CWI News – Dec. 8, 2023
Spotlight
Led by industry professional, Paul Stoll from PPG, the second-year Collision Repair Technology students took a Low Rider Paint class. Students got to learn different masking techniques for automotive paint, how to get different textures and layers in automotive paint, how to duplicate woodgrain, and how to spray Metal Flake paint. This allows students to preview the broad job possibilities in the industry and make connections with industry professionals, expanding their potential job options.
President's Message
Greetings Faculty and Staff,
As we approach finals week, I appreciate your commitment and efforts in guiding our students towards a successful end to the semester. Your dedication and hard work play a pivotal role in fostering an environment of learning and growth as we empower more than 30,000 students.
I would also like to take a moment to congratulate our remarkable students from the Fire Service Technology and Practical Nursing program who will graduate in the coming weeks. Our graduation ceremonies are more than just a recognition of student success – they are a tribute to the faculty and staff who support our students throughout their academic journey.
As more winter weather and snow moves into our valley, please stay safe during your travels. Let's look out for each other during these chilly times, and I encourage you to visit our newsroom for safety tips.
Once again, thank you for your incredible dedication to the College and our students. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
Sincerely,
News Highlights
Agri-Service Donation Helps Heavy Equipment Technician Students Learn More Job-Ready Skills
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Heavy Equipment Technician Program students are furthering their industry knowledge and skills thanks to a new tractor generously donated by the program’s partner, Agri-Service.
Agri-Service, one of the largest dealerships of agriculture machinery in North America, donated a Massey Ferguson 7626 tractor. This state-of-the-art tractor will empower students pursuing careers in agricultural equipment maintenance. Its modern features and size make it a valuable addition to the program's hands-on learning experiences, enhancing lab activities and allowing students to master new procedures, including the intricate processes of splitting a tractor and learning the standardized communication protocol used in agriculture and forestry machinery, ISOBUS.
“I am grateful beyond words to Agri-Service for this donation,” said Diesel Technology Department Chair, George Turner. “They are an excellent company that has shown a commitment to improving and supporting the Heavy Equipment Technician Program.”
Agri-Service's commitment to the program extends beyond this donation. The dealership has been a longstanding partner, actively participating in the College's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), contributing equipment, tools, and resources, and consistently hiring program graduates. Their involvement also extends to providing curriculum feedback and playing a vital role in the redesign of the program's curriculum as it transitioned to its current 19-month model.
The Heavy Equipment Technician Program and Agri-Service partnership create opportunities for students to learn job-ready skills. CWI’s commitment to accessibility and continued reinvestments into its program, along with obtaining Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) certification, makes the College an ideal partner for Agri-Service and ensures they provide industry-leading education.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Heavy Equipment Technicians is rapidly growing, with about 21,100 job openings projected each year over the decade, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations.
“Agri-Service is honored to be able to partner with CWI to support career technical education,” said the President of Agri-Service, Kevin Vivian. “Our donation of this Massey Ferguson tractor will help advance training opportunities for future Equipment Technicians, giving them access to the latest in machine technology. The Agricultural and Heavy Equipment industries need more Technicians than there are available in the workforce, so we are proud to support CWI’s successful program. Through industry, educational institutions, and government partnerships we prepare these students for rewarding opportunities.”
For those with questions or interested in learning more about the Heavy Equipment Technician Program, visit the program page or contact George Turner at georgeturner@cwi.edu.
Machine Tool Technology Receives 18K from Gene Haas Foundation
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation recently received an $18,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation that will support the College’s Machine Tool Technology Program. These funds will support scholarships for these students in addition to providing funding for CWI's successful Skills USA programming.
“These are the types of connections with industry that we’re proud to represent at CWI,” said Vice President of Advancement, Mark Arstein. “Haas Automation is one of the leaders in the machine tool industry. They chose to use their success to create new opportunities for students at CWI and across the country.”
The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $27 million in grants, bringing the total since inception to more than $175 million.
Students enrolled in the Machine Tool Technology Program at CWI are in high demand across Idaho. They are deemed an in-demand job by the Idaho Department of Labor and have a nearly $24-an-hour average salary.
At CWI, students have the option to choose a one-year or two-year option in Machine Tool Technology, depending on if they are pursuing a certificate or associate of applied science. Scholarships through this grant will be available to Machine Tool Technology students in the 2024-25 academic year.
“The funds donated by the Gene Haas Foundation make a huge impact on our students,” said Department Chair for Welding and Metals Fabrication Program, Mike Wheeler. “Nearly all of our students have a job waiting for them by the time they graduate, and this grant will help more of them leave CWI with little to no debt.”
For those interested in learning more about the College’s Machine Tool Technology program, please visit the program page or contact Mike Wheeler at mikewheeler@cwi.edu.
Compton Published in NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising’s New Book
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Director of Student Advising, Erica Compton, who was recently published in NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, book, Academic Advising Administration: Essential Knowledge and Skills for the 21st Century, 2nd Edition.
