CWI News – Nov. 10, 2023
Spotlight
Students in the Math Solutions Center have been sharing their expertise on how to be successful in their college-prep math classes. When a student passes an exam, they get to add a leaf with some sage advice to the "Expert Tree."
Liberal Arts student, Nick Malaniak, is contributing to the tree after passing his exam. He suggests that students should “review the concepts that worries them the most.” Some other leaves on the Expert tree include: “Take your time and trust your gut!”, “Do ALL of the homework”, “Watch your signs”, and “Breathe bro, literally just breathe”.
President's Message
Greetings, CWI Faculty and Staff,
It’s an exciting time on campus as we reach the midpoint of the semester, and I invite you to watch this video! I want you all to know I appreciate your hard work and dedication to serving our students.
As we approach Veterans Day, I encourage you to join me in honoring the service members on our campus community. Their sacrifices and contributions to our nation are invaluable, and it is fitting that we express our collective appreciation for their service.
With spring semester registration now underway, I thank you for your continued efforts in guiding our students along their educational paths. Your support is pivotal to their growth and achievements.
Respectfully,
CWI in the News
Idaho Education News: Idaho’s largest two-year college wants to offer its first four-year degree
Boise State Public Radio: College of Western Idaho expands mechatronics engineering program
Big Country News: Women in the transportation and trades featured in Apprenticeship Idaho webinar Nov. 16
News Highlights
Biology Students Make a Difference with Boise ReWild Project
In College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Professions in Biology course (BIOL 104), students aren't just learning about biology — they're actively making an impact. Recently, they participated in the Boise ReWild Project, a community-driven initiative led by the Golden Eagle Audubon Society (GEAS) aimed at preserving and revitalizing over 50 acres of land along the Boise River.
Biology student and Biology Club President, Elliot Johnson, volunteered his class to receive training from GEAS. This training equipped them with the skills to identify invasive weed species and implement proper planting techniques to safeguard against winter conditions. Students were then assigned a plot of land near the Boise River Greenbelt off Highway 21. GEAS supplied the students with tools and plants, then they got to work.
Students worked to de-weed the overgrown plot where they removed many skeleton weeds and cheat grass to plant new native plants.
“To spend my free time restoring habitat gives me a sense of greater purpose and reconciliation with the habitat-destroying world I was born into,” said Biology student, Nathaniel Walker. “Doing this kind of work has only deepened my desire to work in habitat management.”
What began as fulfilling volunteer hours for their Biology class evolved into a more extensive commitment, with students adopting an additional plot for restoration. Johnson shared the hands-on experience provided valuable insights into future careers, fostering networking opportunities with biology professionals and experts from organizations like GEAS and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
“It’s a source of pride for us, something that we did as students almost all on our own,” Johnson said. “Project management was headed by a CWI student, and every volunteer who showed up was a CWI student. As future biologists, taking care of ecosystems and helping native species become reestablished is an honor.”
Beyond the environmental restoration efforts, students also were able to see the diverse wildlife that call the Boise River home, such as bald eagles and red-tailed hawks.
“It’s nice knowing that students at CWI can make a small impact on the Boise River and attempt to restore it to its natural look,” said Biology student, Cheylee Corle.
Under the guidance of Biology Instructor, Gary Heller, CWI’s Professions in Biology course is designed to introduce students to different biology careers, professional development, and current issues in the field of Biology. Students are encouraged to develop basic job search skills and documents, including a resume, cover letter, online application profiles, and communication competency. Oftentimes Heller invites guest lecturers to speak or plans field trips to provide valuable information to facilitate students in their decision-making process and future course selection.
For those with questions or in need of more information about Professions in Biology, please contact Gary Heller at garyheller@cwi.edu.
CWI Nights at Idaho Steelheads – Nov. 15
Enjoy a night of hockey, and support students at the next CWI Night!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner with the Idaho Steelheads to SCORE Big for scholarships as the Steelheads take on the Allen Americans. Students, alumni, employees, family, friends, and members of the CWI community are all invited to attend.
Your $20 ticket to the game includes a seat in the CWI section and a meal voucher for a Double R Ranch Hot Dog, chips, and a small drink. Five dollars of each CWI group ticket sold for a CWI Night goes directly back to the SCORE Big Scholarship fund.
Visit the CWI table on the concourse for your chance to win a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship or CWI hockey jersey — awarded that night on the ice!
The fun doesn’t stop at CWI Nights! Through the partnership, CWI also offers a discounted ticket price of $18 to all Steelheads home games for the 2023-2024 season.
Tickets must be placed at least 24 hours prior to the event or subject to availability.
Enter the 2024 Connections Project Logo Competition
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Connections Project celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement. We are calling upon current CWI students to showcase their talent in design to incorporate this mission statement into the new 2024 Connections Project logo! Submissions for the Logo Contest will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 17.
The winning logo will be chosen by the Connections Project committee. The selected student will have the opportunity to work closely with CWI’s Communications and Marketing team to bring their vision to life, ensuring their design aligns perfectly with the project's goals. In addition, the winner of the Connections Project Logo Contest will receive a monetary award of $150.
The winner of the contest will be announced at the beginning of the Spring 2024 semester.
Submit an entry:
- Log into Blackboard.
- Navigate to "Organizations" and select "My Commons."
- Find the "Events and Opportunities" tab
- Click on "2024 Connections."
- Choose "Submit Your Work" and select "Logo Submissions."
Because the winning logo design will be used on official promotional materials for a CWI event, it is important the design reflects the Brand Standards of the College.
The committee looks forward to seeing the innovative and inspiring logo designs that students will submit. For those with questions, please contact Karen Brown at karenbrown@cwi.edu.
