CWI News – March 31, 2023
Spotlight
Spots filled up quickly at the Cesar Chavez Blood Drive Challenge in honor of Ceaser Chavez Day on Thursday afternoon! CWI Latinx Student Services and Student Engagement teamed up to bring the American Red Cross on campus to give students, employees, and the community an opportunity to donate blood and help those in need.
President's Message
Greetings CWI Faculty and Staff,
One of my favorite things is to listen to CWI student success stories. Last week, a great group of CWI students, graduates, and instructors presented to the House and Senate Education Committees in the Capitol. Thanks to Heavy-Duty Truck students Maygen Allison and Quinton Thurber, who was joined by instructor Marcos Serratos-Garcia, a 2018 graduate of CWI. Additionally, Seferino Tapia – a CWI graduate who is a Caldwell Police Officer and Idaho Medal of Honor recipient, was accompanied by CWI’s Director of Law Enforcement Program, LeRoy Forsman, during his presentation.
I am very excited to share CWI’s new marketing campaign, “Let’s Get Started,” with all of you. CWI identified, for many of our students, the biggest challenge, beyond cost and time, is to overcome ‘self-doubt’ and believe they can attend college. Our advertising is designed to generate enthusiasm with prospective students to explore the high-quality, affordable, and accessible educational opportunities available at CWI.
I invite all of you to watch our outstanding TV spot that has been running for over a week.
Spring is a fantastic season on campus as we prepare for several end-of-year events celebrating the amazing work of our students and faculty. Best wishes as we make a final dash for our May commencement! Thanks again for all you do to support our students and community.
Respectfully,
CWI in the News
Wyakin Foundation: Idaho Veterans Academic Grant Unification Winners Announced
Post Register: I.F. Fire Department graduates 15 new firefighters as need grows
News Highlights
College of Western Idaho to Hold First-Ever CWI Giving Day
Investing in education is one of the most impactful ways to create positive change. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we are committed to empowering lives and building foundations for the future. CWI invites alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community members to join our first-ever CWI Giving Day on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13.
CWI Giving Day is a 24-hour campaign dedicated to supporting students, programs, and opportunities that strengthen our campus and community. Every investment, no matter the size, creates pathways to affordable education, helping dreams become reality.
“CWI is thrilled to launch our first Giving Day,” said 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 change the lives of our more than 30,000 students. 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 provide easy online access for donors to support several programs and initiatives within the College. A gift to CWI Giving Day provides current and future students opportunities to aim high and reach their goals.
“I feel like I have been invested in and somebody believes in me,” said CWI Secondary Education student and SCORE Big Scholarship recipient, Logan White. “When somebody believes in you, it pushes you to do great things and pushes you to want more for yourself.”
“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 will launch on Wednesday, April 12 at 12 p.m., MST, and close on Thursday, April 13 at 12 p.m., MST.
To get involved, people can do so by donating and sharing the CWI Giving Day page with friends, family, colleagues, and others in their community.
CWI Giving Day supports students and areas of the College that make a difference in our community’s lives. Learn more about those programs and resources at www.cwi.edu/givingday.
For those with questions or in need of more information about CWI Giving Day, please contact CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
College of Western Idaho’s Z-Degree Classes to Make Courses More Affordable
Save money while completing your education by enrolling in Z‑degree classes at College of Western Idaho (CWI)! Designated Z‑degree classes offer zero or low-cost textbooks, making a student’s education journey more affordable.
Beginning in the Fall 2023 semester, Z-Degree classes will be available to all students, regardless of their chosen major, providing an affordable alternative to traditional textbook costs.
A zero-cost textbook refers to any textbooks or course materials available to students at no cost, often through Open Education Resources (OER). According to the Idaho State Board of Education, OER are "teaching, learning, and research materials that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license, such as a Creative Commons license, that permits free use and repurposing by others."
“CWI is proud to offer accessible and affordable degrees,” said CWI Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Denise Aberle-Cannata. “The Z-Degrees allow students to choose from some courses that offer low to no-cost textbook options. Often students are forced to choose between tuition and books. The Z-degree allows the student to have both!
