CWI News – April 21, 2023
Spotlight
CWI had a great time sponsoring the Nampa Chamber of Commerce's April Luncheon on Wednesday! President Gordon Jones was invited to speak where he shared the College's development plans at the Nampa Campus, such as the new Health and Sciences Building, Agricultural Sciences and Horticulture Technology expansion, and the Student Learning Hub.
President Jones and Financial Aid Executive Director, Jeneé Snyder, also presented Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year recipient, Keisha Hernandez, with a Community Connections Scholarship to attend the College!
News Highlights
Honors Program Connecting Students
First-year College of Western Idaho (CWI) Chemistry student, Jeff Jenks, loves to learn. It has been a passion of his since as early as he can remember.
“When I was a kid, I had a curious mind. I would always play with numbers and patterns — math was my favorite thing to do as a kid.”
That love of learning has stayed strong over the years — and has even grown.
Jenks is currently enrolled in Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering courses, but you’ll often see him carrying around a mathematics book. No, he’s not enrolled in a math course at CWI. He is teaching the subject to himself.
“I use a ton of resources while studying math, like books and the internet. I just like learning. I don’t want to just get a good grade; I want to really conceptualize and understand the subject.”
When Jenks enrolled at CWI, he knew he wanted to be challenged. That is when he found out about the College’s Honors Program, an opportunity to maximize his educational experience and become a leader in the classroom and out in the community.
To be in the Honors Program, a student must be full-time (12 credits), complete 13 credits of honors-designated courses with a C or higher, maintain a 3.25 GPA per term, be involved in community events around CWI, and more. Learning about the program, Jenks knew this was something he wanted to join so he can continue his rigorous learning and include it on his four-year university application when he graduates and transfers from CWI.
Now in his second semester in the Honors Program, he says his initial thinking was correct in that the program would push him to his best, but he didn’t realize how much he would enjoy being part of it.
“I am having a great time. My favorite part about the program is the other individuals who are also in it. They are exceptional people, and they help drive me to be a great person myself.”
Because the program requires students to participate in honors-specific courses Jenks has been able to connect with like-minded individuals who share his similar, high-achieving goals. One of the objectives of the Honors Program is to help students develop skills to succeed in a variety of work environments.
Jenks believes surrounding himself with these faculty members and students has helped him stay on top of his classes and assignments — furthering his academic experience.
“I procrastinated all the time in high school and would turn things in at the very end. Through the Honors Program, I have been working on time management and getting things done as early as possible. It has been nice.”
Another benefit Jenks has received through the program is the $1,000 scholarship which anyone who is accepted into the program receives.
“I really needed that. It just means extra help because when you’re a student you need money for everything.”
Jenks encourages others to look into the Honors Program because it has helped him in numerous ways at CWI. The program helps him strive for his best when it comes to his education, but it’s also helped him find a social circle of people who share his love of learning.
“Coming out of high school, I was worried I would not make friends because it was a whole new environment. But on the first day, I was immediately connecting with everyone in the Honors Program. It has been awesome.”
Applications for CWI’s Honors Program are currently being accepted. The Priority Admission application is open through Tuesday, Aug. 15.
For those in need of more information about the Honors Program requirements or have questions, visit the program’s page or contact Michal Yadlin at michalyadlin@cwi.edu.
Denim Day
Two College of Western Idaho (CWI) Social Work students, along with the College’s Counseling and Wellness Services, will host Denim Day, an event to raise awareness and educate others on sexual abuse, Wednesday, April 26.
Students, Tanis Koenig and Michelle Juhasz, are encouraging the CWI community to wear denim to show support for sexual assault survivors and eliminate victim blaming. The day will bring representatives from WCA, Faces of Hope, and Advocates Against Family Violence to campus to provide educational material and support resources.
There will also be CWI student clubs to learn about and activities for participants, including a large swath of denim to sign and take the Denim Day pledge.
