CWI News – April 19, 2024
President's Message
Dear CWI Faculty and Staff,
Last week marked the close of yet another legislative session. I want to ensure you are aware that the Legislature heard and responded to our story and especially the value we bring to students, families, employers, and communities across the Treasure Valley. Some highlights of our successes include securing funding as follows:
- $1,500,000 from the Permanent Building Fund to facilitate an expansion in our Welding facility
- $607,100 to enhance CWI’s salary competitiveness
- $449,600 in support of Change in Employee Compensation (CEC), which saw approval for a 3% increase. This includes a 1% base raise, with the remaining 2% allocated for merit increases
- $50,000 was earmarked to bolster CWI’s Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) offerings, aligning with the state’s mission to expand opportunities for individuals seeking careers in public safety
- $11,111,545 in support of CTE programs, an increase of 2.2% from last year
- An overall $21,452,200 in general funds from the state, marking a 3.1% increase from FY2024
Beyond funding allocations, we are proud of additional accomplishments aimed at improving access for our students. Notably, we joined a coalition of Idaho’s community colleges in advocating for legislation to restore community college student access to the Idaho Opportunity Scholarships, and our efforts proved successful. Additionally, Idaho Launch was cleared by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Brad Little. The $8,000 grants for graduating high school seniors will go further at CWI and undoubtedly amplify the impact of our high-quality programs and exceptional value.
Lastly, you may have heard about new laws that could impact our faculty, staff, and students, particularly regarding pronoun use and library materials. I acknowledge that these measures may prompt reactions from some and raise questions about their implications in our classrooms and across our campus community. Please be assured that our leadership team is carefully reviewing these new measures and working to develop guidance and procedures as needed. Further information will be shared in the coming months in anticipation of the fall semester.
As always, thank you for the work that you do in empowering our students and contributing to our thriving campus.
CWI in the News
Capital Press: Agriculture complex part of College of Western Idaho expansion
Idaho Education News: Bridge work: CWI celebrates start of new building projects
News Highlights
2024 Commencement Seeking Volunteers
The 2024 Commencement for College of Western Idaho (CWI) is right around the corner! The ceremony, held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, will take place on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Employees are encouraged to share in the success of CWI students by volunteering to help staff the event.
Time slots are based on assignment and volunteers are welcome to stay for the entire ceremony or leave when duties are complete. The available shifts are:
- 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
To volunteer, email registrar@cwi.edu by Monday, April 22, at 5 p.m. and indicate the shift you would like to work. While volunteer times cannot be guaranteed, preferences will be taken into consideration.
Thank you to all who are willing and able to help at this event. Commencement would not be possible with you!
Dual Credit Students Prepare for the Connections Project
Each year, the Connections Project at College of Western Idaho (CWI) features student presentations, research, art works, literary readings, and more, stemming from a wide range of programs and areas of study at the College. For the first time, however, this year’s event will include mini talks from students still in high school — enrollees in CWI’s Dual Credit program.
Joseph Peters, pre-calculus instructor at Renaissance High School, regularly assigns his students research projects to help them connect mathematical concepts to the world around them. After reviewing their work and recognizing the quality, he encouraged two students — Emmie Bevan and Scarlett Waski — to join the CWI Connections Project.
They both agreed and will break new ground as the first dual credit high school students to present mini talks at CWI’s Connections Project — happening April 18 at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB).
Waski has long had an interest in biomedical engineering and was drawn to the study of the human heart. Utilizing research and math, she coded, designed, and ultimately printed a life-sized 3D model of the organ. Her use of computer science, statistics, mathematics, and engineering to interpret biological data has prepared her for a potential career path in biomedical engineering.
With an interest in photosynthesis and plants, Emmie Bevan’s research focused on inverse equations as related to the Beer-Lambert Law, which explains how light absorption relates to an object's opacity. Through her work, Bevan discovered the applicability of this Law to the absorption of light by plants, and other objects that undergo photosynthesis. Bevan hopes those that attend her mini talk gain a deeper understanding of the work involved in developing products that help build our society.
The work by these students and others from across the College can be viewed during the Connections Project.
Thursday, April 18
2 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
The event is free and open to the public.
