November

6, 2017

Dear Dr. Bakke,

I am writing this letter to support Dr. Medwetskys application for tenure at Gallaudet
University. I have worked with Dr. Medwetsky in several capacities including in our current
role as department chair who regularly attend chair meetings, academic council meetings,
and graduate council meetings. I also had the opportunity to get to know him when we
both participated in the Faculty Leaning Community in AY2015-2016. With this letter, I
would like to attest to Dr. Medwetskys commitment to improving himself, his students
learning, and his department.

Dr. Medwetskys commitment to improving his knowledge and skills as an individual, a

faculty member, a chairperson, and a professional come across in his everyday
conversations and are furthered evidenced on the list of professional development and
continuing education activities he has engaged in since 2013. I witnessed the time and
effort he dedicated to the Faculty Leaning Community as he sought to enhance his teaching
skills. Dr. Medwetsky has been equally invested in improving his signing skills by seeking,
participating in, and taking advantage of every opportunity offered to him to develop his
signing abilities.

At chair meetings and similar gatherings, Dr. Medwetsky disposition is always collegial. He
comes prepared, makes equitable contributions, and shares responsibilities. Dr.
Medwetsky embodies the spirit of collaboration that is often lacking at universities
specifically as it relates to collaboration across departments. Conversations that start with
the typical I think we should in my experience, have consistently turned into actions. I
personally appreciate that Dr. Medwetsky follows through on his ideas. It was his honest
interest in collaboration that led me to accept his invitation to present to his faculty with
the intent to establish common grounds and identify shared interests between our
departments. This was also the reason why I recommended that the HSLS Department be
considered as a co-sponsor for the upcoming ASL/English Early Childhood Education
Summit.

From our overall interactions, I have learned about his efforts to improve the services
provided by the clinic. I have seen his determination in providing his students not only with

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content knowledge but also with the experiences they need to apply the content via
authentic situations. I have also learned about his interest in ensuring that students in his
department understand and take advantage of the cultural and linguistic benefits of being
at Gallaudet University. These observations lead me to conclude that Dr. Medwetsky will
continue to apply the same level of enthusiasm, and commitment to growth towards
himself, his students, and his department.

I thank you for the opportunity to write this letter and wholeheartedly support Dr.
Medwetskys application for tenure.

If you have any questions or need clarification, do not hesitate to email me at
Maribel.Garate@Gallaudet.edu. I am happy to expand on the reasons why Dr. Medwetsky
should be considered for tenure in the Department of Hearing, Speech and Language
Sciences.

Sincerely,

Maribel Grate, Ph.D.

Professor & Chair
Gallaudet University
Department of Education