Wednesday, December 7, 2022

From Dr. John Johnson, vice president for diversity and inclusion:

The Spring semester will begin with valuable DEIA learning opportunities. In January of 2023, Whitman will host two outstanding scholars who will be providing valuable content and contributing to our collective growth. Last month, we announced the special professional learning event with Dr. Kathy Obear scheduled for January 13 and 14. In addition to Obear’s workshop, the lineup for Community Learning Days will also include two workshops on January 11 by Dr. Rema Reynolds.

Dr. Reynolds holds a Ph.D. in urban education from UCLA, is a professor of education leadership and policy studies at Wayne State University, and serves on the Michigan State University system Board of Trustees. Reynolds will facilitate a morning workshop on inclusive pedagogy that will provide faculty with tangible strategies they can deploy in their classrooms to advance equity, inclusion, antiracism and student engagement. Reynolds will also provide an afternoon workshop centering the needs and concerns of staff of color and focused on strategies to navigate a white-controlled academic institution, with consideration for how best to manage their bandwidth, maintain their boundaries and advocate for the recognition of their full humanity.

We are excited to host these two exceptional and engaging scholars and will kick off 2023 with a focus on advancing inclusive excellence.

Inclement Weather Protocols

With the arrival of winter on campus, it is useful to review our inclement weather policy and procedures:

• Delay/closure decisions are made following discussions between administration, campus security and facilities.
• When possible, notifications about closures or delays are sent by 7 a.m.
• Notifications will be via email, text, or via the emergency alert system, depending on the urgency.
• Your safety should be your top priority. Take things slow and use your best judgment about the conditions where you are.
• If the college is operating, but you are unable to get to campus:
  • Students should notify any relevant professors and supervisors. 
  • Faculty members should notify their division chair and the students in any affected classes.

  • Staff members should notify their supervisors to discuss work from home or other arrangements.

A big thank you to Facilities Services for clearing sidewalks and helping maintain access to campus. Information on snow removal priorities is available on the website.

The 2022-2023 Freedom Songs concert happens at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Harper Joy Theatre. The theme of this year's concert is "Freedom Sings: Art is Our Resistance." Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

In 2023, premiums for Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) benefits will increase to 0.8% of employee wages, up from 0.6% in 2022. Employees and the college each pay a portion of the total premium.

 

PFML is a state-wide benefit managed by Employment Security Department that helps when you have a serious health condition that prevents you from working, or you need time to care for a family member, bond with a new child, or spend time with a family member preparing for military service overseas.

 

While most Whitman employees best meet their financial and leave needs with various Whitman paid leave programs, some faculty and staff have also been able to access benefits from Washington Paid Family Leave since its availability in 2020.

All eligible students, faculty and staff are required to be up-to-date on their vaccinations as defined by the CDC, by December 31, 2022. This includes the most-recent bivalent booster. Once you receive your booster, or if you have reason to request an exemption, please fill out the COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Attestation Form.

Daily COVID-19 Update

In accordance with Washington state Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, one person with Whitman access was confirmed positive for COVID-19. 

 

Please continue to follow all our campus COVID-19 protocols to help prevent transmission. If you have any symptoms that may be COVID-19 or know that you may have been exposed to coronavirus, please be tested. Additional masks and rapid test kits are available in the front entryway at the Welty Student Health Center during normal operating hours. 

Have an event you'd like to share with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

“Whitman Today” is produced by the Office of Communications and is emailed Monday through Friday to Whitman College staff, faculty and students. All times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time. 

 

All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other content to share with the Whitman community, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions should be 125 words or less. The deadline is noon for the following day's newsletter. Submissions may be edited and/or held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. Your submission also authorizes use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.

 

Previous issues of Whitman Today are archived on our website.