CWI Compass Connect - August 9, 2016
In the Spotlight
On Tuesday (Aug. 9), College of Western Idaho (CWI) revealed its development plans for a new Ada County Campus with an event at the College’s property at 3150 W. Main St. in Boise. Along with hearing from CWI President Bert Glandon and local leaders, the College unveiled signs on the property that portray the vision for the campus. Read the complete story below.
News Highlights
Vision Shared for CWI Boise Campus
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) vision for a new campus in Boise is taking shape. On Tuesday (Aug. 9) CWI shared its long term development plans for a permanent Ada County Campus at 3150 W. Main St. in Boise. CWI President Bert Glandon provided the audience of over 150 people with insight into the urban campus conceptual design that has emerged from initial surveying of the property.
“This is an exciting time for College of Western Idaho in our growth and development and the things that we’re doing,” said President Glandon. “CWI is at a pivotal point in its development. We have moved from a brand new institution addressing pent-up needs and demand in the Treasure Valley to a college that is evolving into an economic catalyst for our region.”
CWI’s Board of Trustees revealed signs on the property that portray the vision for the campus. The plan would provide roughly 600,000 square feet of building space, constructed in three phases over several years. CWI’s goal is to have the first building of approximately 150,000 square feet completed and offering classes as early as fall 2020. The campus is currently proposed to house a mix of technical programs such as Information Technology and Business, as well as transfer degree classes.
Boise Mayor, Dave Bieter, was one of the guest speakers at the Boise campus vision event. Mayor Bieter expressed excitement for CWI’s development plans in Boise and shared his thoughts on the important role the College plays in the local community.
“It is the finest site I could think of, anywhere in the city of Boise, to put the facilities that we are looking at,” said Bieter. “Our economy, our jobs, our city, our valley, and our state, simply have to have the skills to compete and CWI is all about that. And, this spot is ideal for that kind of activity and that kind of job generator.”
The event also featured comments from Boise Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Ray Stark, Boise State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Martin Schimpf, and CWI graduate Lisa Webb. Dr. Schimpf provided insight into the unique relationship between Boise State and CWI.
“CWI and Boise State are partners,” Schimpf said. “Our successes are intertwined. Together, with the support of this community, we will meet the challenges ahead.” He added, “Together, we are a powerful engine that will drive the Treasure Valley economy into a future that now holds such good promise.”
On the heels of finalizing a five year strategic plan which included a comprehensive environmental scan, projections indicate there could be a need for CWI to serve up to 40,000 students while increasing access to programs in high demand fields.
“We want to see this happen soon,” Bieter added. “Again, we’ve got residential development, commercial development; everybody anticipating this is going to happen. And it is up to all of us to help make it happen because it is a game changer for our whole area and certainly for this part of downtown Boise.”
Continued programming and planning is expected to occur over the next year to further define the campus offerings. CWI will invite the community to take part in these sessions. To stay well-informed of the latest information please sign up for CWI’s e-newsletter.
CWI’s College Address set for Aug. 17
College of Western Idaho (CWI) President Bert Glandon will deliver the 2016 State of the College Address to CWI’s faculty, staff, students, and the community:
Wednesday, Aug. 17
8:30–9:30 a.m. Address
Nampa Civic Center Auditorium
311 3rd St S., Nampa
The address provides a chance to celebrate highlights from the previous year, while President Glandon shares an update on some major initiatives coming up this next year. His presentation will include details on CWI’s year seven accreditation visit, which will hopefully result in garnering independent accreditation status with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. He will also discuss CWI’s comprehensive strategic plan and plans to move forward on campus development in Nampa and Boise.
For those who cannot attend in person, a recorded copy of the address will be available at cwi.edu following the event.
First CWI Law Enforcement Students Graduate
College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated a milestone on Tuesday (July 26) as the first graduates from its Law Enforcement program were honored with a ceremony at the Nampa Civic Center. Nineteen students comprised the program’s first graduating class. The event provided an emotional farewell to a group that ushered in CWI’s new Law Enforcement program in August 2015.
“Seeing that first group be so successful is very fulfilling,” says CWI’s Law Enforcement Program Chair, LeRoy Forsman. “I’m very proud of this particular group. They have the right heart and attitude necessary to make a positive impact on their communities. They understand what public service is really all about. I’m very blessed to be a part of their lives and careers.”
In its first year, CWI’s Law Enforcement program proved it meets an important need in the Treasure Valley. Of the 19 students who make up the first graduating class, nine have already accepted jobs. The other 11 students have applied for jobs and are currently going through testing or back ground checks.
“The demand for qualified peace officers is great,” Forsman said. “Our students are in strong positions because they can pass the academy challenge test and not have to attend a traditional police academy setting once they’ve completed our program. Additionally, the fact that our students pay their own way through the program speaks volumes about their dedication and commitment to getting into the profession.”
The program was at capacity for enrollment this first year after receiving over 100 applications. Due to the demand, the program will double enrollment for the Spring 2017 semester. The spring start will also give students an alternative to starting the program in the fall.
Ada County Campus Tour Changes
Starting Aug. 8, College of Western Idaho (CWI) will offer tours of its Ada County Campus from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays each week. Previously, tours were available in Boise on Tuesdays and Thursdays. CWI’s online event calendar and the cwi.edu/visit page have been updated to reflect these changes. Anyone interested in a walk-in tour outside of the schedule days and times can contact Katie Price at katieprice@cwi.edu or 208.562.3173, or Nikki Houston at nikkihouston@cwi.edu or 208.562.2648.
Dickinson is August Faculty of Distinction
Charles A. Dickinson has been selected as College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) August 2016 Faculty of Distinction.
Dickinson, who is an associate professor of Sociology, has been with CWI since 2009. He has acted in a variety of leadership positions on campus, statewide, and nationally. Most recently he served as President of CWI’s Faculty Senate, worked with a national task force to research faculty work at community colleges, and had a paper accepted for publication.
He was nominated by a colleague for being an excellent example of the following CWI Core Values: Acting with Integrity, Serving All in an Atmosphere of Caring, and Leaving a Legacy of Learning. His nominator had (in part) the following to say: “I trust Charles to serve students and faculty because he is honest and cares about people. He is a tireless advocate and encourages us to love learning and share that enthusiasm with our students”.
Dickinson lives in Boise with his wife Aurora and children, Maia (14) and Nate (12). He likes to spend his free time with his family.
Please congratulate Charles for receiving this well-deserved honor.
