CWI News – March 3, 2023
Spotlight
The Nampa Chamber's Leadership Nampa Class of 2023 toured several organizations and businesses, including College of Western Idaho's Nampa Campus Micron Education Center, earlier this week. The group was able to check out the lab space programs, like Heavy Equipment Technician and Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology, use on a daily basis.
#mightyCWI
President's Message
Dear CWI Community,
As we near the mid-way point of the semester, I want to thank you for your continued efforts to deliver high-quality education that is affordable and accessible.
Your work gives our students a strong educational foundation to excel in our community and achieve social mobility. The ability of CWI to empower students is well known and reflected this week in the state legislature.
CWI’s budget, along with other community colleges in the state, was approved on Thursday by the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee (JFAC). CWI received more than $1 million to support increased capacity in the College’s Nursing program, student outreach, and recruitment, and increase assistance for STEM students. Additionally, CWI received funds to support Enrollment Workload Adjustment (EWA) and Change in Employee Compensation (CEC). As I have mentioned before, CWI gets just over 50% of our annual budget from public funding, so your work to maintain the College in high esteem within our community is important and appreciated.
Again, I thank you for your dedication and determination to serve our students and community. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Respectfully,
Bold Appreciation
It's time for another employee ticket giveaway!
Enter for your chance to win tickets to an upcoming Idaho Steelheads game by entering a number between 1 and 1,000 via the link below. The employee closest to the number, chosen at random, will receive tickets to an Idaho Steelheads game.
Entries must be received by noon on Wednesday, March 8. The winners will be announced the afternoon of Wednesday, March 8. Tickets must be picked up by noon on Friday, March 10, or they will be given to the next eligible winner who is closest to the chosen number.
Members of President’s Cabinet, the Executive Operations Team, and Work-Study students are not eligible. Limit one entry per CWI employee.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact hr@cwi.edu.
News Highlights
Visiting Artist Series Welcomes the Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s (ISF) Shakespearience program as they perform the play, Much Ado About Nothing, and host an acting workshop on Friday, March 10.
Students and community members are invited to take part as the Idaho Shakespeare Festival brings an exhilarating new adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s classics, Much Ado About Nothing, to life offering viewers a timeless tale with a contemporary spin.
Synopsis: Beatrice and Benedick would rather exchange scorching insults than sweet nothings. However, the pugnacious pair is forced to forge a partnership in order to defend house and honor, and salvage the true love of Hero and Claudio after deceptions destroy the lovers’ wedding day. Will the earnest endeavor to restore a young romance elicit an unexpected change of heart from the erstwhile combatants?
Mix-ups and mischief fill this tale, along with moments of tragedy, creating a play with something for everyone. This 50-minute performance is an engaging way to bring students deeper into Shakespeare’s work in a relatable, entertaining, and accessible experience.
Following the performance, the ISF cast and crew will hold a 15-minute Q&A and then host a free hour-long acting workshop for audience members.
The performance is suitable for all ages and will be sign-interpreted (ASL).
Shakespearience: Much Ado About Nothing
Friday, March 10
5:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Room 122
CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by National Endowment for the Arts. Visiting Artist Series events, featuring visual and performing artists, are free and open to the public.
For those with questions or need more information, please contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu.
Nominations Open for 2023 Student Leadership Awards
Nominations for College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Student Leadership Awards are now open! These awards seek to recognize the achievements of outstanding student leaders on campus for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to CWI and the community. Through this award, CWI hopes to reward and celebrate inspiring individuals who have made a meaningful impact on campus life and created a lasting legacy.
This year’s awards are:
- Club of the Year Award — This award is presented to an organization that has demonstrated excellence in all areas of community engagement, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development.
- Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award — This award recognizes an advisor who has excelled in providing support and assistance to a club/organization. The recipient has devoted time and service that has played a key role in the organization’s success.
- Social Program of the Year Award — This award recognizes a program/event(s) that has contributed to a sense of community on campus and encouraged students to come together and meaningfully engage with one another and/or the Ada County/Canyon County communities.
- Community Service Program of the Year Award — This award recognizes a program that has engaged students through service while encouraging them to selflessly serve beyond this one experience.
- Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year Award —This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their term of office and has enhanced participation and involvement within their organization, the campus, and the community.
- Quiet Influence Award —This award recognizes an individual who has contributed to their organization or club and campus community in a meaningful yet behind-the-scenes way.