Visiting Artist Series: John Flores
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, John Flores, to the Nampa Campus Academic Building on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and Wednesday, Nov. 15 for a lecture and a workshop.
Flores is a contemporary ceramic artist who lives and practices in Yucca Valley, California. He acquired his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus in Ceramics at California State University, Fullerton in 2019.
"My work revolves around a notion of sacredness that I associate with nature,” Flores said. “An interconnectedness between plants and animals, I like to believe that every living thing has a spirit. These notions are always at the core of my work, I then build off of that and I will plug in everyday innate life experiences and tell a story. Stories that deal with life, death, ephemerality, awe, wonder, love, growth, and transformation. Love the planet more."
Join us for a lecture where Flores will discuss more about his art practice, his own ceramic process, techniques, and the evolution of his artwork.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 206
In addition to the lecture, Flores will host a hands-on workshop where he will explore silicone caulk rubber mold making. Participants will learn how to make a two-piece silicone mold.
Materials will be provided.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 206
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.
The lecture and workshop are both free and open to the public. For those interested in attending the workshop, please RSVP to Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu.
Reed Named September 2023 Staff of the Month
Congratulations to Executive Director of the Learning Commons, Kim Reed, who was named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for September 2023.
Reed oversees the College’s academic support departments such as the Library, Tutoring Services, and the Writing Center. The Learning Commons at CWI is a collaborative partnership between the Library and Tutoring with the goal of expanding the ability of each to support student success.
Reed came to the CWI community in 2011 as the Director of Library Services. Prior to CWI, she was working as a Librarian at Boise State University and was in search of a career growth opportunity. She saw the Director of Library Services position at CWI opportunity and began learning more about, at the time, the new college.
“I was excited by the mission as well as the opportunity to be part of creating something that would have a positive impact on our valley, our state, and beyond,” Reed said. “It has been a thrill to be part of that all these years, and it continues to be.”
One of Reed’s favorite aspects of working at CWI is the people. She shares the institution has passionate, collaborative staff and faculty who go to great lengths to support and elevate students. It is also the students whom Reed is constantly impressed with because of their caliber and dedication.
“They inspire me in my work every day.”
Having been at CWI for the last 12 years, Reed has many different memories surrounding the College and its people. One in particular was the College’s first accreditation visit in 2011.
Reed had been with CWI for about six weeks and was concerned about whether the Library team could meet the library standard. When they heard the results of the exit interview, the Library received a low score and was placed on a list of recommendations for improvement. Reed was devastated for about a day and then realized that was exactly the reason she had been hired: to get the Library and the team up to standard. By the time the College was evaluated again, the Library received a commendation from the NWCCU.
“That was a very proud moment for me, knowing what the Library team and I had built in just a few years.”
That leadership is something many of Reed’s colleagues have witnessed firsthand for 12 years.
From stories of her taking charge during the challenging times of the pandemic to her innovative approach, advocacy for staff, and commitment to student success, she has shaped a positive workplace culture. Colleagues commend her empathetic and strategic leadership, emphasizing professional development and successful program implementations. Reed’s impact is felt across the Learning Commons and the broader college community.
“She is as central as anyone at CWI in connecting students with what they need to succeed, whether that is resources, instruction, one-to-one support, or anything else,” said Instruction Librarian, Jason Roach. “The Learning Commons is an amazingly responsive organization, and Kim is at the heart of that.”
“Kim is a tireless advocate for both students and tutors, proposing and innovating new initiatives to help with student retention, inclusivity within the Learning Commons, and accessibility to students,” said Tutoring Services Supervisor, Brett Belden. “She is open and always willing to play to the strengths of the individuals she works with, and this has made the Learning Commons an amazing division to work in. I feel incredibly fortunate to get to work for her.”
Outside of CWI, Reed enjoys traveling, live music, and spending time outside — especially in the summer months. She loves boating, water sports, and tending to her garden. During the winter months, she likes to frequent the ski slopes and hot springs.
CWI Offering Free Mental Health First Aid Training to Employees
In an era where mental health concerns are on the rise, taking care of our well-being is more important than ever. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we understand the importance of supporting the mental health of our students, faculty, and staff. The College is continuing to offer free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for the 2023-2024 academic year.
MHFA 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. Gaining skills in non-judgmental listening, empowering people to promote help-seeking skills, and reducing stigma around mental health challenges, participants will enter a community of helpers at the College upon completion.
The certification lasts for three years.
Eleven CWI employees are certified MHFA instructors. So far approximately 200 CWI staff and faculty have taken the course and instructors hope to train at least 100 more this school year.
“Having College employees trained to offer assistance in a mental health situation is an important step in creating a culture of care on the CWI campus and in our communities,” said Jodi Hickenlooper, Assistant Director of Counseling and Wellness Services.
At CWI, we believe that investing in the mental health of our faculty and staff is not just a priority but a responsibility. We are proud to offer MHFA training as a valuable resource for our community.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to complete MHFA training. It's a step towards fostering a campus environment that values mental health as highly as physical health. Together, we can make CWI a place where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered.
CWI employees interested in MHFA training are encouraged to register for virtual and in-person sessions scheduled throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.
Zoom
Ada County Center Pintail Building, Room 1318
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 106
For departments interested in booking a group training, MHFA instructors are happy to make that happen.
For those with questions or interested in learning more about MHFA trainings, please reach out to Jodi Hickenlooper at jodihickenlooper@cwi.edu or mhfa@cwi.edu.
2023 Holiday Check Processing Notice
Due to campus closures for Fall and Winter Breaks, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Business Office will not issue employee reimbursement or vendor checks on the following dates:
Normal processing of checks will resume Nov. 30.
Normal processing of checks will resume on Jan. 4.
If you have questions or are in need of more information, contact Accounts Payable at accountspayable@cwi.edu.