In addition to select Z-degree classes, Communication, Liberal Arts, and Philosophy programs offer a Z‑degree Pathway with zero or low-cost textbook options for every class required to complete an Associate of Arts degree within those areas of study.
Z-degree classes are part of CWI’s commitment to providing high-quality education that is accessible to all students. The initiative also aligns with the College's mission to empower students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.
The Idaho Legislature and Gov. Brad Little jump-started CWI’s Z-degree classes by investing $1 million into similar programs across the state as part of Little’s “Building Idaho’s Future” initiative.
When registering, classes offering a Z‑degree option will be marked with the Z-degree icon.
For those with questions or in need of more information about Z-degree classes, please contact your advisor or email academicadvising@cwi.edu.
Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Amy O'Brien
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist and dancer, Amy O’Brien, to Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) on Thursday, April 6, and Friday, April 7, for a presentation and workshop.
O’Brien grew up in La Jolla, California, and danced professionally in New York City, appearing in numerous Broadway productions, including the Tony Award-winning musical, Anything Goes, at Lincoln Center. Her concert dance work includes four years with Twyla Tharp’s company, highlighted by an appearance on the PBS series, Dance In America, in a filmed performance of Tharp’s acclaimed work, In the Upper Room.
O’Brien toured with Mikhail Baryshnikov and his White Oak Dance Project. Baryshnikov later commissioned O’Brien to choreograph a work for his company, which premiered in New York and was performed throughout Europe and the United States. She was resident choreographer to the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival for five seasons and collaborated with acclaimed singer/songwriters and recording artists Suzzy and Maggie Roche on a theatrical project based on their album, Zero Church, which was performed at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. O’Brien most recently choreographed a new musical, The Show on the Roof, which premiered at Boise Contemporary Theater Spring of 2022.
O’Brien developed The Art Space, an installation-based gallery, housed within The Eagle Performing Arts Center, and was co-curator for the Modern Art Event at The Modern Hotel in Boise for six years. She is co-founder of The Atlanta School, an Art and Architecture School located in the rugged mountain town at the foot of The Sawtooth Wilderness Area. She has a love of authentic environments, creating experiences for people in those spaces, and has been saving, restoring, and revitalizing historic buildings in Atlanta, Idaho since 1998.
O’Brien is currently creating installations and performative pieces inspired by nuclear waste superfund sites, anti-nuclear activists, and nuclear non-proliferation.
Join us as O’Brien presents a lecture about the idea of an artist working as a preservationist and the work she does in Atlanta, Idaho restoring and revitalizing historic buildings.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 106
In addition to a lecture, O’Brien will also host a dancing workshop that relates to her experience performing and choreographing around the world. All are welcome to attend, no previous experience is required.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 206
CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from the Idaho Commission of Arts, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Visual Artist Series events are free and open to the public.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu.
CWI Alumnus Continues to Foster Change Around Community
College of Western Idaho (CWI) 2022 Social Work graduate, Craig Petersen, has a passion to help those around him — particularly children in the foster care system. To raise awareness of the foster care crisis in Idaho, Petersen is hosting the second annual Speak Up Ink Up, where tattoo artists and organizations around the Treasure Valley donate their time and efforts to support children in need.
“Speak Up Ink Up is more than just an event, we are a commitment and a promise to those in our community who are experiencing social injustices, that we see you and we are fighting for you,” said Petersen.
On Saturday, April 8, artists from Tattooed & Successful and Level Up Tattoos will work together to offer $50 tattoos for the community. All the proceeds will go to CASA to assist in providing support and a voice for every foster child in Idaho.
Petersen originally created the event while he was a student at CWI last year. He was able to recruit members of CWI’s Psychology Club, Social Work Club, and Art Club to volunteer and donate their art for the event, which was able to raise $11,500.
As Petersen gets ready for this year’s event, he is proud to say his CWI community will return and offer support to help make Speak Up Ink Up successful once again.
“I always refer to CWI as a family because that's how they make you feel while attending there,” Petersen said. “It is absolutely beautiful to know that after graduating, I am still being supported and backed by CWI. CWI is truly a pinnacle in our community and has proven time and time again that its students and their community will always be a priority. I'm extremely grateful to have CWI in my corner.”
