Bert's Alerts - October 16, 2015
In the Spotlight
A group of College of Western Idaho (CWI) students are becoming regular visitors at Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge this semester, conducting research as part of Dusty Perkins’ ecology class. The class has been traveling to Deer Flat to study a variety of topics including; vegetation, aquatics and invertebrates, forest habitat, and bird communities.
News Highlights
Field Work Concludes for Petroglyph Project
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Anthropology Club celebrated a milestone in its petroglyph project at Celebration Park near Melba, completing the field work phase of the multi-year preservation effort. This month, 23 students volunteered over three days to record more than 20 petroglyph panels. Since the start of the project, over 60 Anthropology Club members have participated in four trips to conduct field work.
CWI students have been recording, mapping, and photographing petroglyphs since March 2014 through a grant from the Canyon County Historic Preservation Commission.
“We are grateful to the Commissioners support as well as our partners, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Canyon County Parks, Recreation, and Waterways and their Director Tom Bicak,” says CWI Anthropology Faculty, Nikki Gorrell.
Gorrell says CWI Geography faculty, Bryan Krouse, has also been providing invaluable assistance on the project by helping map the glyphs. The group is currently creating an ArcGIS Collector app with the data so that anyone with an interest in the project can learn more about it on their smartphone. The goal is to have the app available by the end of this year.
“The students that have participated are the reason this project has been successful,” Gorrell adds. “Their contributions serve as a legacy for prehistoric preservation of the cultural heritage of Canyon County.”
How CWI Prepped This Veteran for Career Success
It took a while, but Ken Silvers is finally on a career path that he says makes a difference. After delivering medical supplies to a number of Treasure Valley clinics and hospitals for nearly a decade, Ken decided it was time to do something else. After saving enough money to pay for the classes he needed to become a Registered Medical Assistant, he went back to school.
“I got tired of moving boxes and being out in the weather,” he said. “I had enough and decided I wanted an indoor job.”
Already in his 40’s, the U.S. Army veteran knew it would take more than money to get to where he wanted to be. With some financial help from the Veterans Administration and after boot-camp style student retraining from the Basic Skills Education department at the College of Western Idaho, Ken enrolled in the Medical Assistant training program through Workforce Development.
“I always wanted to be in the medical field,” he said. “I went into the Army after I graduated from high school specifically for the college benefits, but then life happened. When I finally decided to go back to school, I took advantage of everything I could to get readjusted to being a student.”
Eager to learn, Ken steadily worked his way through the MA program. He spent nine months learning how to take vital signs, assisting with x-rays, drawing up injections, documenting patient charts, prepping rooms and everything else associated with basic clinical care. When the time came for his externship, he went to a St. Alphonsus location in Nampa and was offered a job before he finished the program.
“It was great to get my foot in the door right away,” he said. “But I decided to go a different direction because I was more interested in working at a specialty practice as opposed to being in family practice.”
Ken completed the program in May 2014. Less than a year later, he started working at West Idaho Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Caldwell—where he uses his CWI-learned skills every single day.
“CWI definitely prepared me for my job,” he said. “I am finally in a career where I can go home at the end of the day and say I helped someone. I tell my friends that it’s never too late. Don’t let age be a factor that holds you back. Just find your passion and go for it!”
Ken recently returned to CWI to share some of his school and work experiences with students going through the MA program. He also gave a demonstration on how to apply and remove a cast—something he also does every single day.
CWI Event Provides Political Insight
College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted an engaging event on Thursday, Oct. 15, as the CWI Political Science program and Culture, History, and Politics Department welcomed Dr. James Hanley to the Nampa Campus Academic Building for a presentation. Dr. Hanley, who is Associate Professor of Political Science and a Fellow of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding at Adrian College in Michigan, spoke on The Imperial Presidency.
Dr. Hanley’s talk focused on the growth of presidential power over the last 50 years and the political and electoral factors that have contributed to the expansion, regardless of the President’s party affiliation. He traced the expansion of presidential power, from Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon to President Obama, in such areas as war powers, domestic surveillance, rendition, and torture of anti-terrorism suspects. Dr. Hanley also discussed factors that have enhanced presidential authority and eroded the checks and balances provided Congress and the judiciary in the Constitution.
The presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session from the audience of student and faculty.
Strategic Planning Update
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is engaging in a Comprehensive Strategic Planning process which will help guide the future direction of the College over the next five years. The process will include participation from departments across the College as well as external partners.
The new plan will build from the 2010- 2015 Comprehensive Plan and be guided by a broad 25 year vision, focusing on the College’s position in supporting economic development in the community and innovation in education. CWI will include both internal and external stakeholders in this important process, which is critical to have a broad base of input as the College moves forward.
The planning process will be supported by Eva Klein & Associates, a national consulting practice dedicated to serving higher education. Along with Eva Klein’s own 43 year career in higher education, she also brings a talented group of consultants who will engage with the College to create an informed and dynamic plan.
The process and schedule is broken down into three phases:
- Phase 1- Data collection, analysis and review of CWI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Themes. Work within this phase has already started.
- Phase 2- Development of Key Master Plans.
- Phase 3 - Unit and Division Plans which will be informed by Phases 1 and 2.
Additionally, three Planning Sessions will be held with the consultants on CWI’s campus. The first of these sessions is scheduled for Oct. 28-30.
The College also recently established a Comprehensive Planning site on myCWI where information and documents related to the Comprehensive Plan, including a detailed schedule, we will be posted. The site can be found at myCWI > My Committees > Comprehensive College Planning Project.
The new Comprehensive Plan is a complex project and a critical process for CWI. Thank you for your participation and support.
CWI and IDeal Promote College Savings Month
October is being recognized as College Savings Month and College of Western Idaho (CWI) is partnering to promote resources available to help Idahoans save for college. In April, CWI announced an exciting agreement with the IDeal—Idaho 529 College Savings Program to create an innovative scholarship program. The scholarship, called “CWIDeal Boost,” provides matching funds provided by CWI to qualifying students who make tuition and fee payments to CWI directly from an IDeal 529 College Savings Account—up to $500 per semester or $1,500 per year.
IDeal is leading a month-long initiative to raise awareness about its program and how financial planning can help make college more attainable. To learn more about the IDeal program visit www.idsaves.org.
Transfer Fair Set for Oct. 20-21
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) will provide students the opportunity to connect with various institutions for continuing their education at the fall 2015 Transfer Fair, scheduled Oct. 20-21. College and university representatives will be on campus to discuss their programs, majors, and transfer requirements. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and be held:
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Nampa Campus Academic Building
First Floor Lobby
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Ada County Campus in the Pintail Center
Common Area
Emergency Medical Services Open House at CWI
On Oct. 22, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Workforce Development is inviting the community to explore the exciting and rewarding careers in the Emergency Medical Services field that are accessible through fast-track training programs at an upcoming open house.
This month will feature the Emergency Medical Services programs which are serving a growing industry that is in need of well-trained individuals to fill the expected 17 percent growth in the EMS field between 2012 and 2022 in Idaho according to the Idaho Department of Labor.
Not only will you be able to learn more about the feature program, but representatives and information will be available from all of CWI’s Workforce Development program areas including Customized Training, Technology and Business Solutions, and Trades Manufacturing and Construction.
The College will host an open house:
Thursday, Oct. 22
5-7 p.m.
Canyon County Center, Room 168
2407 Caldwell Blvd, Nampa – View Map
EMS classes at CWI are taught by trained professionals with years of experience who will bring real world expertise to the educational experience for every student. In addition, instructors utilize state of the art technology to enhance the teaching experience, such as HAL, a simulation manikin that will mimic real world scenarios and prepare students for a career in the EMS fields. View more on HAL.
Instructors and former students will be at the open house to talk with attendees and answer any questions they may have about getting into this in-demand career.
View EMS class information:
Interested in other Workforce Development training options from CWI?
- Customized Training
- Healthcare & Emergency Medical Services
- Online Courses
- Technology and Business Solutions
- Trades, Manufacturing, and Construction
Please call 208.562.2700 or email wd@cwi.edu for more information about the event or with any questions about training through Workforce Development.
