Bert's Alerts—Nov. 30, 2018
In the Spotlight
Join College of Western Idaho in giving back this holiday season! Donate socks to local homeless shelters during One Stop Student Service's annual Holiday Sock Drive, team up with your coworkers and fill a box for students in need as part of Staff Senate's Holiday Food Donation Drive, or brighten a child's Christmas by donating to the College's annual Giving Tree.
News Highlights
CWI Elects New Board Chairman, Welcomes New Trustees
Trustees of College of Western Idaho (CWI), Idaho’s largest public institution of higher education serving more than 31,000 students, unanimously selected C.A. “Skip” Smyser as their new chairman on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Smyser, who was elected to CWI’s Board of Trustees in November 2016, also welcomed two newly elected trustees in Molly Lenty and Annie Hightower. Lenty will replace retiring trustee Stan Bastian from Zone (2) while Hightower will take the seat formerly held by Emily Walton in Zone 4. Both Walton and Bastian did not run for re-election in November.
“It’s an honor to serve,” said Smyser. “I am a true believer in the mission of CWI and have seen what our students are doing. It truly is life-changing. I have said before, education is the key to this country and to Idaho.”
Smyser is a veteran attorney who served in both the House of Representatives and the Idaho Senate before devoting his career to representing companies and their advocacy interests full-time. Smyser is married to Melinda Smyser who currently serves as the Director of the Idaho Department of Labor and is a former state senator herself. They have four adult children and make their home in Parma, Canyon County, Idaho.
Outgoing chairman Mark Dunham of Boise was elected by the Trustees to serve as Vice-Chairman while fellow founding trustee Mary Niland will serve as Secretary and Treasurer.
The College was founded by a supermajority vote in Ada and Canyon Counties in May 2007. Currently, CWI offers more than 107 degree and certificate options for students seeking rewarding careers in many fields. Students pay $139 per credit, which has not changed in over three years due to the conservative fiscal stewardship of the College’s trustees and administration. Classes are available in Nampa, Boise, and online. To learn more visit cwi.edu .
CWI Finals Blackout
Fold your stress away, eat some flapjacks or late-night pizza, make a paracord bracelet, stress less at the sensory station, and snuggle with puppies during CWI Finals Blackout!
In preparation for finals week, Students Affairs, the Library, and Tutoring Services are hosting various events for students on campus, April 29 – May 3. The Library will be open until midnight Monday – Thursday. Top off finals blackout week at a showing of the movie, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”, at the Nampa Campus Academic Building from 9 – 11 p.m. on Friday, May 3.
Best of luck to all our students and faculty as we wrap up spring semester!
In Search of Authenticity: Studio Art Graduate Show
Artwork from graduates of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Studio Arts program will be on display in December at the Gem Center for the Arts in Boise. All are invited to attend the opening of their exhibit, “In Search of Authenticity”, Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6 – 9 p.m. Artwork will be on display through Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Speaking of the opportunity to show her work in public, graduate, Eva Streicher, said, "I'm baring a part of my soul to an audience. There's something unnerving, terrifying, and extremely exhilarating about it!"
Fellow graduate, Oscar Macias, agreed stating, "It's both invigorating and stressful. It's nice to finally start to get art out there, however, there's always that nagging part of the mind that says – it wasn't done yet, or I hope people get it. Regardless, the good feelings ultimately outweigh the negatives."
Contact Goran Fazil at 208.562.2117 or goranfazil@cwi.edu to learn more.
Annual Giving Tree Gathers Gifts for Children
Are you ready to brighten the holiday season for needy children in the Treasure Valley? The 10th annual College of Western Idaho (CWI) Giving Tree is up and going! Heather Schoenherr, Assistant Professor of Psychology and co-advisor for Psychology Club, started the Giving Tree with the Psychology Club during her second semester of teaching at the College in 2009 to encourage gratitude and outreach to our community.
“At the time, we only did one tree for a few families,” Schoenherr commented about her efforts to give back to the community during the holidays. “Now, we collect 100-200 gifts a year for children who are part of the 3rd District Guardian ad Litem Program, a non-profit program advocating for abused and neglected children.”
As the Giving Tree has grown throughout the years, the Psychology club has recruited help from other clubs on campus. This year, the club is working with the Criminal Justice Club, Veterans Association, and the Horticulture Club to hit a goal of 200 gifts for young children. Joy the fun and donate items to the Giving Tree!
Gifts will be collected through Dec.11 at the following CWI locations:
President Glandon Visits English Class
In a kaleidoscopic of color, English 201 students and College of Western Idaho (CWI) President, Bert Glandon, wrote on large pieces of easel paper surrounding Instructor Ryan Witt’s Persuasive Writing class. They were completing a brainstorming exercise; can community-engaged persuasive writing help make community connections?
President Glandon spent the class engaging with students and learning about the skills they have developed throughout the semester, as they focus on gaining the attention of an audience in different forms — including social media.
