CWI News – Jan. 13, 2023
Spotlight
The new Spring 2023 semester is almost here! This week CWI Student Affairs and Advising hosted Spring into the Semester — a two-day event that invited new and returning students to explore campus, learn about academic resources, meet with advisors, faculty, and other students, and find out what else the College has to offer.
President's Message
Greetings, CWI Faculty and Staff,
I hope everyone was able to enjoy some time off during the holidays, relax with family and friends, and return recharged as we kick off a new semester.
It is an exciting time on campus as we prepare to welcome students back, and participate in activities and events for in-service. We have an amazing CWI community, and I appreciate your efforts as we continue to empower more than 30,000 students with the skills and education they need to flourish.
During Gov. Brad Little’s State of the State speech on Monday, I was thrilled to see CWI Student Body President Flora Koenig recognized in the gallery, along with three other student leaders from Idaho colleges and universities. I had the opportunity to congratulate her immediately following the governor’s speech in the Capitol, and her enthusiasm and pride were contagious.
I am also excited to report that our team is making strides to launch the College’s first CWI Gives Day later this spring. This event will increase interest from our community to support various clubs, programs, and students. Stay tuned for updates as we approach the event.
Again, I want to thank all of you and wish everyone a successful semester!
Respectfully,
News Highlights
CWI Student Body President Recognized at Governor’s State of the State
A letter to the Idaho Legislature has turned into the inspiration behind more investments into the Gem State’s higher education students. College of Western Idaho (CWI) Student Body President, Flora Koenig, along with her counterparts at three other colleges and universities, were recognized by Gov. Brad Little at the annual State of the State and Budget Address, where he mentioned their letter helped create a future $8,500 scholarship.
In October 2022, Koenig, along with three other Idaho college and university Student Body Presidents, drafted a letter to the Idaho Legislature urging the need for more funding and direct investments in Idaho students. They believe the added support may entice more graduating Idaho high school students in the state to attend a community college, trade school, or a traditional four-year institution. Ultimately the goal is to add them to Idaho’s growing workforce.
“With the economic growth and demand by Idaho industries, now more than ever we can’t afford for our students to leave Idaho,” the letter writes.
At Little’s State of the State, he introduced the ‘Idaho First’ plan, which aims to invest more money into education, workforce, infrastructure, and various other areas around the state. Little shared part of the plan would open ‘Idaho Launch,’ a state-funded $8,500 scholarship for graduating high school students in Idaho to attend an Idaho university, community college, career technical, or workforce training program of their choice.
During his speech, Little credited the letter Koenig and her counterparts wrote and even introduced them to the Legislature.
“It is amazing to know that I'm a student in a state that really values education, takes the voices of students seriously, and is willing to listen to us when we have suggestions,” Koenig said. “When we see there's potential for student growth and retention in the state, we're really proud to have been a part of this process and that Governor Little is honoring the wishes of students here.”
The Idaho Launch scholarship will be available in 2024.
Student Resource Fair and Club Fest Helping Students Get Involved and Stay Connected
In preparation for the Spring 2023 semester, you may be ready to check out what College of Western Idaho (CWI) has to offer outside of the classroom! Student Affairs has put together opportunities for all CWI students to explore the different resources available on- and off-campus, while also enjoying fun activities and tasty food at CWI’s Spring 2023 Student Resource Fair and Club Fest.
Students will be able to learn about and chat with various clubs, organizations, offices, and departments on campus. The two events will give new and returning students an opportunity to learn about the CWI community and gain important information regarding campus life to have a successful, enjoyable academic journey.
Should you attend the Student Resource Fair and Club Fest? Yes! Here are five reasons why:
- Learn about different resources available on campus including Tutoring Services, Academic Advising, Counseling Services, and more.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities at CWI, like clubs and academic programs, and become part of the community on campus.
- Learn how participating in extracurricular activities and utilizing resources on campus can help you develop leadership skills, time management skills, and more.
- Make connections, meet other students with similar interests, and make friends outside of the classroom.
- Learn more about the culture of the College.
The Student Resource Fair will also bring together about a dozen off-campus community partners. These organizations are excellent resources to help students with basic needs, such as Valley Regional Transit, childcare and family support, financial support resources, low cost medical care options, and domestic violence resources.
