Bert's Alerts - Oct. 31, 2014
In the Spotlight
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Patriot Range is set to return next week and volunteers are needed to help make the powerful display possible. The Patriot Range, which is expanding to 300 flags this year, is set to stand from Nov. 5-12. Employees and students are invited to join this effort by helping prepare the field, set-up flags, serve as night patrol, or take down the display. To sign-up as a Patriot Range volunteer please visit http://cwistudentlife.signupsheet.com/?e=WnWUfH7PrLsr2XTeKKiu.
News Highlights
Patriot Range Returns to CWI with 300 Flags on Display
For the second consecutive year, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Nampa Campus will provide the back-drop for a moving patriotic display with the return of the CWI Patriot Range. On Nov. 5, the CWI Veterans Association and Student Enrichment will partner to cover the west lawn of the Nampa Campus Academic Building with 300 American flags. The field of honor was introduced in 2013 with a 200 flag display. The Eagle Field of Honor has generously donated the flags for use by the Veterans Association.
The Patriot Range provides an incredible visual display with flags that are three by five feet in dimension and stand on eight foot poles, and are precisely constructed to ensure equal distance between each flag and row. The field is lit at night and this year will stand until Nov. 12. The public is invited and encouraged to visit this powerful tribute.
“The Eagle Field of Honor committee is dedicated to helping as many veterans as possible,” says Eagle Field of Honor Project Chair, Kathy Coburn. “The CWI Veterans Association Patriot Range allows us to reach hundreds of veterans through this great partnership. It is an honor and a privilege to pay tribute to our veterans and this is another great opportunity to do that.”
The Patriot Range will also provide a fitting stage for CWI’s Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Student Enrichment will be presenting activities at the CWI Nampa Campus Academic Building, starting at 1 p.m., which will feature a student speaker, student choir, guest speaker, and refreshments.
CWI Visiting Scientist Series Welcomes UI's Dr. Nagler
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is happy to welcome Dr. James Nagler to campus for the next Visiting Scientist Series event on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at the CWI Library in the Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Nagler, Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Idaho (UI), will be discussing factors that affect fish reproduction and opportunities for undergraduate students who transfer to UI. The event is a great way for students to gain visibility to possible future studies while making connections with research faculty and students with mutual interests.
Dr. Nagler has conducted work for the National Science Foundation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and universities here in the U.S. as well as at institutions and agencies in Canada and the United Kingdom. He received his doctorate from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, in St. John’s; he earned his master’s degree from Concordia University in Montreal and his bachelor’s degree from University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Nagler’s work deals primarily with the reproductive biology of a family of fishes called the Salmonidae.
In its fourth year, the Visiting Scientist Series is bringing a diverse group of Idaho scientists and teachers to CWI to discuss their work and opportunities for students when they transfer to a four-year college or university in Idaho. Employees and the community are also invited to attend and enjoy refreshments and discussion. For more information, please contact Steve Lysne at 208.562.3360 or stevelysne@cwi.edu.
Free College Application Week Returns to College of Western Idaho
On Monday (Nov. 10) College of Western Idaho (CWI) kicked off its third-annual Free Application Week waiving the $25 application fee for admissions to CWI. CWI’s Free Application Week, which coincides with Idaho College Application Week, is intended to encourage first-generation and low-income students to take the important first step toward pursuing a college degree or certificate. The initiative has been extended to automatically waive the fee to anyone who submits an application to CWI through Nov. 21.
To date, more than 2,700 people have taken advantage of the free application to advance their education. This year CWI hopes to help even more students explore higher education options and benefits.
As part of Free Application Week, CWI will also host an Admissions Express event at the Nampa Campus Academic Building on Tuesday (Nov. 11) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will provide additional opportunities to connect with advisors, discover college resources, take a campus tour, learn more about college programs, and meet other students.
Assessment and Testing Updates Hours of Operation
Effective Saturday, Nov. 8, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Assessment and Testing changed its hours of operation to better serve the CWI community and general public. The new hours will include extending service to 8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, and opening the Ada County Campus location from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The new Assessment and Testing hours of operation are:
Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Tuesday - Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday (Ada County Campus only): 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
*On the second Wednesday of each month, Assessment and Testing will close at 5 p.m. to allow staff to attend valuable training.
CWI Assessment and Testing Centers provide a full range of services including proctored exams, certification exams, and specialized assessments such as COMPASS, Computer Skills Assessments (CSA), and College Level Entrance Examination Program (CLEP®). For more information about CWI Assessment & Testing Centers, including scheduling exams or study guides, please visit cwi.edu/assessment.
CWI Foundation Art Contest is Back
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation is proud to present its third-annual Holiday Art Contest, which is open to all students. This year’s theme is ‘What does education give you?’
