Bert's Alerts - February 7, 2014
In the Spotlight
As the XXII Olympic Winter Games formally begin in Sochi, Russia, College of Western Idaho (CWI) will be joining the celebration as the 2014 What If campaign launches into action. CWI will air its College Just Got Real television commercial, Friday (Feb. 7) evening, in conjunction with the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The TV spot will continue to run throughout the Winter Games, while the What If campaign is set to conclude at the start of Fall semester. To watch the TV commercial visit the CWI YouTube channel.
News Highlights
CWI Partners to Educate Entrepreneurs
On Feb. 13, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) in partnership with the Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Idaho will present an educational session at the 2014 Smart Women, Smart Money Financial Conference in Boise. CWI and the WBC of Idaho are co-sponsoring the How to Launch Your Business From the Back of a Napkin breakout session, which will focus on providing tools for entrepreneurs to validate new business ideas.
In conjunction with the conference, CWI is also collaborating with the WBC of Idaho to launch a new entrepreneurially focused class, From Vision to Venture: Planning for Business Success. The course will be offered through CWI Business Partnerships/Workforce Development, starting on March 17, at the CWI Micron Center for Professional Technical Education. Visit the College’s website for more information and to register.
“This is an exciting opportunity for CWI to offer a successful course that provides business knowledge and resources the next generation of entrepreneurs need to be successful,” says CWI Technology and Business Solutions Manager, Becky Sherman. “Adding this new class continues CWI’s focus on local business and industry by providing educational resources for continued economic growth in Idaho.”
For more information on the Smart Women, Smart Money Financial Conference, visit www.smartwomensmartmoney.com. More information and to register for the From Vision to Venture: Planning for Business course can be found on the CWI website.
Generous Gift of $50,000 Establishes a CWI Speech and Debate Endowment
On Feb. 4, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation received a $50,000 gift from an anonymous donor to establish the CWI Speech and Debate Endowment, which will help fund regional travel expenses and scholarships for the three-time defending national championship program.
“On behalf of CWI, the Speech and Debate program, and our students, I would like to extend my utmost gratitude for this incredible gift,” says Speech and Debate Director, Johnny Rowing. “We truly believe that speech and debate holds the promise to change student lives. This gift will undoubtedly help the program continue to change lives and make dreams come true.”
The contribution comes as CWI Speech and Debate continues to build upon its already rich tradition. In just five years of existence, the College has quickly risen to the pinnacle of the national collegiate speech and debate scene. CWI captured community college national titles in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and will look to bring home its fourth-consecutive championship this March.
In addition to the competitive success, the Speech and Debate program has prided itself on creating a support system for its students while helping prepare them for success after graduating from CWI.
“Speech and debate has saved my college career,” says CWI Speech and Debate co-Captain, Matt Mudd. “I had considered dropping out until the team rejuvenated my drive and love for education. I have seen it do the same for many others. This program is not only important to all of us but to the school and the community as well.”
“Speech and Debate has given me so much,” adds student, Lisa Webb. “There is stress and hard work involved, but I have a team of people who support me to a degree that I have never had before in my life.”
For more information on supporting CWI programs and students including this endowment please visit the CWI Foundation website.
Machine Tool Technology Receives Micro 100 Tool Donation
In January, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Machine Tool Technology program received a generous donation from the Micro 100 Tool Corporation, which provided over 1,000 tools for use by students in the program.
“This gift has a significant, ongoing impact on our program,” says Machine Tool Technology Program Chair, Dave Sperry. “Micro 100 has supported our students and the Machine Tool Technology program dating back to being part of Boise State University’s Selland College. We are so grateful for the continued commitment they have made to helping us provide a skilled, trained workforce.”
In addition to the donation, Micro 100 also conducts a federally approved apprenticeship program certified by the Department of Labor and Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, that has employed five CWI Machine Tool Technology graduates to date. The program provides paid apprenticeship opportunities while students complete an Associate of Applied Science degree at CWI and potentially a Bachelor’s of Applied Science degree at Boise State University, before continuing with four years of employment at Micro 100 after graduation.
“Our relationship with Micro 100 really has touched all aspects of our program,” says Sperry. “Take one of our former students, Eric Dahlen, for example. He was a state and national gold medal winner in the SkillsUSA Precision Machining competition in 2009. Now, not only is he employed at Micro 100, but he is also a judge for SkillsUSA competitions. It goes to show that partners like Micro 100 truly are making the learning environment so much more complete for our students.”
For more information on supporting CWI programs and students please visit the CWI Foundation website.
Nursing Program Announces Changes
Effective Fall 2014, new College of Western Idaho (CWI) students with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) status will enter the CWI Nursing program in a synergistic cohort model covering four semesters. This model will improve collaboration and support in covering the rigorous curriculum – benefiting all nursing students.
Previously, new LPN students did not attend the first semester of the program which led to challenges in adjusting to the academic setting and connecting with fellow students who were entering the second semester.
“We believe that this change will ultimately help students succeed in an inclusive learning environment,” notes CWI Nursing Program Chair Allison Baker. “Our goal is to provide nursing students with the best in education while at CWI so that they are successful in their nursing career.”
