Whitman Today
 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Quick Study Courses & DEIA Cultivation Grants

Feature by: Division of Inclusive Excellence 

Two stacks of “Los Ojos de Whitman” magazine.

One example project previously funded by a DEIA Cultivation Grant provided printed physical copies of a Spanish literary and art magazine on campus.

The Division of Inclusive Excellence wants to inform you about two valuable opportunities to skill-build and contribute to the campus climate. 

ACUE Learning Lab Quick Study Courses
As part of our membership in the Council of Independent Colleges’ Belong community, we have been granted limited access to a collection of one-hour, Quick Study courses from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). ACUE is a trusted source for faculty development in higher education. Up to 50 Whitman faculty/staff can obtain access to a menu of self-paced, online courses on topics including: “Developing Students’ Media Literacy,” “Empowering Students to Use AI Responsibly” and “Establishing a Culture of Constructive Conversations.” You can find more information about the ACUE courses online. If you are interested in gaining access to the ACUE Learning Lab and their menu of quick study courses, you can request access using this form.

DEIA Cultivation Grant Call for Proposals
The Division of Inclusive Excellence is currently accepting proposals for DEIA Cultivation Grants. These seed grants are designed to support projects, programs and events that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and/or antiracism (DEIA) at the college. Any member of the Whitman community can apply for a DEIA Cultivation Grant, although community members with access to their own funding are encouraged to exhaust available funds before requesting grant funding. Preference is given to projects that are innovative and enhance (rather than duplicate) existing college practices. Proposals that center the needs of historically marginalized communities, improve the campus climate or collaborate with co-leads from different constituency groups (e.g., staff and faculty) are also preferred. The maximum award is $3,000, and only a modest amount of the proposed budget can be used to compensate the program organizer. DEIA Cultivation Grant applications are currently being accepted through Friday, March 14. For more information regarding the application process, contact diversity@whitman.edu.

Employment Updates

Welcome New Staff Members

Please join us in welcoming the following new Whitman College staff members who started in January:

  • Peter Fowler, Athletic Field Assistant Technician
  • Richard Simon, Studio Music Instructor
  • Derek Mahoney, Director of Facilities Operations

Announcements

Origins of Mountain Biking Presentation Tonight

Tasshi Dennis ’92 will give a presentation titled “Origins of the Modern Mountain Bike” on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. in the Kimball Theatre at Hunter Conservatory. See vintage photographs and learn more about the origins and history of the mountain bike. This event is free and open to the public.

 

Sexual Violence Prevention Events Today

The Welty Student Health Center, the Culture of Respect and SVP student leaders are hosting a series of events this week focused on sexual violence prevention (SVP). Today’s events include:

  • Noon–1 p.m.—Lunch & Learn for Faculty: Survivor-Centered Tools for Responding to Student Disclosures of Sexual Violence (RSVP)
  • 7–8:30 p.m.—Love Hub Game Night (flyer attached)
 

QPR Suicide Prevention Training for Students Tomorrow

Whitman students are invited to participate in suicide prevention training provided by Counseling Center staff on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. 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. Please RSVP in advance. Questions? Email qpr@whitman.edu.

 

Career & Community Engagement Center Is Hiring Student Leaders

Are you a student looking for a paid position for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year? Do you love engaging with the Walla Walla community? The Career and Community Engagement Center is currently looking to fill nine community engagement student leadership positions. Applications are due on Handshake by end of day on Sunday, Feb. 16. (Flyer attached.)

Photo Finish

Eleven climbers in protective gear stand in front of a rock wall covered in ice.

Last week, the Outdoor Program led an ice climbing trip to the “Weeping Wall” near the Bluewood ski resort (additional photos on Instagram). Sign up for other fun winter trips on Compass.

Happening Today

 

11 a.m. to noon

Finding Your Footing in Joy: A Starting Point for Belonging in 2025

Virtual Event (register)

Noon–1 p.m.

Information Session: Summer 2025 WIG

Reid Campus Center, Room G02

Noon–1 p.m.

Workshop for Faculty: Survivor-Centered Tools for Responding to Student Disclosures of Sexual Violence

Memorial Building, Room 331

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: MELT

Sherwood Athletic Center

4–5 p.m.

Landmark College Webinar: Our Neurodivergent World

Virtual Event (register)

5–6 p.m.

AAUW Speaker Series: Amy Schwab

Maxey Hall, Room 119

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Calm Creations

Reid Campus Center, Lower Level

6–7 p.m.

The Origins of Mountain Biking

Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre

7–8:30 p.m.

Love Hub Game Night

Reid Campus Center, Coffee House

7–9 p.m.

Walla Walla Symphony Series: Enigma

Cordiner Hall [community event]

Whitman Events Calendar

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

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.

Mountain graphic

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