CWI News – Dec. 6, 2024
News Highlights
CWI Night at the Idaho Steelheads – Dec. 11
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 Tulsa Oilers. Students, alumni, employees, family, friends, and members of the CWI community are all invited to attend.
Idaho Steelheads vs. Tulsa Oilers
Wednesday, Dec. 11
7 p.m.
Idaho Central Arena
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!
Even More Steelheads
The fun doesn’t stop at CWI Nights! Through the partnership, CWI also offers a limited amount of discounted ticket price of $18 to all other Steelheads home games for the 2024-2025 season.
Tickets must be placed at least 24 hours prior to the event or subject to availability.
Inaugural Surgical First Assistant Cohort Prepares to Graduate CWI
Last spring College of Western Idaho (CWI) welcomed its first cohort of Surgical First Assistant (SFA) students, joining only thirteen other programs throughout the country that offer Surgical Technologists an opportunity to advance their skillset and careers in the operating room.
As they approach the end of their final semester, CWI’s SFA students are preparing to graduate and sit for the national Certified Surgical First Assistant Exam.
“I’ve always wanted to develop my skills and advance my career, so once I found out CWI had a Surgical First Assistant program I applied right away,” said Vanessa Macdonagh, a current SFA student.
The Surgical First Assistant program features a hybrid format over three semesters, allowing students to fulfill their didactic coursework online while gaining hands-on experience through skills labs and clinical rotations. Balancing a full-time job and as a mother of two, Macdonagh credits the program’s online coursework option as key to managing her busy schedule.
“I highly recommend this program for any Certified Surgical Technologist looking to advance their career. It's affordable and offers flexibility for your schedule,” added fellow student Jennifer Gabiola.
Rob Blackston, CWI’s Surgical First Assistant Program Director, is preparing to review applications for the program’s second cohort. “As one of the few Surgical First Assistant programs in the western U.S. and one of the only primarily online offerings, we provide an exceptional option for aspiring surgical assistants. It’s exciting to contribute to the advancement of healthcare both locally in Idaho and nationally,” Blackston stated.
Applications for the 2025 Spring cohort will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 13. For more information on the application process, please visit CWI’s Surgical First Assistant program page.
Hoff Named Faculty of Distinction for March 2024
Jody Hoff, an esteemed Economics Instructor in the Business department, has been honored as Faculty of Distinction for March 2024 at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Hoff’s recognition comes from her exemplary dedication, kindness, and effectiveness in teaching, highlighted by her impact on students and contributions to the CWI community.
Hoff’s commitment to her students is evident through the heartfelt nominations she received. One student, Kaleb Urquhart, who had taken three of her classes shared, “Jody showed incredible kindness and passion in teaching economics and business analytics. She was always respectful and professional, making every effort to answer questions and help students understand the material.” Another student, J.C., emphasized Hoff’s ongoing support beyond the classroom, saying, “She is so sweet and cares about the day-to-day things in my life. Jody is a wonderful teacher who does the best she can for her students and is very understanding.”
With a career that began in high school education, Hoff has accumulated extensive experience in economic education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Idaho, a master’s degree from Boise State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Research Psychology from Walden University. Her professional journey includes roles as a Visiting Scholar for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, leadership positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and the Idaho Council on Economic Education.
Hoff’s passion for teaching is driven by her belief that education is the most crucial investment for a young person’s future. “Every day I’m in the classroom, I get to contribute to those investments!” Hoff said. Her dedication to creating engaging and imaginative learning opportunities has led to significant research contributions in educational publications, including in esteemed journals like The American Economist and the Journal of Economic Education.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hoff is known for her approachable and caring nature. She reflected on a memorable moment with a student from her macroeconomics class: “A student gave me a card at the end of the term, thanking me for making the classroom a comfortable place to speak up and ask questions. It was a great reminder of the small things we do every day to make our students feel seen and heard.”
Hoff appreciates CWI for its value proposition of affordable tuition, committed faculty, and a culture that prioritizes student success. “I love that we provide a low-cost, low-risk way for anyone to try their hand at college,” Hoff said. Her dedication to CWI and its students is further reflected in her belief that the institution prepares students for their future by offering state-of-the-art technical and academic programs tailored for immediate success in the workplace or higher education.
Outside the classroom, Hoff enjoys skiing, golfing, mountain biking, and playing the video game Destiny 2. She values spending time with her family and friends, emphasizing the importance of balance in life.
Hoff’s recognition as Faculty of Distinction for March 2024 underscores her unwavering dedication to her students and the CWI community. Her contributions have made a lasting impact, embodying the values and mission of CWI.
