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Introduction to the Center for Deaf Studies

Mission

The Mission of the Ohlone College Center for Deaf Studies is to provide quality post-secondary education and training opportunities to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The Center is committed to full communication access for all who can benefit from instruction. In order to implement the mission of the Center, faculty and staff are all fluent in American Sign Language, trained in the areas of Deaf Education and/or Rehabilitation Counseling, and are sensitive to the diverse cultural and educational background of the students.

The College

Established in 1965, Ohlone College serves the cities of Fremont and Newark, California. The main campus is located in Fremont on Mission Boulevard just off the 680 Freeway on a beautiful 534-acre hillside site just south of historical Mission San Jose (directions).

In 1972, the College reached out and welcomed Deaf persons to participate in college activities as students and members of the college faculty. This decision made Ohlone College a pioneer among the community colleges that now serve Deaf students.

The average Deaf enrollment is approximately 200 students. Deaf students at Ohlone College are diverse in cultural and educational backgrounds. They come from out-of-state and many foreign countries. They participate in student government, sports, drama and all phases of campus affairs. Students enroll in a variety of programs and courses which may lead to professional or occupational careers or enrichment experience.

Students signing at the Ohlone pond.The Ohlone College Center for Deaf Studies is one of the largest and most comprehensive programs in California designed to meet the academic and vocational needs of Deaf Students. The staff includes several full-time Deaf instructors and many part-time Deaf instructors and is lead by one of the few Deaf Administrators in the state of California.

As a result of the success of the Deaf Program, the Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) was established in 1977. Ohlone College offers a two-year Associate in Arts degree in Interpreter Preparation; the only A.A. program in Northern California. Upon completion of the program, many graduates remain here at Ohlone College to start their profession as Sign Language Interpreters.

The growing awareness and recognition of the Deaf Community as a cultural and linguistic minority has resulted in a surge in the general public's desire to communicate with Deaf people. American Sign Language is one of the most used languages in the United States, other than English. Since 1982, Ohlone College has been offering a two-year Associate in Arts degree in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies.

Eligibility

Attendance is open to any California resident 18 years of age or older or any district resident under 18 years of age with:

  1. a high school diploma; or
  2. California certificate of high school proficiency; or
  3. high school juniors and seniors and seniors status within the district in a career accelerated program

College Application - How to Apply, How to Register for Classes

Visit the Ohlone College Admissions & Records website for information related to applying to Ohlone College (you can apply online or download the application in PDF format), admissions procedures, registration procedures, using WebAdvisor (Ohlone's online services program for students and faculty, including online registration), adding classes, dropping classes, enrollment verification requests, transcripts, and more.

Two people signing at the Ohlone pond.Contact your high school and any colleges attended to request that your official transcripts be sent directly to the Admissions & Records Office. Veterans should file copies of military records and special training courses. Placement Testing is required for all new students. Placement Tests may be waived based on prior course work or testing. Contact the Counseling Department with questions about placement testing. If you are a high school student, please check the High School Admissions information page.

For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (510) 659-6100.

Fees

Information about fees is available on the Admissions & Records website, including parking permits and a Health Services Fee.

In addition, you can expect to pay between $200.00 and $300.00 for your books per semester. Visit the Ohlone Bookstore website.

Any and all fees are subject to review and change at any time without notice by the administration of the Ohlone Community College District for reasons, at the discretion of the District and the State of California.

Some or all fees may not apply if you are a recipient of benefits under the Aid of Families with Dependent Children Program, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) /State Supplemental Program, or the General Assistance Program. Contact the Financial Aid office for information.

Accreditation

Ohlone College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and awards Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. Certificates of Achievement are awarded for completion of core courses in many program areas.

Equal Opportunity

Ohlone College is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. In compliance with the:

Ohlone College does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.

Advisory Committee

An advisory committee consisting of Deaf and hearing persons throughout the Bay Area serves as a sounding board and recommending body for the Ohlone College Center for Deaf Studies. The committee advises the program on trends, issues and needs in the various fields of Deafness and interpreting. Instructional programs are developed and revised based on advisory committee input.