CWI News – August 11, 2023
Spotlight
What an electrifying event! The CWI Work-Based Learning Center held an epic job fair for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprentices. First-year Apprenticeship students were able to stop by and get acquainted with potential employers from throughout the Treasure Valley to help kickstart their career!
CWI in the News
Extra Inning Softball: Congratulations to Extra Inning Softball CEO Bonnie Holland
KIVI Idaho News 6: U of I and CWI are partnering to further student education
Idaho Press: Nampa Festival of the Arts returns for 36th year
Boise State Public Radio: How to save seeds from your favorite garden plants
Bold Appreciation
It's time for another employee ticket giveaway!
Enter for your chance to win a pair of admission tickets to the Western Idaho Fair from Aug. 18-27 or a pair of tickets to the Bush concert on Thursday, Aug. 24, with admission to the Fair! Enter a number between 1 and 1000 via the link below. The employee closest to the number, chosen at random, will receive a pair of admission tickets or a pair of concert tickets with admission to the Western Idaho Fair.
Entries must be received by noon on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Winners will be announced the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 16. Tickets must be picked up by noon on Friday, Aug. 18, or they will be given to the next eligible winner who is closest to the chosen number.
Members of President’s Cabinet, the Executive Operations Team, and Work-Study students are not eligible. Limit one entry per CWI employee.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact hr@cwi.edu.
Enter the Western Idaho Fair Admission and Concert Ticket Giveaway
News Highlights
Save the Date: Fall 2023 College Address
Get ready to kick off the new academic year with a bang! College of Western Idaho (CWI) employees are invited to kick off the 2023-2024 academic year during the annual College Address, Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Galaxy Event Center in Meridian.
Join us for an inspiring and informative event as President Jones takes the stage to share the incredible highlights and achievements of CWI in the past year. We'll also delve into the exciting vision and goals that CWI is set to achieve in the upcoming year. We will also honor our exceptional faculty and staff who have played a crucial role in making the past year a resounding success.
4:30 p.m. – Conclusion
For those unable to attend, a recorded version will be available following the address for later viewing.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with your CWI community and start the year off on a high note!
Idaho INBRE: The Scientific Research Experience of a Lifetime
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) eight INBRE Scholars are making waves with their research project on test anxiety. As part of the Idaho INBRE Program, students immersed themselves in scientific research under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Biology, Suzanne Oppenheimer.
The three-week research experience saw students investigate psychological and physiological responses to taking exams. Using volunteers from CWI summer classes, they examined how test-taking can cause significant anxiety. Preliminary data suggests that while exams cause a lot of stress, physiological measures such as heart rate and stress hormones do not necessarily correlate with the exam-taking process.
The Scholars took a deep dive into the research project and carefully investigated different aspects of the physiological response to test-taking anxiety. They then analyzed and interpreted the results and designed four scientific posters to present at the Idaho INBRE Statewide Research Conference in Moscow July 24 – 26.
Congratulations to CWI students, Mimi Gates and Becky Swain, and INBRE intern, Tate Gallegos, who placed at the Research Conference. Gates and Swain were awarded third place in the Summer Scholars division for their poster, Heart Rate Not Indicative of Test Anxiety in Pilot Study, which displayed research suggesting that heart rate is not associated with test-taking anxiety, while Gallegos placed second in the Undergraduate Division for her research on disease surveillance methods to protect the health of human and animal populations.
Gates captures the essence of the INBRE program, stating, “INBRE has been the best place at the College to get experience doing hands-on research, without any judgment because we’re still learning. We all grasped lab skills and techniques together and learned from one another's mistakes. We helped lift each other up with the different skills that we brought in.”
The INBRE Summer Scholar Program runs each summer and provides students with an opportunity to gain authentic research experience in a fun and fast-paced environment.
Despite coming from a Humanities background, 2023 INBRE Summer Scholar and CWI Psychology student, Aryssa Decrevel, applied for the program after acing an Introduction to Microbiology (MMBS 111) course and some encouragement from Assistant Professor of Biology, Elise Connor.
“At first, I wasn't sure if this was the right fit for me, but the idea of combining a challenging experience with something beneficial for society really intrigued me,” said Decrevel.
