CWI Compass Connect – June 24, 2014
In the Spotlight
Seven College of Western Idaho (CWI) students traveled to Kansas City, Mo. this week to compete at the 50th-annual national SkillsUSA competition, June 23-27. The students earned a trip to nationals following gold medal finishes at the organization’s State Leadership and Skills Conference in April. Representing CWI at nationals is Ivan Vojvodic (CNC Milling), Sharon Estrada (Commercial Baking), Victor Nunez (Computer Maintenance Technology), Jake Arkoosh (Diesel Equipment Technology), Michael Tamas (Extemporaneous Speech), Carlos Gonzales (Internetworking), and Lisa Webb (Prepared Speech).
News Highlights
College of Western Idaho to Launch Successful Start Program
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) has announced that it will implement a new successful start initiative that includes changes to admission, registration, and payment deadlines for credit seeking students. The changes, effective Fall 2014, will help ensure students have adequate time to register and prepare for the start of classes each semester, which is critical to academic success and completion.
Under the new Successful Start structure, new students must have completed the admissions process 10 business days prior to the first day of the semester and all students need to have completed registration the Friday before classes start. Previously credit seeking students could complete late registration in classes up to 10 days after the first day of the semester. With the exception of a few limited enrollment professional-technical programs that have competitive entry applications, the new admission and registration dates will be applicable to all credit seeking students.
The admissions deadline for Fall 2014 is August 8, while class registration and payment must be complete by August 22.
"Students who register late in the enrollment period, often after classes have already started, are typically hurried and less prepared creating an immediate disadvantage,” stated David Shellberg, CWI Executive Vice President for Instruction and Student Services. “National research shows that a student who registers before the start of a semester is more likely to succeed, and colleges that have eliminated late registration have seen increased student retention. We believe that implementing this change will ultimately provide increased support for our students and ensure that success is within reach from the start.”
In addition to the application and registration date changes, all new students will complete a comprehensive Orientation, Advising, and Registration (OAR) session. These sessions are scheduled on campus as well as available online to be completed prior to the registration deadline. The OAR sessions provide new students tips on how to be successful in college, support in selecting the right classes, important catalog information, and training on how to use the myCWI registration system. The sessions also provide additional details on financial aid and transfer information.
For more information on important dates associated with the successful start initiative visit cwi.edu/important-dates.
CWI Closed July 4
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) offices will be closed and no classes will be in session on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Classes will resume and offices open during regular hours of operation on Monday (July 7).
CWI Promotes Three within Enrollment and Student Services
On Tuesday, June 18, College of Western Idaho (CWI) announced three promotions within the CWI Enrollment and Student Services division.
Kevin Jensen, who has been serving as CWI’s Director of Financial Aid since 2008, has been promoted to Dean of Enrollment and Student Services. He will take over his new role June 23. Jensen has played a key leadership role in his time at CWI and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. Between serving on a variety of boards and committees and having a strong institutional knowledge, he is positioned to continue implementing best practices in student service.
CWI has also announced a new position within the Enrollment and Student Services division that will play a significant role as CWI continues to grow. Beginning July 1, Eric Studebaker, Ph.D., will serve as Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management. Studebaker is currently CWI’s Director of Dual Enrollment. His new responsibilities will include overseeing all facets of the student enrollment process while also guiding overall enrollment management for the college.
To round-out the trio of promotions, Nicole McMillin has been elevated to Director of Financial Aid, effective July 1. McMillin has been with CWI since 2011 and is currently the College’s Assistant Director of Financial Aid.
“As CWI continues to evolve, change, and grow; our adaptability is critical to the success of the organization and more importantly the success of our students,” says CWI’s Executive Vice President for Instruction and Student Services, David Shellberg. “Enrollment and Student Services has done a remarkable job keeping up with skyrocketing enrollment and an ever-increasing student demand for services. I am confident Kevin, Eric, and Nicole will help position us to continue to building upon our current processes to truly become the college of choice in Idaho.”
Spots Open for CWI's Summer Remediation Program
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is hosting its second-annual remediation Re-Boot Camp this summer and is currently taking applications for remaining openings. The free program will run from July 7 through Aug. 1 and is designed to help improve math, English, and computer application competency while developing college readiness skills. Participants will attend sessions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday through Friday.
Space is limited, so any current or future CWI students looking to improve COMPASS scores or simply gain confidence in one of these subject areas are encouraged to sign up today. Contact Jac Webb at 208.562.2063 or jacwebb@cwi.edu or Yvonne McKee at 208.562.2452 or yvonnemckee@cwi.edu for more information.
See the Inaugural Re-Boot Graduating Class for more details on the program.
CWI Hosts Idaho Youth Challenge Academy
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) welcomed over 70 students from the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA) to CWI’s Nampa Campus, Thursday (June 19), for an introduction to the College. The group spent part of the day at the Micron Center for Professional Technical Education learning about CWI’s offerings, which included a presentation, tour, and question and answer session.
The IDYCA is part of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, which serves 16 to 18 year olds who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. The national program began in 1993, while the Idaho program began operating in 2013. For more information on the IDYCA visit www.IDYouthChallenge.com.
