CWI News – Aug. 22, 2025
News Highlights
CWI Celebrates Opening of New Health & Science Building in Nampa
College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated the grand opening of its new Health and Science Building in Nampa with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Nampa Chamber of Commerce. The celebration honored key community partners who played a vital role in making this vision a reality, including legislators and Gov. Little. Additionally, Delta Dental and Westmark Credit Union were recognized for their generous support and commitment to the College’s mission of transforming lives through education. There are still opportunities for community support through CWI’s Powering the Treasure Valley campaign, which aims to raise $30 million for campus development, student scholarships, and enhancing academic programs.
The new Health and Science Building boasts a 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art structure on CWI's main Nampa campus. Designed to both modernize and elevate healthcare and science education across the Treasure Valley, the facility consolidates many of the College’s fastest-growing health and science programs under one roof.
The newest space exemplifies a forward-thinking integration of innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence. Purposefully designed with environmental stewardship at its core, the facility features high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting with smart sensors, and extensive use of natural lighting and light harvesting technologies. Sustainable building materials further minimize the environmental impact, fostering a healthier, more energy-efficient learning environment. Beyond supporting the latest in health science education, this facility sets a benchmark for sustainable campus development.
With nearly 2,100 students registered for 106 classes held in the Health and Science Building, the new facility will centralize classes for many students who were previously commuting to or from various campus locations.
“The impact of this facility will ripple throughout our community and healthcare workforce for years to come,” said Gordon Jones, President of CWI. “It’s a true reflection of what can be accomplished when education, industry, and community come together.”
Within the building, students and faculty have access to advanced, industry-standard laboratories, simulation suites, and specialized skills labs for programs like Registered Nursing, Dental Assisting, Surgical Technology, and more. Technology-enabled classrooms, and telehealth facilities integrate seamlessly with clinical skills practice areas, ensuring students learn in environments that closely mirror today’s healthcare settings. Simulation rooms are equipped with lifelike mannequins and the latest medical technology, giving future healthcare professionals realistic clinical training experiences.
Classes in the building began with the start of fall semester on Aug. 18 for nine of the College’s programs including Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation, Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, Surgical Technology, and Surgical First Assistant. Additional spaces house biology labs and lecture rooms and communication, English, CWI 101, and math classes.
The Health and Science Building is joined this year by the new Agricultural Sciences Complex, scheduled for a ribbon cutting on Sept. 9, further advancing CWI’s commitment to workforce development and educational excellence throughout the region.
To learn more about this project and other developments at CWI, visit cwi.edu.
Former College of Western Idaho Trustee M.C. Niland Remembered for Service and Dedication
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is saddened by the passing of former Board of Trustees member M.C. Niland, who dedicated her time and talents to supporting education and strengthening the mission of CWI.
Niland served on the College’s Board of Trustees during a period of growth and opportunity, helping lead initiatives that expanded student access, reinforced fiscal responsibility, and strengthened CWI’s role in the Treasure Valley. Her commitment to higher education and to the success of students left an indelible mark on the College and community.
“M.C. Niland was an integral trustee to seeing the future vision and what’s possible at CWI, today serving 31,000 students with over 6,000 coming from her hometown of Nampa,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “We know it’s the decisions that M.C. made that allowed CWI to be what we are today.”
Niland will be remembered not only for her professional contributions, but also for her dedication to community service and her passion for creating opportunities for students to succeed.
“I was honored to serve alongside M.C. Niland as a founding trustee of CWI,” said Mark Dunham. “We worked together for 13 years, and throughout that time, M.C. proved to be a tenacious leader. She founded WITCO to support individuals with disabilities and was a driving force behind the creation of CWI. Her leadership was defined by innovation, compassion, and excellence. Beyond her accomplishments, she was also a wonderful person and a dear friend. What a legacy!”
The College extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her service and generosity.
Mary Carol "MC" Niland obituary and memorial events - https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/idahostatesman/name/mary-niland-obituary?id=59303537
The First Four Weeks of Fall 2025
Welcome Otters!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to celebrate the start of another academic year with a lineup of exciting events for new and returning students. Here are the first of many events to mark on your calendars for Fall 2025.
Week of Welcome
Monday Aug. 18 – Wednesday, Aug. 20
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
- Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
- Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Week of Welcome is an initiative designed to support students during their first week of classes. CWI staff will be stationed across select campus locations to help students navigate the college’s various campuses, help students locate their classes, and provide students the opportunity to get answers to common questions that will promote a successful start to the semester!
Student Resource Fair
- Wednesday, Aug. 27
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Thursday, Aug. 28
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Kick off the semester with the Office of Student Engagement and Counseling and Wellness Services by exploring the many services and opportunities available to you at CWI. The Student Resource Fair brings together departments and community partners to help you make connections, find support, and get involved. Enjoy giveaways, meet staff and faculty, and discover tools to help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Club Fest
- Wednesday, Sept. 3
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Thursday, Sept. 4
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Looking to make friends, develop leadership skills, or share your passion with others? Club Fest is the perfect place to explore active clubs at CWI or connect with the Office of Student Engagement to learn more about how to start a new club on-campus. Meet club representatives and learn how you can make the most of your campus experience. From academic clubs to special interests, there is something for everyone.
