Thursday, September 15, 2022

From the desk of Darlene Wilson, controller:

 

Because it is election season again, I would like to remind you of Whitman College’s institutional responsibility as a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, to refrain from engaging in certain political activities.  Federal law prohibits tax exempt institutions from engaging in partisan political activity. The IRS looks for such activity, especially during an election cycle. 

The college could face the loss of its tax-exempt status, incur additional taxes or be subject to other risks including lawsuits, audits and investigations if such prohibited activity takes place. As individuals, we are free to express our beliefs and exercise our political rights. Any political favoritism or intervention by a person acting in their capacity as a representative of the college may jeopardize our tax exempt status. Adherence to these laws is not meant to nor should it inhibit the academic integrity of Whitman College, nor stifle student or faculty activities and organizations.

To help you navigate your political participation this election season, please refer to the following guidelines:

• Avoid any sort of institutional intervention on behalf of a political party or candidate for any public office.  The college cannot be seen as favoring or opposing any candidate or political party. 
• Individuals working for the college are free to express their opinions or beliefs about candidates as long as these statements are not printed in official publications or stated at official functions, or otherwise expressed in their capacity as a representative of the college. 
• It is permissible to take positions on public policy issues, but tax laws prohibit any issue advocacy expressing favor or opposition to a candidate. 
• Candidate appearances and voter education activities, including voter registration, Get Out the Vote drives, and distribution or publication of voter guides are permissible as long as they are conducted in a non-partisan manner.

The activities mentioned above provide a non-comprehensive summary of the relevant tax laws, formally stated in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. I would be happy to discuss this more fully, especially if your position or interests raise questions with respect to this issue.  

Emergency Preparedness Training

Today is the last day to attend one of the hourlong emergency preparedness training sessions in Maxey Auditorium. All members of the Whitman community should participate in this valuable training opportunity.

 

Each training session (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.) will be identical and will cover important information to help students, faculty and staff prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Do you feel busy? Could you use a short break, refreshment and a casual conversation? Interfaith Chaplain Adam Kirtley invites you to join him for Spirituali-TEA, an opportunity for reflection, connection and informal conversations. Thursdays at 3 p.m. in the Cleveland Commons Coffee House. 

The first meeting of the Whitman Economics Club will take place on Friday, Sept. 16 at noon in Maxey 207. The Economics Club serves as a forum for faculty, students, alumni and other friends of the department to grapple with the large and pressing economic challenges of the day. The club will organize seminars, reading groups, invited talks and lectures and provide opportunities for students to connect with likeminded people and become more involved in the department.

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life announces the return of Grieving @ Whitman - a space for those experiencing loss and grief to find support through shared community. Mondays from 12:10-12:50 p.m. in the All Faiths Room (Reid 110). No weekly commitment required. Questions? Email Interfaith Chaplain Adam Kirtley.

In its 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings released this week, U.S. News & World Report recognized Whitman College in three of its top national lists. Whitman earned a No. 48 spot among the top national liberal arts colleges—ranking above all other Washington state and Pacific Northwest colleges in that category. Rankings are calculated based on factors including graduation and retention rates, social mobility, faculty resources, academic reputation, financial resources, alumni giving and graduate debt.

Daily COVID-19 Update

In accordance with Washington state Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, four people with Whitman access were 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 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Welty Student Health Center. 

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. 

 

Submissions are welcome! If you have a professional or personal accomplishment 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 for submissions is noon for the following day's newsletter, though submissions may be held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. By submitting to Whitman Today you also authorize use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.

 

Previous issues of Whitman Today are archived on our website.