SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING PROGRAM Bachelor of Arts (anticipated beginning in spring 2013, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
	WHY MAJOR IN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING? Skilled American Sign Language/English interpreters are needed throughout the state of Georgia to fulfill interpreting needs in the community, particularly in educational settings, medical settings, and within social service and government agencies.
	WHY A BACHELOR’S DEGREE? A new regulation put forward by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) requires that candidates for national interpreting performance exams that lead to certification in the field show proof of having earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. This requirement is designed to ensure that interpreters will be broadly educated and able to meet the needs of diverse clients in a variety of settings.
	WHAT COURSES WILL BE REQUIRED? The Sign Language Interpreting Bachelor of Arts degree program of study can be found at:  http://www.gpc.edu/programs
	WHEN WILL THE SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING BA PROGRAM BEGIN? Target date for application/admission process:  Spring 2013 Target date for new upper division degree courses to begin:  Fall 2013
	ENROLLMENT IN THE PROGRAM New students should begin with the Associate of Arts: American Sign Language. Once screened a change of major can be submitted for the bachelor’s program. New students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field may enroll in the Sign Language Interpreting Certificate of Completion program. Students who have completed the interpreting program previously, or who are already fluent in American Sign Language should contact the department via email or call 678.891.3600. Please note: SLIP courses are offered at the Clarkston Campus. General education courses may be taken at any GPC campus or online.
	ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To be designated as a bachelor degree seeking student, a student must    1. Be admitted to Georgia Perimeter College.    2. Complete English 1101 and 1102 with a "C" or better. These courses can be transferred from any accredited college or university.    3. Attend a program orientation.    4. Complete an application to the Sign Language Interpreting Program.    5. Pass an assessment of spoken English skills.     6. Pass a short assessment of sign recall and visual-motor integration.    7. Pass an assessment of ASL conversational skills.
	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Becky Thurman, SLIP Administrative Secretary at becky.thurman@gpc.edu or 678-891-3600.