Submissions will be accepted in the following formats:
- Drawing in pen, pencil, and/or markers only. Submission must be on an 8.5 x 11 inches piece of paper with a .05 inch border of white space. There is a template available on myCWI.
- Digital Photograph. Must be a high resolution with a minimum of 300dpi.
- Digital Rendering. Must be high resolution with a minimum of 300dpi.
There is no fee to enter the contest. Official entry forms are available on myCWI and in the Foundation office located in Suite 102 of the Nampa Campus Administration Building. Hard-copy drawings need to be submitted by Nov. 17 to the Foundation Office and digital copies can be submitted by email at foundation@cwi.edu.
Prizes will be awarded for first place ($125), second place ($100), and third place ($75). The Foundation may also incorporate first-place artwork into a holiday card that will be sent to supporters of the College.
Questions about the contest should be directed to the CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu or Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
Fall 2014 Fire Drill Results Released
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fall semester fire drills have been completed. These drills are designed to prepare CWI students, faculty, and staff for an organized evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency.
The CWI Facilities Management Department is happy to report each campus evacuated quickly and efficiently utilizing the evacuation routes specific to the area. The floor captains did an outstanding job clearing their assigned areas and reporting to the centralized location in a calm and professional manner.
Employees can view results for each CWI location and a sampling of the questions asked on myCWI, located under Faculty Staff Resources>Environmental Safety and Health.
Facilities Management would like to thank everyone who participated for the cooperation throughout this important process.
English Instructor Receives November Faculty of Distinction
Meagan Newberry has been chosen as College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for the month of November. Newberry’s nomination came in part for her work with CWI’s English 101Plus model. Her work with students of all education levels embodies the CWI core values of “serving all in an atmosphere of caring” and “innovating for the 21st century.”
Since she began teaching at the College, Newberry has been involved in working with developmental English students, acting as the Developmental English program chair in her first year as full-time faculty and co-leading a professional development group from CWI and Boise State University working on remediation reform in her second year. In this role, she also co-led a weeklong institute for composition instructors from each state college and university. This year, she is representing Idaho as ELA achievement level setter for Smarter Balance. She has been a committed participant in curriculum work both as an adjunct and full-time faculty member, and she actively seeks out professional development and generously shares what she learns with her colleagues both formally (at department meetings) and informally (in conversation).
While these accomplishments are noteworthy, it is Newberry’s commitment to students that is most important. While the change to English 101Plus was initiated in response to changing state guidelines, Newberry has continually reminded the English Department of the very real impact this has on the students at CWI; she talks about and treats all of her students as adults with complicated lives with no lessening of standards. She cares deeply for each individual and one of her former students said of Newberry “she doesn’t teach lessons, she teaches people.”
Please join in congratulating Meagan. Thank you for being dedicated to helping CWI’s students succeed.
Staff Senate Promoting Fitness
In the recent months, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Staff Senate has received feedback and suggestions from employees who want more fitness options on campus such as a gym, locker rooms, and basketball courts. Staff Senate will continue to forward these ideas to the strategic planning groups, but wants to remind everyone of all the current exercise options available:
1. Discounted memberships to various gyms. Contact Human Resources for additional details.
2. Disc Golf Course at the Nampa Campus Academic Building. The nine-hole par-three is open to employees, students, and the public.
3. Walking paths around various campus locations. Staff Senate realizes the weather is changing and wants to remind everyone that employees can walk inside the various campus buildings during the cold months to still get some exercise without having to worry about slipping or bundling up. When the weather permits, there are some great options around campuses to walk. Maps of these walking paths can be found on the myCWI Staff Senate team site. Some people have started walking groups that gather for 15 minutes each day to get out and enjoy some fresh air.
4. Want to learn more about Physical Education? CWI employees can use the tuition waiver benefit for the following classes (contact HR for additional details about the benefit):
- PHYA 103 – Lifetime Activities
- PHYA 114 – Stretch and Strength
- PHYA 115 – Beginning Strength Training
- PHYA 135 – Walking for Fitness
- PHYA 136 – Train to Walk/Run Distance
- PHYA 151 – Stress Management
- PHYA 153 – Activity by Contract 1
- PHYA 154 – Activity by Contract 2
- PHYA 155 – Lose Big, Win Big!
Staff Senate would like to reiterate that employee health is important at CWI. Ideas and suggestions from employees are encouraged and will be shared through College Council. The next monthly Staff Senate meeting is Thursday, Nov. 13, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Ada County Campus Lynx Building in room 1110. Anyone unable to attend the meeting can contact a Senator, email staffsenate@cwi.edu, or leave an anonymous question or concern in one of the suggestion boxes around the campuses.
