Thursday, September 4, 2025
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By Academic Resource Center & Disability Access Services
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We are delighted to share news about changes in structure and staff in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and Disability Access Services (DAS) that will allow Whitman College to better serve the needs of students.
Disability Access Services (formerly Disability Support Services) is now a standalone office, operating independently from the Academic Resource Center. The name change reinforces the fact that access is a legal right.
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- Cindy Saldaña (middle) is our new Director of Disability Access Services.
- Kassandra Vinton (second from right) continues as our DAS Specialist, conducting the majority of student appointments regarding accommodations.
- Monique Calhoon (right) is our new Testing Coordinator.
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The DAS Testing Center in Olin 334 has been renamed to reflect its actual use.
Now that DAS has its own dedicated director, the ARC will concentrate fully on academic support available to all students, including peer tutoring, academic coaching and academic skills workshops.
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- Richard Middleton-Kaplan (left) will remain Director of Academic Support Services, supervising the ARC. He will also assume the Tutoring Coordinator role.
- Colette Marie (second from left) continues as Academic Coach and Coordinator, focusing on academic coaching and skill-building through individual appointments and group workshops.
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We will continue to work cooperatively with each other, with other offices across campus, with the CARE Team, and of course with you. Thank you for your ongoing support! We welcome your thoughts and questions.
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As per the Outdoor Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke Policy, and in compliance with Washington state employment law, Whitman College monitors U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and will respond according to the severity of the situation. Alerts in Whitman Today or distributed by email will identify the level of risk and any appropriate remediation.
Please note that the current AQI measurement of 61 in Walla Walla is considered “Moderate” by the EPA. While this level of air quality is acceptable for most people, individuals who are particularly sensitive to particle pollution should take extra care. In addition, the forecast for today includes the likelihood of moving into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category, which is of particular concern to those with respiratory illnesses.
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Politics Professor Publishes Book Chapter
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Assistant Professor of Politics Denise Fernandes and co-author Joanne Marras Tate have published a chapter in the soon-to-be-released book, “Intersectional Activism in Environmental Communication: Changemakers Respond to Ecological Crises” (Michigan State University Press, 2025). The chapter, titled “Indigenous Women’s Movements in the Global South: Digital Solidarities as Tools for Environmental Hope Around the World,” explores the concept of “digital solidarity” and discusses the ways Indigenous women in India and Brazil use social media along with traditional grassroots organizing to connect with other oppressed groups and environmental protection efforts in the Global South.
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Student Employment Workshop Today
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Students who are planning to work on campus this semester are encouraged to attend a student employment orientation session on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 4–5 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. Human Resources staff will walk through the process of applying for on-campus jobs and will also help authorize students for work.
In order to be authorized to work, students should bring one of the following: a valid passport; a photo ID and Social Security card; or a photo ID and birth certificate (or certified copy). International students should bring their passport, Form I-20 and Form I-94. Questions? Email hr@whitman.edu.
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Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty & Staff
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Faculty and staff members are invited to participate in a two-hour suicide prevention training provided by Counseling Center staff. The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) model has been proven to decrease suicide risk in communities like ours. Participants will be certified as a QPR Gatekeeper, valid for one year. The training will take place on Monday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon in Maxey 104. (Flyer attached.) Space is limited, so please RSVP in advance! Questions? Email qpr@whitman.edu.
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Learn More About Whitman Internship Grants
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All students who are interested in applying for a Fall 2025 Whitman Internship Grant (WIG) are required to attend one of three information sessions. The two remaining sessions will take place on Monday, Sept. 8, from noon–1 p.m. and on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4–5 p.m. in Reid Campus Center, Room G02. Please RSVP in advance on Handshake.
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On Monday, Whitman Athletics hosted its annual event—renamed the Blue and Bold Bash—to honor top performers from the first-year, sophomore and junior classes of the previous academic year. See more photos on Instagram.
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Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom
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Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.
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Whitman Today is emailed to Whitman College staff, faculty and students each weekday during the academic year and twice a week during breaks. An archive of previous issues is available online.
All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other Whitman content to share, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions of 125 words or less are due by noon on the business day prior to publication. 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.
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Find us on social media: @whitmancollege
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