“It was great to get in class with students and have an engaging conversation about real issues that affect the College,” President Glandon said. “It’s good to see classes that effectively and efficiently address the College and how we can better serve the community.”
Additionally, students had a chance to share with President Glandon why they enjoy attending CWI.
“I really appreciate all of the instructors I’ve taken classes from at CWI, they’re super flexible!” said English 201 student, Nora M.
Media Professionals Take Part in Student-Led Panel
Students in Michelle Mahoney’s Mass Media class recently had the privilege to hear from local media professionals during a panel discussion. Idaho Press Tribune Editor, Scott McIntosh; KIVI News Director, J Bates; and Online Editor of Boise State University’s Arbiter, Ximena Bustillo, joined students Wednesday, Nov. 28, to share their expertise and experience.
“We have hosted this event annually for several years,” said Mahoney. “The students always appreciate the opportunity to ask questions relevant to their education and future, professional lives.”
Delaney Hardin, a Communication student, was voted by her classmates to moderate the panel discussion based on questions generated by the group. Speaking to and asking questions of professionals currently in the industry provided students the opportunity to gain insight and build connections.
“It’s very difficult to get your foot in the door or know where to start when you go into media or journalism,” commented Bustillo, Online Editor of Boise State’s student newspaper, the Arbiter. “Having media professionals come in, whether they are just starting out or are very experienced, helps bring diversity of knowledge to students.”
“This was the first year we had a Boise State student on the panel,” commented Mahoney. “I think it added a nice balance. Our program appreciates the support we receive from our campus and community partners for this event each year!”
Student Nurses Give Back
Members of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Nurses Association (SNA) have been busy this semester giving back to the community by volunteering their time and talents. The Association, dedicated to fostering the professional development of Nursing students, began fall semester with 16 members. There are now nearly 40 members—all Nursing students at the College.
“Being active in SNA means being active in our community and college, allowing us to cultivate a heart for nursing,” SNA President, Mackenzie Bassett said. “Compassion cannot be taught by reading a textbook. It is gained by getting out in the community, taking in different cultures, and finding passion in helping others—and that is what we intend to do!”
In partnership with American Red Cross, SNA hosted a highly successful blood drive at the Nampa Campus Academic Building on Nov. 7. “We had more donors than spots available and ended up collecting 23 liters of blood,” said Bassett. “We are so proud of our CWI student body for their donations and willingness to give.”
Additional community outreach has included volunteering at first-aid booths during St. Luke’s annual FitOne race, leading a food drive for cystic fibrosis patients, handing care packages out to a local homeless community, participating in Rake-Up Meridian, and taking part in the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Harvest Party. Members have also volunteered at Amen Clinic of Boise and plan to sponsor a family for Christmas.
New this year, SNA plans to engage in volunteer opportunities outside of the area including providing care to fellow Americans as part of a Remote Area Medical mobile medical clinic and attending the National SNA Convention. The Convention, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 3-7, will provide opportunities for SNA to participate in competitions, seminar, and licensure exam reviews.
“These two events require us to travel, thus requiring us to fundraise,” said Bassett. “We have already hosted four fundraisers and have six others planned throughout the remainder of the school year.”
When asked why they are setting their goals so high and doing so much, Bassett emphasized the importance of learning the skills necessary to be a nurse both in and out of the classroom.
Workshop Keeps Hands Busy and Enlightens Minds
Native beading expert, Liz Mummy, visited College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Ada County Campus Pintail Center to share her artistry and tradition in honor of Native American Heritage Month Nov. 13. In addition to discussing the history and significance of beadwork among Native peoples, Mummy provided the materials necessary for participants to make dream catchers.
“It is hard to find time with your teenager that is meaningful and enjoyable for both of you,” said Erin Peterson who attended the workshop with her daughter. “It kept our hands busy and enlightened our minds as we learned about Native American artwork and met some talented artists. With busy hands came an opportunity to not focus on forced conversation, but fun discussion and sarcastic remarks. It also resulted in some beautiful artwork; unique and made with love during one-on-one time between mother and daughter.”
Thank you to the Inclusive Excellence Committee and the CWI and Boise State University Anthropology clubs for hosting this wonderful event!
Students Host Screen-Free Carnival
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Phi Theta Kappa Honor (PTK) Society chapter, Beta Sigma Pi, along with the ASCWI Entertainment Board, hosted a Connection Carnival Nov. 27. The event, held at the Nampa Campus Academic Building, was in support of research completed by PTK members on connections and provided an opportunity for students and the CWI community to spend time building connections in a screen-free zone.
“We had a great event!” said Yolonda Barnes, PTK advisor. “Twenty children and 30 adults attended.”
Jason Ward, PTK alumnus, past chapter and regional president, and current president of the PTK Rocky Mountain Campus Alumni Association, attended the event. He believes it is important for current PTK members to see alumni continue to be active in the organization. He was especially impressed with the “Connections” theme the group chose to do their Honors in Action research project on.
“Interpersonal relationships in the digital era are so important,” Ward noted. “It’s nice to hang out in real life and enjoy pizza and games.”