Decrevel admits that she was initially nervous about the intensity of the program. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming atmosphere and the level of support provided by Oppenheimer and the other students.
Through the INBRE program, Decrevel and the scholars gained invaluable skills such as operating lab equipment, technical skills, mastering Biology terminology, and improving their communication when working on a team. This experience has solidified Decrevel's passion for Biology and her desire to pursue a career in the field.
“Everybody is more than happy to help you,” Decrevel said. “I encourage others to give it a shot and apply for it because it's definitely worth it.”
Aryssa Decrevel, Becky Swain, Cecilia Barr, Dominique Castell, Elliot Johnson, Jocielyne Klamt, Mimi Gates, Neema Kamengele
For those interested in applying for next year’s INBRE Summer Scholars program at CWI, please contact Suzanne Oppenheimer at suzanneoppenheimer@cwi.edu.
Get Ready for Fall 2023 at College of Western Idaho!
It's almost here! College of Western Idaho (CWI) is gearing up for the start of Fall 2023 semester, and we can't wait to welcome students back!
Whether you're preparing to join the CWI family for the first time or returning to finish what you started, we want you to kick off the semester on the right foot. Below are a few important reminders and a checklist for a successful beginning to the semester.
Prepare for Class
- Visit myCWI online or with the CWI Mobile app for quick access to your Self-Service Toolkit, Blackboard, resources and services, announcements and more.
- Check your schedule in myCWI to review the location and format of your courses.
- Check your CWI student email.
- Come to class with the proper course materials.
- Visit the CWI Bookstore to purchase or rent textbooks.
- Pickup your order at the Bookstore located at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center.
- Any questions or concerns, please contact the CWI Bookstore at 208.562.2402 or bookstore@cwi.edu.
- Check the Academic Calendar for a list of important dates to remember — including the due date for tuition and fees, Friday, Aug. 18.
- Questions? For course specific questions, email your instructor or advisor.
Start the Semester Strong
- Login to Blackboard.
- All courses that begin the week of Aug. 21 – 26 will be live and available on Blackboard the morning of Monday, Aug. 21.
- Fuel up with breakfast and coffee during the first week of classes from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.! Services will be available Monday, Aug. 21 at Canyon County Center (CYNC), Tuesday, Aug. 22 at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), and Thursday, Aug. 24 at Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN).
Student Services
- For other questions, contact One Stop Student Services online, by phone, and in-person.
Here's to a mighty and successful semester!
Learn About In-Demand Careers at Apprenticeship Open House
Explore in-demand careers and training available through College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Workforce Development (WD) Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship programs! WD is inviting the community to visit and learn more about the programs through information sessions at its Apprenticeship Open House Monday, Aug. 14.
Canyon County Center (CYNC), Room 152
Apprenticeship Programs through CWI WD allow students to earn a living while completing training in their desired careers. Classes are taught online and in-person, providing flexibility as students learn the skills that will make them in demand in today’s workforce. Once students complete their apprenticeship program, there are multiple areas of focus that they may choose in each industry.
The four-year Apprenticeship programs prepare students for the journeyman test to become a licensed Electrician, HVAC Technician, or Plumber. Students will learn and work with industry experts inside and outside the classroom for on-the-job training.
Instructors, students, and employers will be at the open house to talk with attendees and answer any questions they may have about getting into one of these in-demand careers.
CWI Apprenticeship Programs, both online and in person:
For those with questions or in need of more information about the Open House or Apprenticeship programs, please contact 208.562.2700 or wd@cwi.edu.
Gilchrist Named 2023’s Most Influential Business Leaders in Idaho
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Assistant Vice President of Economic Development, Christi Rood Gilchrist, who was named one of Idaho Business Review’s Power List: Most Influential Business Leaders in Idaho 2023.
"I am truly honored to be listed among the top individuals in Idaho who excel in their respective fields, showcasing the very best of our state,” Gilchrist said. “As a representative of CWI, a leading institution in higher education, I am proud to contribute to the educational growth of Idahoans. We strive to empower individuals to achieve economic and social mobility, while also equipping local employers with a highly skilled workforce.”
Idaho Business Review notes Gilchrist’s work helping prepare CWI students for the workforce as a major contribution to a vibrant and healthy economy in the Gem State.
Gilchrist has helped launch the College’s Work-Based Learning Center which connects students to professional opportunities and train them on skills to help land a job. She has helped update the 1,500-student HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing programs to an eight-week model so students in the trades can attend year-round, while working full-time in the industry.
In addition to Gilchrist’s work at the College, she will continue to support the Boise Valley Economic Partnership to ensure prosperity in good times and bad, and create jobs for those who live here and broaden the industry base. She also supports the Workforce Development Council and serves on its policy committee.
Gilchrist joins an esteemed list of influential business leaders across Idaho who have made significant contributions toward making the state an economically prosperous place. According to Idaho Business Review Publisher, Cindy Suffa, those chosen make a difference “at work and in the community year-round by providing leadership, innovation, and a hands-on work ethic.”
“They are the very definition of effecting change in Idaho’s business community, which is made up of so many passionate leaders,” Suffa said. “And passion equals influence.”
Gilchrist's commitment to helping students succeed and her dedication to improving economic growth makes her an invaluable asset not only to CWI but also to all of Idaho. Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition!
NMEC Closures Continue For Upgrades
As construction projects at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) continue, including the replacement of the HVAC equipment on the roof, College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Facilities Management will partially close the building on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Occupancy of NMEC is limited to specific areas of the building during partial closures. Scheduled classes, events, and services affected have been relocated or rescheduled.
Administrative Offices, CWI Bookstore, One Stop Student Service, Testing Center, Tutoring Services, and select classrooms and labs will remain open and operational during the partial closure (please see floor plan).
Please note that the planned partial closure on Wednesday, Aug. 16, has been canceled, and NMEC will operate as normal.
Those with questions or in need of more information are asked to contact Brian Dunaway at briandunaway@cwi.edu.
CWI Digital Experience Upgrades
As part of our commitment to advance student success, College of Western Idaho (CWI) has been diligently working to implement major improvements to key digital tools that support our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. You will soon begin to notice significant changes to the CWI website, myCWI for students, and Blackboard.
The changes, explained below, are the result of months of user experience research and testing, reviews of best practices, and stakeholder input. Each system upgrade represents a unique set of improvements which will provide for a better experience enabling our users to navigate through their respective journeys with ease and built-in support.
CWI Website
In an effort to enhance the user experience and allow users to easily locate information, resources, and services, a thorough review of content, components, and page structure has been conducted on cwi.edu.
- Hundreds of pages across the site have been reviewed and updated to ensure content is up-to-date and consistent.
- The new site navigation follows four top-level sections and introduces new landing pages to better guide the student journey across the site.
myCWI for Students
The new myCWI platform for students provides a customizable hub that can be accessed online and via the CWI Mobile app.
In addition to an improved user experience, myCWI will provide quick access to:
- the Self-Service Toolkit
- Blackboard
- important announcements and notifications
- advising
- calendars and events
- links to resources and services
- and more!
Blackboard
Navigation of CWI’s learning management system, Blackboard (Bb), will also be greatly improved. Users will find a more modern experience, as well as greater accessibility and a mobile-friendly design.
We hope you enjoy the new digital experience! For questions related to these updates, please email communications@cwi.edu.
NWCCU Plans Visit to CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU or the Commission). NWCCU recently provided feedback on CWI’s Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review Report in February 2023. The Commission will be conducting an onsite visit at CWI related to the Year-Seven Comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness during Oct. 18 – 20, 2023.
Constituents are invited to submit comments directly to the Commission office related to College of Western Idaho. Comments must be received no later than ten (10) days prior to the onsite visit and can be submitted to NWCCU in the following ways:
- United State Postal Service Mail or Courier Service:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Ave. NE, Suite 200
Redmond, WA 98052
- Electronic Submission: https://nwccu.org/member-institutions/upcoming-evaluations/
If you have additional questions or would like to reach out to CWI directly, please email communications@cwi.edu or call 208.562.2222.
