This was my second summer of participating in Whitman’s student-faculty summer research program. Below I share my stories of two projects that were quite different in their content and their material circumstances.
Category Archives: Students
Pre-registration for Fall 2017
In what has become a tradition, I report on pre-registration for next semester. The highlights:
- Major declarations are off to a strong start.
- With the exception of Data Structures, our classes filled.
- Two courses have long waiting lists, and one of them needs a response.
Including women in CS at Whitman
In the last week, three different people have asked me what we are doing at Whitman to ensure women are included in the CS program. I guess that means it’s time to write a blog post.
I’ll address what we’re doing now, the effects we’re seeing, and what I think we will be doing in the future. Continue reading
Report: Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
Last week I traveled to Austin, Texas with seven students for the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing. My job was to moderate a panel on teaching-oriented faculty careers—my fifth such panel, but the first at Tapia. CS program funding allowed me to bring along several students. To maximize impact, I recruited from amongst this fall’s class mentors and the leadership of the CS@W student club. Students are expected to share or apply what they learn on campus.
I’ll start out with a diary of my experience, and conclude with my students’ reflections on their experiences. Continue reading
Designing a CS Commons
In August, Whitman’s computer science faculty moved into three adjacent offices recently vacated by Technology Services. It so happens that there is a common space outside the offices, separate from the hallway. We were permitted to use funds left over from creating the two lab classrooms for minor renovations and furnishings.
I didn’t ask for a CS Commons, and I’m not entirely sure that we deserve it when so few other departments and programs at Whitman have space for students outside of classrooms. I’m very grateful nonetheless. This post will address the design of that space. Continue reading
Prospective students and pre-registration
I’ve heard colleagues describe April as “the month of a thousand nights” because of all the senior recitals, shows, celebrations, and so on. April is also the month of admitted student visits and fall pre-registration. Next year I need to account for all the time in April I’ll spend just talking with current and prospective students.