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National Technical Institute for the Deaf

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NTID Courses NTID Faculty

T. Alan Hurwitz, Vice President and Dean

www.ntid.rit.edu

Programs

*Program pending approval by the New York State Department of Education.
** Please note: Admission to these programs has been suspended for the 2008-09 academic year.
***This program has been approved for discontinuance, effective June 2009. No new students will be admitted for the 2008-09 academic year.

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) provides deaf and hard-of-hearing students with educational programs that lead to meaningful employment in business, industry, government, and education. NTID represents the world’s first effort to educate large numbers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students within a college campus planned principally for hearing students. NTID’s location benefits deaf and hearing students’ academic, personal, social, and communication development. Nearly 1,100 deaf and hard-of-hearing students from across the United States, as well as from several U.S. territories and other countries, study and reside at RIT.

NTID provides deaf and hard-of-hearing students with technical and preprofessional training in more than 20 programs. An NTID education prepares students for technical careers in areas such as accounting technology, administrative support technology, applied computer technology, arts and imaging studies, applied mechanical technology, automation technologies, business, business technology, computer-aided drafting technology, computer-integrated machining technology, hospitality and service management, and laboratory science technology. NTID also offers a degree program in American Sign Language-English interpretation. Over the past five years, 93 percent of NTID graduates who chose to enter the workforce have found employment.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students who take courses or matriculate into one of RIT’s seven other colleges may request educational access services, which typically include sign language interpreting services, assistive listening systems, notetaking, or real-time captioning services. Alternative services also will be provided as required. Students also may request educational support services such as tutoring, personal and career counseling, and academic advising.

In support of its national mission, NTID has research, teaching, and learning activities that focus on understanding and enhancing the educational, social, and communication opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This area provides services and programs that enhance teaching and learning within the NTID community and beyond via broad-based research activities and dissemination strategies, curriculum development, instructional design and evaluation, and instructional media services. NTID offers a master of science in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NTID’s academic programs

NTID provides student-oriented academic programming to ensure a rich, coherent set of educational experiences for students. NTID offers transfer programs and career-focused associate degrees as well as general education course work in a variety of disciplines.

Transfer programs: NTID offers transfer associate degrees and prebaccalaureate programs. Associate of science (AS) degrees in business, hospitality and service management, and applied computer technology provide optimal transferability to baccalaureate programs in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business, the College of Applied Science and Technology, and the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, respectively. In addition, several of our associate of applied science (AAS) degree programs, such as administrative support technology, applied mechanical technology, and laboratory science technology, provide students with the necessary skills to transfer to other RIT colleges. Prebaccalaureate studies programs are designed to prepare qualified students for several specific bachelor’s degree programs in other colleges of RIT.

Career-focused programs: Numerous career-focused options and concentrations, designed to lead directly to employment, are available within the following areas: accounting technology, administrative support technology, applied computer technology, arts and imaging studies, automation technologies, business technology, computer-aided drafting technology, computer-integrated machining technology, and laboratory science technology. Program laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and maintain a curriculum that represents current industry trends and requirements, based on routine feedback from business and industry advisory groups. These programs lead to the associate degree in applied science and the associate degree in occupational studies. All AAS and associate of occupational studies (AOS) programs require at least one 10-week external cooperative education experience.

General education: NTID offers an array of general education courses to a broad-based population of NTID students, including those who are undecided about, or under-prepared for, matriculation into a program of study. In addition, NTID offers a degree program in American Sign Language-English interpretation and provides a comprehensive sign language education program for students, faculty, and staff members.

Support and access services: NTID provides comprehensive services in support of students enrolled in more than 200 baccalaureate or graduate programs in RIT’s other colleges. The educational support services available include academic advising, tutoring, audiological assistance, speech-language services, and personal and career counseling. In addition, NTID provides access services that are based upon each student’s educational need and typically include sign language interpreting services, assistive listening systems, notetaking, or real-time captioning services. Alternative services also will be provided as required. Through support and access services, students who are deaf are able to participate in all aspects of the RIT community.

Educational opportunities through NTID

Transfer programs

Transfer programs offered through NTID prepare qualified students for transfer into baccalaureate degree programs in other colleges of RIT.

Associate in science degree (AS): Certification at this level requires the completion of 45–50 quarter credit hours of technical course work and 40–45 quarter credit hours in general education courses offered through the College of Liberal Arts, mathematics and science courses offered through the College of Science, and other courses as appropriate to the degree. This degree prepares students to enter and complete a bachelor’s program in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business, the College of Applied Science and Technology, or the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. Admission to these programs is available in the fall quarter only.