Denim Day activities*
Wednesday, April 26
11 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
*While Denim Day activities will be held at APIN, people at all campuses are encouraged to wear denim throughout the day.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Christy Babcock at christybabcock@cwi.edu.
Horticulture Technology Student Restoring Boise River and Trails
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Horticulture Technology student, Elizabeth Serocki, spent the weekend organizing a volunteer event to help restore sections of trails at Diane Moore Nature Center in Boise.
The event, in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy and the Intermountain Bird Observatory (IBO), had volunteers reroute a section of a trail along the newly restored side channel at the Center. The purpose of the work is to help prevent erosion along the bank and help keep foot traffic away from the banks and the new riparian plants volunteers have planted along the banks of the side channel.
Serocki has been working alongside IBO since last summer where she also interned through CWI’s Horticulture Technology program. The volunteer event was part of Serocki’s final practicum project for the program.
After some coordinating with IBO’s Director, Greg Kaltenecker, along with other students at CWI and Boise State University and volunteers with Nature Conservancy, IBO, and Micron Technology, Inc., Serocki was able to make the event a huge success!
“Overall, it was a great experience. We had more than 30 volunteers over the two-day event,” said Serocki. “We completed the trail rerouting along the side channel and planted roughly 300 Idaho native riparian plants. This restoration effort is aiding in returning native vegetation along the Boise River and providing habitat for native birds, fish, and pollinators.”
CWI, Commercial Tire Partnership Producing Skilled Employees
Commercial Tire is empowering its employees and setting them up for success thanks to a partnership with College of Western Idaho (CWI). The tire chain store sponsored 14 of its employees to go through a six-week Auto Maintenance Training program through CWI, where they learned skills in automotive service, maintenance, light repair, and more.
Commercial Tire reached out to CWI Dean of Industry, Engineering, and Trades, Pat Neal, and Work-Based Learning Center Director, John Russ, to discuss more training opportunities for their employees. After conversations, Department of Transportation Technology Chair, JohnD Thompson, developed an 80-hour training course based on the three-credit Auto Maintenance (AUTO 115) course for Commercial Tire employees.
To be considered for the course, Commercial Tire employees had to apply to the stores leadership team and provide three letters of reference. Once accepted, the 14 employees had their training paid for, including textbooks, tools, and toolbox, courtesy of Commercial Tire.
The course is designed to facilitate an entry-level experience in the automotive industry through learning experiences provided in a classroom and web-based training. Instructors believe the course will help the student prepare mentally and physically for industry demands and be successful in the automotive profession. Students enrolled in the course will be able to identify, demonstrate, and utilize automotive theories and fundamentals to service and maintain vehicles.
Throughout the training, Commercial Tire employees were able to earn wages while learning.
“The students were very engaged and grateful for the opportunity Commercial Tire had created,” said Thompson. “The excellent company culture was evident from the first day of the class. I really respect Commercial Tire for working proactively to help their employees grow and achieve success in the industry. I believe the employees appreciate the investment Commercial Tire has made and that created a positive environment for all involved. The students will have more confidence in the future which will propel them to accomplish their goals.”
“At Commercial Tire, we strive for growth and finding the best methods of how we can get better at serving our customers and taking care of our employees,” said Vice President of HR and Safety at Commercial Tire, Brandy Sielaff. “By partnering with the CWI, we can begin to develop a relationship with a promising group of individuals who are working to grow in the industry, continue their education, and find means to support their needs and dreams. The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and with CWI, we can find ways to help our Employee Owners, future and present, develop their skills and new talents to shift with the business and empower them to build their foundation through new methods of training and learning.”
All 14 of the Commercial Tire students completed the training and earned their certificate on Wednesday, April 13. They are now all eligible to earn college credit for the AUTO 115 course. The intent is to have Commercial Tire employees consider the CWI Automotive Technology program as a pathway for their job and careers.
