University of Minnesota hosts third annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day for prospective students

Contacts: Mari Magler, Disability Services, (612) 624-3730
Ami Berger, Office for Equity and Diversity, (612) 625-0498

The University of Minnesota will host more than 100 deaf and hard of hearing high school students from around the Midwest for its third annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Coffman Union Theater, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis.

Organized by the university's Disability Services office, a unit of the Office for Equity and Diversity, the event provides a developmental experience for students, according to Mari Magler, associate director in Disability Services and the chair of the event steering committee. The event will also showcase the university's programming and services for deaf and hard of hearing students and encourage them to consider the university in their college searches.

“Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day at the U is a great way for deaf and hard of hearing students to gain some exposure to the university, our services and our programs,” said Magler.“The event provides them with an opportunity to meet and network with other deaf and hard of hearing students from around the state, and also provides educational and leadership opportunities for students so that they are better positioned to be future leaders.”

This theme of this year's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day is “Crossroads in Life.”Educational workshops held throughout the day will encourage student participants to explore the intersections and transitions they will face in terms of their identities, roles and responsibilities. The event will also feature a keynote speaker, a panel of deaf and hard of hearing students who are currently studying at the university and a campus tour.