Whitman Today
 

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Baker Family Whitman Experience Fund Endowment

Three students pose together outdoors, wearing hats and sunglasses.

The Whitman College experience starts with top-notch academics. But what happens outside the classroom also deeply impacts the quality of students’ lives here and after Whitman—from amazing field trips and outdoor adventures to clubs where students connect over their shared passions to participation in sororities and fraternities and all the lifelong friendships formed in these various activities.

Soon, thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous donor, more students will be able to access the full range of opportunities the Whitman community has to offer.

The Baker Family Whitman Experience Fund Endowment will provide need-based funding to enable students to enjoy valuable experiences at Whitman, such as those provided by the Outdoor Program, sorority and fraternity life, intramural sports, clubs, field trips, and other fee-related activities on campus.

“I am deeply grateful to this donor, who will help students access Whitman experiences that bring joy, connection, and the chance to lead and collaborate,” says President Sarah Bolton. “These opportunities empower students to broaden their views of themselves and their own capacities, while helping them see the world through new eyes.”

The new fund will be administered by Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Dr. John Johnson, who says it’s a step toward greater equity on campus.

“There’s a growing number of students here who don’t have access to the same resources as many of their peers,” Johnson says. “This fund—along with others that already exist—will help to remove the barriers to the various range of activities that really round out the Whitman experience.”

Read more.

Inclement Weather Notifications

With the onset of winter weather, we will soon start seeing closures and delays for schools in our area. Here are some things to remember about how Whitman College makes decisions related to inclement weather:

  • Delay/closure decisions are made following discussions between administrators, Campus Security and Facilities.
  • When possible, notifications about closures or delays are sent by 7 a.m. If conditions deteriorate throughout the morning, a post-7 a.m. decision may be necessary.
  • Notifications will be made via email or via the college’s emergency alert system, depending on the urgency and circumstances.
  • Safety of all faculty, staff and students is our top priority.  If the conditions are worse where you live compared to what is observed on campus, use your best judgment and stay home if you need to.

If the college is operating but you are unable to get to campus:

  • Students should notify professors and/or supervisors.
  • Faculty members should notify their division chair and the students in any affected classes.
  • Staff members should notify their supervisors to discuss work from home or other arrangements.

If you do not hear anything from the college via email or text, the college is operating on a normal schedule and you can go about your day as usual as long as you are safely able to do so.

Holiday Safety Tips

As the holiday season approaches, crimes of opportunity increase. Campus Security would like to share some safety tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable break.

On Campus

  • Always remember to lock the door of your room or office whenever you leave. This simple precaution can help protect your personal belongings.
  • Avoid allowing strangers to “piggyback” on your entry when entering buildings.
  • If you leave campus during the break, store your bike in an indoor bike rack in a residence hall.
  • When walking at night, stay in well-lit and well-populated areas.
  • Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest blue light phone for added safety.
  • In an emergency, immediately call 911 and notify campus security.

Off Campus

  • Never leave valuable items visible in your car, as this can attract unwanted attention and increase the risk of theft.
  • Park your vehicle as close as possible to your intended destination.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings when approaching or leaving your vehicle.
  • When using an ATM, select a well-lit location and withdraw only the cash you need.
  • Avoid leaving packages unattended at your doorstep after delivery.
  • If you see any suspicious activity or behavior, please report it to the local police immediately.

Remember, we are here to help. If you see something, say something. Call Campus Security at 509-527-5777. Our security officers are available 24/7 to assist you.

Announcements

Extended Library Hours

Penrose Library will operate with extended hours through next week:

  • Friday, Dec. 13 to Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
  • Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. 
  • Monday, Dec. 16 to Thursday, Dec. 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. 
  • Friday, Dec. 20, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
 

Early Deadline for December Payroll

The timing of the upcoming break (Dec. 24 to Jan. 1), will result in a tighter timeline for payroll processing. Employees will need to submit timesheets by the end of day on Monday, Dec. 16, and supervisors need to approve them by Tuesday, Dec 17. Supervisors must approve any time off prior to approving timesheets. No corrections can be made after payroll processing begins. If you discover errors to timesheets after you sign them, please contact hr@whitman.edu and the error will be corrected with January payroll. For this pay period, a full-time employee will report 168 hours.

Photo Finish

A chaotic scene with dancers rehearsing on a black stage.

Photo (@harperjoytheatre): Harper Joy Theatre presents “Roots and Bones” with performances Dec. 12–15. Choreography by Faculty Fellow Jessica Bertram Williams and Senior Lecturer of Dance Peter de Grasse. Free admission for Whitman students.

Happening This Weekend

 

Thursday

11 a.m. to noon

Open Office Hours: Staff Advisory Council

Reid Campus Center, Basement

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Step Aerobics

Sherwood Athletic Center

4–5 p.m.

Art & Soul

Reid Campus Center, All Faiths Room

4–5 p.m.

Chemistry, Cookies & Cocoa

Hall of Science, Third Floor

5–8 p.m.

De-Stress Fest: Fuel & Focus

Third Space Center

5 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Basketball vs. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Sherwood Athletic Center

7–10 p.m.

KWCW AutoDJ Night

KWCW Studio

7 p.m.

Opera & Musical Theater Workshop Performance

Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall

7–8 p.m.

Salmon Club Celebration

Maxey Hall, Room 207

7–8 p.m.

STILL: An Opportunity for Zen Meditation & Learning

Reid Campus Center, All Faiths Room

8 p.m.

Dance Showcase: Roots & Bones

Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre

Friday

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Family Gift Drive Drop-Off Day

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

Noon–1 p.m.

French Table

Cleveland Commons

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Yoga

Sherwood Athletic Center

2–5 p.m.

Study & Sip

Reid Campus Center, Queer Resource Center

5 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Basketball vs. Lewis-Clark State College

Sherwood Athletic Center

7 p.m.

My Little Pony Club Event

Anderson Hall, Hearth

7–10 p.m.

Whitman Chess Club: Open Play

Reid Campus Center, Room 240

7 p.m.

Whitman Men’s Basketball vs. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Sherwood Athletic Center

7 p.m.

Opera & Musical Theater Workshop Performance

Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall

8 p.m.

Dance Showcase: Roots & Bones

Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre

Saturday

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Family Gift Drive Wrapping Day

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

2 p.m.

Dance Showcase: Roots & Bones

Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre

8–10:15 p.m.

Cocoa & Caroling: Winter Karaoke Night

Reid Campus Center, Basement

8 p.m.

Dance Showcase: Roots & Bones

Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre

Sunday

Noon

Whitman Men’s Basketball vs. California Lutheran University

Sherwood Athletic Center

2 p.m.

Dance Showcase: Roots & Bones

Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre

Whitman Events Calendar

Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

Produced by the Office of Communications, Whitman Today is emailed to Whitman College staff, faculty and students twice a week. 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 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.

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