Job & Career Fair
- Tuesday, Sept. 9
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
- Wednesday, Sept. 10
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Thursday, Sept. 11
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center
Step into your future at CWI’s Job & Career Fair. Network with local employers, learn about job opening and internships, and connect with CWI Work-Based Learning Center for help with your resume and interview skills. Whether you are seeking part-time work, a full-time position, or career advice, this event is your gateway to professional growth.
Here’s to a great semester ahead – let’s make Fall 2025 one to remember!
All events sponsored by Westmark Credit Union.
Digital Navigators: A New Resource for CWI Students
A new resource called “Digital Navigators” is available at College of Western Idaho (CWI) to support students with their technology needs. Available at all CWI computer labs as a drop-in service (no appointment needed), Digital Navigators offer a unique kind of peer-to-peer assistance focused specifically on helping students build confidence with everyday digital applications.
A Technology Lifeline for Students
Digital Navigators are fellow students employed in work-study positions, trained to help their peers navigate the digital systems essential to success at CWI. In an increasingly digital world, many students rely on laptops, online platforms, and communication tools but may not feel fully confident using them. For those who find tasks like navigating Canvas (formerly Blackboard) or sending an email challenging, Digital Navigators are a friendly and approachable resource.
Their role is to provide guidance on a variety of digital tasks, from logging into campus Wi-Fi to creating discussion threads in class. The goal is to boost digital fluency while ensuring no student feels left behind.
How Digital Navigators Are different
Unlike One Stop Student Services — which assists students with academic and administrative services like academic planning, financial aid, and advisor appointments — Digital Navigators focus solely on technology-related issues including:
- Sending and replying to emails
- Navigating Canvas (formerly Blackboard)
- Downloading necessary applications
- Creating and submitting assignments
- Using Microsoft Office tools and Google Docs
Digital Navigators address common questions that students may be hesitant to ask, offering a supportive environment that encourages learning and self-sufficiency.
Services & Support
In addition to one-on-one support, Digital Navigators is ready to schedule multi-week digital skills sessions to help any student master the basic computer skills needed for college success. This peer support is not meant to replace Campus Tech Support or resolve hardware issues but rather to empower students with the everyday tech skills needed for college success.
Canvas Transition
CWI has transitioned from Blackboard to Canvas, and Digital Navigators are already trained on the new platform. Their continued support will play a crucial role in helping students make a smooth transition and maintain momentum in their coursework.
Confidence Building
Students are encouraged to seek help — even for questions that may seem small. Digital Navigators are fellow students who understand the learning curve that comes with using technology in an academic setting. Their mission is to ensure all students feel confident using the digital tools available at CWI.
A Campus Resource
Digital Navigators represent a significant addition to student support services at CWI. By offering assistance with day-to-day technology needs, they help build the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of this resource to make their college journey more successful and less stressful.
For more information contact Greg Wilson, Assistant Dean of General Education, or visit the Digital Navigators web page.
Mindfulness Mondays Offer Free Yoga on Campus
Take a break this fall from your studies, connect with fellow students, and discover the power of yoga at College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Mindfulness Mondays led by experienced instructors from 2C Yoga, a renowned local yoga studio. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, Mindfulness Mondays offer a supportive space for everyone to thrive.
Mindfulness Mondays are open to all CWI students, and there is no need to worry about bringing a mat — we've got you covered. These drop-in sessions are hosted nearly weekly so you can join any week that fits your schedule and experience the benefits of yoga in a welcoming environment.
Mindfulness Mondays with 2C Yoga
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Student Lounge, Room 122
Noon – 1 p.m.
- Aug. 8
- Sept. 8, 15 & 22
- Nov. 3, 10 & 17
- Dec. 1
Thanks to the Student Engagement office for partnering with 2C Yoga and for providing this time for you to focus on your overall well-being.
Institutional Research Launches CWI’s Student Lifecycle Reporting
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) office of Institutional Research is excited to announce the Student Lifecycle Power BI App is now available to all faculty and staff.
This tool provides reporting on CWI’s eight student lifecycle stages and the associated student success indicators. It is designed to support data-informed decision making across the institution and improve student achievement through enrollment, retention, progression, and completion insights.
CWI’s Student Lifecycle and Reporting SharePoint site has been developed to help users navigate and utilize the new reporting tool. The site includes:
- Student Lifecycle Overview: Learn about CWI’s student lifecycle stages.
- Student Lifecycle Details and Definitions: Understand the student lifecycle terminology and indicators used in reporting.
- Student Lifecycle Reporting User Guide: Step-by-step instructions for accessing and using tudent Lifecycle reporting.
