Bert's Alerts—May 25, 2018
In the Spotlight
Thank you to all who attended the Staff Celebration Breakfast and Meeting held this past Tuesday, May 22, at the Nampa Civic Center. Staff enjoyed breakfast, raffle prizes, and an exciting round of Jeopardy. The annual meeting was a great opportunity to usher in the new Staff Senate officers and highlight the work our staff does to better serve our students.
President's Message
As part of this year’s Staff Celebration Meeting and Breakfast, and in our on-going effort to improve communication campus-wide, Staff Senate solicited staff for any questions they might have for me. Due to time constraints, however, I did not get to all the questions. I want you to know, I value your input and invite you to visit the link below for a comprehensive list of questions and answers. Thank you for all you do for the College and your commitment to success!
In the News
Idaho Press-Tribune: 'This is my American dream': Local migrant students reflect on graduation
Idaho Business Review: At College of Western Idaho graduation, smiles and a record number of degrees and certificates
Idaho Press-Tribune: Six complete CNA program
News Highlights
Business Students and Faculty Shine
It was a banner year for College of Western Idaho (CWI) Business students and faculty. Students shined in the nationwide business exams from Peregrine Academic Services — performing better than their peers in the region. In addition, the faculty and program were recognized by a national accreditation body.
"We are extremely proud of our business students," said Shelly Moore, Department Chair for Business. "They continue to outperform because of strong commitment to succeed and their willingness to work hard to achieve their goals."
Known as the Business Administration Comprehensive Exam, the tests cover several topics including, Accounting, Business Fundamentals, Economics, and Statistics. CWI's business students were measured against students at public and private, four-year universities and colleges, as well as community colleges that also had regional accreditation. CWI Business students achieved five to 15 percent higher scores in each category of Business Administration.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Associate Degree Board of Commissioners awarded CWI accreditation of its Business program. The accreditation evaluates aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support to determine whether or not the program offers a rigorous, educational experience and demonstrates continuous, quality improvement.
“College of Western Idaho has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP Chief Accreditation Officer, Dr. Steve Parscale, who will present the Certificate of Accreditation at the ACBSP Conference 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 10.
Recruits Learn to Battle Flames
Flames spilled from drip torches as wildland firefighter recruits completed hands-on training, during Basic Fire School, hosted annually at College of Western Idaho (CWI) in Nampa.
Eric Gordon, a veteran firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and a CWI alumnus, kept a watchful eye on the eight recruits as they used torches, fusees, and other devices crews use to fight fire with fire. Sixty students spent an intense week from, May 21-25, training and learning how to battle wildland fires. Most of the work was in the classroom, but on Wednesday, they moved through six stations outside of the College’s Nampa Campus Academic Building. Gordon, who transferred to Boise State University, reflected on his time at CWI.
“I knew I wanted to get my degree in biology, so I took as many courses as possible at CWI,” he said. Gordon enjoyed the smaller class size at CWI, “I was able to make the classes more rigorous!” He felt his classes with Brian McClain, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Dusty Perkins, Associate Professor of Biology; prepared him to excel in higher level courses at Boise State.
The new recruits learned about fire engines, first aid, and fire shelters as they made their way from station to station on CWI’s 100-acre campus.
“Having all of this space, where we can spread out and hike a little between stations, is fantastic,” said Eric Rayborn, of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and coordinator of Basic Fire School.
Recruits from around the region, who will mainly work for the BLM, USFS, and Idaho Department of Lands, attended the school to learn and sharpen their skills to fight wildfires.
Curtis Sharp, a recruit with the USFS from Idaho City, grew up on land with a mountain in his backyard. “Coming from personal experience I wanted to help stop these blazes, we get a lot of wildfires around Idaho City that threaten the homes and land of family and friends.”
Fire school wraps up on Friday, May 25. Following a written test, the new firefighters will receive an Incident Qualifications Card, also known as a red card, and head to the stations they will be working at this summer — ready to combat the flames from the next wildfire.
Staff of the Month—May 2018
Katie Gepford has been named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for May 2018. Gepford has been with the College for a span of over eight years, taking a couple years off and only working in the month of August in order to take care of her two little guys. Gepford’s positions have ranged from One Stop Specialist, Registrar Specialist, Outreach Advisor, and Academic Advisor, to her current position as Senior Representative with Admissions and One Stop Student Services. Each position has been rewarding in its own way. She enjoys being there to assist students in reaching their goals and says seeing students’ faces when they realize earning a degree or completing some classes can better their lives is wonderful!
Gepford graduated from University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a minor in Biology. Growing up, her father was in the Navy and their family moved around every few years until coming to Idaho for college. Some of the moves were hard, but she says it was a childhood she wouldn’t trade as it provided so many priceless experiences.
She, along with her husband, two sons, and their Whiskey girl, love to be outside. Between Memorial Day weekend and mid-November they can often be found in the mountains. One of their favorite activities is enjoying dinners on their covered patio with a view of the mountains.
Step-Up Challenge Returns
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) forth-annual Step-Up Challenge, hosted by the Culture and Employee Engagement Committee (CEEC), began Saturday, June 1. Whether you want to start moving or simply want to add some steps to your current routine, the Step-Up Challenge is just the motivation you need.
Participating is easy! Record your steps every day from June 1 – 30, including weekends. At the conclusion of the challenge, submit your step count to ceec@cwi.edu and be entered to win some great prizes! Prizes will be awarded to the individual with the most steps in each building, as well as the person with the most steps overall.
Visit the CEEC site on myCWI to download a tracking sheet and email ceec@cwi.edu to learn more.
Wyakin Cornhole Showdown and Festival
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is a proud sponsor of the second annual Wyakin Cornhole Showdown and Festival on Saturday, June 16, hosted at Payette Brewing Co. in Boise.
Four spots are available to anyone wanting to represent the College and participate in this year’s showdown. Cornhole teams can consist of CWI employees, their friends, or family members. The family-friendly event will also have raffle prizes and a bounce house for kids.
For anyone interested in participating, please contact Morriah Marks at 208.562.2222 or morriahmarks@cwi.edu no later than Wednesday, May 30.