Compton's authored chapter, titled "Voices from the Field: Program Design/Redesign," offers an insightful, boots-on-the-ground perspective. It chronicles the transformative journey of the advising department from its inception to its current state, encompassing redesign planning, implementation, ongoing operations, and the assessment of its impact on students, staff, and institutions.
This publication, authored by scholar-practitioners within the advising field, serves as a resource for advising administrators seeking to shape, design, and enhance their departments. It examines the evolving boundary-crossing role of the advising administrator in an increasingly complex and diversified higher education landscape. The book was released during the 2023 NACADA Annual Conference in October.
“It’s been a good experience participating in the Academic Advising Administration: Essential Knowledge and Skills for the 21st Century, 2nd Edition,” Compton said. “Not only am I contributing to my professional field, but I am also representing CWI in my endeavors. I am extremely proud of the Advising department and acknowledge my predecessors for being visionaries. I am honored to carry this work forward and now share it with others.”
NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising is an international association committed to the success of students at colleges and universities around the globe. One of the primary goals of the association is to produce timely and relevant content for the academic advising profession which includes the publication of books and resources critical to both supporting advising professionals and advancing the profession of academic advising.
Compton's affiliation with NACADA spans eleven of the past twelve years, during which she has actively contributed and served in various capacities, such as Idaho Liaison on the Region 8 NACADA Steering Committee, and earlier in this year was one of the conference co-chairs for the combined Region 8/9/10 conference. She is currently a nominee for a leadership position with NACADA as the Region 8 Chair for 2024-2028. Compton has also received a 2013 Conference Scholarship and has contributed to NACADA literature by supplying an article in Academic Advising Today.
CWI Launches AAS Management Program
Do you have leadership experience through military service or organizational work and are looking to advance into a management role? College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Management program is designed for you! This program is strategically designed to empower aspiring leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge for success in management positions.
The Management program at CWI is a deep dive into the nuances of managing and leading teams to achieve organizational missions. Students will gain insights into effective resources to problem solve and develop solutions to help their organization reach its goals.
Through a broad foundation of communication, psychology, and business classes, this program helps students strengthen their leadership experience. Instructors will emphasize skill development to ensure students are well-prepared for career advancement. The program will also offer students the opportunity to take part in real-world internships in the local community and provide hands-on experience to apply their knowledge to actual projects.
Graduates of CWI's AAS in Management program will leave with a personal portfolio showcasing their skills and accomplishments. Strong leadership and management skills acquired through the program are highly sought after in government, industry, and service sectors.
Military veterans and individuals with previous leadership experience may receive credits for their prior learning to advance quickly through the program.
For more information about the Management program at CWI, please visit the Management program page or contact Richard Sotto at richardsotto@cwi.edu.
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
College of Western Idaho (CWI) honored Native American Heritage Month on campus with a celebration event put together by Student Engagement and the Inclusive Excellence Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Students, staff, and CWI community members gathered for an event filled with delicious food, a powerful performance from a drum group, and an inspiring keynote address.
The event kicked off with a light breakfast and performance from the Lightning Creek Nimiipuu Drum Group, who traveled from Lapwaii, Idaho. The rhythm of the drum filled the air, captivating the audience, and serving as a great educational opportunity for those present. The group members shared stories in between songs and engaged in conversation. This unifying power of music and rhythm is central to many Native American cultures.
The highlight of the evening was a captivating keynote address by Jason Pretty Boy, titled “Native American Heritage Month... Conversation on Why.” Pretty Boy delivered a powerful and insightful message, reminding us of the importance of celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Emphasizing the history, cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples, and how we can as a community can show support.
Ending the event with some savory stew and fry bread, the celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the past and embracing the ongoing contributions of Native American peoples.
Thank you to all those who attended, and we look forward to next year's celebration!
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.
Nominate an Outstanding Instructor
Do you know a College of Western Idaho (CWI) faculty member who has gone above and beyond and made a difference in your educational career? Nominate them for the College’s Faculty of Distinction and Idaho GEM Awards.
Each year, nomination forms are sent to CWI faculty and students to nominate instructors for the Idaho GEM Awards and our CWI Faculty of Distinction. If you have an instructor who has made a difference in your educational journey through their care, exemplary teaching style, creativity, and passion share your thoughts with a nomination.
Last year, Professor of Psychology, Heather Schoenherr, was awarded a GEM Award for Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing. Nominations and comments from students played a big role in helping her win.
Nominate an Outstanding Instructor
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Greg Wilson at gregwilson@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.
2023 Holiday Check Processing Notice
Due to campus closures for Fall and Winter Breaks, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Business Office will not issue employee reimbursement or vendor checks on the following dates:
Normal processing of checks will resume Nov. 30.
Normal processing of checks will resume on Jan. 4.
If you have questions or are in need of more information, contact Accounts Payable at accountspayable@cwi.edu.