- Rising Leadership Award — This award will honor a first-year student who does not need a title to fill a leadership role. Throughout the school year, this student has shown a new-found commitment to serve the CWI campus and community side by side with the elected student leaders and administration of the campus. This student can be found helping to complete any task needed while helping to model the core values and mission of the College. The student shows promise in continuing to exemplify growth and development as a leader.
- Trailblazing Leadership Award — This award will recognize a second-year or graduating student leader who has engaged themselves in a significant leadership role on campus. The Trailblazing Leadership Award includes those students who have come to CWI with leadership experience or have developed leadership skills through the many opportunities the campus offers. Through their involvement, recipients of the Trailblazing Leadership Award have shown ambitions to improve campus life and strengthen the Treasure Valley community.
Nominations will remain open through Tuesday, March 28. Award recipients will be announced at the 2023 Student Leadership Banquet on Friday, April 21, at the Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sitlaly Hernandez at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
Acing the Interview
Are you ready for your next job interview? If you’re feeling anxious or unsure of how to prepare, College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Work-Based Learning Center has got you covered with their upcoming professional development series, Acing the Interview, presented by Horizon Credit Union. This workshop will give students the skills and knowledge to succeed in their next interview.
The workshop will be led by career professionals who will engage with students to provide useful advice and feedback before they begin their job search. Students will engage with employers, connect to opportunities, and discuss topics such as social media etiquette, practicing common interview questions, and developing interviewing techniques.
Thursday, April 13
Noon – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Administration Building (NCAB), second-floor atrium
This event is open to all CWI students. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP, as seating is limited. Lunch and giveaways will be provided.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact wblc@cwi.edu.
Summer 2024 Registration
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Summer 2024 semester is now open! Summer term is a great way to keep going and get ahead on credits. Registration for new, continuing, and returning students is open and classes begin Monday, June 3.
Summer classes are only eight weeks and earn the same credits as a full Fall or Spring semester class. There are many reasons for taking summer classes including:
- Accelerating your degree: Summer classes can help you complete your degree faster by allowing you to take additional classes in a shorter amount of time.
- Lightening your workload: By taking summer classes, you can spread out your course load over a longer period, making your regular academic semesters less stressful.
- Making up for lost time: If you had to miss a class during the regular academic year due to illness or other reasons, you can use the summer session to make up the course and stay on track.
- Exploring new subjects: Summer classes often offer a wider range of courses, including those outside of your major, allowing you to explore new subjects and interests.
- Improving your GPA: Summer classes typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individual attention from your instructor. This can help you better understand the material and improve your grades.
- Getting ahead: By taking summer classes, you can get a head start on your future academic and career goals, allowing you to move forward more quickly.
Important Dates
- Admission Deadline – Saturday, May 25
- Registration Deadline – Friday, May 31
- Classes Start – Monday, June 3
Continuing and Returning Students
Course offerings can be viewed in SelfService which is accessible through the Toolkit on myCWI.
New Students
New to CWI? New, degree and non-degree seeking students need to apply to CWI prior to registering for classes. Visit Applying to CWI for a complete list of steps to get started.
Non-Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once accepted to CWI, new, non-degree seeking students can immediately register for classes.
Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once accepted to CWI, new, degree-seeking students must participate in New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes.
Financial Aid
Contact Financial Aid at financialaid@cwi.edu to learn more about options available for students in need of financial assistance.
Students are encouraged to contact One Stop Student Services or their Advisor with any questions or concerns. Registration for summer will be open through Friday, June 2.
Health Programs 2023 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 for Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 semesters. Applications must be submitted by the deadlines. Visit individual program pages linked below for information, application instructions specific to each program, and assistance.
SPECIAL PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
Summer 2023 Start
- Surgical Technology – Nov. 1 to April 7
Fall 2023 Start
- Professional Nursing – Feb. 13 to May 19
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – March 1 to April 30
- Physical Therapist Assistant – March 27 to May 18
Have questions or need help?
- Contact your Student Advisor.
- Visit CWI's Health Sciences page for more information and program contact information.
- Attend a Virtual Healthcare Information Session.
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.”
Brackley Named November 2022 Staff of the Month
Congratulations to Senior Information Technology (IT) Program Manager, Autumn Brackley, who was named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for November 2022!
