CWI News – April 26, 2024
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!
Honors Society Inducts New Members at Spring Induction Ceremony
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honor Society, inducted 15 new members on Saturday at the spring Induction Ceremony. Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata and former officer and CWI alum Breanna Upchurch spoke at the event, with inductees learning about the history of Phi Theta Kappa. The ceremony was led by Vice President of Leadership, Andy Del Toro Obeso, Vice President of Scholarship, Keith Castillo, and Vice President of Fellowship, William Soltau.
To be involved in PTK at CWI, students need to have earned 12 credits and have a 3.25 GPA. Members have access to scholarships and have the opportunity to contribute to several projects over the course of the year. To learn more about PTK, visit ptk.org or email ptk@cwi.edu.
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.
CWI Law Enforcement Students Raise Funds for Abuse Victims
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Law Enforcement program hosted a charity golf tournament on April 15 at the Centennial Golf Course in Nampa. All proceeds raised went directly to the Nampa Family Justice Center (NFJC), which provides services that promote safety, self-sufficiency, hope and healing to those affected by abuse.
Law Enforcement program students chose this fundraiser during the fall semester as their spring community service project, with each student recruiting sponsors, players, and raffle items to benefit the Center. 44 players participated and over 40 raffle items were donated. The tournament raised more than $1,400 and was featured on the local television news.
The NFJC assists victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, as well as elder abuse, stalking, and human trafficking. Since its opening in 2005, the Nampa Family Justice Center has grown exponentially has served as a model program for other cities looking to open their own Center. Last year alone, more than 4,400 women and children in abusive situations received critical support.
Law Enforcement program students participate in a minimum of three service projects each year. Besides the golf tournament, students take part in Rake-Up-Nampa and Shop with A Cop. “These opportunities give our students an understanding of the importance of giving back,” said program director LeRoy Forsman. “We are a service-oriented career field, and we want to impress this on our future law enforcement officers very early in their careers.”
Learn more about our Law Enforcement program.
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.
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.
Proceed to the Nearest Exit: CWI Fire Drills a Success
Fire drills have been completed at each of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) campus locations for the Spring 2024 semester.
Each campus evacuated quickly and efficiently utilizing the evacuation routes specific to their area. The Floor Captains did an outstanding job of clearing their assigned areas and reporting to the centralized location in a calm professional manner.
These drills are to prepare students, faculty, and staff for an organized evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency.
Fire drills are also used to identify various elements in our process, such as:
- Allowing occupants to familiarize themselves with drill procedures, location of fire exits and the sound of the fire alarm.
- Allowing occupants to familiarize themselves with exit routes and safe assembly areas.
- Identifying problems with the fire alarm components.
- Identify any weaknesses in the evacuation strategy, communications, and procedures.
- Determining if additional equipment is necessary in certain areas of the building.
- Monitoring individual’s response time to the alarms.
- Observe any hazards that were overseen.
- Observe if additional training is needed to individuals.
- Monitoring the amount of time it takes to evacuate a building.
- Observe which exits are used.
- Note any suggestions/ideas for future drills.
Spring 2024 Fire Drill Results
Familiarize yourself on how to respond to other emergencies by reviewing the CWI Emergency Handbook.
Chip Camp at CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to share its second hosting of a Micron Chip Camp at the CWI Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), June 24 – 26.
Registration is now open and will stay so until capacity is reached. Chip Camp is designed for current 6th and 7th grade students.
Chip Camp is a three-day event filled with hands-on STEM activities and a trip to Micron Headquarters. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided. All this fun is no cost to campers. Transportation from various middle school hubs to CWI will be available.
Micron Chip Camp at CWI
June 24 – 26
8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
CWI Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Questions about camp or registration? Reach out directly to Micron’s STEM Outreach & Student Engagement Coordinator, Landon Loeber at lloeber@micron.com.
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.”
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.