Five-year old Macey agreed. “This is really fun,” she said while taking a break from the fishing carnival game. “I can’t wait for next year!”
MakerHub Club Promotes Creativity
As Garrett Ellison, president of the MakerHub Club, walked into the Early Childhood Education Preschool located at College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building, the students knew it would be a good day. Ellison entered in a monthly STEM Action Center drawing and received a makedo cardboard construction toolkit. Makedo is a toy construction system that allows individuals of all skill levels and ages to make any item imaginable of any size from a flower to a fort, a mask to a maze. He donated his winnings and the clubs technical skills to the preschool hosting two workshops with plans to make it a monthly activity.
The mission of the MakerHub Club is to promote creativity and share technical skills. The club hopes to do so by sharing their 3D printer, housed at the Nampa Campus Library, and vinyl cutter at the Nampa Campus Academic Building Tutoring Center. Ellison hopes to eventually have a 3D printer at the Ada Campus Pintail Center library and Canyon County Center as well. The CWI community will be able to order 3D prints or have custom stickers made with the vinyl cutter by completing a Google form and paying a small fee to the club.
The club has also partnered with classes at CWI such as Eric Mullis’s 3D Art and Design course and Susan Aydelotte’s Calculus course. Mullis’s 3D Art and Design students were assigned to create abstract art pieces using a program called Tinkercad. Students then partnered with the MakerHub to get all 20 of their designs 3D printed. Aydelotte’s Calculus students were assigned to calculate the theoretical volume of a vase. Two students from her class partnered with the MakerHub to get vases 3D printed to test their practical application guesses.
Learn more about MakerHub, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and partnering with the club by contacting Garrett Ellison at garrettellison@my.cwi.edu.
Fall 2018 Facts at a Glance
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Fall 2018 Facts at a Glance is now available to view online. The annual publication provides a statistical overview of the College and is a valuable resource for learning more about CWI. The information included in Facts at a Glance supports the messages being shared about who the College serves and the impact CWI is making in the community.
Hard copies of this year's Facts at a Glance will be delivered to each campus location in the near future.
Staff of the Month—September 2018
Rachel Strong has been recognized as College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Staff of the Month for September 2018. Strong came to CWI in 2016 and currently serves as a Senior Specialist for One Stop Student Services. Her focus is on creating a positive student experience through various communication channels, collaboration with other departments, and improving processes for the department. As a Boise native, Strong recognizes the immense value CWI brings to the residents of western Idaho and is proud to be a part of that vision!
Thirteen years after earning an Associate of Applied Science in Marketing from Selland College, Strong went back to school and completed a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Communication at Boise State University. Her master’s thesis project was nominated by the Communication Department for Boise State’s Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award in Social Science.
Growing up in Boise, her family has roots to the Treasure Valley back four generations. Strong and her spouse, parents to two amazing boys, celebrated their 12th anniversary in May. When not at work, she loves to spend time with her family experiencing the amazing activities the Treasure Valley community has to offer.
Strong was recognized for working tirelessly with other departments to ensure students receive the best service and staff have the most up-to-date information and training. She masterfully navigates student conversations with respect and tact, always putting students at the heart of interactions and always having their best interest in mind.
Please join us in congratulating Rachel on her accomplishment!
CWI Snow Information and Tips
With winter weather upon us, College of Western Idaho (CWI) crews are working to keep campus locations safe and clear of ice and snow. Please keep in mind, winter conditions can be dangerous and require everyone's attention to prevent slipping and falling. We are all responsible for exercising good judgment when walking on icy or slippery conditions. No matter how well snow and ice is removed from parking lots and sidewalks, it is important to be prepared and continually aware of slippery surfaces. Parking space may be limited in some areas due to snow piles from plowing.
Keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice. Neoprene and non-slip rubber are best. Avoid shoes with smooth soles and heels.
- Walk S-L-O-W-L-Y. Plan extra time so you are not rushing.
- Be careful when you shift your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, be careful since shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
- Avoid taking shortcuts. Shortcuts are a good idea if you are in a hurry, but may be a bad idea if there is snow and ice on the ground. A shortcut path may be treacherous because it is likely to be located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
- Walk like a penguin. Point your feet out slightly and shuffle. Spreading your feet out slightly improves your stability. Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible. Keep your hands out of your pockets and extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance.
- Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice on sidewalks or in parking lots, walk cautiously. Look to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards.
- Look up. Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries also can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from awnings, buildings, etc.
- Use your eyes and ears. While seeing the environment is important, you also want to be sure you can hear approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
- When you arrive at your indoor destination, remove as much snow and water from your feet as you can to prevent water buildup on the floors.
- Enter a building carefully. When you get to your destination such as school, work, shopping center, etc., be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice.
- When using stairs, always use handrails.
- Anticipate ice. Be wary of thin sheets of ice that may appear as wet pavement (black ice). Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
To report icy conditions on campus or if you have questions, please call Facilities Planning and Management at 208.562.3545 or facilities@cwi.edu.
