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  • Experience the power of inclusion through workshops, lectures, and activities.

  • Enhance your résumé! Earn a Certificate of Participation that shows you are growing in multicultural competence, engagement, and awareness.

  • Learn what it takes to create a brighter and more inclusive future, at IUP and elsewhere.

  • Students can earn certificates that range from engagement to participation, depending on the number of events attended. No preregistration is necessary.

Watch IUP Now and The Pathfinder for individual FOLDIS events this fall.

September 17 through October 3, 2024

Watch IUP students sharing their thoughts on FOLDIS!

2024 Schedule of Events

Please bring your I-Card to document your participation.

Tuesday, September 17

Title: What brings us together: World Cultures, Language and Diversity in Rare Books at the IUP Special Collections and University Archives

Participants will learn about world cultures through examples of rare books, maps, and primary sources available in the IUP Special Collections and University Archives. This will include exploring new and old texts from around the world.

Presenter: Dr. Harrison Wick

Jane Leonard Hall, Room B10, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 18

Simulation: Learning from Rare Books to Find the World's Secrets

This simulation will explore the clues found in rare books, illustrated manuscripts, and maps to find clues to solve a problem and win prizes. By working with Foreign Language faculty, students will discover clues to help with their quest. This hands-on simulation will feature examples of primary sources from the IUP Special Collections and University Archives.

Presenter: Dr. Harrison Wick

Elkin Hall, Great Room, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Thursday, September 19

Maker Session: The Best Quest

Visualizing Where Books Lead / Fore Edge Painting, Upcycled Map Covers, Bookmarks

Presenter: Sarah Nelson, Atlas Art

Wallwork G98 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 24

Title: What are your pronouns? Gender and Inclusive Language Practices Across Cultures and Time

This presentation will explore pronoun use in English and other languages and its evolution in interpersonal and institutional contexts (academic, professional, and governmental).

Presenters: Dawn Smith-Sherwood and Tedd Cogar

Jane Leonard Hall, Room B10, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 25

Simulation: Neopronouns: Gender, Identity, and the Evolving Nature of Language

In this simulation, participants will explore the relationship between gender, language, and culture by practicing how to interact with others inclusively, using neopronouns when appropriate, in English and another world language.

Presenters: Dawn Smith-Sherwood and Tedd Cogar

Elkin Hall, Great Room, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Thursday, September 26

Maker Session: About Face

Collage Conversation Masks / Before & After Language Shared

Presenter: Sarah Nelson, Atlas Art

Wallwork G98, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 28

FOLDIS Concert: Gavas Band: A Fusion of Music for All Cultures

Join us in celebrating diversity and inclusion through rhythms from around the world, featuring the Gavas Band.

HUB Ohio Room, 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 pm

Light Refreshments

Tuesday, October 1

Title: Culturally Adapted Communicative Strategies for Global Work Environments

This presentation will explain the meaning and importance of designing culturally adapted communicative strategies to work in today’s global environment.

Presenter: Dr. Luz S. Marin

Jane Leonard B10, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 2

Simulation: Building the Tower of Babel

This simulation will explore the meaning and importance of designing culturally adapted training materials for workplace safety.

Elkin Hall, Great Room, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Thursday, October 3

Maker Session: Interwoven & Color Coded

String Art with Partner Collaboration on Different Colors

Presented by: Sarah Nelson, Atlas Art

Jane Leonard,  B02 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Earn Certificates of Participation

Certificate of Multicultural Engagement
  • Attend any 3 FOLDIS Events

Certificate of Multicultural Awareness
  • Attend any 6 FOLDIS Events

Certificate of FOLDIS Ambassador
  •  Attend all 9 FOLDIS Events

FOLDIS is sponsored by:
  • The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs
  • The Social Equity and Title IX Office
  • Lively Arts
  • Foreign Languages FOLDIS Committee