ASL/English Interpreting Admission,
Monitoring, and Exit Procedures
Procedures
Students desiring to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in ASL/English Interpreting should familiarize themselves with this document. Questions concerning the procedures should be directed to the student's advisor or the Program Coordinator of the ASL/English Interpreting Program.
The following are admission, monitoring and exit procedures and requirements for all students who major in ASL/English Interpreting at Bloomsburg University. In setting these requirements, attention was given to all national standards and criteria for interpreter candidates.
Admission To Candidacy
Students must submit complete packets for application by November 1st of their sophomore year. Transfer applicants will complete their packet prior to arrival if intending on transferring into any course taken after ASL II. The faculty of the American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program will review the packets, interview the students, and submit recommendations to the Exceptionality Programs department chairperson indicating whether individual students be admitted or not admitted to the program. Enrollment in upper division ASL/English Interpreting coursework (300 and 400 level courses) is contingent upon admission to the American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program.
For admission to candidacy, student must:
Possess a general education grade point average of 2.00 or higher
Possess an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for the following ASL/English Interpreting major foundation courses:
- a) 74.153 Introduction to Sign Language
- b) 75.165 Introduction to Interpreting OR 75.265 Pre-Interpreting Skills
- c) 75.155 American Sign Language I
- d) English Composition Course (20.101, 20.201, 20.104)
Submit an essay describing why s/he wants to be an interpreter
Submit a resume that includes:
- Personal interests
- Special skills with people
- Experiences with the Deaf population and community service
- Record of observation hours since admission to Bloomsburg University
- Membership in local and national professional interpreting organizations
Complete a formal interview with the faculty of the American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program. During the interview, the students will be screened (using interview questions and verbal/written assessments) on the following:
- Knowledge about interpreting
- Personal ethics related to interpreting
- American Sign Language skills
- English skills
- Translation capacity
- Comprehension
Students must submit completed packet to their faculty advisors during the scheduled time for receiving applications. No partial packets will be accepted. The American Sign Language/English Interpreting faculty will review the packets, interview the students during the spring semester, and make recommendations regarding admission to the program. Students will be informed, by letter of their entrance status within three weeks of their interview.
Monitoring
All American Sign Language/English Interpreting students must:
- Complete all areas of specialization course with a grade of "C" or better and an area of specialization grade point average of 3.00 or better. Any courses within the major receiving a grade of "C-" or below must be repeated. Note: The University limits the number of courses that can be repeated to four (4).
- Maintain an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better. Any student falling below the appropriate grade point average will be placed on probation for one semester. Probationary students will have one semester to reestablish the required GPA, or they will be dismissed from the American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program. Students will remain in the department for one additional semester after dismissal from the American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program so that appropriate advisement is made available.
- Attend the program's mandatory meeting (one each year).
- Maintain a professional attitude and appropriate demeanor during class time.
- Continue immersion experiences (i.e. attending events related to interpreting and deafness) as outlined in the curriculum.
- Maintain contact with their advisors each semester.
Eligibility for Practicum (75.480)
Eligibility for practicum will be determined during the scheduling period prior to the practicum semester. Practicum eligibility is contingent upon:
- Completion of the admission to candidacy process.
- Possession of an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better and an area of specialization grade of 3.0 or better for all courses in the ASL/English Interpreting Major.
- Possession of professional liability insurance. The policy must remain in effect for the duration of the practicum assignment
- Possession of a professional resume.
- Possession of personal business cards.
- Possession of workable/professional payment invoices.
- Possession of a professional video portfolio.
Competency in Practicum (75.480)
Upon completion of the practicum, all American Sign Language/English Interpreting students must have:
- A written evaluation by co-operating mentor(s).
- A completed log and digital journal of the hours and experiences gained during practicum (posted on Blackboard).
- Documentation of weekly contact with the university supervisor(s).
- A grade of a C or better.
Exit Criteria
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in American Sign Language/English Interpreting, all American Sign Language/English Interpreting students must have:
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 better.
- An area of specialization grade point average of 3.00 or better.
- Successful completion of all required courses for the area of specialization with a letter grade of C or better.
- Successful completion of Practicum (75.480) with a letter grade of C or better.