CWI News – Dec. 1, 2023
Spotlight
An exciting week for the College's Heavy Equipment Technician program – they received a Massey Ferguson 7626 tractor from our partners at Agri-Service! This generous donation will help our Heavy Equipment Technician students stay up to date with the latest in the industry and provide our students with even more job-ready skills. A big thank you to Agri-Service for helping us create exceptional opportunities for our students!
Bold Appreciation
It's time to celebrate our incredible team once again with an exciting opportunity!
We are thrilled to announce the Employee Ticket Giveaway, and this time you could be the lucky winner of an Ultimate Unlimited Fun Pass to Wahooz!
Enter for your chance to win the Ultimate Unlimited Fun Pass to Wahooz! by entering a number between 1 and 1000 via the link below. The employee closest to the number, chosen at random, will receive the pass
Entries must be received on Wednesday, Dec. 6 by noon. Winners will be notified the afternoon of Wednesday, December 6, along with instructions in how to redeem their Ultimate Unlimited Fun Pass. Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Wahooz!
Members of the President’s Cabinet, the Executive Operations Team, and Work-Study students are not eligible. Limit one entry per CWI employee.
Best of luck to everyone, and let the excitement begin! For those with questions, please contact HR at hrbenefits@cwi.edu.
News Highlights
Fire Service Technology’s ’Burn Day’ Ignites Success
Firefighting is a profession that demands not only physical strength but also mental resilience and a deep understanding of the science behind combating blazes. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), the Fire Service Technology Program anticipates a critical day in their training – Burn Day. This immersive experience is the culmination of 13 weeks of rigorous training and drills, providing students with an opportunity to take part in real-world firefighting scenarios.
Burn Day is more than just a drill; it's a simulation that places students in specially designed metal buildings engulfed in actual fires. Students are organized into teams and take on different roles. Some actively engage as the crew responsible for extinguishing the fire, while others stand by as the "rescue team" in case of emergencies. One team even experiences the task of sitting inside the building, observing as the fire grows, smoke billows, and temperatures rise to nearly 1000 degrees. Burn Day allows students to comprehend the dynamics of a fire, its growth patterns, and the evolving conditions within a burning structure.
To prepare for the drill, students engage in a variety of training exercises over the course of the semester. These activities include putting on their turnouts and air packs, navigating through buildings and obstacles with hoses, forcing doors open, and communicating in challenging environments. These tasks, including extinguishing simulated fires, hone their skills and build muscle memory. There is no room for error when faced with an actual fire, making this preparation crucial for their safety and the success of their mission.
Fire Service Technology Program Director, Darrin Raskopf, said the drill emphasizes the science behind the decisions firefighters make. Students learn when to open holes in the roof for ventilation versus opening windows, different spray patterns, how to attack the fire, and more.
The Program’s Class 5 took part in the annual drill on Thursday, Nov. 16.
For the instructors, witnessing the students' transformation during Burn Day is always a highlight of the semester. Raskopf notes this is the drill where students begin to apply various theories and skills together and operate a true firefighter. Overcoming the anxiety of sitting in a room with intense heat and smoke, students must trust their training, equipment, and each other. The instructors report a lot of excitement among the students as they emerge from the building, smoke billowing out of the door they successfully opened.
“This class did extremely well on Burn Day and every time we have this drill it is scary for us as instructors since we are putting these students in an environment that we refer to as ‘Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health,’” Raskopf said. “They all performed above expectations and took the training as a serious opportunity to learn and put their newly acquired skills to use.”
As students face the challenges that Burn Day brings head-on, they emerge not only with newfound confidence but also a better understanding of the science and teamwork involved in firefighting.
The Fire Service Technology curriculum is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) requirements, and the National Fire Academy’s (FESHE) Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Model. Local fire department trainers and command staff assist in the development of the curriculum and also instruct in the program.
For those with questions or interested in learning more about CWI’s Fire Service Technology Program, visit the program page or contact Darrin Raskopf at darrinraskopf@cwi.edu.
Automotive and Collision Repair Take a Spin Into the Future at Tesla Service Center
Students and Instructors from College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology Programs shifted into high gear as they toured the Tesla Service Center in Boise on Nov. 16. This hands-on experience was more than just a joyride – it was a deep dive into the inner workings of Tesla and what types of automotive careers await students.
Students and Instructors toured through the service center, learning about Tesla’s unique corporate structure, hourly pay structure, and its direct-to-consumer business model. While sharing coffee and donuts, the Tesla Service leaders introduced the attendees to the shop where live maintenance and repair jobs were being performed. Tesla leaders then spoke about the shop environment, the electrical vehicle market, job opportunities, and the in-house training Tesla provides its technicians. Throughout this tour, students explored the exterior and interior of several different models of Tesla vehicles, interacting with different settings, modes, body modules, and comfort features.
Touring real-world industry settings allows students to take some time away from the regular classroom and lab learning environment and build connections with industry representatives while exposing them to new technologies and various working environments. This experience provided positive exposure to electric vehicles enhancing students’ excitement and readiness to learn.
“Students get to learn about different, unique career opportunities both in the industry and within the valley,” said Automotive Technology Instructor, Vaughn Hill. “As a result of the tour, those who attended will be more willing to pursue emerging opportunities in their career fields.”
These emerging technologies and exciting improvements allow the Automotive industry to become more automated. However, even with automation becoming more prevalent, Technicians are still highly valuable in the industry because they must be involved in the operation, diagnostics, and repair of all vehicles, electric or not.
The CWI Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Programs are committed to keeping students educated by industry standards and enhancing their employability after school. Due to this commitment, and the use of grant funds, the Department Chair of Transportation Technology, JohnD Thompson, has recently purchased three Tesla vehicles, two of which will be used by students for training purposes.
For those with questions or interested in learning more about Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology, please contact JohnD Thompson at johndthompson@cwi.edu.
Embark on Your Healthcare Career Journey Through Medical Assisting
Start your journey towards a rewarding career in healthcare through College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Medical Assistant Credit and new Apprenticeship programs. Learn the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to be a competent, entry-level medical assistant.
As a medical assistant, your skills will be in demand because all areas of healthcare need medical assistants for administrative roles to support patient care. The medical assisting field is anticipated to grow 18% by 2030.
"With the healthcare and social assistance industry world continuing to grow, our Medical Assistant programs can help prepare those interested in these careers and fill the demanding needs," said Department Chair of Health Professions and Associate Professor, Dr. Sabina Omair. "We have incredible faculty and staff with resources and connections around the Treasure Valley who can help students become employed soon after they graduate."
Because of the increased need for this role, CWI is offering the ability to start in the spring term, in addition to a fall class start. Spring 2024 in-person classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 16. The admissions deadline for the Spring 2024 semester is Saturday, Jan. 6. CWI students have through Friday, Jan. 12, to register for classes, as well as pay tuition and registration fees. Students can enroll in online courses anytime throughout the year.
Also new this year is the medical assisting apprenticeship. CWI has partnered with Full Circle Health to provide students with an opportunity to earn while they learn and give them an employability competitive edge. Students registered in the in-person or online program through the College’s Work-Based Learning Center will receive on-the-job training and be set up with a position with Full Circle Health once they pass their final state exam for certification!
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship, a student must have a high school diploma, be 18 years old as of Jan. 1, 2024, and enrolled at CWI.
For those interested in the Apprenticeship program through Full Circle Health, please contact Workforce Development Navigator, Laura Bagley, at laurabagley@cwi.edu.
Get Ready for Spring 2024 at Admission Express
Get ready for Spring 2024! College of Western Idaho (CWI) is hosting Admission Express — an event to help answer questions and start new students off on the right foot before the Spring semester begins.
Admissions representatives at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) will be around to help guide new students through the admissions process and answer questions.
What to expect at Admission Express:
- apply for Spring 2024
- register for classes with Academic Advisors
- turn in required documentation
- complete New Student Orientation
- obtain a Student ID
- answer questions about Financial Aid
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact One Stop Student Services at 208.562.2960 or onestop@cwi.edu.
CWI Night at the Idaho Steelheads – Dec. 13
Enjoy a night of hockey, and support students at the next CWI Night!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner with the Idaho Steelheads to SCORE Big for scholarships as the Steelheads take on Rapid City Rush. Students, alumni, employees, family, friends, and members of the CWI community are all invited to attend.
Your $20 ticket to the game includes a seat in the CWI section and a meal voucher for a Double R Ranch Hot Dog, chips, and a small drink. Five dollars of each CWI group ticket sold for a CWI Night goes directly back to the SCORE Big Scholarship fund.
Visit the CWI table on the concourse for your chance to win a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship or CWI hockey jersey — awarded that night on the ice!
The fun doesn’t stop at CWI Nights! Through the partnership, CWI also offers a discounted ticket price of $18 to all Steelheads home games for the 2023-2024 season.
Tickets must be placed at least 24 hours prior to the event or subject to availability.
Enter the 2024 Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? College of Western Idaho (CWI) students are invited to take part in the tenth-annual Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge (IEC), Friday, April 5, hosted by Boise State University’s Venture College in the College of Innovation and Design. This statewide competition brings together Idaho’s most promising student innovators and entrepreneurs to compete for cash prizes, legal consultation, and accounting services to advance their startups.
Visit the IEC website to learn more about the event including rules and eligibility, read about past winners, and complete an application.
Applications for the 2024 event are due by Friday, Feb. 23.
For CWI students in need of help or have questions about applications, please contact Richard Sotto at richardsotto@cwi.edu.
Tid Bit Series: New Americans on Campus
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Inclusive Excellence Committee presents Tid Bit Series: New Americans on Campus, which will host speakers who will share valuable insight on the refugee experience and help participants build skills for working with and supporting new Americans.
Speakers will include CWI students and alumni who are current and former refugees who will share their stories and experiences at the College. The event will also bring guest speaker, Sara Skinner, who will host interactive presentations to educate professionals on best practices when working with diverse populations.
Those in attendance will explore topics such as what is it like to be forced to leave your homeland, how it feels to enter a classroom in a different language and land, how faculty and staff can help students feel welcome and learn, and more.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 121
Because the event is designed to be interactive and touches on sensitive topics, the event will be in-person only. Due to limited space, registration is required.
The event will also be catered from Kibrom’s Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine, a local restaurant owned by new Americans in the Treasure Valley.
The Inclusive Excellence Committee's Tid Bit Series aims to offer easy-to-understand and practical education on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Inclusive Excellence Committee works to help realize the College’s mission to empower students to succeed by providing affordable and accessible education to advance the local and global workforce by fostering an inclusive educational community of engagement, respect, and accountability. The committee believes success is driven by the power of an inclusive culture based on utilizing our differences to stimulate and encourage social justice, multicultural competence, and effective and engaged citizenship.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact the Inclusive Excellence Committee at inclusiveexcellence@cwi.edu.
Nominate a 2024 Emerging Scholar
The Emerging Scholars Committee is excited for the opportunity to select another group of Emerging Scholars! Faculty are encouraged to nominate students based on perseverance, innovative thinking, and professionalism both in and outside the classroom.
Students selected as 2024 Emerging Scholars will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to be applied toward their tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year. Eligible students must plan to enroll in six or more credits for the 2024-2025 academic year in both fall and spring semesters and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Faculty are also able to nominate students from Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 semesters. Faculty may nominate up to five students per academic year. Dual Credit students cannot be nominated.
Nominations are then reviewed, and finalists are selected by the Emerging Scholars Committee. Up to four students will be awarded in each of the schools of instruction.
Nominations are due by Monday, April 1. Please consider nominating one of your students this semester!
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
Register for Spring 2025 at CWI!
At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we're gearing up for an exciting Spring 2025 semester, and we invite you to be part of it! Whether you're continuing on, looking to earn an associate degree, pursue a certificate, prepare to transfer, enhance your skills, or simply take classes for the joy of learning — CWI is your destination for endless possibilities.
Admissions and Registration
Mark your calendar! Registration for ALL (continuing, new, or returning) students at CWI for the Spring 2025 semester opens Monday, Nov. 4.
The admissions deadline for the Spring 2025 semester is Saturday, Jan. 11. CWI students have through Thursday, Jan. 23, to register for classes, with tuition and registration fees due by Friday Jan. 17.
Current Students
- Be sure to meet with your Student Advisor prior to registering. Once advising is completed, students can register online any time on or after their assigned registration time.
- Registration times are assigned based on cumulative credits earned. Students can check myCWI and their CWI email for their assigned time.
- Continuing students are considered those who enrolled and attended classes any semester since Spring 2020.
- Dual Credit students will register during open registration.
New and Returning Students
- All new, degree-seeking students must participate in New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes.
Contact One Stop Student Services or visit us online to learn more about applying to CWI, orientation, and registering for classes.
Honors Program Applications Open for Spring 2024
Maximize your educational experience and become a leader in the classroom and out in the community as a member of College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Honors Program. Applications are open for first-time, full-time CWI students who are interested in joining the College’s Honors Program in the Spring 2024 semester.
Complete your degree while engaging in academic, social, and civic opportunities created to expand the depth and scope of your knowledge and develop interpersonal and professional skills. Supplement your chosen degree program with diverse course opportunities, connect with classmates who share similar, high-achieving goals, learn from distinguished faculty in specifically designed honors courses, and receive a $1,000 scholarship!
This two-year program is open to academic transfer, career technical education, and continuing dual credit students. As an Honors Program student, you will complete specific degree requirements as well as honors-designated courses culminating in the creation and presentation of a project related to your chosen major.
“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,” said 2022-2023 Honors Program student, Jeff Jenks. “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.”
Applications for CWI’s Honors Program are currently being accepted. 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.
CWI Icy Conditions Safety Tips and Information
As the winter season approaches, College of Western Idaho (CWI) takes proactive measures to ensure the safety of its campus locations by diligently keeping them clear of ice and snow. However, winter conditions can be dangerous and require everyone's attention to prevent slipping and falling. We are all responsible for exercising good judgment when walkways and roadways may be icy or slippery.
While our Campus Safety and Security team strives to remove snow and ice from roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks, it is crucial for everyone to be prepared for potentially slippery surfaces. By being proactive and cautious, we can collectively contribute to maintaining a safe and secure campus during these challenging winter months.
Keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Anticipate slippery conditions: Ice and snow or water-covered ice may be present on sidewalks, pathways, entrances, roadways, and parking lots.
- Wear shoes or boots that provide traction: Neoprene and non-slip rubber soled footwear are best. Avoid shoes with smooth soles and heels. Remove ice cleats, athletic cleats, or spiked shoes before walking on smooth dry floors as they are extremely slippery on these surfaces.
- Walk SLOWLY: Plan extra time so you are not rushing.
- Be careful when you shift your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, be careful as shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
- Avoid shortcuts: Shortcuts may be a good idea if you are in a hurry but are a bad idea if there is snow and ice on the ground. A shortcut path may be treacherous as it is likely located where snow and ice removal are not possible.
- Walk like a penguin: Point your feet out slightly and shuffle. Spreading your feet out improves your stability. Bend slightly at the waist and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity over your feet as much as possible. Keep your hands out of your pockets and extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance.
- Plan ahead: When walking on snow or ice on sidewalks or parking lots, walk cautiously. Look to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards.
- Look up: Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries can result from falling snow or ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from awnings, buildings, etc.
- Use your eyes and ears: While seeing the environment is important, you also want to listen to approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that prevents you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
- Enter a building carefully: When you get to your destination, look at the floor as you enter. It may be wet and slippery from melted snow and ice.
- Use stair handrails: Ice and snow may be hiding on the stair steps making them slippery.
- Dress appropriately: Wear layers of clothing to stay warm and dry
- Anticipate ice: Be wary of thin sheets of ice that may appear as wet pavement (black ice). Often ice will appear in the morning in shady spots or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
As well, when driving, slow down and increase distances between vehicles/pedestrians. Stopping distances are longer on snow, ice, and snow or water-covered ice. Please be aware that when snow removal is required, parking spaces may be limited in some areas due to snow piles from plowing.
To report icy conditions on campus or if you have questions, please contact Campus Safety and Security at 208.562.3333 or security@cwi.edu.
