Frequently Asked Questions About the Program

All general sections of ASL are open for students to register on the first come first serve basis. No waiting list is kept for general sections of ASL classes.

No. ASL 101 classes are designed for all students, even those without any experience in ASL or Deaf culture.

English and ASL are separate languages. Therefore, talking in English and signing in ASL is very difficult even for seasoned signers. Going “voice off” and focusing on ASL instead of English has proven to be the best way to learn. Additionally, if you know or are learning ASL, voicing while in the presence of a Deaf person is considered rude.

The faculty and staff in the ASL Studies program have experience teaching students who are beginning their ASL journey. We have ways to teach by only using ASL and not voicing English. You will also learn effective ways to communicate even if you do not know a specific sign.

ASL classes require students to attend ASL Events. These organized activities involve people in the Deaf community, ASL Lab staff, ASL faculty and all level of ASL students. This is an immersion opportunity to socialize with the Deaf community, start understanding and experiencing Deaf culture and to learn ASL outside the classroom.

Students can choose from a list of approved ASL Events found on our ASLO calendar or the ASLO bulletin board in the ASL Lab. The website and bulletin board has the latest and most up to date information about ASL/Deaf Culture events in the Bowling Green area.

Part of the ASL course requirements is spending time in the ASL lab completing level appropriate work. The student workers in the lab are there to help facilitate the lab activities and video assignments. Students are also welcome to stop by outside of your designated lab time. The student workers can help you practice receptive and expressive skills, go over vocabulary lists or chat in ASL (when the lab is not busy).

The minor is 21 hours of ASL courses. Students will learn communication competency in a visual language and gain a better understanding of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture. This minor builds a solid foundation of ASL language and skills but does not lead to interpreter or Deaf Education certification. For more information follow this link.

This minor builds a solid foundation of ASL language and skills but does not lead to interpreter, Deaf Education, or other certification. It enhances communication skills for careers in any field.

 At this time WKU does not have a major in ASL, Deaf Studies or Interpreting.

Yes! We are so lucky to have great faculty and staff, both Deaf and Hearing working in our program. Take a look at our faculty.

Peer Mentors are students in the ASL Studies program who want to help other ASL students succeed. Students interested in becoming a Peer Mentor go through an application and interview process during the spring semester. Peer Mentors assist in the classroom, conduct study sessions, inform students of upcoming Deaf Culture Events, engage students at group events and facilitate one-on-one conversations with the Deaf community members.

Meet the Peer Mentors by following this link.

The ASL Studies Program at WKU has a strong student run organization, the American Sign Language Organization (ASLO). We meet once a month to plan community service projects such as Signing Santa, learn new signs, tell stories, interact with guest speakers from the Deaf community and, of course, have fun.

In collaboration with Preparing ASL Hearts, the ASL Studies program hosts a PAH (Preparing ASL Hearts) ASL Immersion Weekend. This annual event attracts all levels of ASL students and signing professionals. The weekend is an out of the classroom, voice off, and fun learning experience. It will help improve your ASL skills and learn more about Deaf culture.

Yes. Students coming to the ASL Studies program from a college/university or with 3 or more credits from high school need to have their skills evaluated to ensure you are placed into the correct level of ASL. If you are transferring ASL credits, please contact the ASL Studies Coordinator, Dr. Ashley Chance Fox at (270)745-2757 to set up an appointment for a skills placement.