“Commercial Tire’s willingness to invest in its workforce in a partnership with CWI Automotive Technology program speaks to the level of commitment Commercial Tire has to its employees and patrons,” said Assistant Vice President of Economic Development, Christi Gilchrist. “Commercial Tire expects the highest level of service from its employees. Its willingness to invest in upskilling their employees speaks volumes for the company. CWI appreciates partnerships and the Commercial Tire partnership is a stellar example of education and industry supporting one another.”
For more information on CWI’s Automotive Technology program, visit the program page or contact JohnD Thompson at johndthompson@cwi.edu.
2023 Commencement Seeking Volunteers
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) 2023 Commencement ceremony is right around the corner! The ceremony, held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, will take place on Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Employees are encouraged to share in the success of CWI students by volunteering to help staff the event.
Volunteer times are based on assignment. Volunteers are welcome to stay for the entire ceremony or leave when volunteer duties are complete. The volunteer shifts are as follows:
- 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 24, at 5 p.m. In your email, please indicate the shift you would like to work. Although 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!
Allusions: CWI Capstone Collection
Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Studio Art graduates at the exhibit, Allusions, on display, beginning Tuesday, April 25, at Boise State University’s Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery.
Allusions features artwork by 2023 Studio Art graduates:
- Barnett Daniel
- Chereji Damarus
- Dale Ashley
- Dembi Ethan
- Diaz Salma
- Heidemann Kassidi
- Hunter Dario
- Hunter Marissa
- Langan Alyssa
- Lee Sujeong
- Nava Mya
- Smith Mal
- Villegas Abigail
- Watson Kat
- Williams Cameron
The exhibit will run through May 7 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 25, from 5 – 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
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, provides 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.
Contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu to learn more about the College’s Studio Art program or this year’s exhibit.
CWI to Host Idaho Cyber Range Day
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Computer Science and Information Technology Department will host a day of education and training to expand cybersecurity knowledge, Friday, April 28. Idaho Cyber Range Day, hosted at the College’s Security Operations Center (SOC) at the Ada County Center Pintail Building, will showcase cybersecurity activities and presentations with college students across the state.
In 2020, the eight colleges in Idaho agreed to work collaboratively to enhance and expand cybersecurity education through the Idaho Cybersecurity Education and Training Range. One significant focus of the effort is to expand cybersecurity education labs and classrooms, including the creation of a SOC at each campus.
According to Idaho Cyber Range’s mission statement, the training is “to sustainably provide collaborative infrastructure and instructional technologies that empower our institutions of higher education to meet their program objectives and prepare world-class cybersecurity professionals. The Idaho Cyber Range combines state-of-the-art capabilities and security best practices that enable scalable protected enclaves for high-fidelity simulations of real-world threats, attacks, defenses, and responses.”
On April 28, students participating in these courses work together to develop presentations and exercises that can be performed utilizing the Idaho Cyber Range on each of the respective campuses across the state.
Cyber Range Day invites students within their first two years of college to take part in various science, technology, engineering, math, and cybersecurity activities. Students at one of the Idaho campuses will use video-conference technology to connect to another campus for an activity or a presentation.
Statewide, each campus has a significant number of resources, computing power, networking, and classrooms. Idaho Range Day is intended to show off this technology and what students have been able to learn. Leaders with Idaho Cyber Range plan to host another similar event in the fall for the public to attend.
Idaho Cyber Range Day
Friday, April 28
Ada County Center Pintail Building, Security Operations Center (SOC)
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sara Hoyt at sarahoyt@cwi.edu.
2023 Grad Fest — Let’s Celebrate Our Grads!
Congratulations, 2023 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) 2023 Commencement Ceremony with Grad Fest, Wednesday, May 3.
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.
5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
6:15 – 6:45 p.m.
7:00 – 7:30 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. Those who RSVP to the event will be given another ticket to enter into a prize drawing.
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 2023 commencement ceremony.
