CWI News—March 4, 2022
In the Spotlight
Just in time for spring and the prospect of warmer weather, work is now complete on the west patio at the Nampa Campus Academic Building. The emphasis behind this project was to create a gathering space for students and employees. Features include covered seating areas with electrical outlets and access to Wi-Fi and a terraced area ideal for events and classroom activities.
President's Message
Thanks to the Idaho State Legislature, this week College of Western Idaho (CWI) received some wonderful news regarding support for campus development. The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee approved $10 million for the College’s new Health and Sciences Building and an additional $5 million to relocate the Horticulture program to our Nampa Campus. This investment will provide transformational learning opportunities for our students.
I want to thank all of you for engaging in our campus visioning and planning process. These are exciting times for CWI as we prepare to move into the next phase. Because of the work you do every day, it reinforces to the state legislature that CWI will continue to empower our community with these new investments.
I also had a terrific opportunity to speak at the Capital City Kiwanis Club in Boise this week. As you know, I love sharing the story of CWI and our passion for serving students. I want to thank Richard Sotto, CWI Business Department Chair, and 17-year Kiwanis Club member, for the opportunity to attend and share our CWI message.
I hope you all have a chance to enjoy the warmer temperatures this weekend and spend time with family and friends recharging.
CWI in the News
News Highlights
Mental Health First Aid Trainings Begin
Congratulations to the first class of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings who, after passing the final exam, were awarded completion certificates. Brenda Fisher, Department Chair of Visual and Performing Arts, and Kae Jensen, Dean of Math and Science, facilitated this first course, Thursday, Feb. 24, and were excited to engage with the CWI community on this important topic.
As noted in the recent article, Mental Health First Aid Training Comes to CWI, 15 employees have been trained as trainers and will be offering MHFA courses for faculty and staff throughout spring semester and beyond. Training consists of online modules completed in advance of the training date and either a Zoom or in-person meeting to practice the action plan. Non-judgmental listening, empowering people to promote help-seeking skills, and reducing stigma around mental health challenges are additional skills gained. Those who complete the training enter a community of helpers at CWI.
A special thank you to this first group, seen in the Zoom Immersive View screenshot, for helping the College’s MHFA trainers further develop their skills in presenting the content.
“The exit tickets we got back confirmed this info is really helpful and appreciated,” said Fisher reflecting on the training. “Overall, I’m really excited to have shared it and gotten the ball rolling at CWI.”
Jensen saw the need for this training first-hand recently for a student experiencing a panic attack on campus. While the team of staff and faculty who supported the student did a great job, the experience was stressful for all.
“With more of our team trained in MHFA, we can get people help faster and with greater confidence,” she said.
Ramirez Named Staff of the Month for February
Congratulations to Latinx Student Services Coordinator and Enrollment Counselor, Bibiana Ramirez, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for February 2022.
Following graduation from Idaho State University (ISU) in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and double minor in Acting and Political Science, Ramirez began working as a recruiter at the University. She began working at CWI in 2017 and has since completed a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from ISU.
“The opportunity to work with first-generation students, along with the supportive community CWI provides to both students and employees makes CWI a great place to be,” Ramirez said. “Our campus community is so friendly, supportive, and willing to lend a hand.”
Creating and fostering an inclusive and supportive space for students is what Ramirez does best.
“As a Latinx Student Services Coordinator and Enrollment Counselor, I help develop and execute workshops, campus and community events, socials, and scholarship opportunities for Latinx students and families including FAFSA Nights For Spanish Speakers, Nuestra Celebracion, La Bienvenida Open House, Navegando Mentors, and Latinx Scholars. I am also in the high schools weekly recruiting and providing support to high school counselors and students planning to attend CWI. I host CWI Support Days at each high school I oversee where students can get help completing their CWI application and FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and accessing their student accounts.”
"Bibiana always goes above and beyond to serve students in the most authentic and caring way possible,” said Assistant Director of Testing Services, Witney Davis. “She doesn't apply a one size fits all solution to help students, but rather finds creative ways to challenge her students while providing guidance. She is always prepared, curious, engaged, and brings so much energy. A role model to all, her unique abilities of organization, leadership, and empathy are inspiring. She is a true asset to the CWI team, our students, and to our community.”
“Because of CWI, I have the opportunity to help students achieve their goals,” said Ramirez. “I love seeing students I worked closely with at graduation in their regalia, the joy on their faces, and how proud their families are of them.”
Ramirez was born and raised in Southeast Idaho. She enjoys traveling the world, reading, bodybuilding, and napping.
Spring 2022 Job & Career Fair
Looking for employment? Join College of Western Idaho March 9 and 10 for the Spring 2022 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 9
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Employers:
- Boise Centre
- Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity
- Busy Excavating and Landscaping
- Girl Scouts of Silver Sage
- HumanGood
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture
- KPFF Consulting Engineers
- The Blower Shop
- Transit Management of Ada County
- Williams Energy Companies
Thursday, March 10
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Employers:
- Boise Centre
- Boise Daycare & Learning Center
- Boise State University
- Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity
- Girl Scouts of Silver Sage
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture
- Impact Cleaning Solutions
- KPFF Consulting Engineers
- Terra Nova Technologies
- Terry Reilly Health Services
- The Blower Shop
- Transit Management of Ada County
- Valley County
- Valvoline
- Williams Energy Companies
- and MORE!
Contact Amber Eubanks, Assistant Director of Student Engagement, at ambereubanks@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.
Healthy Minds Survey Seeks Student Feedback
Committed to the emotional well-being of its students, College of Western Idaho (CWI) recently partnered with JED Campus in a four-year initiative. As a first step to this strategic collaboration, the College’s current approach to supporting student mental health and wellness will be evaluated.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 21, CWI students will be recieving an email invitation from healthyminds_CWI@umich.edu to take a survey. The Healthy Minds survey will include questions regarding how CWI is currently doing with issues and support related to the mental health and well-being of students.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the survey. Those who complete the survey by March 22 will be entered for a chance to win one of 75 Amazon gift cards valued from $10 to $50, in addition to a national survey drawing for larger prizes.
Contact Dean of Students, Chad Trisler, at DOS@cwi.edu with questions.
Security to Host Run, Hide, Fight Presentations
Ever thought about what you would do in the event of an active shooter situation on campus? Many of us may think a situation of this nature would never happen to us. The odds are, you are right, it will never happen to you – until it does. The shooting last fall at Boise Towne Square Mall illustrates this can happen to anyone, anywhere. Remembering to run, hide, and fight can increase your chances of surviving such a situation.
Join College of Western Idaho Security’s team the week of Spring Break to learn how you can prepare mentally for an active shooter situation. The 30-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
Tuesday, March 22
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center, 1701 A/B
Wednesday, March 23
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building, Room 1320
Thursday, March 24
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Canyon County Center, Room 207
Contact Director of Security, Stan Niccolls, at stanniccolls@cwi.edu with questions.
A Novel Life – March 25
Storyfort and College of Western Idaho are proud to present A Novel Life – a dive deep into processes, practicalities, passions, and how the conception and writing of a novel gets done. This year’s event will feature bestselling authors Jason Mott, Jennifer Haigh, and Jonathan Evison.
Friday, March 25
FireFusion Studio & Delia Dante Gallery
14th and Main in Boise
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
A Novel Life, geared toward writers and readers 16 years and over, is free and open to all.
Contact Dave Nicholas at davenicholas@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.
