CWI News—Dec. 17, 2021
News Highlights
BLM Provides Hands-On Training for Fire Service Students
Fire Service Technology students at College of Western Idaho (CWI) have been privileged this semester to be trained by professionals from the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the first time in the program’s history. The training, which has included entry-level wildland firefighting skills as well as a day of field training in Idaho City, has enabled students to garner hands-on experience in the field of fire service.
“BLM provided exceptional instruction to these students,” said Darrin Rapskof, Director of Fire Service Technology. “They brought in relevant equipment and experienced staff who are passionate about the wildland firefighter and taught a dynamic class. The training included a day in the mountains above Idaho City where they hiked, cut lines, read maps, used fire setting devices and were taught several vital skills to keep them safe and be part of a professional wildland crew.”
“The wildland firefighting week with BLM was one of my favorite weeks during my time at the CWI Fire Academy,” said Fire Service Technology student, Brax Bujak. “The crew from BLM did a great job at educating us in the classroom and then gave us the opportunity to go up to Idaho City to practice and apply all the skills and techniques we had learned in the classroom. This experience was made possible because the BLM crew came in every day with high energy, excitement, and knowledge about the skills and techniques we would be practicing throughout the week.”
The Fire Service Technology program application period for the next academy runs Jan. 3 – March 9, 2022. Visit the Fire Service Technology page online, or call 208.562.2671 to learn more.
Practical Nursing Program Celebrates 2021 Graduates
College of Western Idaho’s Practical Nursing program marked the completion of its third cohort with a traditional pinning ceremony Thursday, Dec. 9. Pinning ceremonies are a custom steeped in history dating back to the Crusades when medals were given to those who tended to the sick and injured.
Nominated by her classmates to speak on behalf of the cohort, Sarah Tuffield quoted Shakespeare challenging her graduating peers to do great things in nursing. Dr. Allison Baker, Nursing Department Chair, acknowledged the persistence and dedication demonstrated by the 18 graduates.
To observe safety and social distancing guidelines, the event was held at the Canyon County Campus and live-streamed for friends and loved ones to watch at home. Graduates of the College’s Practical Nursing program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
2021 Winter Break Hours
College of Western Idaho campus buildings and One Stop Student Services locations will be closed Dec. 24 – 27, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1.
One Stop Student Services Winter Break schedule:
Monday, Dec. 20 – Wednesday, Dec. 22
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 23
8 a.m. to noon
Friday, Dec. 24 – Monday Dec. 27
Closed
Tuesday, Dec. 28 – Wednesday, Dec. 29
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 30
8 a.m. to noon
Friday, Dec. 31
Closed
One Stop Student Services at the Canyon County Campus will be closed Monday, Dec. 20, through Friday, Dec. 31.
Visit the Locations & Maps page for individual building hours.
Ward Named Staff of the Month for November
Congratulations to Josee Ward, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for November 2021. Over the past 12 years at the College, Ward has held several positions including One Stop Specialist, Student Enrichment Advisor, Student Success Coach, Student Success Advisor, and a Manager. She is currently the Assistant Director of Student Advising and Success.
Ward holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lewis-Clark State College and a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Idaho State University. Drawn to education, she came to CWI excited help the College grow. Over the years, she has been instrumental in helping students be successful.
“I get to help students reach their goals every day,” she said. “I hear their stories, am a cheerleader, advocate, and a problem solver. I love what I do, love my colleagues, and appreciate feeling valued for my skills.”
“Josee makes a difference to each student she advises,” said Associate Professor of Math, Cathy Carson. “She knows her students, knows their names, is engaged in their plans, ensures they are aware of important dates and deadlines, helps them prepare to transfer successfully, and is always ready to help. She performs her duties excellently with integrity, caring, respect, and dedication. She is professional in her interactions, and yet is able to convey warmth and empathy.”
As the Assistant Director of Advising, Ward hopes to continue contributing to CWI by assisting with institutional initiatives all while centering on the ‘one student at a time’ approach. One of her focuses in her new role will be creating additional touchpoints for undecided students, which is a student population the advising team has found needs more support. A strength of hers from the Clifton StrengthsFinder is Developer, and she loves utilizing this to help new team members grow in their advising skills.
An example of the ‘one student at a time’ approach is a student Ward has had the pleasure of advising over the past several years named Gaetana.
“Gaetana wanted to become a teacher and was dedicated to completing her associate degree to join her boyfriend at University of Idaho to complete her bachelor’s. She was nervous about college at the beginning but met with me each semester throughout her journey at CWI. In the semesters I worked with Gaetana, I had opportunity to see her not only find achievements in her academic success but watched her grow as an individual. The day she crossed the stage at commencement, I was there cheer her on. It will always be a day I remember! She recently graduated from University of Idaho and will be fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher.”