Prebaccalaureate studies: The prebaccalaureate studies program is available as a bridge to baccalaureate degree programs for students who are accepted by NTID and are close to, but not fully ready for, direct entry into a baccalaureate-level program. Prebaccalaureate programs are offered through arts and imaging studies, science and mathematics, and engineering studies departments. The prebaccalaureate studies career exploration option is available to students who are undecided as to their program of study.

The prebaccalaureate studies program is appropriate for students who need to further develop mathematics, English, or discipline-related skills. This academic option is flexible and individualized and enables students to focus on needed skills while they progress toward their chosen field of study. Students take courses taught by NTID instructional/support faculty along with entry-level courses taught in other RIT colleges.

Career-focused programs

Career-focused programs offered through NTID lead to the associate in applied science degree or the associate in occupational studies. These programs permit students to enter their careers directly.

Associate in applied science degree (AAS): Certification at this level requires 57–69 quarter credit hours of technical instruction. In addition to satisfactorily completing technical courses, students must complete 20 quarter credit hours in general education courses offered through the College of Liberal Arts as well as other required quarter credit hours as determined by the program of study. In some programs, this degree prepares students to apply for entry to bachelor’s degree programs in other colleges of RIT.

Associate in occupational studies degree (AOS): Certification at this level requires 57–69 quarter credit hours of technical instruction. In addition to satisfactorily completing technical courses, students must complete a specific number of quarter credit hours in the NTID general education curriculum, as determined by the program of study.

Career exploration studies

The career exploration studies program offers opportunities for students to collect information about NTID majors and career paths before deciding on a program of study. It also assists students who need additional academic preparation and study in order to be ready for their chosen major.

This option allows students the opportunity to do an intensive career search while they develop a better understanding of themselves through career and personal counseling; decision-making classes; intensive sampling of various majors at RIT/NTID; use of a computer guidance program in the Career Resource and Testing Center; interest testing; and interpretation of aptitude, ability, and achievement tests. In addition, students take courses in mathematics, English, social and physical sciences, the humanities, and deaf studies/ASL as well as technical sampling courses or experiences. Some students also may take introductory courses in specific programs of study and general education courses and be involved in extracurricular or other college-oriented activities.

A career development counselor is assigned to help students evaluate the information and make career decisions. Students can remain in the career exploration studies program for one to three academic quarters. Additional quarters in the program are possible with the approval of the program coordinator.

Educational opportunities in other RIT colleges

In addition to NTID’s programs, qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing students may enroll as baccalaureate or master’s degree students in one of the more than 200 professional programs offered through RIT’s other seven colleges: College of Applied Science and Technology, E. Philip Saunders College of Business, B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, Kate Gleason College of Engineering, College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Science. NTID students also may take classes in the other RIT colleges individually, on a course-by-course basis.

Each of RIT’s colleges has NTID instructional/support faculty that provide services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. These services include tutoring, advising, and personal and career counseling. The department of access services provides sign language interpreting services, assistive listening systems, notetaking, and real-time captioning services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students taking courses in the other seven colleges of RIT and for campus activities outside the classroom. Alternative services also will be provided as required.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students who wish to enroll in a program in another RIT college must meet that college’s admission requirements. Furthermore, deaf and hard-of-hearing students supported by NTID also must meet NTID admission requirements, submit an audiological record completed by a certified audiologist (CCC-A), and complete standard RIT admission forms. Please see the Admissions section for more information.

Qualified students may choose to enroll in courses taught through the other seven colleges of RIT for several reasons: as part of the elective requirements in their NTID programs; to complete their programs of study at NTID, then continue their education at another RIT college; to enter a program of another RIT college directly from high school; or to transfer directly into a program in one of RIT’s colleges from another postsecondary program.