Brackley works alongside the IT department where she helps coordinate large projects, such as Colleague integration and operational work for the staff.
Brackley has been part of the CWI community since May 2008 and has held several positions around the College, including Assistant Registrar, Director of Advising, and Senior Admissions Representative. She has always known she wanted to work for a community college, and when plans were announced to create CWI, she kept a close eye out for positions she believed she was best suited.
“I believe in the community college mission,” Brackley said. “Who we serve, this community I grew up in, and the focus on access to different education paths.”
While Brackley has held several positions around CWI, many employees who have worked alongside her say she leaves a lasting impact in each department and student’s life she touches. Staff members such as Program Manager, Javier Garcia, describe Brackley as a leader around the community who builds and supports student success, continuously innovates how to improve processes for the student experience, and commits to bettering internal processes.
“In the short time I have gotten to know Autumn, I know her to have integrity, be caring and respectful to all,” said Garcia. “In my first week and every day after in my new role, Autumn has helped train me with patience, has helped me understand the requirements and historical perspectives of how we engage in the work, and regularly encourages me to voice my opinion and supports me in the work I need to accomplish. She does this with all the people she interacts with.”
One of Brackley’s favorite memories in her nearly 15 years of service at CWI has been being able to volunteer as part of the College’s Speech and Debate team during its first few years.
“It was so great to see students thrive and find success outside the classroom,” Brackley said. “I cherish those memories and those students.”
It is her commitment to serving students and watching them thrive that has kept her at CWI all these years.
“My favorite part is the confidence I see shine through when students reach their goals,” Brackley said. “Sometimes it is working through an appeal process, passing a class, or finding an instructor or staff member who will be a mentor or write them a recommendation letter — and then they no longer feel ‘new’ to ‘this college thing;’ I can see they will find successes here.”
Outside of CWI, Brackley enjoys reading, preserving food, and baking.
Mileage Reimbursement Change
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is adjusting the mileage reimbursement rate for employees following the current State of Idaho rate of 62.5 cents per mile in 2023.
The new rate takes effect Feb. 1, 2023. The Business Office has a new Local Mileage Form available on MyCWI - Business Office located under Accounts Payable Forms.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Accounts Payable at accountspayable@cwi.edu.
Take Part in 2023 Connections Project!
Plan to join us in April as College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement during its eighth-annual Connections Project! This year’s event will feature poster displays on campus, in-person mini-talks, a juried art exhibition, President's Writing Awards readings and panel, and a social hour on Thursday, April 20. A live awards ceremony for award winners will be on Friday, April 21. CWI students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate.
Student Submissions
Showcase your hard work and accomplishments! The wonderful projects and signature assignments you have completed or are currently working on can easily be entered in the Connections Project. Any project or assignment completed during Spring 2022, Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023 semesters is eligible.
Submissions may include, but are not limited to, class projects, art, research, service learning, and community projects or collaborations. Individual or group work submitted in the categories of posters, recorded or live mini talks, or club projects or presentations. A Connections Excellence Award and cash prizes will be given to the top entries in each category. Submissions are due by Friday, March 31.
Submit your work, learn more about the event, and view past submissions and winners by visiting myCommons on Blackboard or the Connections Project page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Take part in this year’s event by sharing this opportunity with students, volunteering as a judge, helping to hang posters, or joining the Connections Project Committee.
Volunteer opportunities are available for employees and students.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Cathy Carson at cathycarson@cwi.edu.
Spring 2023 Job & Career Fair
Looking for employment? Join College of Western Idaho March 29 and 30 for the Spring 2023 Job & Career Fair to meet with employers from across the Treasure Valley who are ready to put your skills to work! Employers are looking for office managers, CNAs, social workers, construction workers, equipment operators, mechanics, and more.
Wednesday, March 29
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Employers:
- AAROW of Idaho, PLLC
- Ada County Sheriff's Office
- Centurion
- City of Caldwell
- Commercial Tire
- Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain
- Edgewood Healthcare Assisted Living
- GoGo SqueeZ
- HDR
- Home Instead Boise 707
- Idaho Air National Guard Recruiting Office
- Idaho Arts Charter School
- Idaho Central Credit Union
- Idaho Community Health Center Assoc.
- Idaho Democratic Party
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Idaho Division of Veterans Services
- Idaho State Tax Commission
- Idaho Transportation Department
- On Demand Solutions Inc.