"Josee is an amazing advisor," said Gaetana. "She's always there for you no matter always greeting you with a smile, and she remembers little things that make you feel important. Josee made my experience at CWI one of the best. She helped me get my degree in the timeline I wanted and even helped me after I transferred from CWI. She doesn't stop being an advisor or friend no matter where you are at in life. CWI is lucky to have her!"
Ward grew up in two, small, southeast Idaho towns – Hamer and Mud Lake. As a child, she lived in a solar home built by her dad who was an inventor.
“I loved the community feel of where I grew up but knew I needed a bigger town. I moved to Boise in 2005 after college and bought a house in Nampa in 2017. My amazing mom lives with me now so my sister and I can help her, and we have two cats – Autumn & Olaf. This year, our lives changed forever when our dad passed, but we will always be thankful for all his love and support.”
Outside of work, Ward enjoys visiting Garden Valley, spending time with family and friends, riding horses, traveling, watching action movies, playing board and card games, eating good food, and exploring Idaho. Thailand is her favorite visited country to date.
Challenge Yourself this Spring!
To kick off the 2020-2021 academic year, the Culture and Employee Engagement Committee (CEEC) introduced a series of Employee Wellness Challenges. These 21-day challenges were created to inspire College of Western Idaho employees to begin or continue healthy habits and support overall wellness.
Fast forward to today – the end of Fall 2021 semester. While the challenges are still in full swing, participation is dwindling. Whether you have never participated, used to participate, or are still participating, CEEC encourages all to take part!
“The Wellness Challenges have been great to have,” added Web and Technology Support Specialist, Ted Daniels. “It gives me the reminder that health is not just for a period of time, it’s something we need to work on all year. For me, health is about working a little at a time to achieve the end goal. Sometime we set our goals or expectations too high setting us up for failure. Just relax and take baby steps. For extra motivation, bring a friend with you on your journey!”
“The Wellness Challenges are helping me make healthier choices,” said Web Designer, Stacy Hardy. “I have yet to miss a challenge – besides last year when I forgot to submit my results!”
The next challenge begins Jan. 1! Find all the details on January’s Sugar-less Challenge, and view past challenge winners on the 21-Day Challenge site on myCWI.
Do you have suggestions for or questions about the challenges? CEEC would love to hear from you! Email them at ceec@cwi.edu.
Don’t Get Locked Out!
In May, College of Western Idaho announced the rollout of new ID cards for all students and employees. On-campus building access will expire for employees who have not updated their ID card on Dec. 31, 2021.
Steps to update your card, including how to schedule an appointment with One Stop Student Services to do so, can be accessed through the link below.
Week of Welcome Volunteers Needed
Faculty and staff are invited to help welcome students back to campus for the Spring 2022 semester during Student Engagement’s Week of Welcome activities. Volunteers are needed Tuesday, Jan. 18, and Wednesday, Jan. 19, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Activities will take place at the following campus locations:
- Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Ada County Campus Pintail Center
- Nampa Campus Micron Education Center
- Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building
CWI Snow Information and Tips
With winter weather upon us, College of Western Idaho (CWI) crews are working to keep campus locations safe and clear of ice and snow. Please keep in mind, winter conditions can be dangerous and require everyone's attention to prevent slipping and falling. We are all responsible for exercising good judgment when walking on icy or slippery conditions. No matter how well snow and ice is removed from parking lots and sidewalks, it is important to be prepared and continually aware of slippery surfaces. Parking space may be limited in some areas due to snow piles from plowing.
Keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice. Neoprene and non-slip rubber are best. Avoid shoes with smooth soles and heels.
- Walk S-L-O-W-L-Y. 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 since shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
- Avoid taking shortcuts. Shortcuts are a good idea if you are in a hurry, but may be a bad idea if there is snow and ice on the ground. A shortcut path may be treacherous because it is likely to be located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
- Walk like a penguin. Point your feet out slightly and shuffle. Spreading your feet out slightly improves your stability. Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly 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. While walking on snow or ice on sidewalks or in 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 also can result from falling snow/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 be sure you can hear approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
- When you arrive at your indoor destination, remove as much snow and water from your feet as you can to prevent water buildup on the floors.
- Enter a building carefully. When you get to your destination such as school, work, shopping center, etc., be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice.
- When using stairs, always use handrails.
- 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.
To report icy conditions on campus or if you have questions, please call Facilities Planning and Management at 208.562.3545 or facilities@cwi.edu.