Career-focused and Transfer Programs of NTID	Related Educational Programs of Other RIT Colleges
Leading to associate degrees	Leading to associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in the other RIT colleges; students may request educational access services such as sign language interpreting services, assistive listening systems, notetaking, or real-time captioning services. Alternative services also will be provided as required.
NTID PROGRAMS	OTHER RIT COLLEGES	OTHER RIT PROGRAMS
Applied Computer Technology Concentrations: · PC Technical Support · Networking and Cyber Security · Web Development and Database AS Transfer Program	College of Computing and Information Sciences	· Computer Science · Information Technology · Networking Security and Systems Administration
Applied Mechanical Technology	College of Applied Science and Technology	· Mechanical Engineering Technology · Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Applied Optical Technology‡	College of Applied Science and Technology	· Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Art and Computer Design*	College of Imaging Arts and Sciences	· Art Education · Ceramics/Ceramic Sculpture · Computer Graphics Design · Fine Arts (Illustration, Medical Illustration and Fine Arts Studio) · Glass/Glass Sculpture · Graphic Design · Industrial and Interior Design · Metal and Jewelry Design · New Media Design and Imaging · Woodworking and Furniture Design
Arts and Imaging Studies Concentrations: · Graphic Artist · Photo Imaging Specialist · Print Publishing Specialist · Web Design Developer	College of Imaging Arts and Sciences	School for American Crafts · Ceramics/Ceramic Sculpture · Glass and Glass Sculpture · Metalcrafts and Jewelry · Woodworking and Furniture Design School of Art · Fine Arts · Illustration · Medical Illustration School of Design · Graphic Design · Industrial Design · Interior Design · New Media Design and Imaging School of Film and Animation · Film and Animation · Digital Cinema School of Photographic Arts and Sciences · Advertising Photography · Biomedical Photographic Communication · Fine Arts Photography · Imaging and Photographic Technology · Photojournalism School of Print Media · Graphic Media · New Media Publishing · Visual Media
Automation Technologies	College of Applied Science and Technology	· Mechanical Engineering Technology · Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Business Studies Accounting Technology Business Business Technology	College of Business	· Accounting · Finance · Consumer Finance · Graphic Media Marketing · International Business · Management · Management Information Systems · Marketing
Administrative Support Technology	College of Applied Science and Technology	· Human Resource Development · Computer Graphics
Computer-Aided Drafting Technology	College of Applied Science and Technology	· Civil Engineering Technology
Computer-Integrated Machining Technology Electives: · Machining · Precision Optics Manufacturing	College of Applied Science and Technology	· Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Digital Imaging and Publishing Technology*	College of Imaging Arts and Sciences	· Biomedical Photographic Communications · Film/Video/Animation · Graphic Communications · Graphic Media · Imaging and Photographic Technology · New Media Publishing · Professional Photographic Illustration
Hospitality and Service Management Concentrations: · Hotel and Resort Management · Food Management	College of Applied Science and Technology	School of Hospitality and Service Management · Hotel and Resort Management · Food Management
Laboratory Science Technology	College of Applied Science and Technology College of Science	· Applied Arts and Sciences · Environmental Management and Technology · Biology · Biotechnology · Chemistry · Environmental Science

Note: In addition to the transfer degree and career-focused programs noted above, NTID also offers prebaccalaureate studies. This program is available as a bridge for qualified students accepted by NTID and interested in enrolling in another RIT college but who are not yet ready to enter a baccalaureate-level program. Admission to this program has been suspended for the 2008-2009 academic year.

‡ This program has been suspended. No new students will be admitted in 2008-09.

* This program has been discontinued. No new students will be admitted in 2008-09.

First-Year Experiences Programming

NTID programs

Beginning with a summer orientation program, NTID provides a special array of curricular and co-curricular activities to help maximize each student’s potential for success in the first year. These experiences are designed to enhance students’ bonding with the community while providing time and support to select and enter into a major and/or progress within a career program.

First-year students qualified to enter NTID in the fall quarter are required to participate in a summer orientation program called the Summer Vestibule Program. This program includes:

placement testing in English and mathematics
orientation/transition to college life activities
career sampling
counseling
application to a career-focused or transfer program, career exploration studies, prebaccalaureate studies, or baccalaureate program

This summer program is followed by additional first-year experiences that allow students to work with a counselor to select courses and activities that meet individual goals and needs. Components of first-year experiences programming include:

enrollment in the Freshman Seminar course during the first quarter
completion of preparatory courses, as needed
work with an academic adviser and counselor
participation in career exploration and introductory courses, when and if appropriate
completion of degree requirements, as appropriate
participation in co-curricular and mentoring activities of choice
if undecided, declaring a major and degree level by the end of the first year

