BGSU American Sign Language (ASL) program update

In response to budget restrictions and additional teaching responsibilities for our faculty as a result of the global pandemic, Bowling Green State University made the difficult decision to eliminate the American Sign Language (ASL) classes and 21-credit minor. We realize that this was a disproportional impact to the deaf community and the sense of belonging that was developed with the addition of the program.  

This decision was not made lightly. While the ASL language courses were very popular options for many students, these classes were not required for any degree within the College of Education and Human Development. The ASL minor was a new program that we were excited to add to our curriculum offerings. However, given that this minor was only recently approved, very few students had formally declared ASL as their minor. The additional challenge of finding qualified ASL teachers to deliver upper-level ASL courses made keeping the new minor problematic. Consequently, the decision to eliminate the ASL classes and minor, while difficult, will not delay students in progressing to graduation.

As a public university for the public good, BGSU is committed to creating a community where we all belong. The pandemic has affected our communities in different ways. BGSU is exploring new partnerships and possibilities that would provide opportunities for students to have access to ASL courses and to continue to support our deaf community at BGSU.