Whitman Today
 

Friday, February 9, 2024

Neurodiversity and the Classroom Environment

A thumbnail image of Mary Raschko in the top right corner, overlaid on a blue background with text including “Neurodiversity and the Classroom Environment” and a video play button.

As a complement to workshops that provide more extended, communal learning opportunities, Associate Dean for Faculty Development Mary Raschko periodically discusses insights into teaching and learning in a more succinct form, with 3-minute Professional Development. In this short video, Raschko considers classroom space through the lens of neurodiversity.

The video invites us to consider:

  • Mitigation strategies for the distraction and stress that can come from sensitivity to light, sound or smell.
  • Benefits of regular opportunities for movement and sufficient personal space.
  • The importance of seeking feedback about how others experience space.

Whether your work primarily takes place in classrooms, meeting rooms or offices, consider using natural light as much as possible, minimizing background noise, turning off electronic equipment when not in use and normalizing the use of personal mitigation through headphones, earplugs or tinted glasses.

To learn more about the needs of a particular group in a particular space, consider doing a short, anonymous survey to get insights into how the space, and your use of it, helps or hinders their work.

Prefer reading to video? Check out the main ideas and sources on these slides.

Noteworthy

Strong Start for Whitman Swim Teams at NWC Championship

At the Northwest Conference (NWC) Swimming Championship which began yesterday in Federal Way, Washington, the Whitman women’s team ended the first day of competition in a tie for second place. The Whitman men’s team is currently in a tie for third place. The NWC Championship continues today through Sunday, Feb. 11.

Submit a Noteworthy Announcement

Announcements

Sherwood Center Closed for Basketball

In preparation for this weekend’s home games, Sherwood Center will close early on Friday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. The Blues will face off against George Fox University on Friday, Feb. 9 starting at 6 p.m. and will face off against Linfield University on Saturday, Feb. 10 starting at 4 p.m. Free admission at the door with your Whitman ID.  Additional tickets can be reserved (up to four free tickets) and purchased in advance.

 

Super Bowl Watch Party on Sunday

Student Activities will host a Super Bowl watch party on Sunday, Feb. 11 starting at 3 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center Café. Cheer on your favorite team, enjoy some snacks and choose from two themed pizza specials Bon Appétit will make for the occasion. 

 

Strategic Planning Feedback Session Monday

All members of the Whitman community are invited to attend a strategic planning feedback session for the “Connecting Whitman, Walla Walla, and the World” strategic priority. The final session for this priority will take place on Monday, Feb. 12 at noon in the Lizzie Murr Conference Room at Cleveland Commons. Lunch will be provided for the first 15 participants.

 

Provide Feedback on Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Policy

The Whitman community is invited to provide comments on the proposed Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Policy. This draft policy has been approved by the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee and is currently the subject of feedback from Whitman students, faculty and staff. The President’s Cabinet will review and consider the draft policy and all feedback submitted through this form. 

Photo Finish

A variety of art pieces on display in Fouts Gallery.

The 16th Annual Juried Student Art Salon is on display in the Fouts Center for Visual Arts through Monday, Feb. 12. This annual showcase is open to Whitman students of all majors. Visitors may also cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Happening This Weekend

 

Friday

9 a.m.

Whitman Distance Track Whitworth Invitational (Day 1)

Away

10 a.m.

Swimming vs. NWC Championships (Day 2)

Away

Noon–1 p.m.

French Table

Cleveland Commons, South Corner

Noon

Read to Me #22

Reid Campus Center (near fireplace)

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Yoga

Sherwood Athletic Center

1 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Tennis at Lewis-Clark State College

Away

4 p.m.

Spanish/Portuguese Film Club

Olin Hall, Room 227

5 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Tennis at Lewis-Clark State College

Away

6 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Basketball vs. George Fox University (Sorority & Fraternity Night)

Sherwood Athletic Center

6–10 p.m.

Whitties Bowl Free Night (Whitman Events Board)

Stardust Lanes

7–10 p.m.

Whitman Chess Club: Drop-In Chess

Reid Campus Center, Room 209

8 p.m.

Whitman Men’s Basketball vs. George Fox University

Sherwood Athletic Center

Saturday

TBD

Whitman Baseball at Columbia Basin College

Away

8 a.m.

ASWC Ski Bus to Bluewood

Ski Bluewood Resort

9 a.m.

Outdoor Program Trip: Intro to Backcountry Skiing

Spout Springs

9 a.m.

Whitman Men’s Tennis at University of Montana

Away

9:30 a.m.

Whitman Men’s Tennis at University of Montana

Away

10 a.m.

Swimming vs. NWC Championships (Day 3)

Away

10 a.m.

Workshop for Seniors: Smart Salary Negotiation

Maxey Hall, Room 104

1 p.m.

Whitman Men’s Tennis vs. Lewis-Clark State College

Whitman Tennis Courts

2–4 p.m.

WSJP Art Build

Glover Alston Center

3–5 p.m.

Cosmic Drag Collective: Make-up Workshop

Reid Campus Center, Room G02

4–6 p.m.

Hispanic Studies CineClub:
“Puss & Boots: The Last Wish”

Olin Hall, Room 227

4 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Basketball vs. Linfield University

Sherwood Athletic Center

5–6 p.m.

Auditions: Valentine’s Day Cabaret

Harper Joy Theatre

6 p.m.

Whitman Men’s Basketball vs. Linfield University

Sherwood Athletic Center

7–8:45 p.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

Sunday

9 a.m.

Outdoor Program Trip: Snowshoe and S’mores

Umatilla National Forest

10 a.m.

Swimming vs. NWC Championships (Day 4)

Away

Noon–2 p.m.

Faculty/Staff Climb

Climbing Center

1 p.m.

Intramural Basketball Games

Sherwood Athletic Center, Multipurpose Gym

1–3 p.m.

Make Candy Grams with Unidos

Cleveland Commons

3 p.m.

Super Bowl Watch Party

Reid Campus Center, Café

Whitman Events Calendar

Would you like to share an event 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 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 of 125 words or less are due by 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.

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