Transition, mattering and marginality: Deaf students in a hearing institution

The purpose of this study is to gather deaf student feedback and to better understand if they feel as though they matter to Rowan University. This study also provides an opportunity for deaf students to express their experiences transitioning from K-12 to a higher education institution. A total population of 24 were targeted in this study and they had the opportunity to complete the College Mattering Inventory (CMI), which showed their feelings of mattering verses marginality. A total of 83% of the population responded to this study. Following the completion of the survey, a total of three subject agreed to participate in individual interviews to better understand their transition to college, as well as the quality of their accommodations and services. Overall, students who were registered as deaf or hearing impaired with the Academic Success Center at Rowan University showed positive feelings of mattering in their careers. Also, this study showed that deaf students are experiencing similar transitions into college as other students. There is, however, room to better improve the feelings of mattering to instructors and continue to better accommodations offered to the deaf student population at Rowan University.