CWI News – April 5, 2024
President's Message
Greetings Faculty and Staff,
April is an exciting time for community colleges nationwide as we celebrate Community College Month. It showcases the important role CWI plays in fostering educational opportunities and enriching our communities.
On Monday, I joined fellow community college presidents from around the state in Governor Little’s office for a special proclamation. The ceremony acknowledged the contributions our faculty and staff make every day for students – by providing the education and skills that serve as a catalyst for social mobility.
Let us take this moment to reflect on the paths we have paved for our students at CWI. Our mission to empower, educate, and transform lives is more relevant today than ever.
Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for making our College a place where futures are built. Here's to celebrating the transformative power of community colleges!
Sincerely,
News Highlights
Is that a Planet? CWI to Host Star Party During NASA's Space Week
The CWI Astronomy Club, in collaboration with CWI’s Survey of Astronomy course (PHYS 101), will be hosting a Star Party on Wednesday, April 10, as part of NASA's Space Week. All are invited to attend a presentation by club president, Caleb Ball, followed by star gazing and telescope observing.
CWI Star Party
Wednesday, April 10
8:30 p.m.
Dedication Point
South Swan Falls Rd.
Melba, ID
PLEASE NOTE: The star party will be canceled for inclement weather or if skies are cloudy.
Star Party FAQs:
How should I dress for the Star Party? Even though the weather is getting warmer, spring in Idaho can be chilly and unpredictable so it is a good idea to dress warmly. Blankets, thick socks, and hand warmers might be a good idea.
Can I bring a flashlight? Regular white light flashlights will ruin night vision. We ask that you bring red flashlights or headlamps instead. For similar reasons, please turn off your headlights as you turn into the parking lot to avoid blinding stargazers.
Where can I learn more about NASA Space Week? Find Your Place in Space Week
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!
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.
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 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 and must be submitted by their respective deadlines. All programs listed below are competitive entry and require a supplemental application process. Visit individual program pages linked below for information, application instructions specific to each program, and assistance.
PROGRAM APPLICATION PERIODS
Opening Dates
- Surgical First Assistant – Sept. 2
- Practical Nursing – Sept. 27
- Surgical Technology – Nov. 1
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – February 2025
- Physical Therapist Assistant – March 2025
Deadlines
- Registered Nursing – Oct. 25
- Practical Nursing – Nov. 1
- Surgical First Assistant – Dec. 13
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.”
Register for the Spring 2024 Ignite Leadership Series
The Spring 2024 Ignite Leadership Series, a two-part introductory program sponsored by The Hartwell Corporation, is designed to level up leadership potential and empower College of Western Idaho (CWI) students to succeed. This transformative experience is open to CWI enrollees and will impart skills needed to excel in any environment.
What you will gain:
- Develop leadership skills
- Discover purpose
- Boost confidence
- Network with peers
All participants will complete a True Colors assessment, enjoy dinner from Café Zupas, and be entered in a drawing for a leadership basket! Registration is now open.
The Ignite Leadership Series is a sequential program, so attending both sessions is crucial for the full experience.
Session 1
Tuesday, April 9
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122.
Session 2
Tuesday, April 16
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122.
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
Two Career Fairs Await CWI Students in April
College of Western Idaho (CWI) and the Work-Based Learning Center are hosting two upcoming career fairs for students interested in employment in the social sciences, industrial, and technical fields. Work-Based Learning Center meeting will be available sharing tips and tricks to help students land the job they have studied for.
Pro Tip: Bring your resume and dress professionally.
Enhance your professional networking connection with local employers seeking to hire CWI students. Gain knowledge on career opportunities, job openings, employee benefits, pay scales, and much more. Take the time to invest in your future now, and explore opportunities offered locally and nationally.
Social Science Career Fair
Thursday, April 4
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons
Industrial and Technical Career Fair
Wednesday, April 17
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Lobby
Those with questions should reach out to Roberto Trinidad at robertotrinidad@cwi.edu or call at 208.562.2150.
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.
Help Lead ASCWI in 2024-2025!
Are you ready to make a difference on campus? The Associated Students of College of Western Idaho (ASCWI) is seeking passionate and dedicated students to join our team for the 2024-2025 academic year!
Being an officer in student government is an incredible opportunity to:
- Have a direct impact on the student body
- Gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills
- Help shape the future of the College
We are excited to fill the following positions:
- Chief of Staff
- Treasurer
- Public Relations Officer
- Senators (4)
Application Details:
- Applications open: Monday, April 8
- Applications close: Wednesday, May 8, at 5 p.m.
Ready to Apply? Complete the application by visiting Student Government.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