In addition to CWI, Tattooed and Successful, and Level Up Tattoos, Boise State University’s School of Social Work, Boise Angels, CASA of Southwest Idaho, and Wild 101.1 have also partnered for the event. The event will also host several different vendors and food trucks for community members to enjoy.
Strickley Selected for National Adult Education Fellowship
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Adult Education and Onramp Program Coordinator, Sarah Strickley, who has been selected by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) as a 2023 State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow (SAAEF) representing Idaho.
COABE focuses on the development of leadership, advocacy skills, research capacity, and network of influence for adult educators, educational staff, and administrators. The fellowship helps build a robust network of leaders and advocates focused on the advancement of adult literacy across the country.
Throughout the year, fellows will engage in national and regional policy discussions and join a growing number of peers dedicated to building advocacy. The COABE State Advocacy Fellowship comprises a series of federal- and state-related training sessions focused on building advocacy and leadership skills.
“I am thrilled for the 2023 SAAEF Fellows as they spend the next year learning how to become better advocates for adult education across the country and better leaders, with the ultimate goal of providing the best adult education systems for our students,” said Chair of the SAAEF Fellowship Program, Jeffrey Abramowitz. “We are mindful that legislators do not make policy, the stories of our students and our teachers do.”
“I am so excited for the opportunity to connect with advocates around the country and learn how I can best advocate for adult education programs,” said Strickley. “SAAEF will train me to amplify student voices and increase visibility and support of adult education programming in our state. Adult education opportunities can be transformative, not only for the individuals receiving the opportunities but also for the communities they are situated in. Adult Education at CWI serves Idahoans by preparing students for their GEDs, providing English language and digital skills instruction, and workforce training. I look forward to sharing the great work we do in adult education at CWI and across the state.”
Archaeological Experiments in Ancient Maya Stone Quarries
Have you ever wondered how the ancient Maya constructed their immense citadels and temple complexes? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Anthropology Club and program are hosting a presentation with retired Professor of Archaeology, Dr. Jim Woods, to explain more about archeological experiments in Ancient Maya stone quarries on Monday, April 24.
Woods will explain the current remote sensing method using ground-penetrating light, LiDAR technology, which reveals a more massive scale of Maya architecture and landforming than ever previously known.
This presentation focuses on the ancient technology used to provide limestone blocks and stucco to construct huge buildings, extensive plazas, and miles of interconnected causeways revealed in these new maps. Experimental replication studies conducted over several archeological field seasons will be summarized and participants will be given a chance to ask questions.
Archaeological Experiments in Ancient Maya Stone Quarries
Monday, April 24
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 102E
The event is open and free to the public. For those with more questions or in need of more information, please contact Nikki Gorrell at nikkigorrell@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.
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.”
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.
Visiting Artist Series Setting Art Students Up for Success
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Studio Art students are getting real-world insight into what life may be like as a professional artist and the steps to get there! CWI's Studio Art Capstone (ARTS 290) course met with local artist, Kristen Furlong, as part of the College's Visiting Artist Series Wednesday, March 15.
Furlong was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and currently lives and works in Boise, Idaho. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Studio Art from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts from Boise State University. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally in solo and group exhibitions. Furlong examines the ecological and poetic bonds we have with animals, plants, and insects on lands that we collectively inhabit, through multimedia projects created from the viewpoint of a mixed-race (black/white) woman in the American West.
Recent projects consider nuclear waste in the high desert of Idaho, declining habitat in the grasslands of the Great Plains, and the effects of climate change on species everywhere. In her work, animals and plants serve as both emblems of nature and as metaphors for human desires. Furlong uses detail, repetition, and patterns inspired by the natural world as a representational tool in drawings and installation works, while also using mark-making to express empathy, loss, and longing. Furlong is the director of the Blue Galleries and a lecturer in the Department of Art, Design, and Visual Studies at Boise State University.
Furlong’s lecture discussed her art practice and as well her work as a gallery curator at Boise State University. She provided students with amazing advice with tangible and practical ways to take their next steps as artists and art professionals.
CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
