Bert's Alerts—Aug. 7, 2020
In the Spotlight
Harvest at CWI’s Campus Garden is in full swing! Over the past few months, Andrea Schumaker, Debbie Lady, and stellar work study students, Sara and Chadwick, have been dutifully tending to the garden full of eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, beets, strawberries, and loads of different types of squash. With fall semester upon us and students in need of access to fresh fruits and vegetables, the garden could use your help. Join in on the fun Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Contact Andrea for more information, and be on the lookout for some exciting news about the next Farm to Fork event and a drive by farmer’s market for students.
News Highlights
Be Safe, Be Mighty at CWI
With the start of fall semester quickly approaching, College of Western Idaho (CWI) is ready to welcome our students back for online and in-person classes. Dedicated to their safety, as well as the safety of our employees, the College has launched Be Safe, Be Mighty – your first stop for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 procedures and guidelines, campus safety measures, student services availability, and resources to help you navigate the semester successfully.
Considerations and information specific to instruction can be found in the COVID-19 Operational Guidebook for Employees. Due to recent news of Treasure Valley school districts’ decisions to delay term starts and move to more remote-learning models, options for instruction are currently being evaluated. Please watch for announcements and updates which will be communicated as they become available.
Together, we can be safe and will continue to be mighty. Visit Be Safe, Be Mighty to learn more about our commitment to students, employees, and our community during these unprecedented times.
CWI Announces New Healthcare Program
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to announce a new Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, adding to the more than 100 programs already offered at the College.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant degree provides a holistic and client-centered approach to improve the quality and functionality of the clients they serve.
“We are very pleased to offer Occupational Therapy Assistant at CWI,” said Cathleen Currie, Dean of Health. “It offers students another opportunity to be in healthcare, coming from a different perspective of working with patients in acute and out-patient care settings.”
Current and future students interested in starting the OTA program in the Fall of 2021 are encouraged to complete their pre-requisites before applying for the program next spring.
Upon completion of the two-year program, students will have received the education, skills, and training necessary for the national certification exam to become a certified and licensed occupational therapy assistant.
“OTA is a hands-on discipline working with patients to reestablish skills and abilities that may have been lost due to injury, stroke, and other traumas,” Currie added. “It takes a holistic approach to the patient.”
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2018 to 2028, the job market for occupational therapy assistants will increase by 21%, much faster than average.
“This will be another high-quality nationally accredited program at CWI,” Currie said. “There are very few OTAs in the Treasure Valley, and our program is the only one in the region – so there is a demand for these professionals.”
CWI is proud to add this program to the list of options we provide, as we serve more than 30,000 students in our community.
Staff of the Month – July 2020
Congratulations to Nikki Houston, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for July 2020. Nearing a decade of service at the College, Houston’s CWI story began when she was hired to be an Administrative Assistant for the CWI Foundation.
“My first day at CWI was the first day of the Fall 2011 semester,” Houston said. “I had no clue where any of the buildings were, what the building acronyms were, or how to answer students’ questions, so I did the next best thing – I handed out cookies at the Bookstore!”
Having the privilege of working in several different areas of the College over the years including as an Administrative Assistant for Facilities, an Enrollment Counselor, and now a Student Success Advisor, Houston said it was her time working with the Foundation and being a part of raising money for scholarships that sparked her passion for CWI.
“I love our students and my CWI family. Being a part of students’ journeys is so rewarding. Each has such a unique story. Because of CWI, students are realizing their passions. We really are helping students change their lives, and I am so lucky I get to be a part of it!”
“Nikki is the most helpful, kind, welcoming person I've met at CWI,” commented a student. “She was the first staff member I met and helped me fall in love with the school. Whatever hesitation I had before starting my journey as a student disappeared upon meeting with her and laying out a plan for my degree. She got me excited about earning a Business degree. I know exactly who to go to if I have any questions about what my next steps should be if I feel stuck.”
“Nikki cares deeply about her students and is passionate about helping them achieve their goals,” said Shelly Moore, Department Chair of Business. “She has been an amazing asset to our department advising our students. Nikki is fun and full of energy bringing excitement and positivity to every room she enters. CWI is fortunate to have her!”
Houston grew up in Boise and graduated from Boise State University in 2010 with a degree in Mass Communication/Journalism. Those who know Houston know it is not only CWI she is passionate about!
“I think it goes without saying, I am a devoted Taylor Swift fan – no shame whatsoever! I bleed blue and orange and never miss a Boise State football game… seriously, never. Dutch Bros is life, and I am incredibly close to my family – we do everything together! I am also passionate about giving back to the community. I enjoy working with the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, am a former Board Director of Advocates Against Family Violence in Caldwell, and am proactively involved in the annual No More and Denim Day campaigns.”
Houston and her soon-to-be husband have a 7-year old son and 5-year old daughter. The couple is anxiously awaiting their wedding set to take place early next year after having to postpone it due to COVID-19. As a family, they enjoy being outside, hiking, and attending sporting events.
Drop-in(to) Advising This August
Join College of Western Idaho’s Student Success Advisors for Drop-in(to) Advising during the month of August. The virtual events will be held Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5 – 7 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and will be hosted via Zoom. Students are encouraged to “drop in” during the designated hours either day to meet with their advisor and ask questions about degrees, registration, and next steps in preparation for fall semester.
Contact academicadvising@cwi.edu to learn more or with questions.
Drop-in(to) Advising Zoom Link
Important Dates: Fall 2020 Semester