Denim Day is April 23: Wear Jeans to Support Victims of Sexual Assault
Counseling and Wellness Services will be hosting the annual Denim Day, organized this year by Social Work capstone student, Kaylee Eldrede.
Empowered in Denim: Breaking the Silence on Sexual Assault
Tuesday, April 23
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons
Come learn the history of this important day, spin the trivia wheel, sign the Denim Day pledge, interact with local organizations that support victims of sexual violence, and win prizes. On-site organizations will include FACES, WCA, Nampa Family Justice Center, and Advocates Against Family Violence.
Chat with CWI’s counseling staff and representatives from the Social Work, Psychology, and Q&A clubs. Lorainne Draper, Social Work student and registered yoga instructor, will also be available to discuss the healing impact of yoga.
We hope to see you there! For any questions, please contact Counseling and Wellness Services at counselor@cwi.edu or 208.562.2200.
The Crunch Week Coffee Bus to Return in Time for Finals
Finals are almost here! To get students over the line (and because we care), the Crunch Week Coffee Bus will be available with your FREE first, second, third, forth, fifth, etc., cups of caffeine. There's even a second level where you can study!
Crunch Week Coffee Bus
Monday, April 29
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Tuesday, April 30
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Wednesday, May 1
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Canyon County Center (CYNC)
Thursday, May 2
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Those with questions can contact Erin Ortiz.
The Annual CWI Horticulture Plant Sale is May 1
Spruce up your yard and garden this spring with plants grown and cared for by College of Western Idaho (CWI) Horticulture Technology students. All are invited to attend their annual plant sale to purchase annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and more.
CWI Horticulture Plant Sale
Wednesday, May 1
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CWI Horticulture (HORT) greenhouses in Boise
Offerings include, but are not limited to:
Flowering annuals for beds, containers, hanging baskets, and cut flowers
Vegetables
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Cucumbers, Squash
Herbs
Basil, Thyme, Parsley, Culinary Sage, Lavender
Contact Agricultural Sciences Department Chair, Andrea Schumaker, at andrewaschumaker@cwi.edu with questions.
2024 Grad Fest – Let’s Celebrate Our Grads!
Congratulations, 2024 graduates! The time has come to celebrate your accomplishments and prepare to graduate! Gather your friends, family, and classmates, and plan to join us for a good time and good food as we kick off the countdown to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) 2024 Commencement Ceremony with Grad Fest, Friday, May 3.
Grad Fest
Friday, May 3
4:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
The event will feature:
- Food from BIG Daddy’s Barbeque
- Photo ops courtesy of Alpha-Lit
- Caps, gowns, and CWI swag for purchase from the CWI Bookstore
- Cap decorating
- Giveaways and grand prize drawings
- Giant yard games
- Inflatable obstacle course
- Caricature Artists & Face paintings
- Music and a DJ provided by Rocky Mountain Roll
- and more!
CWI’s Workforce Development will also host a ceremony for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing apprenticeship graduates, where there will be guest speakers and students will be presented with their certificates of completion. The certificate ceremonies will be held at Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) in room 102E.
Electrical Certificate Ceremony
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 102E
6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
HVAC Certificate Ceremony
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 102E
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Plumbing Certificate Ceremony
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 102E
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
GED Completion
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 105
6 – 7 p.m.
Nuestra Celebración
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 122
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
We can’t wait to celebrate you and look forward to seeing you there with your friends, family, and support system!
The event is free and open to the entire CWI community.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Amber Eubanks at ambereubanks@cwi.edu. Visit CWI's graduation page for more information about the 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
View Work by CWI Studio Art Graduates at Boise State University Gallery
Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Studio Art graduates at the Emerging Visions exhibit at Boise State University.
CWI’s Studio Art program promotes the development of artistic skills and practice, craftsmanship, and aesthetic discernment. The Associate of Arts degree in Studio Art provides students with a foundational understanding of the history of visual culture, opportunities to grow as artists, and prepares students who are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in Art.
Emerging Visions – Opening Reception
Tuesday, April 16
5 – 7 p.m.