For more information, training materials, and support, visit CWI’s Student Lifecycle and Reporting SharePoint site, or contact institutionalresearch@cwi.edu.
Food for Thought Fall 2025
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Learning Commons (Library, Tutoring Services, and Writing and AI Literacy Center) for their annual Food for Thought, a two-day event for new and returning students to connect with librarians, tutors, and writing and AI consultants to learn about the academic resources available to help them succeed in their classes.
CWI library staff supports students with research and offers streaming videos and other tools to support student studies. Tutors work with students to help them better understand and prepare for coursework, exams, or papers. Services include appointments covering various academic disciplines, study group opportunities, and more. The writing and AI consultants support students with access and training on AI tools and usage, along with writing help.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Tutoring Center, Room 1304 and Student Commons
Thursday, Sept. 18
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Tutoring Center, Room 209 and Second Floor Atrium
Join the Learning Commons and Student Engagement for free pizza and opportunities to connect!
CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab Kicks Off Its Second Year
College of Western Idaho’s Entrepreneur Lab is officially kicking off its second year with big plans to build on its First Year Success.
Over the summer, the Entrepreneur Lab stayed busy sponsoring and participating in community events focused on entrepreneurship such as the Kids Business Fair, Third Thursday in Nampa, and the Summer Bridge program hosted at CWI.
Paul Adah has joined the Entrepreneur Lab team as the Engagement Representative, leading the charge to boost student engagement. Adah is an entrepreneur himself and passionate about helping students connect with the right resources and bring their ideas to life.
Join the Entrepreneur Lab this fall for on- and off-campus events, and be sure to stop by the Student Resource Fair to meet the team and see how we can support you!
September Events
- First Steps
- Business Basics
- Boise Entrepreneur Week (BEW)
View dates and learn more by visiting Entrepreneur Lab Events.
Work-Based Learning Center at CWI Bridges Education and Employment
The Work-Based Learning Center (WBLC) at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is redefining student success by connecting classroom learning and real-world experience. Through a comprehensive suite of services, the WBLC empowers students to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for the workforce with confidence.
A Hub for Career Readiness
The WBLC offers a wide range of services designed to help students transition from education to employment and assist faculty with positive placement for their programs. The services include:
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Career Exploration: Helping students identify their interests, values, and skills through tools like the Interest Profiler and Career Clusters Survey.
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Job Shadowing: Providing opportunities to observe professionals and gain the information necessary to help students make the right decisions for themselves.
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Internships: Gives the opportunity for students to work side by side with professionals in the industry of choice and either earn credit, experience, or both.
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Work Study & Employment: Assist students in finding part-time jobs and work-study positions that align with their academic and career goals.
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Resume & Cover Letter Support: Offering guidance on crafting targeted resumes and cover letters to increase students’ chances of landing careers that meet their goals.
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Mock Interviews and Interview Prep: Prepare students with practice interviews, sample questions, and professional dress tips to boost confidence and performance.
Real Support. Real Results.
The WBLC helps students sharpen their resumes, build networks, and gain experience that leads to careers. For these two students, it made all the difference.
"Kaden has been such an incredible support throughout my time at CWI. From the very beginning, he supported me every step of the way — helping me revise and strengthen my resume, guiding me through the internship process, and even offering to do a mock interview to help me feel more confident. I’m especially grateful for how consistently he’s checked in and helped however he could to make sure things came together. His support has truly made a difference in my experience, and I appreciate all he’s done to help me grow professionally." — Daisy Gallegos
“ My experience with the Work-Based Learning Center was fantastic! I was provided with guidance on enhancing my resume, interview pointers, and networking opportunities. They even printed off some resumes for me! On top of it all, through the WBLC I was able to secure a position at St. Luke’s!! I highly recommend students to take advantage of this valuable resource. Whether you’re an experienced professional or an eager student ready to enter the field, it’s always a good idea to pay a visit to the staff at WBLC who’ve got your back! I truly appreciate the help you guys offer!” — Ivan Gonzales
Tools for Success
Students are encouraged to use Handshake, the top-rated tool for helping college students find jobs. The WBLC also promotes resume optimization tools helping students tailor their resumes to specific roles.
Support Every Step of the Way
The WBLC team, led by Executive Director John Russ and a team of dedicated professionals, is committed to supporting students throughout their entire academic journey. Whether a student is unsure of their career path or ready to apply for career opportunities, the WBLC offers personalized guidance and resources.
Partner with WBLC Today
Following the spirit of its motto, “Exposure is the birthplace of opportunity,” the WBLC works with various faculty and staff to coordinate industry-specific visits, guest speakers, and schedule one-on-one sessions to support students’ career development.
Jody Kirchgessner, the senior talent sourcer at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.), expressed their enthusiasm for CWI students, saying,
“Thank you for sharing your graduates with us. Your partnership sets the gold standard for tech school relationships all across the country – we talk about you a lot!” — Jody Kirchgessner