Congratulations, 2023 Graduates!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) will celebrate its 2023 graduating class in a commencement ceremony Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. The ceremony, held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, will recognize degree, certificate, GED, and Workforce Development apprenticeship graduates. In addition to in-person attendance, the ceremony will also be streamed on the College’s website - cwi.edu/live.
Graduates are encouraged to check their student email account, the CWI newsroom, the College’s social media channels, and the Graduation page regularly for announcements and up-to-date information. Please email registrar@cwi.edu with any questions.
Congratulations to all our 2023 graduates! You made it!
CWI Giving Day A Success for Students
Thank you to all who participated in CWI Giving Day! Whether it was a donation, spreading the word or attending our Launch Party — the community’s support helped the College raise $43,852 to assist students and future opportunities at the College’s first-ever Giving Day!
"On behalf of CWI, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your support of CWI Giving Day,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “Your generosity is truly appreciated, and it will make a significant impact on our students and this community. As an institution, we are committed to providing our students with the best education and opportunities imaginable. The success of CWI Giving Day makes it possible for us to continue providing affordable accessible education that leads to personal empowerment.”
More than 190 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members made gifts to 21 campus clubs, programs, and resources during the Giving Day campaign.
Highlights from the 24-hour fundraising campaign include the more than $16,000 raised for the Student Emergency Fund, which helps CWI students when they need it most. Support through this fund can be provided for students in need of immediate assistance with childcare, healthcare, housing, or other emergencies that may result in them dropping out of school. More than 98% of students who received emergency funding assistance in 2021 came back to school over the next two semesters.
Another high point was the nearly $12,000 CWI Food Pantries raised. The money will help stock the College’s five food and hygiene pantries, where students and employees experiencing food insecurity are welcome to help themselves to what they need. Keeping the CWI Food Pantries stocked is essential to students’ success, so they are able to focus on their studies rather than worrying about when their next meal may come.
Other highlights and monies raised include:
- 49% of gifts were from Faculty and Staff
- Help with GED Testing Costs — $1,475
- Campus Garden — $2,440
- CWI Queers and Allies Club — $2,247
Generosity from our community partners, Albertsons Companies Foundation and Optum Idaho, was essential to the success of CWI Giving Day. Both businesses donated thousands of dollars to support students, programs, and opportunities that strengthen our campus and community.
Thank you again to all those who supported CWI and helped make the first Giving Day a triumph.
For those who missed the Giving Day deadline and are still interested in making a donation, please visit ‘cwi.edu/give’ or contact CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
Marks Named January 2023 Staff of the Month
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Marketing Coordinator, Morriah Marks, who was named Staff of the Month for January 2023!
Marks has been part of the CWI community for 13 years, where she has held several titles before her current role in College Relations, including Administrative Assistant, Database Specialist, Project Manager, and Executive Assistant.
Making a difference in her community and being around others who share that same interest is what has kept her at CWI all these years.
“People spend more time at work than they do at home. It's important to spend that time in a place you enjoy with great people doing amazing things,” said Marks. “CWI is constantly changing, adapting, and striving to do more which makes it a challenging and fulfilling place to be.”
Having worked at the College for more than a decade, Marks has many favorite moments over the years that have stood out to her but the most recent was the transition to CWI’s new branding. She loved supporting and being part of a team of creative minds who had a vision and were able to make it a reality.
“It has been amazing to see the transition from the original brand to the new brand,” Marks said. “I have learned so much from being in this office.”
Many of those who work with Marks say that support she brings to the office every day is how they’re able to stay on track and get their goals accomplished. Whether it is stepping up to take on project management duties, helping other departments with their questions and needs, or just providing one-on-one support to her colleagues for daily operational tasks — Marks is described as the “center of the Marketing and Communication office’s universe.”