Other colleges of RIT

Students who qualify to enter baccalaureate programs in other colleges of RIT participate in the first-year programming and activities designed by the affiliated instructional/support faculty and the colleges. Most first-year students enrolled in colleges other than NTID are required to:

participate in the summer orientation options and in RIT’s weeklong MyOrientation program as well as NTID’s support service orientation workshops
enroll in the First-Year Enrichment program
participate in opportunities to explore and select a major, if needed
work with an academic adviser and counselor

NTID’s General Education Curriculum

At NTID and in the other colleges of RIT, education in a chosen program of study and preparation for a career are complemented by study in general education. The NTID general education curriculum fosters a spirit of lifelong learning and inquiry. Courses in science, mathematics, English, the social sciences, the humanities, and deaf studies/American Sign Language are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge, intellectual and communication skills, and an understanding of the creative process that will enable them to actively shape their personal, professional, and community lives.

The general education curriculum satisfies the general education distribution requirements for the AOS programs offered at NTID, prepares students for completing the College of Liberal Arts courses required for AAS and AS programs and, along with other curricula offered by NTID, prepares qualified students to pursue course work and degrees in other RIT colleges.

General education distribution requirements

Degree	Freshman Seminar	Math and Science	Deaf Studies/ ASL¹	Language and Literature	Humanities	Social Sciences	Capstone
AS	2	6		Liberal Arts (COLA)-8²	Liberal Arts (COLA)-8	Liberal Arts (COLA)-8
AAS	2	6	3	Liberal Arts (COLA)-4³	Liberal Arts (COLA)-8	Liberal Arts (COLA)-8	3⁴
AOS	2	6	(3)¹	12	6⁵	6⁵	3⁴
1. The deaf studies/ASL requirement can be satisfied by taking three credits in American Sign Language or an identified deaf studies course. The three-credit course taken to fulfill the deaf studies/ASL requirement can fulfill three credits in either the humanities or social sciences, depending upon which discipline offers the course selected. 2. Students earning the AS degree are required to take Writing Seminar (0502-227) and one 4-credit Arts of Expression (0505-319) course. 3. Students earning the AAS degree are required to take Writing Seminar. 4. The capstone requirement can be satisfied by taking either Special Topics: Capstone: Society and Technology (0880-398) or Special Topics: Capstone: Exploration in Social Responsibility (0882-398). Students in AAS transfer degree programs may take Science, Technology, and Values (0508-211) as a substitute. 5. Students earning AOS degrees are required to complete one C-level course in communication studies (either Group Dynamics and Effective Teams, Interpersonal Relationships, or Organizational Communication and the Deaf Employee). These credits may be used to satisfy the humanities or social sciences requirements.

Degree requirements

Students must complete a minimum number of general education credits for each degree. The general education distribution requirements chart shows the credit hour and distribution requirements for the AS, AAS, and AOS degrees. (See the course sequences for individual programs of study.)

Level of courses in the curriculum

Degree requirements must be completed at the appropriate level in the curriculum. There are four levels of courses in the NTID general education curriculum: introductory (A), fundamental (B), intermediate (C), and bridging (D). Students not yet prepared for courses required for their degree begin with courses at a lower level and enter required courses when they have completed the prerequisites.

Course placement

The goal of assessment for course placement is to ensure that each student begins his or her study in the appropriate course. Assessment for initial course placement will be made during summer orientation in the following areas: mathematics, American Sign Language, and writing and reading.

Course requirements

Freshman Seminar: Freshman Seminar is required for all students entering the first year of college. This course helps students identify personal, social, and academic skills that lead to a successful college experience.

Science and mathematics: All students take science and mathematics courses that foster the reasoning and problem-solving skills that are a part of the foundation of their technical studies. In addition, the curriculum provides an opportunity to develop the mathematical and scientific literacy demanded in today’s society.

Students are required to complete three credits in mathematics and three credits in science at the fundamental (B) level or higher. Some students will have additional requirements established by their technical programs. (See the course sequences for individual technical programs.)

English language and literature: The English program is designed to enable students to develop English literacy skills. There are three developmental sequences of courses, in academic writing, nonfiction reading, and literature. The academic writing and nonfiction reading sequences each have courses at four levels (A–D), while the literature sequence has courses at three levels (B–D). There also is a two-course integrated sequence at level A for students who enter with weaker skills. Courses at levels A-C of this program provide the English literacy skills required for career-focused associate degrees. Level D courses prepare students to access the College of Liberal Arts' writing curriculum required for transfer associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees.

