Wednesday, October 19, 2022

 

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

 

Two major student-led programs that contribute to DEIA at Whitman are currently in development. Near the end of fall semester, the Freedom Songs program will provide an evening of liberatory cultural expression and celebration. In the spring semester, our collective attention will turn to the annual Power & Privilege (P&P) Symposium. Both programs provide opportunities for involvement and participation. 

 

Freedom Songs, scheduled for December 10 at the Harper Joy Theatre, looks at uplifting various forms of music and art to recognize the differences in our society. Freedom Songs is currently looking for performers. Folks can sign up for auditions online and they can contact student organizers Marina Balasanyan '24 or Emmanuel Sakala '25 with any questions. 

 

The Power & Privilege Symposium is scheduled for February 23. The symposium is designed to make space for conversations about structural oppression, how they manifest themselves on the Whitman campus and beyond, including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, ableism, capitalism, etc. Our goal this year is to involve more of the Whitman community (students, faculty and staff) in the making of the Power & Privilege Symposium. To that end, we are asking folks to submit suggestions for this year’s theme. 

 

Read more.

Security and Safety Notice

This past Sunday, a Whitman community member had their backpack stolen from the Boyer House parking lot while they were returning items to the outdoor program bike shop. In response to this incident, we want to remind you of a few safety tips that you can take to help make the campus as safe as possible:

• Do not leave valuables or packages unattended/unsecured.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you feel uneasy, move to a well-populated or lit area.
• If you see something, say something.

If you see or experience a crime or see something that seems unsafe, contact campus security at 509-527-5777. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Sherwood Athletic Center will close at 3 p.m. today in preparation for tonight's Whitman Women's Volleyball game against Whitworth University which starts at 6 p.m. As a reminder, students, faculty and staff are now required to have tickets to attend the game, which can be reserved online in advance, or by waiting in line at the door. 

Each year, the Pete & Hedda Reid Award recognizes one Whitman faculty or staff member for their exceptional volunteer work within the community. Candidates must have worked at Whitman for at least three years. The online nomination form is now open, and all nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The award recipient will be honored during a Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony and will receive $1,000.

Free flu shots are available for students, faculty and staff, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. every afternoon at the Welty Student Health Center, while supplies last.

The First Generation Working Class club is looking for first year and sophomore students to join their mentor program, and be paired with an junior or senior mentor. This is an opportunity to connect with other FGWC students and to foster a deep sense of belonging and community on campus. Sign up here.

Whitman Friends and Story Time Programs are partnering to help beautify the Green Park Elementary School campus. From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, volunteers will paint a giant colorful mural on school grounds, help revive their garden and pick up leaves and trash. (Free donuts and coffee provided.) Bring your parents, siblings and friends! Questions? Email friends@whitman.edu or storytime@whitman.edu.

Daily COVID-19 Update

In accordance with Washington state Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, no one 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 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. 

 

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.