CWI News – March 01, 2024
News Highlights
Save the Date: Support Higher Education on the College of Western Idaho’s Annual Giving Day
Putting your resources into education is one of the most effective methods for facilitating positive transformations. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we are dedicated to empowering students and laying solid foundations for the future. We are excited to invite our alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and the community to participate in our annual CWI Giving Day, March 13 and 14.
CWI Giving Day is focused on supporting students, programs, and opportunities that amplify the positive impact of our campus and community. Any contribution, regardless of its size, opens doors to affordable education, turning dreams into reality and champions students and programs of the College that significantly influence our community’s lives. Discover more about these programs and resources on the CWI Giving Day page.
“CWI is thrilled to announce our second Giving Day,” stated CWI President Gordon Jones. “As the largest higher education institution in the state, CWI is proud to deliver affordable, high-quality, and empowering educational opportunities designed to help our students find good paying jobs. CWI Giving Day is an opportunity for you to see and support the amazing work of our students and faculty. Community members can show their generosity by supporting a student club, program, or scholarship with a gift today.”
CWI Giving Day will allow convenient, online access for donors to support a variety of programs and initiatives within the College. A donation to CWI Giving Day grants current and future students the opportunity to aim high and fulfill their ambitions.
Automotive Technology student, Ryan Hael, is grateful for the boost of a scholarship, made possible through generous donations, that has helped him pay for his education.
"Receiving a scholarship has relieved so much stress off my back of having to try to apply for loans and struggling to find funds," he said. "It is also helping me be able to stand out in the automotive field by having tools that will help me work faster and do jobs that other technicians won’t be able to do without those tools."
“The Foundation Board is deeply committed to the belief that education has the power to transform lives,” said CWI Foundation Board President, Mike Peña. “Through this support, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve success in their chosen careers and build a solid foundation for their future.”
CWI Giving Day launches on Wednesday, March 13 at 9:30 a.m. and will close on Thursday, March 14 at 3:30 p.m. A great way to participate, beyond donating, is to share the CWI Giving Day page with their friends, family, coworkers, and community members.
For any inquiries or if more information is required about CWI Giving Day, please reach out to CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
Stay Safe During an Earthquake
Did you feel that? The 4.9 magnitude quake on Monday — centered about 6 miles north of Smiths Ferry or 60 miles north of Boise — was powerful enough to be felt in the Treasure Valley. Seismic activity is common in Idaho, which ranks fifth in the nation for earthquake risk after California, Alaska, Nevada, and Utah.
While the majority of tremors go unnoticed, knowing what to do when a larger quake hits is important. The CWI Emergency Handbook recommends the following:
During an earthquake:
- Remain calm.
- If indoors:
- Seek refuge under a desk or table or in a doorway and hold on.
- Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy equipment.
- Do not use elevators. An elevator may become inoperative and a trap.
- If outdoors:
- Move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, overhead wires, and other structures.
- CAUTION: Avoid downed power or utility lines as they may be energized.
- Do not attempt to enter buildings until you are advised to do so by the proper authorities.
- If in an automobile:
- Stop in the safest place available as quickly as safety permits, preferably in an open area away from power lines and trees.
- Stay in the vehicle for the shelter it provides.
Shaking with excitement to learn more about earthquakes? CWI offers ground-breaking seismic education in the Geosciences program.
Support Your Teeth During Dental Assistant’s Week
Dental assistants strengthen dental practices and enhance patient satisfaction around the world. March 3 – 9 has been designated by the American Dental Assistants Association as Dental Assistants Recognition Week.
As integral members of a practice, Dental Assistants support dentists and patients during procedures and perform essential administrative duties. They play a key role in educating patients about oral hygiene best practices, preparing people for dental procedures, taking impressions, exposing radiographs, infection control, recording patient notes, and scheduling appointments.
Come join CWI’s Dental Assisting program for dental presentations ranging from brushing and flossing techniques to new technology used in dental offices.
Monday, March 6
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Health Programs Application Deadlines
Are you interested in a career in healthcare? College of Western Idaho (CWI) has a variety of Health Science programs available to prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in this growing industry.
Applications are now open and must be submitted by their respective deadlines. All programs listed below are competitive entry and require a supplemental application process. Visit individual program pages linked below for information, application instructions specific to each program, and assistance.
PROGRAM APPLICATION PERIODS
Opening Dates
- Surgical First Assistant – Sept. 2
- Practical Nursing – Sept. 27
- Surgical Technology – Nov. 1
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – February 2025
- Physical Therapist Assistant – March 2025
Deadlines
- Registered Nursing – Oct. 25
- Practical Nursing – Nov. 1
- Surgical First Assistant – Dec. 13
Have questions or need help?
- Current students are encouraged to meet with their Advisor to discuss options.
- Visit CWI's Health Sciences page for more information and program contact information.
Healthcare Career Opportunities
Careers in the healthcare field have some of the greatest need as our communities continue to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 2 million new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 1.9 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.”
2024 Juried Art Exhibition
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visual and Performing Arts department is excited to host the eighth-annual Juried Art Exhibition, which takes place during the College’s Connections Project.
This year’s juror is Sue Latta, a determined and intuitive sculptor who creates visually poignant and skillfully executed artwork utilizing a variety of processes, including welding, woodworking, carving, casting, and photography. With over 20 solo exhibitions, Latta’s work is found in collections throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to being a lecturer at Boise State University, she has served as an artist in residence for the City of Boise, the Livestrong Foundation, and the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, New York.
For more information or to view Latta’s work, visit her website.
Submissions are being accepted for the 2024 Juried Art Exhibition through March 22, and can be entered via the Connections Project Portal section on Blackboard. Students will be notified of results by April 12, with art being placed in the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) 2nd floor gallery before April 18. All currently registered students are encouraged to participate — the winner will receive $150!
CWI’s Connections Project event is Thursday, April 18. For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Karen Brown at karenbrown@cwi.edu.