“Our department is a service hub for the whole college and when we have too much being thrown at us, she jumps in to fill in the gaps,” said Web Designer II, Stacy Hardy. “Whether it is taking time to take photos of students, faculty, and staff, ordering promo items for student events, or helping connect people with the correct vendors and working with the right people to ensure the artwork is the correct size and color. She goes out of her way to make people smile and is the first to offer support when someone is having a bad day — our department would not be the same without her."
Marks holds an Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Office from Boise State University’s Selland College of Applied Science. Describing herself as a “lifelong student,” she is currently working her way toward another degree — which she has yet to determine it will be. But, for the time being, she is having fun figuring it all out and learning different things along the way.
Away from the office and school, Marks enjoys spending time with her best friend and husband of nearly 18 years, Mike. They have two dogs, two cats, one tortoise, and one goldfish from the 2018 Western Idaho Fair, #mightyTuna.
Marks is a big fan of very relaxing moments and physically demanding adventures — it just depends on the mood and day. She enjoys everything from sleeping in and reading to hiking and paddle boarding. She also likes spending time with friends and family and is looking forward to more vacations and explorations with her husband.
Inclusive Excellence Tid Bits Series: Muslim Cultural Sharing
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Inclusive Excellence Committee is excited to present an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn about the Muslim religion and culture at their upcoming Muslim Cultural Sharing event. The committee’s goal is to promote awareness of Muslim cultures to help collaborate with, support, and show respect for the multicultural CWI community.
Guest speaker, Reshma Kamal, the Education and Outreach Specialist from the Islamic Center of Boise, will offer insight regarding our local Muslim community members. There will be time for question and answer as well as discussion regarding how faculty and staff can work to make CWI’s Muslim students and co-workers feel welcomed and supported at the College.
The Committee invites everyone to join in on the event for an engaging talk and delicious traditional Middle Eastern snacks!
Inclusive Excellence Tid Bits Series: Muslim Cultural Sharing
Thursday, May 11
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1210 or online*
*Link provided with registration
Those interested in attending are asked to please register for the event prior. The event is free and open to all CWI faculty and staff.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact inclusiveexcellence@cwi.edu.
Registration for Fall 2023
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.
Let’s get started!
Important Fall 2023 Dates
- Priority Registration Opens – Monday, April 10
- Open Registration Opens – Monday, April 17
- Admission Deadline for 16-Week Class Session – Saturday, Aug. 12
- Registration Deadline for 16-Week Class Session – Friday, Aug. 18
- First Day of Classes for 16-Week Class Session – Monday, Aug. 21
Continuing Students
Priority registration at CWI for the Fall 2023 semester for 16-week class session begins Monday, April 10. Priority registration allows continuing students a chance to enroll in classes ahead of open registration, helping students stay on track for graduation.
Following are a few tips 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 2020.
- Dual credit students will register during open registration.
New Students
Open registration for all students, including new and returning, begins Monday, April 17.
New to CWI? The Fall 2023 admission deadline for 16-week class session is Saturday, Aug. 12. All, new, degree, and non-degree seeking students must apply to CWI prior to registering for classes. Visit Applying to CWI for a complete list of steps to get started.
Non-Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once accepted to CWI, new, non-degree seeking students may immediately register for classes.
Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once accepted to CWI, new, degree-seeking students must participate in New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes.
Course offerings can be viewed in Student Planning for all continuing and returning students.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Financial Aid at financialaid@cwi.edu to learn more about options available for students in need of financial assistance.
The scholarship application period for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open. Apply for a variety of scholarships through a single application. Students interested in applying for scholarships must have the CWI admission application completed, be accepted, and have student account login information.
Students are encouraged to watch for emails and texts with important next steps for the completion of the registration process. Contact One Stop Student Services or your Advisor with any questions or concerns.
Fall registration for the 16-week class session will be open through Friday, Aug. 18, and classes will begin Monday, Aug. 21.
Register for Fall 2023 Classes
For those interested in learning about other dates and deadlines for Fall 2023 semester, including 8-week class session, please visit CWI's academic calendar.
