Bert's Alerts—April 19, 2019
Celebrating 10 Years!
Don't miss out on the 10-year celebration as we share stories of amazing students, talented faculty, and quality programs!
CWI in the News
News Highlights
Honor Society Finishes on Top
Beta Sigma Pi, College of Western Idaho’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, represented the College at the 2019 PTK International Catalyst Conference April 4 – 6 in Orlando, Florida. As a Chapter, Beta Sigma Pi was honored to receive three outstanding awards!
- Distinguished College Project for outstanding work with suicide awareness
- Top 100 Chapter in the International system out of 1300 Chapters
- Distinguished Chapter moving them from top 100 to top 40 internationally
"Our officer team has worked incredibly hard and has shown dedication to being a face for CWI,” said PTK President, Elizabeth Carter. “We persevered, and we prevailed!"
Turning Passion into a Career
Hometown: Kuna, Idaho
Major: Liberal Arts
Graduation: 2013
“College of Western Idaho (CWI) empowered me to work hard for my dreams,” said 2013 Liberal Arts graduate, Jessi Jensen.
After experiencing a significant change in her life, Jessi chose to go back to school to support her desire and love for helping people.
“I was so worried I wouldn’t be successful in college. Terrified actually. I got divorced at the age of 30 and had three small children I needed to be able to provide for.”
As a student, Jessi had several opportunities to help others in the community including organizing a coat drive for kids in the Nampa School District and a giving tree to support kids in foster care. Although these were wonderful experiences, she said it was the instructors at CWI who changed her life.
"As I became acquainted with Jessi through courses she took with me and her involvement with Psychology Club, it was clear that she was both interested in and highly motivated to help people," recalled Psychology instructor, Martha Timberlake. "Her course work and life experience prompted her to explore various ways she could develop a career to match her interests and motivation, and I thought social work would be an excellent match."
"I fell in love with the profession," commented Jessi. "I don’t know if I would have found my passion if it wasn’t for her!"
After graduating from CWI in 2013, she continued her education at Boise State University completing a Master of Social Work degree in 2016. She is now a clinical social worker focused on working with children and adolescents who are at risk or have advanced needs.
“CWI helped me realize I am smart and capable. Because of CWI, I get to do what I love and get paid for it! I believe whole-heartedly in CWI. My dream is to someday return as an instructor.”
Undergraduate Research Highlights Raptor Conservation
College of Western Idaho (CWI) student, Zackery Szymczycha, and 2016 graduate, Leticia Camacho, presented their undergraduate research Monday, April 15, during the annual Undergraduate Research Conference at Boise State University. Szymczycha and Camacho collected, compiled, and analyzed raptor conservation data at The World Center for Birds of Prey as part of the The Peregrine Fund’s Global Raptor Impact Network (GRIN). Their research was part of Boise State’s Vertically Integrated Projects which provides students the opportunity to work under the mentorship of professional researchers while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
“Internships like this are a tremendous opportunity for our students to apply scientific concepts they’ve learned in the class to real-world conservation issues,” commented Associate Professor of Biology, Dusty Perkins. “Students also develop critical science and communication skills while gaining experience of how collaborative research actually works.”
Empowering Lives with Math
Years at CWI: 9
Department: Mathematics
Education: Master and BS of Architecture, University of Utah; MS Math Education, Boise State University; BS Mathematics, Brigham Young University
“College of Western Idaho (CWI) empowers students to gain knowledge and skills that will help them be successful at work and in their lives,” said Paul Belue, Assistant Professor of Mathematics.
After spending seven years working as a professional, Belue came to CWI in 2010 to do what he enjoyed most – teach. Initially hired as an adjunct instructor, he moved to a full-time position in January 2013.
“I didn't enjoy what I was doing in architecture, which was mainly sitting in front of a computer all day and drawing. I wanted to be learning more, working with people, and teaching.”
Belue teaches Mathematics at the College – a subject many students dread as they begin their college career.
“It is such a big part of our society and how it operates. By learning and understanding math, it can be used to richly enhance and better our lives.”