- Personnel Plus Inc.
- Piedmont Airlines
- Saint Alphonsus
- Shaw Mountain of Cascadia
- The Key
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- Treasure Valley Family YMCA
- Valley County
- Vibra Hospital of Boise
- and MORE!
Thursday, March 30
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Employers:
- AAROW of Idaho, PLLC
- Ada County Sheriff's Office
- Boise State University
- Boise State University Human Resource Services
- Centurion
- Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain
- Idaho Air National Guard Recruiting Office
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- On Demand Solutions Inc.
- Piedmont Airlines
- Saint Alphonsus
- Shaw Mountain of Cascadia
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- Treasure Valley Family YMCA
- Vibra Hospital of Boise
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Center for New Direction Coordinator, Roberto Trinidad, at robertotrinidad@cwi.edu.
Spring 2023 Transfer Fair
So, you’re a College of Western Idaho (CWI) student who is approaching graduation and interested in learning more about transferring to a university or college to continue your education. You are in luck! CWI invites those interested to the Spring 2023 Transfer Fair on Tuesday, March 7.
College and university representatives will be on campus to discuss programs, majors, and transfer requirements. This is a one-day event that will take place at both campus locations, Ada County and Nampa, throughout the day.
Visit with representatives from schools, such as Boise State University, University of Idaho, Idaho State University, College of Idaho, and more! You can find the full list of participants on the Transfer Fair webpage.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), first floor lobby
For those interested or who have questions, please contact Brittney Hernandez at brittneyhernandez@cwi.edu.
Vote in Upcoming Spring 2023 ASCWI Election!
As Spring 2023 semester gets into full swing, students at College of Western Idaho (CWI) are gearing up for an important annual event: the Associated Students of College of Western Idaho (ASCWI) elections. This tradition gives students the opportunity to have a say in the leadership of their college and help shape the policies and programs that will affect their lives on campus.
This semester, CWI students will be encouraged to vote on the ASCWI President, Vice-President, Senators, and a Referendum.
Spring 2023 Ballot
ASCWI President & Vice-President ticket
- Casey Dudley and Raquel Valdibieso
ASCWI Senator
- Travis Raney
Referendums
- Establishment of a Student Services & Activities Fee – Referendum #01-2022-2023
For more information on the candidates and Referendum, please visit the ASCWI elections web page.
Students who wish to write in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and CWI email address.
Voting will begin on Friday, March 10, at 5 p.m. and will stay open until Thursday, March 16 at 11:59 p.m. More voting details will be sent through CWI student email closer to the polls opening. To vote in the student body election, you must be a currently enrolled student at the College.
Election results are expected to be announced on Friday, March 17, at noon.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Amber Eubanks at ambereubanks@cwi.edu.
ASL Club Collecting Candy for Easter Egg Hunt
As the Easter holiday approaches, College of Western Idaho’s ASL Club plans to take part in a local Easter egg hunt and can use the help from the CWI community gathering prizes!
As the Easter holiday approaches, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) ASL Club plans to take part in a local Easter egg hunt and can use the help from the CWI community gathering prizes!
ASL Club will take part in Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf & Blind (IESDB) and Idaho Association of the Deaf’s (IAD) Easter egg, which invites children and families who are deaf and hard of hearing to participate at Chateau Park in Meridian on Saturday, April 8. About 30 – 40 families take part in the annual Easter egg hunt, making it one of the Treasure Valley’s biggest Deaf community events of the year.
To help make the day even more special for those children and families, CWI ASL Club will be collecting candies to use as prizes. They are collecting small, wrapped candies that can fit into plastic Easter eggs, such as small chocolate eggs, small Reese’s cups, etc.
Jellybeans or unwrapped candies cannot be accepted.
CWI ASL Club is also looking to collect new and unused toys to give away as prizes.
People can drop off donated candy and toys at an upcoming ASL Club Game Night on Wednesday, Mar. 17 or contact ASL Club Secretary, Emily Anderson, at emilyanderson2@my.cwi.edu to coordinate a time and location to pick them up. Donations are due by Thursday, March 30.
The Club has also volunteered to help put candies in each egg, set up the event, and manage food and prize tables for the event.
For those with questions, interested in volunteering, or in need of more information, contact Emily Anderson at emilyanderson2@my.cwi.edu.