Ada County Campus Pintail Building (APIN)
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
There will also be free burritos (chicken, asada, and vegetarian) from Nampa’s La Pantera Market #2 for CWI students by visiting a designated number of tables at the fair and fill out their Resource Fair Passport.
That's not the only reason students will want to visit the fair’s booths and tables! Three lucky students who fill out the passport will be entered in a raffle for a chance to receive an Amazon gift card. Names will be chosen and contacted by Student Affairs following the events.
Can’t make it in person? Visit the Resource Fair virtually all semester long in myCommons on Blackboard!
For those with questions or in need of more information about the two events, contact Erin Ortiz at erinortiz@cwi.edu.
CWI Honors Program Ready for a Bold New Semester
The inaugural cohort of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Honors Program wrapped up their first semester and reflect upon what they have achieved as they continue their journey as honor students.
Students in the Honors Program spent the Fall 2022 semester individually looking at their academic and career goals and building the resources needed to achieve them.
CWI President Gordon Jones met with the Honors Program students several times throughout the semester, meeting with some individually. Jones helped facilitate a job-shadow experience with a student and met with another student to talk about transfer and graduate school opportunities.
Students also met with representatives from Boise State University and The College of Idaho about the transfer process and how these institutions might align with their academic goals. The students are now working on hosting a larger transfer question and answer session for Honors Program students — including transfer institutions outside of the Treasure Valley for Spring 2023 semester.
CWI Honors Program strives to not only be an additional course of study for students but also a resource to provide them with out-of-the-classroom experiences.
“The CWI Honors Program is so new, so the opportunities are endless,” said a CWI Honor Program student. “I remember attending an event with CWI administration, and just by mentioning I was a member of the Honors Program, people wanted to talk to me and hear my stories — not only about my experiences in the Honors Program but about my life. I don’t look at the Honors Program as more work and classes but instead an opportunity to expand my knowledge as well as my connections.”
While attending the Honors Program section of CWI 101 Pathways course (CWI-101) and honors classes in the Communication and Philosophy departments, the Honors Program students developed and honed their communication, critical and creative thinking, assessment, and analytical skills. Students collaborated on projects and presented research to each other — research that will serve as the starting point for additional academic inquiry over the rest of their time at CWI.
Because all the students were coming in with different education pathways in mind, students were given multiple perspectives.
“I have learned the world is much more diverse and interesting when listening to my classmates,” said a CWI Honors Program student. “Hearing others share perspectives and viewpoints I would have never come up with, challenges me to think outside the box exponentially. It has been a joy to see and hear everyone talk about things they are passionate and care about.”
The students also developed non-academic skills, such as collaboration and community building. Students believe the small size of the cohort fostered an environment of support and community.
“The Honors Program, for me, was a great environment that made me feel supported by other incredible peers,” shared a CWI Honors Program student. “They gave me amazing advice and feedback, offered new perspectives on things I felt strongly about, and, most of all, I feel like I could call every one of them a friend.”
A new cohort of students will begin their CWI Honors Program journey this spring, taking honors-designated classes and joining the current cohort to being to expand the reach of the Honors Program on campus. Students are looking forward to hosting events and collaborating with established student groups on campus, such as the Beta Sigma Pi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
The application period for the Honors Program is open for Fall 2023. For more information and for the application, please visit the CWI Honors Program page or contact Honors Program Coordinator, Michal Yadlin, at michalyadlin@cwi.edu.
Giving Tree Collects Hundreds of Gifts for Idaho Children
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) 14th-annual Giving Tree brought holiday cheer to hundreds of children and families in Idaho this past holiday season. The College’s Psychology Club, Psi Beta, Veteran’s Association, Student Nurses Association, and Social Work Club partnered with CASA of Southwest Idaho to collect 500 gifts, which supported more than 400 children associated with the organization.
CASA of Southwest Idaho is an independent non-profit organization representing the best interests of children in foster care.
“Generosity and kindness can have a powerful impact on those receiving it, especially children,” said Professor of Psychology, Psi Beta, and Psychology Club Advisor, Heather Schoenherr. “Receiving a present not only gives children a material representation of support from their community, but it provides them with hope. “
“Thank you for bringing joy and cheer to the foster children and their families every year,” said CASA of Southwest Idaho.