Students who plan to graduate with the AOS degree are required to complete 12 credits of English at level C or higher. Students who enter NTID with English skills below the level required for their degree of choice will need to successfully complete additional courses before taking the required English courses.

Social sciences and humanities: The social sciences courses provide students with a broad exposure to key concepts and issues in anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science.

The humanities curriculum includes courses in communication studies, history, fine arts, performing arts, and philosophy. Students also have the opportunity to study foreign languages in the College of Liberal Arts. The communication studies curriculum offers courses to enhance students’ understanding of the communication process and develop effective individual, group, professional, and cross-cultural communication skills based on linguistic background, communication preferences, and needs of a variety of audiences.

The performing arts curriculum includes performance and technical components. The curriculum makes use of NTID’s Panara Theatre and a smaller experimental theater where students stage plays and performances and create their own works in American Sign Language and English. This curriculum provides a bridge to the BFA program in film/video/animation in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

The social sciences and humanities curricula each have courses at three levels (B-D). Students who plan to graduate with the AOS degree are required to complete six credits of social sciences courses and six credits of humanities courses at level C or higher. Students who, upon entry to NTID, place below level C in the social sciences/humanities will need to successfully complete courses at level B before taking courses at level C.

Deaf studies/American Sign Language

Students have an opportunity to study American Sign Language and learn about their heritage as deaf people through the deaf studies/ASL curriculum. All students are required to complete one three-credit course in deaf studies or ASL at the fundamental (B) level or higher. Students who are not skilled in sign language are strongly encouraged to take additional ASL courses, and students proficient in ASL are encouraged to take advanced courses. Deaf studies courses also satisfy the social sciences and humanities requirements.

Capstone

All students at the AAS and AOS levels are required to complete a capstone course. This is an interdisciplinary course that applies the knowledge and skills acquired in the technical and general education courses to a selected topic, resulting in a team project and presentation. The capstone requirement can be satisfied by taking either Special Topics: Capstone: Society and Technology (0880-398) or Special Topics: Capstone: Exploration in Social Responsibility (0882-398). Students in AAS transfer degree programs may take Science, Technology, and Values (0508-211) as a substitute.

College of Liberal Arts composition sequence

The College of Liberal Arts, through the NTID department of liberal studies, offers a two-course writing sequence, Written Communication I and II (0502-110, 111) as preparation for the College of Liberal Arts course Writing Seminar. These courses provide additional experience in writing, reading, and critical thinking techniques needed for success in Writing Seminar (0502-227). Eligible students must meet with the liberal arts instructional/support faculty before registering for these courses.

Liberal arts requirements

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students enrolled in baccalaureate, AS, or AAS degree programs take required liberal arts courses through the College of Liberal Arts. At the lower division, students can choose between course sections taught by either NTID or College of Liberal Arts faculty members.

Where liberal arts courses are taught by NTID faculty members, instructors use direct instruction that includes sign language, spoken language, printed/visual aids, Web-based instructional materials, and individual tutoring.

Liberal arts courses taught by College of Liberal Arts faculty members include both deaf and hearing students. Educational access services, such as sign language interpreting services, assistive listening systems, notetaking, or real-time captioning services may be requested by students. Alternative services also will be provided as required. Students also may request educational support services such as tutoring and academic advising.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students are advised to earn a passing grade in the Writing Seminar course before taking any additional liberal arts courses. Students studying in colleges other than NTID should consult with their program departments about required liberal arts courses.

Placement in Writing Seminar (0502-227) is based on the Liberal Arts Placement Test or upon satisfactory completion of Written Communication II (0502-111).

Admission Information

Costs of attending RIT through NTID

The total cost of attending RIT through NTID sponsorship includes tuition, room, board, and fees. Charges to NTID-sponsored students are updated each year. The cost of books and supplies is the students’ responsibility. These costs vary depending on each student’s program of study. Annual estimated cost for books and supplies for the 2008–09 academic year is $900 or more.

New students attending the Summer Vestibule Program will be charged a fee. Students participating in cooperative education are not charged tuition or fees for that particular quarter. They will be charged room, board, and residence hall fees, however, if they live on campus while participating in a co-op.

