ASL Placement Informatoin

Welcome to American Sign Language Placement

for Kent State University

Thank you for your interest in studying ASL at Kent State. To help facilitate your placement in ASL we have moved placements to an online video language sample to be submitted via your Kent State Google Drive.

Q: Do I need placement if I want to learn ASL but I have not taken any classes before?

A: If you have no prior knowledge of ASL, you do not need an ASL placement. You should simply register for the Elementary ASL I course (ASL 19201).

Q: I have taken ASL in high school and I want to continue learning more. Which placement interview should I submit?

A: If you have taken an ASL class either in high school or through a community non-credit course or two, you should select the level you feel most comfortable entering. Keep in mind, two years of high school might be similar to one semester at the college level.

Q: I’m not sure where I am in terms of proficiency. How do I know which level to submit my video for?

A: Use the provided prompts and the description of what you should know how to do at each level as a guide. Your actual placement is based on your language sample. If you submitted your video for a level higher or lower than your actual proficiency, we’ll do our best to place you where we think you belong. Keep in mind that some levels are not offered every semester and course offerings by KSU campuses vary.

Q: I’m transferring from another Ohio college or university that is TAG (Transfer Assurance Guide) approved. How does that affect my placement?

A: TAG approved courses will transfer to Kent State according to state guidelines. You will be able to register for the next course in the sequence up to and including Intermediate ASL II. Even so, you can complete a placement with KSU if you want to ensure you get the best fit for your proficiency level. 

Q: I took ASL as a College Credit Plus (CCP) course. How do I know which class to register for?

A: If the CCP course was offered through Kent State or if the CCP course was from a TAG approved course from another Ohio college or university, you can sign up for the next ASL course in the sequence. If you have difficulties with transfer credits, refer to this guide or contact the transfer office from the links listed.

Q: I have some advanced ASL knowledge. Where should I start?

A: Students who have native, near-native or advanced proficiency should contact the ASL Program Coordinator to make arrangements for an in-person interview.