Boise State University
Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery
Emerging Visions – Exhibit
April 16 – May 5
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Boise State University
Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery
Emerging Visions features artwork by 2024 Studio Art graduates:
- Jared Barnes
- Christina Borrowman
- David Bru
- Rya Buckingham
- Johanna Contreras
- Katelyn Hammons
- Erika Leos
- Brandon Luke
- Mila Maes
- Maggi McCormick
- Macie McKay
- Harrison Rehl
- Samantha Romine
- Mia Salinas
The exhibit will run through May 5 and can be viewed between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. In addition, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to an opening reception Tuesday, April 16. The event is free and open to the public.
Contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu to learn more about the College’s Studio Art program or this year’s exhibit.
Cyber Summer Camp Open for Registration
Do you know a high school student interested in breaking into the cybersecurity industry? Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) for Cyber Summer Camp on July 22 – 26!
This week-long, daytime event is aimed at teaching high school students the basics of computing, cybersecurity, and information technology through a hands-on, fun, and engaging experience. Students will learn about CWI Dual Credit opportunities, Cyber Blue Teams, operating systems, gamified cybersecurity education, and computer hardware.
Cyber Summer Camp
July 22 – 26
9 a.m – 3 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), room 1425
Cost: $200 per student
Register for Cyber Summer Camp
If you are interested in the scholarship opportunity for this course, please contact Sara via e-mail at SaraHoyt@cwi.edu prior to registration.
CWI Computer Science and Information Technology faculty and students are needed to assist during these week-long camps, held during the summer. To volunteer, please email cyberdefense@cwi.edu.
Learn more about Computer Science and Information Technology from CWI.
Registration for Fall 2024
For those starting out or starting something big — register for classes this fall at College of Western Idaho (CWI)! With a variety of resources, flexible course options, and caring instructors, CWI is here to help you on your pathway to success every step of the way.
Here are the details!
Fall 2024 Registration Dates
- Apr 8 – Priority Registration Opens (continuing students)
- Apr 15 – Open Registration Begins (all students)
- Aug 10 – Admission Deadline
- Aug 19 – Classes Begin
- Aug 21 – Registration Deadline
Continuing Students
Get first pick of the classes, schedule, and instructors you want this fall during priority registration, now open for current students.
- Be sure to meet with your advisor prior to registering. Students can register any time on or after their assigned registration time.
- Registration times are assigned based on cumulative credits earned. Check myCWI and your student email for your assigned time.
- Continuing students are considered those who enrolled and attended classes any semester since Fall 2021.
- Dual credit students will register during open registration.
New Students
Open registration for all students, including new and returning, begins Monday, April 15.
New to CWI? The Fall 2024 admission deadline for 16-week class session is Saturday, Aug. 10. All, new, degree, and non-degree seeking students must apply to CWI prior to registering for classes.
Non-Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once admitted to CWI, new, non-degree seeking students may immediately register for classes.
Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once admitted to CWI, new, degree-seeking students must participate in New Student Orientation and meet with their advisor prior to registering for classes.
Additional Information
- Visit Cost & Aid to learn more about options for students in need of financial assistance including federal financial aid, scholarships, loans, and Work-Study.
- Watch for emails and texts with next steps for the completion of the registration process. Contact One Stop Student Services or your Advisor with any questions or concerns.
- For those interested in learning about other dates and deadlines for Fall 2024 semester, including 8-week class sessions, please visit CWI's academic calendar.
Health Programs 2024 Application Deadlines
Are you interested in a career in healthcare? College of Western Idaho (CWI) has a variety of Health Science programs available to prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in this growing industry.
Applications are now open for Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters. Applications must be submitted by the deadlines and are competitive, requiring a supplemental application process. Visit individual program pages linked below for information, application instructions specific to each program, and assistance.
PROGRAM APPLICATION PERIODS
Deadlines
- Surgical Technology – April 5
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – April 30
- Physical Therapist Assistant – May 16
- Registered Nursing – May 17
Opening Dates
- Practical Nursing – Sept. 27
- Surgical First Assistant – Oct. 1
Have questions or need help?
- Current students are encouraged to meet with their Advisor to discuss options.
- Visit CWI's Health Sciences page for more information and program contact information.
Healthcare Career Opportunities
Careers in the healthcare field have some of the greatest need as our communities continue to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 2 million new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 1.9 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.”
