2010-2011 Schedule
Dr. John Medina, author of the long-running New York Times bestseller Brain Rules, will be the featured speaker at several public venues in Walla Walla on March 8-9, 2011. The Sixth Children’s Forum is hosting Dr. Medina’s visit, along with Whitman College and the Blue Mountain Community Foundation as financial partners.
Dr. Medina is a renowned developmental molecular biologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine and director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University. Brain Rules gives twelve principles for surviving and thriving at work, home and school. Dr. Medina has just recently published Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five. This book combines all the latest science on how best to develop a baby’s brain.
What makes Dr. Medina’s presentation so engaging is his ability to offer practical ways for individuals and parents to apply the latest brain research to their real, daily lives. Both books offer readers tips and theories on how to get the most practical benefits from their brains, including improved cognition, brain power and productivity.
USA TODAY says Medina “dissects the workings of the brain in plain English, explaining its role in the workplace and classroom. What could be a daunting subject becomes enjoyable through a writing style that makes words leap off the page.” His presentations are as exciting as his books, and he engages an audience from his very first words.
On March 8, 2011, Dr. Medina speaks from 6:00 to 6:45pm at Blanchet Hall, St. Patrick’s Church and from 7:30-8:30 at Maxey Hall, Whitman College. On March 9, Dr. Medina is featured at the Children’s Forum from 8:30-noon, Reid Center. Call Teri Barila, 386-5855 for more details and to confirm venue dates and times. No admission fee.
August 23, 24, 25, 2010
Monday, 8/23
8:30-11:30: Human Resources: getting paid at Whitman College (and other essential details) (Carol Harris, Cindy Matern). Memorial 316.
11:30: Sign the Big Book; group photo (BFC; back steps of Memorial)
12-12:55: Lunch at Baker Faculty Center (President George Bridges,Tim Kaufman-Osborn, Patrick Spencer, Tom Callister, Michelle Janning).
1:00-2:00: IT support: a brief introduction to IT support services and personnel (Shannon Callister). Hall of Science 151
2:05-3:00: Student disability, academic support, advising, FERPA (Clare Carson, Juli Dunn). Hall of Science 151
3:00-3:30: Mentoring for new faculty (Melissa Clearfield) Mem 305
Mentoring for non-tenure-track faculty (Patrick Spencer) Hall of Science 151
4:30-6:00: Reception at Baker Faculty Center: New faculty, Spencer, Division Chairs, Provost/Dean, Faculty Chair, Associate and Assistant Dean.
Tuesday, 8/24
11:00-12:00: Registrar presentation (Ron Urban). Hall of Science 151
12:00-1:00: Lunch at Baker Faculty Center. The Student Body (Chuck Cleveland, Tony Cabasco)
1:15-2:15: Student mental health issues and faculty response. (Rich Jacks). Hall of Science 151
2:15-2:45: Intercultural Programming and Services (Mukulu Mweu). Hall of Science 151
3:00-3:45: Library, Copyrights, CTL office (Dalia Corkrum, Patrick Spencer). Penrose Library lobby and CTL office
3:45-5:00: Unscheduled time.
5:00-6:30: Reception for new faculty and families (President George Bridges, Kari Tupper) Sherwood House
Wednesday, 8/25
12:00-1:00: First Year of Teaching: Panel of recently hired faculty will offer their perspectives on the first year at Whitman College. Mark Juhaz (Chemistry); Josie Hendrickson (Religion); Ashley Esarey (Politics); Christopher Leise (English). Lunch provided by the Center for Teaching and Learning. Hall of Science 151
1:15-1:45: Athletics and students at Whitman College (Dean Snider), Hall of Science room 151
2:00-3:00: Optional Campus walkaround. Take a stroll around campus and familiarize yourselves with key locations and key people. (Patrick Spencer) Meet in Hall of Science atrium at 1:50.
3:00-4:45: Syllabus Consultation, lingering questions (Patrick Spencer; CTL Office, Penrose Library)
Encounters Faculty: for those teaching in Encounters, there is a pre-semester meeting on Thursday, August 26 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM