Like many of its peer institutions, Whitman doesn’t hesitate to emphasize its commitment to diversity. Diversity is currently the focus of Whitman’s application supplement writing prompt, and the word pervades much of the college’s advertising literature. And according to the Whitman website, the Whitman experience “involves deep and lasting learning in an academic community comprised of people with varied experiences and global perspectives.”
Yet for many students, that ideal hasn’t yet been realized on campus.
We should reflect on our experiences with privilege here at Whitman, and in the wider community. Rather than try to fix the problem at Whitman, we should accept our situation and use it to help those around us.
Whitman College recently released its student fees for the 2012-2013 academic year. Tuition for next year is set at $41,790, a four percent increase from last year, and is the lowest tuition increase the college has had since 2000. Despite this lower-than-average tuition increase, questions regarding the sustainability of the higher education model that have persisted for years now continues to be asked today.
Whitman is a secular school. However, for many Whitties, religion and spirituality are important in their personal development and contributions to campus life.
Visiting Johnston Professor of Philosophy Geoff Ashton is bringing a new lecture series to campus. The series will consist of four lectures on various themes within Asian philosophy over the course of the semester. The first lecture will be held, Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 P.M. in Olin Hall 130.
A series of events sponsored by the Intercultural Center and the Black Student Union were held to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Starting on Jan. 9 and culminating in a lecture by King's colleague, Samuel McKinney on Thursday, Jan. 26, the events are designed to give the student body an opportunity to learn more about Dr. King's work and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.
In the debate community, it's not uncommon to hear derogatory terms used to describe female debaters who come across as overly aggressive. The unequal gender ratio within the activity seems to stem partly from its history as an activity practiced largely by white males and also from general sexism in society.
On Monday, Nov. 14, ASWC hosted a second town hall meeting. Assistant Dean of Student Engagement Noah Leavitt and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Tony Cabasco answered student questions regarding diversity...
The Undocumented Students Statement proposal will be brought in front of the Board of Trustees Thursday, Nov. 17. If the proposal passes, starting in 2012, all newly printed college catalogs will include a statement in support of undocumented students on campus. The statement will include the administration's willingness to admit and provide private financial aid to undocumented students who apply for Whitman.
