We want to hear from you. During the week of January 22 through 28 we will be conducting a survey during our evening classes. This is the fourth time we have used the survey by Noel Levitz to get feedback about what is important to you and how well we’re doing. While previous feedback has been quite positive, we always want to know where we can improve. We appreciate your taking the time to fill out the survey – you help us make Whitworth in the Evening all that it can be.

Graduation Information: All Whitworth graduating seniors will be receiving a lot of information in the upcoming months about the graduation ceremony in May. Please realize that some of this information is meant for our traditional, day-student population and may not apply to continuing studies students. We try to put “continuing studies” into the subject line of our emails so that you will know that the information in that email applies to you. When in doubt, call our office (777.3222).

Remember - in order to receive that well-earned diploma, you must fill out an Application for Graduation.  The form is available on Whitworth’s website in the Registrar’s “forms” section, or you can pick one up in our office.  Even if you choose not to participate in the commencement ceremony (and we do hope to see you there) you must apply to graduate.  Please return the application to your advisor. If you are completing your degree by December of 2008, you are eligible to walk in the May 2008 ceremony. 

A representative from Royal T will be available for cap and gown fitting in Hawthorne Hall on March 10th from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  You may also order your cap and gown February 21st from 10:45-1pm, March 10th from 12:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m. and March 11th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Hixson Union Building.  You should also be able to order your cap and gown online, and you will soon be able to access that information on our registrar’s website.

If you have family coming in from out of town, please be sure they make accommodation arrangements soon.  There are other graduation ceremonies in Spokane that weekend and hotels will fill up quickly. 

Spring “break” is scheduled during the third session of spring for the week of April 13th through the 19th.  (For education students in a cohort the break occurs March 31st through April 4th.)  Although classes do not meet during these weeks, you should plan to continue working on course assignments and projects during that time.  This may mean meeting online (or if you choose to, in person) for group projects, as well as working on ongoing research projects. 

Computer Lab Use  Hawthorne Hall computer lab(s) are available for all Whitworth students, with preference for continuing studies students during the hours of 4-8 p.m., M-Th.  Please be aware that the computer labs are part of the learning environment at Whitworth; therefore, excessive noise, music, loud conversations, and so forth should not be at a level that could disturb students’ ability to study.  Please be considerate of your fellow students and keep distractions to a minimum while in the lab.  Food should be kept out of the computer labs and is only allowed in the lounge and classrooms.  If you have any problems with computer availability or learning environment in the computer labs, please ask the lab assistant for help, or contact the continuing studies office and we’ll do what we can to assist you. 

Weather report: When the weather outside gets wild, you can find out if we are closing because of snow, ice, or other emergencies by checking the Whitworth website www.whitworth.edu  or calling the Continuing Studies office at 777-3222.  I’ve only seen it happen once.  However, if you have a long commute and think traveling isn’t safe, stay home.  Always contact your instructor regarding your absence!

DON’T FORGET OUR TRADITIONAL-SEMESTER EVENING COURSES  These include Ceramics on Mondays and Survey of Physical-Education Activities on Thursdays.  Most of these courses meet one night per week from February 4th through May 15th.  Tuition for these courses is $265/credit, which does not include books or other material fees.

The Whitworth campus will be closed on Monday, January 21 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.  If you are enrolled in a Monday class during that 6-week session, your instructor will inform you regarding how these hours will be made up. 

Bonus bucks  Tell a friend - Earn $50.00!  You can earn $50 for every person you refer to the Whitworth Continuing Studies program.  For every person referred who becomes a matriculated Continuing Studies student, you receive either a $50 gift certificate to the Whitworth bookstore, or a $50 gift certificate to your choice of several restaurants, stores, or even Starbucks.   Have you already referred a friend who is now a student here?  You must contact us to let us know who you referred and that they are an active, attending Continuing Studies student.  Think of your friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses, or anyone you know that could benefit by finishing their college degree.  Keep spreading the word; this is a great program and you are our best advertising. (There’s a prize for the first student who knows what matriculated means.)

Contest!  A coveted Pirate’s notebook will be awarded to the best response to, “Why is Core 300 the most important course you’ll take at Whitworth.”  Responses should be limited to 250 words, and may be “published” in the next newsletter. 

As always, if you know of an upcoming event or want to share a success story in the newsletter, please call us at 777-3222, or email me at dchurchill@whitworth.edu

Diana