Film Screening and discussion: Non-Traditional Students on Non-Traditional Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is truly an experience of a lifetime. This 30-minute documentary-style film follows and interviews students from a variety of backgrounds before, during, and after their experience abroad. You will learn what they did, how they did it, and what they got out of their experiences. After the film, the GT Office of International Education will lead a discussion on how you too can make your dream of studying abroad come true.

My_________is Beautiful: Celebrating Our Cultural Differences

Co-sponsors – The African American Student Union and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“Say My Name. Say My Name”

Dr. Paul Foster, School of Modern Languages

The ability or inability to pronounce someone’s name can affect the creation of meaningful relationships. We have many people of Chinese decent on this campus, but many members of our community do not know how to pronounce Chinese surnames. This practical workshop will foster culturally responsive communication.

Paul B. Foster holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Literatures specializing in is the study of Lu Xun, the icon of Modern Chinese Literature. He is the author of Ah Q Archaeology: Lu Xun, Ah Q, Ah Q Progeny and the National Character Discourse in Twentieth Century China (Lexington Press, 2006). In addition, he designed, developed and alternately co-directs the School of Modern Languages' intensive summer Chinese language program in Shanghai, China LBAT.

Uncovering the Scarf: Seeing the World from Her View (Part I)

Co-sponsor – the Muslim Student Association

Facilitator, Slma Shelbayah - Public Speaker, Journalist, University Instructor

Join us for a hands-on-experience uncovering the significance of the Muslim woman’s headscarf or Hijab. Participants will first meet for an interactive segment providing them with information on the headscarf. Topics of why, what, when and how the scarf is worn, the cultural variations in wearing the scarf and the choice of covering or not will be included in this gathering. Following this educational session, female participants will be given a first-hand opportunity to wear the headscarf in public for 2 days while writing about their experiences in a personal journal. We will reconvene to share our experiences, understandings and perceptions (refer to November 12). The goal is to identify our learning points of cultural awareness with regards to the Muslim woman’s choice of wearing the headscarf, while also creating an environment for non-Muslims to educate others about the Hijab. RSVP to www.diversity.gatech.edu.

Co-sponsor – (SWANSA) Students Working Against Negative Stereotypes of Autism

Film Screening: Mozart and the Whale

A dramatic-comedy, inspired by the lives of two people with Asperger's Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder, whose emotional dysfunctions threaten to sabotage their budding romance. After the movie a discussion will be conducted to share reactions and personal experiences. The concept of neurodiversity, autism in the media, and how Tech is affected will be explored.

Co-sponsor – the Muslim Student Association

Facilitator, Slma Shelbayah - Public Speaker, Journalist, University Instructor

Uncovering the Scarf: Seeing the World from Her View (Part II)

Join us for a hands-on-experience uncovering the significance of the Muslim woman’s headscarf or Hijab. Participants will first meet for an interactive segment providing them with information on the headscarf. Topics of why, what, when and how the scarf is worn, the cultural variations in wearing the scarf and the choice of covering or not will be included in this gathering. Following this educational session, female participants will be given a first-hand opportunity to wear the headscarf in public for 2 days while writing about their experiences in a personal journal. We will reconvene to share our experiences, understandings and perceptions. The goal is to identify our learning points of cultural awareness with regards to the Muslim woman’s choice of wearing the headscarf, while also creating an environment for non-Muslims to educate others about the Hijab.

Conversational Sign Language for Beginners

Sheryl Ballenger, Director of Student Support Services – Georgia Highlands College

You can gain access to a new language and culture while having fun! American Sign Language is the language of the Deaf community, created by and for Deaf people. American Sign Language is a language with its own syntax, structure, and grammar. Sheryl holds both a Certificate in American Sign Language and an Associate of Science Degree in Interpreter Training. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech - Communication Disorders with a minor in Linguistics and a Masters Degree in Education - Deaf Education, both from Georgia State University. She is a certified teacher for the deaf.

The Safe Space Program is designed to teach allies how to provide information and support to our LGBTQ community and their allies. Safe Space II gives more attention to the Coming Out Process, Bisexuality, Transgender Persons, and Ally Development. RSVP to www.diversity.gatech.edu. Participants must have completed Safe Space I.

For more information call the Office of Diversity Programs at 404.894.2561 or TDD at 404.894.1664. Please let the sponsors of the programs know if you need special accommodations in order to participate.