CGE Policy Committee Report: 02/26/13
Residency:
Our 2012-13 graduate catalog defines residency as "the equivalent of two semesters
of on-site study, unless a specific exemption is granted by the CGE for an
experimental program." In addition, the catalog states that "Every graduate program
must involve at least two semesters of on-site study....” (2012-13 Graduate Catalog, p.
73)
Related Terms:
Full-time graduate student status: min of 9 and max of 21 credits/semester (p. 51)
Part-time graduate student status: less than 9 credits, not eligible for dormitory
residence unless permission to reside in a dorm from the Director of Residence Life
and Dean of Student Affairs (p. 51)
Only one program, HSLS Ph.D. program, acknowledges the residency requirement in
its program description (p. 149).
Other programs vary in their requirements, honoring, but not referring, to residency:
Example 1: M.A. in Sign Language Teaching “Program of Study” indicates “Summer 1
(On Campus), Fall 1 (Online), Spring 1 (Online), Summer II (On campus)” (p. 87)
Example 2: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling: “requires two academic years and one
summer semester to complete” (p. 95)
Example 3: M. A. in Interpretation’s Typical Program of Study: Semester I (Fall, 12
credits), Semester II (Spring, 12 credits), Semester III (Fall, 12 credits), Semester IV
(Spring, 12 credits), Semester V (Summer) Internship (p. 165)
Example 4: M.S. W. in Social Work with School Specialization has both a “Two-Year
Option” and a “Three-Year Option” (pp. 203-04)
Concern about Current Policy: Are online programs/hybrid programs exempt from
the residency requirement? If so, should we eliminate the current requirement? or
replace it for online/hybrid programs?
Prior Discussion:
Other graduate programs in DC/MD have residency requirements that differ across
programs (Eg: GW’s JD program [law school] requires 6 units of residency; GW’s
MBA program requires 1 year of exclusive residency; GW’s museum studies program
requires a summer residency; MD’s Ph.D. programs: all students are required to
spend a minimum of 2 years in residency)
But none of these programs are “bilingual-bicultural.” Should residency at
Gallaudet be tied to our bilingual mission? Or bilingual vision?
“Gallaudet….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 ” (p. 6).
“The Graduate School at Gallaudet University draws on Gallaudet’s rich heritage,
distinguished faculty and staff, and ASL-English bilingual environment to carry out its
mission….” (p. 7).
The University’s Vision: A bilingual learning environment….full access for all students
to learning and communication….a world-class campus….a virtual campus that
expands Gallaudet’s reach to a broader audience of visual learners… (p. 6)
Suggestion for new residency language:
Residency at Gallaudet University is defined as at least two semesters of on-campus
full-time study, except for those CGE-approved programs offering online, hybrid,
or combined on-campus and off-campus, coursework. Every graduate program
must involve provide its students with an approved program of study that reflects both
residency and graduation requirements. unless a specific exemption is granted by the
CGE for an experimental program."
Figure 1. A schematic representation of Residency
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------?? Residency linked to
University's Bilingual Mission and
Vision ??
Importance of Residency Stated in
the Catalog
?? And Each Graduate
Dept./Program Defines Residency
for its Own Needs ??
Example 1: All M.S. students in
HSLS are expected to be fully
enrolled across 5 consecutive
semesters in satisfying residency
and graduation requirements.
?? Or Each Graduate
Dept./Program Answers
Questions about Residency
Requirements as part of the
Curriculum Review ??
Example 2: All M.A. students in
_____ are expected? required? to
be on campus for two semesters
in satisfying residency and
graduation requirements.
Example 3: All students enrolled
in this online/hybrid graduate
program are expected to
_____________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other thoughts or questions from CGE members?
Submitted by Brenda Seal, Policy Committee Chair
02/25/13