About FACDIS
Established in 1980, FACDIS is a consortium of 20 West Virginia institutions of higher education with over 375 participating faculty in international studies and foreign languages from more than fifteen different disciplines.
FACDIS has twice received national recognition for its work: a Certificate of Excellence in TIAA-CREF's 2000 Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Faculty Development to Enhance Undergraduate Teaching; and the 1987 G. Theodore Mitau Award for Innovation and Change in Higher Education, conferred on the Consortium by American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
A Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education supported FACDIS/s organization and funding during its first three years. Since, 1984 FACDIS has received its annual operating budget from the state higher education governing boards and participating institutions. Special projects have been funded by $1.5 million in external grants.
Devoted to improving international education in West Virginia, the Consortium works to:
- assist in the revision and enrichment of international studies and foreign language courses
- help faculty remain abreast of new knowledge and innovative teaching methods in their fields
- facilitate the active use of varied instructional materials
- increase student and faculty participation in study-abroad programs
- provide professional development opportunities for public school teachers