Mar 18, 2024  
College Catalog 2015-2016 
    
College Catalog 2015-2016 ARCHIVED CATALOG

College Catalog 2015-2016


Whittier College is a residential four-year liberal arts institution that prepares students from diverse backgrounds to excel in a complex global society. Through challenging, interactive courses, taught by accomplished professors, students learn to make connections across disciplines, understand cultural perspectives, and integrate learning with practical application. Inspired by our Quaker heritage, a Whittier education equips students to be active citizens and effective communicators who embrace diversity and act with integrity.

Accreditation

Whittier College holds regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Senior College and University Commission. You may contact WASC at:

Western Association of Schools and Colleges
985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, California 94501
(510) 748-9001

Whittier College professional teacher preparation programs are approved by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Whittier College is on the approved program list of the American Chemical Society; a College Partner Member Institution of the American Association of University Women; and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Commitment to Diversity

Whittier College is committed to maintaining a diverse community in an atmosphere of mutual respect and valuing differences. Whittier College does not discriminate in its educational, admission, and employment policies on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, national/ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, age, military status, or disability.

Whittier College is classified as an Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

Values

Named for renowned 19th century poet John Greenleaf Whittier, our College is located in the hills overlooking metropolitan Los Angeles and coastal Southern California, and we take full advantage of our location in educating students. The College was founded by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1887, but has been non-sectarian since the 1940s. Nonetheless, the social values associated with our Quaker heritage - freedom of conscience, integrity, internationalism, listening to others and building consensus - strongly influence the College’s ethos. The campus has a friendly tone, and there is respect for people of all backgrounds and nationalities. Whittier has a long-standing commitment to a diverse student body and faculty, and the acceptance of difference that it thereby seeks to engender. Because of our values and our practices, a Whittier education prepares graduates to lead productive and meaningful lives.

Traditions

A college with a long and distinguished past has traditions that connect each new student with those who came before. The most important Whittier College traditions are those that mark both the initiation of new students into the College and the successful completion of their course of study.

The President’s Convocation, held on the first evening that new students arrive, formally inducts new Poets into the Whittier College community. This impressive ceremony begins with students marching through a corridor of faculty in full academic regalia and concludes with the igniting of candles to symbolize sharing the Light of Learning. Commencement, held in Memorial Stadium, marks the conclusion of our students’ academic journey at Whittier, but by no means the end to their association with the College. Beginning with a moment of silence in the tradition of Friends, the ceremony reaches its peak as graduates receive their diplomas against a backdrop of international flags representing our students’ home countries.

Between these two important rituals are a host of traditions and events that build Poet Pride. These range from the never-ending painting of The Rock, to Homecoming, Sportsfest, and Spring Sing. Celebrations of the diverse cultures represented by students and faculty include the annual Tardeada, Asian Night, and events remembering Martin Luther King. Many of our traditions revolve around food, such as Late Night Breakfast before fall exams begin.  And, of course we yell “Fear the Poet” at sporting events and other occasions to show our school spirit.

Disclaimer

Fees, tuition, programs, courses, course content, instructors, and regulations are subject to change without notice.

Issue of the Whittier College Catalog

Volume 93 • Fall 2015 - Summer 2016
Published by Whittier College, Office of the Registrar
13406 Philadelphia Street, Whittier, CA 90601
registrar@whittier.eduwww.whittier.edu/registrar