All students are required to carry accident and sickness insurance. Students may choose insurance coverage through RIT, or they may waive this coverage if they provide evidence of other insurance coverage. Waiver cards will be sent to all accepted students during the summer and will be available at registration. The fee for health insurance for 2008–09 is approximately $700.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF FIXED CHARGES 2008-2009 (DOMESTIC STUDENTS)

	Summer Vestibule Program 8/17-8/23/08	NSSO* 8/25-8/31/08	Fall 9/1-11/15/08	Winter 12/1/08-2/28/09	Spring 3/9-5/22/09	Summer 6/1-8/15/09
Tuition	$583	0	$3,267	$3,267	$3,267	$3,267
Room	$207	0	$1,807	$1,807	$1,807	$1,807
Board (standard meal plan)	$136	0	$1,320	$1,320	$1,320	$1,320
Student fees†	0	0	$234	$234	$234	$234
Orientation fee‡			$200
Student sickness insurance fee§			$700
Total	$926	0	$7,528	$6,628	$6,628	$6,628
* NSSO (NTID Support Service Orientation) workshops for NTID-supported students accepted to other RIT colleges † Student fees are required of all full-time students and include: student health fee ($68); student activities fee ($69); athletics fee ($8); Student Alumni Union fee ($87); and NTID activities fee ($2 per quarter). ‡ Charge to defray cost of fall Orientation program for freshmen and new students only. § Approximate amount Notes: Required books and supplies will impact these figures. The standard academic year includes the fall, winter, and spring quarters. New students accepted to the Summer Vestibule Program will be charged according to the prorated fee schedule indicated above. Students on co-op are not charged tuition or fees for that particular quarter and will be charged room and board only if they live on campus while they work. Incidental personal expenses for students average $50–60 a month. This accounts for such things as local transportation, laundry and dry cleaning, toiletries, entertainment, hearing aid batteries, etc.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants

Deaf or hard-of-hearing students may apply for admission to any of RIT’s colleges. All applicants with a hearing loss should check the appropriate box on the application and submit an audiological record (CCC-A) completed by a certified audiologist in order to qualify for educational access and support services as well as NTID’s federally supported tuition rate. Send application materials to the NTID Office of Admissions. For further details regarding application requirements, please refer to the information in the Admission to Undergraduate Study section of this bulletin.

Transfer credit

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students may transfer into an NTID program, or they may qualify for transfer directly into a program in another RIT college with NTID sponsorship. The transfer credit of deaf students accepted to the Summer Vestibule Program will be evaluated in the fall, when they are accepted into a specific program.

Campus visits

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students who wish to visit RIT may contact NTID’s Office of Admissions at (585) 475-6700 (voice/TTY) or via e-mail at ntidadmissions@rit.edu. Students may take tours of campus and arrange personal interviews. Both of these are strongly encouraged but are not required for admission.

Facilities

A modern academic and residential building complex on the RIT campus is designed to meet the specific needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The Lyndon Baines Johnson and the Hugh L. Carey buildings house laboratories, offices, communication studies and services centers, classrooms, and a theater. These classrooms and laboratories support the latest technologies for teaching and include high-resolution projection displays, digital document displays, VCRs, assistive listening systems, Internet access, and other computer-based services. In addition, classrooms are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of both students and teachers.

The Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) Student Development Center, interconnecting the Johnson Building and The Commons, which is an adjacent dining hall, is the focal point for students, faculty, and staff to engage in social events and community activities. In addition to a large multipurpose space for formal and informal lectures, small meeting rooms and offices provide workspace for student government groups, clubs, and organizations.

NTID’s main academic building, the Johnson Building, boasts a state-of-the-art learning center. Using the latest technologies available, this center provides academic experiences, tutorial services, and course enrichment opportunities for all students. It provides students with access to networked computer workstations, videoconferencing capability, and a special technology-centered classroom.

One of the features of the Johnson Building is the Joseph F. and Helen C. Dyer Arts Center. This 7,000-square-foot facility features art exhibits as well as NTID’s permanent art collection. The center also incorporates art-related educational activities, such as lectures and demonstrations, while serving as a multiuse facility. The Johnson Building also includes the Panara Theatre, a 500-seat facility where theatrical productions are produced simultaneously in American Sign Language and English. The theater also hosts a wide range of cultural activities from all over the world, enriching student life and broadening students’ world view.

All residence hall rooms, campus apartments, classrooms, laboratories, and administrative areas can access the campus-wide computer network with wired or wireless connections.

All RIT and NTID residence halls are aggressively maintained and provide students with an appealing, highly functional living environment. Special rooms have been created to serve physically challenged students. Students are encouraged to bring their own computers to connect to the campus network and Internet from their rooms. A selection of apartment units also is available. Visual emergency strobe lights and visual doorbells are present throughout residence halls, apartments, and academic buildings.