CWI Hosts First Ever Entrepreneur Showcase and Competition
Budding entrepreneurs pitched their products and business ideas at the inaugural Entrepreneur Lab Showcase and Competition, held Nov. 21 at College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB). The event presented CWI students and others to showcase their ventures to local business champions, glean expert feedback, and vie for the top prizes.
Competitors in the Showcase contended for a $1,000 grand prize, awarded to the most forward-thinking business concept. In addition, three winning teams were given a Golden Ticket, cementing their spot in the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge — a statewide competition that congregates the sharpest entrepreneurial brains in Idaho.
“This event embodies CWI’s commitment to fostering creativity, providing real-world experience, and driving economic growth in the Treasure Valley,” said Gordon Jones, President of College of Western Idaho. “It’s an incredible opportunity for students to connect with industry experts, refine their ideas, and take meaningful steps toward turning their business dreams into reality.”
Grand Prize Winner
Megan Ruped and Seth Hoover
Golden Ticket Winner(s)
Daniella Jensen
Wanda Wilson
Megan Ruped, Seth Hoover
$500 Winner(s)
Oscar Perales
Wanda Wilson
$250 Winner(s)
Daniella Jensen
Kaitlynn Jensen
CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab operates as a nexus for innovation, offering students and the community the tools, resources, and mentorship required to thrive in the fast-moving entrepreneurial landscape. The Showcase and Competition not only celebrates creativity and drive but also strengthens connections between the College and the local business community.
Big Changes From Your Staff Senate
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Staff Senate has been hard at work, committing to improving staff engagement, delivering updates, enhancing communication, and fostering connections. Below are some exciting updates!
Staff Senate Bylaws
Updates have been made to the Staff Senate Bylaws ensuring a more effective and legitimate voice for all staff.
Staff are encouraged to vote on the proposed bylaws this week through Dec. 20.
SharePoint Hub
Staff Senate is thrilled to announce the launch of the new CWI Staff Senate Public SharePoint site, designed to be the central hub for all things Staff Senate. Key features include:
- Anonymous Feedback Submission Form: Let your voice be heard without revealing your identity
- Staff of the Month Submission Form: Nominate outstanding colleagues for recognition
- Staff Senate Announcements: Stay informed about ongoing efforts from Staff Senate members and committees
- Initiative Tracker: View the status of ideas, concerns, and requests submitted to Staff Senate by the broader CWI staff
- Other Resources: Access links to meeting minutes, upcoming events, and essential tools for staff
Monthly Newsletter
In addition to the resources outlined above, the Staff Senate SharePoint site also contains the new Staff Senate monthly newsletter. This newsletter contains information pertinent to CWI staff, including Administrative Council meeting outputs, important updates from Staff Senate and Staff Senate committees, staff activity and event information, and staff recognition.
Important Dates & Upcoming Events
- Staff Senate Proposed Bylaws Voting
Dec. 2 – 20
- CWI Staff Holiday Gathering
Tuesday, Dec. 17
1 – 4 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Get Involved
Your involvement is crucial to the success of the Staff Senate. Together, we can make a significant impact! Staff are encouraged to participate, share feedback, and help Staff Senate shape a better workplace for all by:
- Attending Staff Senate meetings
- Submitting feedback
- Participating in senate nominations and elections
- Joining Staff Senate committees as an ‘association-at-large’ member
To learn more or contact Staff Senate, visit the Staff Senate Sharepoint Site.
Cyber Newsletter: Popular Cyber Scams Series 2
Impersonation Scam
“The email looked like it was from a business I knew.”
The scammer may pose as a business, government agency, company employee or vendor you work with. They send you a spoofed email (appearing to be from a legit source) or use a fake caller ID, requesting a change in payment or creating a false sense of urgency to send funds due to fraud or a late payment. At times, they will ask you to transfer money or deposit a check for expenses and refund the balance.
Helpful Tip: When in doubt, hang up the phone and call a verified phone number.
Impostor Scams
Impostor scams often begin with a phone call, text message, or email. The scams may vary but work the same way — a scammer pretends to be someone you trust or represent themselves as an employee of a company that you might do business with. They often use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID so the phone call may appear legitimate. No matter the story told, scammers attempt to gain your trust or use scare tactics before asking for your personal, account, or credit card information.
If you are faced with this situation:
- Stop all interactions.
- Keep all communications for proof.
- Never send money or purchase gift cards because someone contacted you.
