Bert's Alerts - February 21, 2014
In the Spotlight
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) outreach team kicked off the annual Higher Ed Days tour this week, which provides the College a chance to visit nearly 50 high schools in southwest Idaho in 30 days. Seen here is Kevin Hiller talking with students at Rocky Mountain High School. A complete schedule of high school visits can be found at cwi.edu/events.
News Highlights
CWI Students Nominated for All-USA Academic Team
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter, Beta Sigma Pi, has announced two of its members have been nominated for the All-USA Community College Academic Team. Students Rebecca Evans and Belinda Reyff were selected to represent CWI as nominees for the annual recognition. Evans and Reyff are part of a nomination group that includes students from College of Southern Idaho and North Idaho College. This spring, one student will be chosen to represent Idaho on the academic team.
“The nomination is a tremendous achievement for these students,” says CWI Beta Sigma Pi Advisor, Mathew Haynes. “This was the largest applicant pool we have had at CWI, which means our selection committee truly feels both students are deserving of the honor.”
Evans, who lives in Meridian, is currently working toward degrees in social work and English, with hopes of one day providing writing therapy as a social worker. She plans to transfer to Boise State University in the fall. Evans says “I am just honored to be nominated for this recognition. It is a tremendous measuring stick for how you are doing academically and it tells me I am measuring up.”
Reyff, of Boise, is in her fourth semester at CWI and is on track to graduate this fall. She is majoring in Liberal Arts and plans to transfer to Boise State to pursue an Engineering Material Science degree. She hopes one day to work in aeronautics, either for NASA or manufacturing airplanes. Reyff agrees “I was ecstatic to learn I was picked as a nominee.”
CWI Honor Society Earns Five Star Status
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter, Beta Sigma Pi, is celebrating a major milestone having recently accomplished Five Star Chapter status with the national organization. Phi Theta Kappa defines five distinct levels of membership, which are based on several sub-requirements.
The five recognized levels are:
- One Star – Recognizing Academic Excellence, Chapter Foundations
- Two Star – Organized Chapter Leadership and Getting Started with Honors in Action
- Three Star – Developing an Honors in Action Project and a College Project
- Four Star – Increased Presence on Campus and Increased Engagement in the Region
- Five Star – Further Involvement in the Region and in International Activities or Events
For more information on Phi Theta Kappa visit www.ptk.org/.
CWI Launches Tobacco-Free Campus Webpage
In preparation for College of Western Idaho (CWI) becoming tobacco-free on Jan. 1, 2015, a new Tobacco-Free Campus webpage has been created at cwi.edu/info/cwi-tobacco-free-campus. The current Smoking Policy and Procedures are provided on the page, as well as cessation resources, frequently asked questions, and respectful behavior guidelines. For more information contact Risk Management at riskmanagement@cwi.edu.
CWI Recycling Program Expanded
In an effort to continue moving the College of Western Idaho (CWI) toward a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability, the CWI Facilities Management Department is excited to announce the expansion to the College’s current recycling efforts.
To increase recycling awareness and convenience, all CWI individual offices and work spaces will receive blue recycle bins. These bins should be used for paper, plastic, and aluminum only as they will not contain trashcan liners. Employees are also asked that food and beverages not be placed in these bins and that food and liquid contents of containers are emptied before placing in the recycle bins.
Please note that trash pickup days will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and recycle pickup days will be Tuesday and Thursday. Additional information will be coming about CWI’s campus-wide recycling awareness campaign.
FCC Valentine Exchange a Success
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Fun and Culture Committee would like to thank all employees that participated in the inaugural Valentine exchange. The FCC saw awesome participation and was thrilled to see everyone showing appreciation for one another. Employees at some locations displayed extra spirit by creating Valentine Boxes out of odds and ends and exchanging cards and goodies. The FCC hopes everyone enjoyed the event. Stay tuned for details on our next event – CWIrish!
Employee Appreciation Day Introduced
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Rewards and Recognition Committee is excited to announce the first annual Employee Appreciation Day will be held on Friday, March 7. The day will serve as a time to honor CWI employees and show appreciation for all their hard work. The event will take place at several CWI locations. There will be cupcakes and treats for CWI employees. Watch Bert’s Alerts for more information, like hours and locations, and a big "thank you" to everyone for continued hard work.