Bert's Alerts - January 10, 2014
In the Spotlight
College of Western Idaho (CWI) kicked off 2014 by unveiling an upgraded electronic newsletter geared toward community supporters. The newsletter, which is now called CWI Compass Connect, ties into the CWI website in a similar format to the College’s employee newsletter, Bert’s Alerts. CWI Compass Connect will continue to distribute every two weeks. Anyone is welcome to sign up to receive the newsletter at cwi.edu/subscribe.
News Highlights
CWI Spring Address is Next Week
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Spring College Address will be held at 8 a.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 15) at the Riverside Hotel in Boise and all CWI employees are encouraged to attend. Breakfast will be served and followed by a brief presentation of highlights and updates for the College. For anyone unable to attend, a recording of the address will be posted on myCWI.
State of Idaho Scholarship Applications Open
The state of Idaho scholarship applications are now being accepted for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, Governor’s Cup Scholarship, and several others. These scholarships are for the 2014-15 academic year and designated for graduates of Idaho high schools. These scholarships have varied deadlines that need to be considered to ensure applications are submitted on time.
Applications can be submitted online at http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarship/scholarship_jump.asp. For eligibility information specific to each scholarship – click the “Apply Now” button. Please note the online application requires a valid email address, Social Security Number, expected or past high school graduation date, and the name of the applicant’s high school counselor.
Payroll Office Provides Tax Updates
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Payroll Office is busy preparing tax information following the New Year and has provided some need-to-know details for employees to review. The information below can also be found on myCWI under announcements. Employees can email questions to the Payroll Office at payroll@cwi.edu.
- The 2014 tax table is in effect for Jan. 10, 2014 paychecks.
- W-2’s will be available on Jan. 31.
- Employees are reminded to please consent to view and print W-2’s electronically on myCWI. This can be done from My Toolkit/Employee Profile/W-2 Electronic Consent.
- Visit myCWI for more information and to keep updated on the availability of W-2s, including if they become available before Jan. 31.
Happy New Year from the Payroll Office.
Employee Suggestion Boxes Now On-Campus
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Staff Senate is happy to share that employee suggestion boxes have been installed at six CWI campus locations. The boxes, which are intended for faculty and staff use, provide an avenue for submitting anonymous suggestions and ideas. Employees should be aware that any concerning suggestions and comments will be directed to Human Resources.
Suggestion boxes can be found at:
- Ada County Center
- Canyon County Center
- CWI Eagle River
- Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Nampa Campus Administration Building
- Nampa Campus Micron Center for Professional Technical Education
Fundraising Help Needed for Health Conference
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Admissions, along with various community partners, is looking for fundraising support to present a free Health Career Conference for local Hispanic high school students on Feb. 15. The conference will bring together healthcare professionals to speak about various health-related careers. The attending students are currently selling $1 raffle tickets to raise funds to help cover the cost of the event. The grand prize is a 40-inch flat screen television. Please contact Luis Caloca at 208.562.3396 with questions or to purchase raffle tickets.
January Staff of the Month Goes to DeBuhr
Congratulations Robin DeBuhr for being named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for January.
From the moment DeBuhr started working at CWI in December 2012, her impact on the College has been felt. As the Senior Specialist for Payroll and Accounting, Debuhr’s job is stressful with tight deadlines and a great deal of responsibility. That has not however, stopped her from keeping a positive attitude and working hard with a smile on her face. Co-workers note she has a commitment to accuracy as well as an inspiring passion for fellow employees and the College. She currently serves on the CWI Fun and Culture Committee and was one of the first volunteers to help implement the Rewards and Recognition Committee.
DeBuhr received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting through Boise State University before moving on to Kaplan University where she would receive a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting and Internal Auditing. DeBuhr is happily married to her husband of 16 years. They have a 13 year old son. In her spare time, DeBuhr spends time working with kids through a basketball club owned and operated by her and her husband.