As part of the change, the Nursing program will increase the number of spots available in the program to 40 students, up from 32 in previous years. Additionally, LPN students will receive three bonus points toward the Associate of Science in Nursing application (37.9 total points available) increasing the opportunities to be accepted into the program.
For more information on CWI’s Nursing program please visit cwi.edu/academics/nursing or contact One Stop Student Services at 208.562.3000.
Candidates Needed for Staff Senate
Another calendar year has passed making it time to elect a new group of Staff Senate members at College of Western Idaho (CWI). The elections will be held by electronic vote on myCWI, April 15-30, for five Senator and two Officer positions.
CWI staff members that are interested in serving on Staff Senate, or would like to nominate a colleague, need to email staffsenate@cwi.edu by Feb. 28. All inquiries should indicate the Senate position sought and exempt or non-exempt (salary or hourly) status. As a reminder, Staff Senate requires supervisor approval, which will be verified prior to placing names on the ballot in April.
This year’s election will include Senator positions, which will serve June 2014 through May 2016, for the following areas of the College:
- Instruction and Student Services (3)
- Resource Development (2)
There are also two Officer positions available this year. Officers can be exempt or non-exempt staff and can be from any area of the college, but candidates must have already served on the Senate. The following officer seats are open:
- Vice President / President (two-year term; one year as vice president and one year as president)
- Secretary / Treasurer (one-year term; June 2014-May 2015)
For more information about Staff Senate, including how representation numbers are determined, email staffsenate@cwi.edu.
Carson Selected as January Faculty of Distinction
Congratulations Cathy Carson for being selected College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for January.
Carson has done a tremendous job serving as the Faculty Senate President and the faculty representative on numerous committees, including co-chair for CWI College Council. She has excellent leadership skills and is detailed with her communication to constituents on Faculty Senate issues, College Council topics, and Board of Trustee meetings. Along with her extra-curricular service, Cathy is an excellent professor in the classroom. Her energy, positivity, and enthusiasm are contagious, and her focus is always directed to student success.
Congratulations Cathy and thank you for continued dedication to CWI and its students.
February Faculty of Distinction Goes to Kelley
Maia Kelley deserves congratulations for being named February Faculty of Distinction at College of Western Idaho (CWI).
As a new faculty member and Department Chair at CWI, Kelley has shown significant dedication to both the math faculty and student success. She has recently spent a great deal of time working with the new IncludEd model for delivering course materials to students directly through their Blackboard environment. Kelley has worked tirelessly to learn the CWI methods and processes, forge a new path as the first mathematics department chair, as well as begin work on a complete developmental mathematics curriculum redesign. Kelley has a never-give-up attitude and willingness to spend extraordinary amounts of time on behalf of her math faculty.
Please join in congratulating Maia as February Faculty of Distinction. Thank you for all you do.
February Staff of the Month Named
Please join in congratulating Kristin Clovis, who has been named February Staff of the Month at College of Western Idaho (CWI).
Clovis has been with CWI since October 2011 as part of Business Partnerships/Workforce Development. Starting as an Administrative Assistant, Clovis’ financial talents were quickly recognized. She is now the Finance Specialist for BPWD. Currently, Clovis has taken on a lead role in the migration of Aceware to Colleague. Her attention to detail and dedication has already proved to be an asset as she helped compile a comprehensive list of the courses offered while also working on a common naming convention for when courses are entered into Colleague.
Clovis received a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Idaho. In her free time, she says she enjoys hanging out with her friends and her adorable dog Stanley.
Congratulations Kristin and thank you for all you do!
Show the Love Leave Bank Reminder
Throughout February, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Staff Senate and Human Resources (HR) Department are teaming up for a Show the Love Employee Leave Bank Drive. Staff Senate and HR are continuing to encourage employees to share accrued vacation time for colleagues in need.
Employees are often hesitant to donate vacation time as this earned leave has the potential to be used for an extended weekend with family, skiing in the mountains, or sun bathing on the beach. Unfortunately, CWI has several employees facing hardships and have been unable to do these things as they are ill and unable to work.
Looking at the numbers, the average CWI staff member accrues five to eight hours of vacation time every two weeks. That totals an average of 10 to 16 hours every month. The minimum donation to the Leave Bank is eight hours, which translates to eight more hours of pay that a fellow employee can use during their times of greatest need. That same eight hours can be re-earned by a staff member in as little as two weeks.
CWI employees are encouraged to Show the Love today by completing the donation form for the Employee Leave Bank, which is located on the myCWI HR page. Please contact Maricela Davenport in HR at mariceladavenport@cwi.edu for more information.
FCC Introduces Valentine's Exchange
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Fun and Culture Committee is hoping to bring some creative, caring spirit to campus with the first ever Valentine’s Day Exchange, Feb. 10-14. All employees are invited to show appreciation for co-workers, whether they are neighbors or located across the valley. CWI Mail Services will be helping deliver inter-campus cards that are addressed appropriately. There are no prizes for this event, but any individual or department that goes all out is encouraged to email a photo to FCC@cwi.edu.
