Whitman Today

This is an archived message. Please check the most recent updates to ensure you have the most current information.

Released: March 27, 2020 at 5:19 p.m. PDT

Dear Members of the Whitman Community,

As spring break comes to a close and we get ready to finish the semester, things look quite different than they did just a few weeks ago. To be honest, it’s hard to believe where we are today compared to the week before spring break.

I know many of you spent the break figuring out how to modify your classes for an online format, figuring out how to work remotely, figuring out new technology, and getting ready to dive into a whole new way of learning. I am sure it hasn’t been as relaxing as you had hoped, but to say I appreciate your tireless work and hours of dedication is an understatement.

It seems strange that as we all “return” from break, we are actually not coming back together in person. Rather, our return will be virtual. During this time of physical separation, communication will be as important as ever. So the college will be launching a regular newsletter starting Monday.

The newsletter, named “Whitman Today,” will have coronavirus information, updates about resources on campus, health tips and social distancing guidelines, information about facilities on campus and online learning tips. There will be a lot of information to share in the coming weeks and I hope you will pay close attention to this new resource.

In the meantime, I wanted to highlight some resources that are available to you now and encourage you to take a look at this information before classes restart next week.

Online Learning Resources

Faculty are committed to ensuring that all students will be able to complete their spring 2020 courses remotely. The online learning section of Whitman’s coronavirus webpage offers answers to questions you might have about getting started in this new way of learning and also answers some technology questions that students might have. It will be updated throughout the remainder of the semester with information to make the online learning process as smooth as possible.

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is available to support your academic progress as we all work to adapt in these unpredictable times. New ways of learning could mean new challenges. The ARC staff is happy to offer support by meeting online through Google Meet, on the phone or by email.

Technology Support

Beginning Monday, Technology Services will have expanded technology support options to help with the transition to online learning.

General Technology Support

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1-10 p.m. ← New! Extended Hours!

Phone: 509-527-4976
Chat: support.whitman.edu ← NEW!
Email: helpdesk@whitman.edu

Online Teaching and Learning Support (Zoom, Meet, Canvas, etc)

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Email: canvas_help@whitman.edu

Faculty and Staff

Whitman’s coronavirus webpage has resources for faculty and staff navigating this new world of teleworking. I encourage you to take a look at the online learning resources and teleworking resources as well as other resources on Whitman’s coronavirus page.

Other Resources

We will be sharing more about different resources on campus in the coming days. Here are some links to some of them:

New Normal

There is no doubt that we will encounter bumps along the way as we figure out our new normal. Despite the best plans, problems are likely to surface that we did not anticipate. But we have teams of people across campus dedicated to making this new reality work for us. We are in this together and we will get through it. I look forward to experiencing the innovative and exciting ways that we will be able to connect, collaborate and support each other during these challenging times.

Kathy Murray
President