallaudet's success and follow-through with the Gallaudet Promise is the HOW as defined by a series of strategic plans. The strategic plans will identify the most important actions to transform. The first plan, to be ready in winter 2021, will continue through September 2022. This will be followed by a series of three and four year plans to focus the University's efforts and resources on the highest-impact work.
The Upcoming Year
Learn about Gallaudet's strategic plan for the years 2021 and 2022. Our plans are designed with clear action and initiatives that will bring us forward in major strides and guide our transformation so all grand challenges are addressed in the growth and advancement of the University and our community. Every member of the Gallaudet community has a role in achieving the Gallaudet Promise. We are all capable of creating change!
The Deaf Experience and Intersectionality
Honor the Deaf experience across the spectrum of identities and intersectionalities.
Being Bilingual
Embrace and promote bilingual communication and sign language vibrancy as the essence of our connection as a community.
Create a campus that leverages the rich diversity of identities, cultures, linguistic backgrounds, languages, and life experiences leading to equitable opportunities, full access, and a deep sense of belonging for all.
Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
Foster curiosity and adaptability about new and differing perspectives as the foundation for learning, research, discovery, and individual and community growth.
Act with personal and professional integrity to create a culture that reflects respect for ourselves, our campus, our community, and our planet.