Television, a basic part of the college’s communication network, is used for both education and entertainment. Campus cable connections are provided in residence hall rooms, classrooms, and various other locations. The system supports 22 channels of basic service, which include ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, WB, PBS, a local news channel, a local public access channel, and several channels used on campus for distribution of educational programming. This basic service is free, although students may elect to purchase full cable service from the Rochester cable system provider.

A well-equipped television facility provides studio services to produce class and self-instruction media for use within the university.

Telecommunications

Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired students can access telephone services through TTY, VRS, and computer-based relay services. CapTel service also is available in New York state.

Communication skills

Communication competence is considered an important component of the student’s educational experience at NTID. Students have opportunities to develop skills through a wide range of curricular and co-curricular activities that promote communication success in educational, social, and work situations. The communication studies and services department, the department of American Sign Language and interpreting education, and the department of cultural and creative studies provide intensive support and instruction for the development of communication skills. Faculty and staff conduct assessments and provide course work, workshops, and individualized instruction. They also work collaboratively with instructional/support faculty and professional staff.

Hearing aid shop

The NTID Hearing Aid Shop provides the RIT community with services related to hearing loss, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Students may visit the shop to receive information about hearing loss and cochlear implants or to schedule clinical appointments, obtain new ear molds and batteries, have hearing aids repaired and other services. The shop is located in Johnson 3130 and can be contacted by calling (585) 475-6473 (voice/TTY).

NTID counseling and academic advising services

Every NTID-supported student is assigned a counselor in the NTID counseling and academic advising services department. Counselors provide individual, personal, social, career, and academic counseling services to their students. In addition, counselors work closely with students and faculty in the students’ academic programs to help students achieve academic success. Counselors also consult and network extensively with families and internal and external resources with the goal of helping students achieve personal, career, and educational success. Students can contact their assigned counselors to arrange for appointments.

Career resource and testing center

The Career Resource and Testing Center provides students with materials and information on careers and college programs with special services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Services include access to the computerized guidance system; aptitude, interest, and personality testing; and skill-building workshops on study skills, learning styles, and stress management.

The center is staffed by a professional counselor from the NTID counseling services department and student assistants. It is open daily with evening hours available during weekdays. For additional information or an appointment, call (585) 475-6468 (voice/TTY).

Mental health/psychological counseling

Mental health counseling services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students are part of a range of services at the RIT Counseling Center. Individual and group therapy are offered for psychological and adjustment issues such as depression, anxiety, family conflicts, relationships, college success, and identity issues, to name a few. Mental-health emergency services and crisis intervention are provided by the RIT Counseling Center on a 24-hour basis in collaboration with other campus service providers. The Counseling Center also coordinates medication consultation and management, when appropriate, through the RIT psychiatrist.

Psychoeducational programs and workshops also are offered on a variety of topics, including body image, stress management, depression, and social skills.

Counseling Center staff provide consultation about mental health issues and deafness on campus, locally, nationally, and internationally.

Cooperative education

A feature of most RIT academic programs, including those offered through NTID, is cooperative education. Co-op provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen career field. NTID AAS and AOS programs require a co-op education experience. A majority of students complete the co-op experience during the summer. However, co-op can be completed any time during the year, consistent with a student’s course schedule.

Employment

Employment of deaf and hard-of-hearing graduates is a high priority for NTID. To help ensure that graduates obtain program-related employment, NTID’s Center on Employment assigns each new student an adviser experienced in employment assistance in the various academic concentrations. To help prepare them for obtaining cooperative education experiences and permanent employment, students in AAS and AOS programs take a required course, Job Search Process (0806-101).

The center’s employment advisers are in constant contact with potential employers throughout the United States. In addition, the center hosts an annual job fair attended by national employers. Such services have contributed to a high employment rate of deaf and hard-of-hearing graduates. Over the past five years, 93 percent of NTID graduates who chose to enter the workforce have found employment.

Research

NTID is a nationally known center of research on deafness. Faculty and staff at NTID conduct research to understand how deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn, work, and live in society. The dual mission of the research program at NTID is to gather new information and to make this information available to students, parents, teachers, and other professionals. Students may become involved in this research by volunteering to participate in a research study, by becoming a research assistant, or by conducting their own research under the supervision of NTID faculty and staff members.

Undergraduate Bulletin