Thursday, November 10, 2022

From Mary Raschko, associate dean for faculty development:

 

The dynamics of racism and white supremacy continue to deeply impact the students, faculty, staff and administrators of color on college campuses. Too often white people stay silent in the face of racist microaggressions, policies and practices, or react unproductively in ways that do not create greater racial equity and inclusion.

 

In an effort to make meaningful change, on January 13 and 14, Whitman will host Kathy Obear, Ed.D. (pictured above), founder of the Center for Transformation and Change, for a special professional learning event for faculty and staff. The two-day workshop, “Deepening Capacity as White Change Agents,” will engage participants in the reflective self-work and skill development necessary to shift racist dynamics and create racial equity and inclusion on campus.

 

The workshop will bring people together in a community of accountability and brave space, developing greater capacity to:

• Learn about racial justice without demanding labor from people of color.
• Reflect on our racialized socialization experiences.
• Discuss the real impact of the current dynamics of racism in departments, the college, and the region/nation.
• Recognize and interrupt the dynamics of white privilege.
• Commit to taking continuous, meaningful action to create and maintain a racially just environment in our areas of responsibility and the college.

Faculty and staff are invited to a virtual event today from 3:30-5 p.m. to learn about the workshop and to begin engaging in this collective work. (zoom link)

 

Anyone interested in Obear’s work at Whitman is invited to fill out this form so that we can best plan and keep you informed leading up to January. 

Noteworthy

The 2022 All-Northwest Conference Women's Volleyball Team was announced Monday, and Whitman student Teia Magaoay '24 was named to the second team following a fantastic season as setter for the Blues. Kenzie Martinez '24 and Sydney London '23 also garnered honorable mention by the league office.

Professor of Sociology Michelle Janning was recently quoted in an Insider article about an emerging trend on TikTok and other social media platforms in which some young married women define themselves through ultra-traditional gender roles, romanticizing a stay-at-home lifestyle post-pandemic.

 

The Student Activities Office will host a second Brew Night, from 4-7 p.m. tonight in the Reid Campus Center Market Café. This 21-and-over-only event is open to Whitman students, faculty and staff (a Whitman ID plus a government-issued ID  are required for admittance). Two $5 beer selections from Five Dollar Ranch Brewery will be available for purchase, in addition to regular menu items. Trivia starts at 5 p.m.

The Harper Joy Theatre presents "bare: a pop opera," with 8 p.m. performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. performances on Saturday and Sunday. In this musical production, a group of high school students at a Catholic boarding school struggle with issues of sexuality and personal identity. More information and tickets (free for Whitman students) are available online.

Newman Civic Fellowship & Washington Campus Coalition Student Civic Leader Awards are open for nominations. Whitman College is seeking nominations for student nominees focused on civic engagement, particularly in: Housing & Food Insecurity, Academic Engagement, Medical & Mental Health, and Environmental Stewardship. For more information and to nominate a student, visit the Community Engaged Student Leadership Award Nomination form. Questions? Contact Abby Juhasz or Christian Gachet. Nominations are due Thursday, Dec. 1.

The HEDS Campus Climate Survey is now open for students. This anonymous survey asks students for their perceptions of Whitman’s campus climate, perceptions of how Whitman supports diversity and equity, and about experiences with discrimination and harassment. Check your email for the survey link.

When you receive healthcare, your provider sends the bill (claim) to Premera. When Premera pays the claim, they send you an explanation of benefits, or EOB, explaining how your benefits were applied, including the amount paid by our plan, the amount you owe and the amount credited toward your deductible. Review the EOB closely, compare it to your provider's receipt or bill, and keep the EOB for at least two years. Get your EOBs quicker and more sustainably by going paperless. Premera will send you an email letting you know how to securely view it online. To sign up for electronic EOBs, go to premera.com; under "My Account," select "Account Settings" to turn on Paperless EOBs.

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.