- When you suspect fraud, only call the phone number on the back of your credit card.
For more information about College of Western Idaho’s organizational security, please contact Michael Wilson at michaelwilson1@cwi.edu.
For more information about cyber awareness or cybersecurity, you can either contact Michael Wilson, Sara Hoyt at sarahoyt@cwi.edu, cyberdefense@cwi.edu or visit the Cyber Defense Center.
To report a possible cybersecurity issue, please submit a Help Desk ticket.
Pless Named November 2024 Staff of the Month
Alex Pless, the Anatomy and Physiology Tutor Specialist in the College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Learning Commons, has been recognized as Staff of the Month for November 2024. Pless’s innovative approach to tutoring, dedication to student success, and her own inspiring journey as a student and single mother have left a remarkable impact on CWI.
Nominated by Hollie Leavitt, Pless’s commitment to helping students excel in the notoriously challenging Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) courses has brought new strategies and resources to the tutoring program. Leavitt described Pless as “the best of the best,” noting how she went beyond standard tutoring methods by developing weekly study sessions where students reviewed learning objectives and created study guides — a practice pioneered by Pless and now widely embraced by her students. “The sessions quickly became popular, and I saw the exam average in my Biology 226 class increase by 7% over the previous semester,” Leavitt said, adding that the class failure rate dropped from 22% to 4% following Pless’s involvement.
Pless’s approach centers on more than academic content; she teaches students how to learn effectively. “I attribute a significant part of the decline in fail rates directly to Pless,” Leavitt said. “She doesn’t just teach material; she teaches students how to prepare and succeed. Many students have reached out to share how much Alex’s support has changed their academic lives.” Some students wrote: “I wanted to let you know how much Alex has changed my life! I would not have these grades without her!” and “Alex is a breath of fresh air and has given me confidence that I will be able to pass.”
Pless balances her role as a tutor with the responsibilities of being a full-time student and a single mother to two young children, Maysie-Jo and Theodore. Despite these demands, Pless has remained available to her students, often setting tutoring hours late at night and on weekends to accommodate their needs. “When I first asked Alex to tutor for me, she set many of her working hours from 9 – 11 p.m. and offered weekend hours,” Leavitt said. “Those times worked wonderfully for our online A&P students, many of whom balance work and family.” Pless’s dedication to her students and flexibility in scheduling have made her a valuable resource for CWI’s student body.
Pless’s journey with CWI began as a student, and she attributes her deep passion for A&P to Leavitt, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to become a tutor. Since then, Pless has found immense fulfillment in her role. She recently earned her associate’s degree in human biology from CWI and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience at Boise State University. “CWI has fostered a wonderfully positive environment that promotes people who show a willingness to help, an abundance of kindness, and a passion for what they do,” Pless said.
Reflecting on her time at CWI, she shared how her experience as a tutor has transformed her life. “I struggled with my education as a child and was very self-conscious as an adult. Hollie Leavitt promoting tutoring was one of the biggest game changers in my life. I gained confidence and developed a growth mindset. Getting to help others with this material while growing with it myself was a turning point that I never saw coming.”
Beyond her dedication to tutoring, Pless is devoted to her family and enjoys spending time in nature with her children. Together, they explore the outdoors, learning about animals, plants, and bugs, and creating crafts and cards for friends and family.
Pless’s passion for helping others, her innovative contributions to tutoring, and her inspiring personal journey make her a deserving recipient of Staff of the Month award for November 2024. Congratulations to Alex Pless for her outstanding contributions to the College!
Ordering Promo Items Just Got Easier
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Marketing department is working to empower departments to reach out directly to vendors for promotional item orders. To help uphold the College's brand, and allow departments to collaborate with vendors more easily, Marketing has created the CWI Logo Usage Guide for Vendors along with a useful list of approved those companies that CWI works with. All this information can be found for ongoing reference under Employee Resources > Communications & Marketing on my.cwi.edu.
PLEASE NOTE:
- As a standard practice, Marketing works directly with vendors regarding the sending and use of CWI logo files and does not share these design files internally.
- Marketing will still need to be involved in the review and approval process for items requested by departments (see more details on the order workflow in the Usage Guide).
- At this time, this guide is exclusive to our Institutional brand. Coming soon will be a supplemental guide for our new mascot, the Otter. If you want to include the Otter before Marketing sends the guide and assets to vendors, you will need provide details about the item (color, imprint size, imprint colors, etc.) to Marketing in order to send the vendor appropriate file(s).
Don't hesitate to reach out to communications@cwi.edu if you have any questions.
