Every Whitman College student is a member of ASWC, the student government organization that exists to support and advance student interests. ASWC sponsors more clubs, activities, speakers, and concerts than any other organization at Whitman. As a member, you are welcome to participate in any ASWC support event or program.
There are over fifty clubs and organizations sponsored by ASWC, and new club are started all the time. Some examples are Men's Rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, the Coalition Against Homophobia, Club Latino, and the Whitman Civil Liberties Union, just to name a few.
The ASWC Congress is a bicameral elected body made up of the Senate and the House of Club Representatives. The House is made up of representatives from all the different ASWC sponsored clubs, ASWC Campus Media, and activity organizations. The Senate is made up of four Senators from each class and the member of the Executive Council, with the President of ASWC presiding over the chamber. Most of ASWC's influence and power lies in the Senate where the members work as advocates for student interests as a voice of the students in a variety of matters including:
The Senate also collaborates with the House on issues pertaining to the governance of the organization, budget allocations for student organizations, and hiring of campus media directors.
All meetings of ASWC Congress are open to the public and attending these meetings is a great way to get involved and make your voice heard.
The Executive Council is elected annually to coordinate Congress meetings, support campus organizations, and manage the finances of student groups. The Executive Council are committed to developing and support an efficient system of student governance for Whitman College. It is the Council's responsibility to bring relevant student issues to the forefront; whether through the funding of clubs and organization, or through the representation of ideas and concerns.
The Public Events Director sponsors live bands such as Goldfinger, Blackalicious, Guster, and Ben Folds, as well as operas, symphonies, ska acts, dance troupes, comedians, poets, and other activities for the student body. All ASWC public events are open to every student.
The Public Speakers Director works with ASWC clubs to bring speakers to the Whitman campus. The Public Speakers Office focuses on individuals who have an important message and who have influenced their field in critical ways. In the past, the Public Speakers Office has brought poets, political figures, and distinguished lecturers, such as Ralph Nader, Howard Zinn, Cornel West, Ben Stein, and Maya Angelou.
The ASWC Films Director sponsors many films throughout the year including mainstream films, foreign films, and small independent films. If you are looking for some great entertainment, or just relaxing for a few hours, keep your eyes open for film times.
There are three large campus events throughout the year that ASWC encourages students to attend. Interim is several full days of fun things to do between the date when residence halls open for the Spring Semester, and classes actually begin. The Choral Contest in April is a Whitman tradition that you will not want to miss. Greek and independent groups complete for prizes for the best choral performance. Also in April, the campus and community celebrate Spring with food, costumes, games, and theatre at the annual Renaissance Faire.
Better known on campus as the Pio, this free weekly student newspaper seeks to inform, entertain, and provide a catalyst and forum for student expression within the Whitman community. If you have an opinion about an issue on campus or around the world. Submit an article and who knows, you might find your name in the next Pio.
Whitman's literary magazine accepts submissions of poetry, prose, and art from the Whitman community, and then is distributed free of charge in May. Prizes are awarded for the best entry in each category. Click here to get more information about the blue moon or to learn how to submit your work.
K-dub is the College's student-owned and operated radio station that is on the air twenty-four hours a day during the academic year. If you want to be a DJ or anchor for a few hours a week, click here to learn more about getting your voice on the waves.
This publication is ASWC's unofficial student handbook to Whitman. The publication is written entirely by current Whitman students, and tries to offer a different take on what is really acceptable in Whitman College policy. It's a great way for incoming students to get acquainted with the ins and outs of the College before they ever set foot on campus.
ASWC has dealings with nearly all aspects of life at Whitman. There are numerous opportunities to get involved and make your voice heard. Check out our contacts page to get more information about getting involved with ASWC.
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