To support his students through the learning process, he breaks down concepts and provides them opportunities to learn from their mistakes.
“Paul is an exceptional math instructor,” said 2013 Liberal Arts graduate, Jessi Jensen. “He spent hours outside of class helping me understand math. He was so selfless. I got an A in math, and that had never happened in my entire life!”
Striving to inspire his students to want to learn math by explaining its relevancy to their work, family, and personal lives, Belue said he finds satisfaction in helping to prepare them for the future.
“Because of CWI, I have found meaningful work helping students learn and reach their goals.”
Connections Project Mini-Talk to Highlight Mental Health
Recent reports of teen suicides in the Nampa School District inspired Elizabeth Carter, President for College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, Beta Sigma Pi, to learn more about the issue of mental health. With the help of fellow honor society members, Aga Gibson, Elyssa Goins, and John Nahlen, she developed a research project examining the effects of social media on mental health.
“Most of the people who complete suicide do not feel connected,” Carter commented. “We’re supposed to be living in this world where we’re all connected, but people can still feel so lonely in a room full of people, or with 600 friends on Facebook.”
After several months of research on this topic, the group authored a research paper, entitled “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health", providing insight into the relationship between social media addiction and the increasing suicide rates among youth. Carter presented the paper at the National Social Science Association (NSSA) annual meeting on April 15, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The paper was chosen as the winning entry for the undergraduate student research paper contest, which guarantees publication in the NSSA 2020 peer-reviewed journal.
“This is very exciting, especially considering our paper is the only paper written by community college students,” Carter said, noting that all of the other submissions were from students attending four-year institutions.
Carter will present this information, on behalf of Beta Sigma Pi, on campus during this year’s Connections Project.
“I love the light bulb logo this year because it’s so true that connections made with people in-person create stronger and more powerful reactions than we would ever get with just social media.”
Be sure to catch Carter’s mini-talk presentation at the Connections Project April 25 from 3 – 8 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Academic Building. The event is free and open to the public.
Faculty of Distinction—February 2019
Christina Moore has been named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for February 2019. Born and raised in Idaho, Moore attended University of Idaho where she earned both a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Plant Science. During her time as an undergraduate and graduate student, Christina learned first-hand that engaging students early in their education with undergraduate research opportunities could lead to life-long interest in the natural world. Her passion for science that grew from these early research experiences and her desire to show others “Biology is LIFE!” led her to teach at CWI.
Moore began teaching as an adjunct instructor at the College in 2010 and was hired as one of the first Support Faculty in Biology in 2015. She has dedicated her time at CWI to the development of online, introductory biology courses which demonstrate the importance of biology in our everyday lives by engaging students in citizen science projects both locally and globally. In addition to her experience teaching Biology courses, she also helped develop the College’s first “Flex Labs” in Anatomy and Physiology and Concepts of Biology.
In her spare time, Moore looks forward to spring wildflowers, summer by the pool, baking apple pies in the fall, and winter by the fire with her family.
Please join us in congratulating Christina!
Grad Fair 2019
2019 Graduates! The time has come to celebrate your accomplishments and prepare to graduate! Kick-off the countdown to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) 10th commencement ceremony at Grad Fair on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Join the festivities at the Nampa Campus Academic Building from 4 – 7 p.m. for an afternoon of celebration complete with food, giveaways, a photo booth, and family-friendly fun sponsored by ASCWI. Be one of the first 200 graduates there and receive an exclusive, commemorative 10-year CWI alumni gift bag!
Cap and gown purchase will be available on-site in addition to information on transfer and military opportunities, financial services, and health insurance.
Don’t miss this event and chance to celebrate YOU!
Eclectic Impressions: Studio Art Graduate Show
Artwork from College of Western Idaho’s Studio Art graduates will be on display at the Gem Center for the Arts in Boise April 26 – 28. All are invited to attend the opening of their exhibit, “Eclectic Impressions”, Friday, April 26, from 6 – 9 p.m. Art will remain on display through that weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
“When my work is put on display it provides vulnerability, excitement, and a bold new frontier of the unknown," said Shawn Moore, a Studio Arts major.
