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Folwell Hall Renovation
folwell@umn.edu
folwell@umn.edu
Get to Know Folwell Hall!
During the 2010 Minnesota Legislative Session, the University of Minnesota will be asking for $23 million in bonding support to renovate the interior of Folwell Hall, an iconic campus building for more than 100 years.
What Happens Inside Folwell
Folwell Hall is the largest foreign-language and culture training center in Minnesota.
40 languages are taught at the University, 27 of them by departments in Folwell Hall.
More than 12,000 students, majoring in fields such as psychology, political science, global studies, journalism, business, and many more, enrolled in courses that met in Folwell Hall during the 2008-2009 academic year.
The Folwell Hall renovation supports state and federal trade interests through the teaching of Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, German, French, Hindi, and other global languages and cultures.
The University of Minnesota, through its Institute for Global Studies, receives $200,000 each year in Title VI funds from the federal Department of Education to support instruction of critical-need and underserved languages through departments located in Folwell Hall. These languages include Arabic, Russian, Persian, Turkish, Korean, and others.
Renovation Objectives
Update obsolete classrooms to accommodate digital technology, better supporting leading-edge changes in the way foreign languages and cultures are taught.
Upgrade HVAC systems to improve the learning environment and eliminate noisy air conditioners, which disrupt teaching and learning.
Improve accessibility, mechanical and electrical systems, and fire safety features.
Consolidate student classrooms and study spaces on the two lowest floors to improve accessibility, streamline classroom technology, and foster community.
Preserve Folwell's beautiful historic features, evident in the Italian marble first floor, wrought iron stair railings, and elaborate woodwork.