STEM Out! Event Registration Open
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to host the annual STEM Out! Event, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CWI’s Nampa Campus Micron Center for Professional Technical Education. The free event provides girls ages 10 to 15 an opportunity to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, meet other girls who are interested in STEM, make awesome projects, and have fun. All materials and lunch will be provided.
Art Contest to Showcase CWI Talent
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation is providing CWI students and alumni who are artistically inclined a chance to get recognized for their talent. The CWI Foundation is accepting entries for its annual art contest, which this year is themed: What does education give you?
Prizes will be awarded for first place ($125), second place ($100), and third place ($75). In addition to cash prizes, the Foundation may also turn the first place winner’s artwork into a holiday card that gets sent to friends of the College.
There is no fee to enter the contest. Official entry packets are available at all One Stop Student Services, Library, and Tutoring Services locations in Ada and Canyon counties, and at the Micron Center for Professional Technical Education One Stop and Tutoring. Packets are also available through the Art Department in the Nampa Campus Academic Building.
All entries—which must be 8 1/2 by 11 inch drawings—must be submitted to the Foundation office located in Suite 102 of the Nampa Campus Administration Building by 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Questions about the contest? Contact the CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu or Brenda Fisher in the Art Department at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
Settlers of Catan Tournament Returns Oct. 17
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Entrepreneurs Club is happy to present a Settlers of Catan tournament again this fall. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Academic Building second floor common area. Admission is $10 for pre-registration and $12 at the door. Entry fees can be paid by cash or check on-site.
The tournament is open to the public, ages 14 and older. It will feature three rounds of play for all participants and light refreshments. The grand prize winner will receive a full Settlers of Catan, Cities and Knights and Seafarers game set, including extensions.
Visit http://cwistudentlife.signupsheet.com to pre-register for the event.
October Events Bring Halloween Fun to CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) will be home to some family friendly Halloween fun in October thanks to a pair of holiday themed events. The CWI Student Activities Programming Board is partnering with the Associated Students of the College of Western Idaho and United Registered Organizations and Clubs to present a movie night and trunk or treat. Both events will be held at the Nampa Campus Academic Building and are open to CWI students, employees, and their friends and families.
The fun will kick-off, Wednesday (Oct. 28), with a Family Movie Night featuring the film Hocus Pocus. The movie is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. in room 102E.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, the Halloween fun will continue with a Trunk or Treat event that includes costumes, prizes, and candy. The event will run from 6-9 p.m.
Tech Talk: Updates at Canyon County Center
On Thursday, Oct. 15, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Information Technology Department implemented a network change to improve Internet service at CWI’s Canyon County Center. This change, which was conducted after regular work hours, will increase the speed of the service and use redundant networks to substantially reduce the possibility of an Internet interruption.
If you experience issues with the Internet at Canyon County Center or have questions, please feel free to contact Rob Healea at 208.562.2055.
Employee Halloween Costume Contest Coming Oct. 30
College of Western Idaho (CWI) employees are invited to showcase their spooky spirit, Oct. 30, by participating in the CWI Culture and Employee Engagement Committee’s Halloween costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place at each of the following location groups:
- Ada County Campus
- Canyon County Center
- Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Nampa Campus Aspen Creek Complex
- Micron Center for Professional Technical Education
To enter, simply send photos of your costume to ceec@cwi.edu by 10 a.m. the day of the costume.
Fall Festivus Reminder
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fall Festivus is just around the corner. Plan to join the fun from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Micron Center for Professional Technical Education. The celebration will include a pumpkin contest, photo booth, chili cook-off, and lip sync battles. Please watch your email for additional information regarding the events. Pumpkin contest participants must bring in a pre-carved and or decorated pumpkin.
Anyone interested in participating in the pumpkin contest should contact Emily Akins at emilyakins@cwi.edu. Please email Nikki Houston at nikkihouston@cwi.edu for information on the lip sync battles and Grace Barns at gracebarnes@cwi.edu for details on the chili cook-off.