"This chance to prepare piece, write my artist statement, and show my art in a gallery setting," adds Kendra Mattson, "will provide me with a valuable experience that will only lead to future success as I continue my artistic journey."
Contact Goran Fazil at 208.562.2117 or goranfazil@cwi.edu to learn more.
Your Opinion Matters!
The Division of College Relations invites you to share your opinions and thoughts related to the CWI brand. We would love for you to join in our upcoming focus group specifically for our faculty and staff.
Wednesday, May 1
Noon – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center, 1701 AB
As you may recall, Pam Cox-Otto, with Interact, presented at last year’s Fall Address. We are, once again, working with Interact for the brand refresh initiative. The focus group exercise will provide valuable insight to assist in the research phase.
What is a brand and why is it important?
- The brand is a representation of a business or organization based on experiences, interactions, and perception from internal and external audiences. It represents a standard of quality and a point of comparison with competitors.
- Branding is important because it not only makes a memorable impression on consumers and the value you offer – it also allows customers and clients to know what to expect from a company (your brand promise).
Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 24, as space is limited. We want to ensure everyone attending is able to participate. Lunch will be provided. Additional information and focus group details will be sent to those who RSVP using the link below.
RSVP for the CWI Faculty and Staff Focus Group
Thank you for your interest and willingness to assist in this important project!
Please contact Communications and Marketing at 208.562.2222 or communicaitons@cwi.edu with questions.
Commencement Needs YOU!
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) 2019 Commencement Ceremony is right around the corner! The ceremony, held at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, will take place on Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m. Employees are encouraged to share in the success of CWI students by volunteering their time that day.
Volunteer times are based on assignment. Volunteers are welcome to stay for the entire ceremony or leave when volunteer duties are complete. The volunteer shifts are as follows:
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
To volunteer, email Aleysha McCoy at aleyshamccoy@cwi.edu by Friday, April 26, at 5 p.m. In your email, please indicate the shift you would like to work. Although volunteer times cannot be guaranteed, preferences will be taken into consideration.
Thank you to all who are willing and able to help at this event. Commencement would not be possible with you!
Cybersecurity Awareness: Be Cyber Aware
Ways you can be cyber aware:
Master the Mouseover: Random, suspicious links most often can be ignored. When clicking on what appears to be a trusted source, it’s a good idea to hover over the link with your pointer and investigate the full URL.
Mouseover on a Mobile Device: Depending on the device and the app, if you long-press on a link it will show you the full URL. The problem with this is you could accidentally click. Unless you’re 100 percent confident, don’t do it. Instead of clicking on a link of a known website that was sent to you, just manually type in the website address to ensure safe navigation.
Verify the Recipient: When transferring sensitive information, verify it is accurate and going to the correct, authorized person(s). Think about it like this: sending the wrong info to the right person is just as bad as sending the right info to the wrong person.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Hacking isn’t always about computers, networks, and malicious links. It’s also about people, places, and things. Is the delivery guy really a delivery guy? Is that lady really from the internet provider, and does she really need access to the server room? Is that door at the end of the hall usually open or should it be locked? How long has that unmarked package been sitting in the lobby? Stay alert for scammers in the physical domain, ensure doors to secured areas remain closed, and verify the identity of unfamiliar persons.
Privileged Access is a Privilege: We all need access to certain information, systems, networks, buildings, and rooms to do our jobs. Protecting that access from unauthorized parties is a responsibility we all share! Keep your passwords private; don’t even share them with your loved ones. Avoid using shared accounts, even if it seems more convenient to do so. Never let someone tailgate or piggyback on your credentials. And if, for any reason, you think you have too much access, speak up!
Reporting security incidents is an essential step in preventing cybercrime because it reduces the chances of the event happening again and if reported in a timely manner can prevent others from becoming victims. Even if something seems too small to report, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Contact Mike Wilson at mikewilson1@cwi.edu or 208.562.3193 with questions or for more information, and stay tuned for more tips and information on cybersecurity awareness in future issues of Bert’s Alerts.
