CWI News – November 22, 2024

As we inch closer to the end of the Fall 2024 semester and final exams, College of Western Idaho (CWI) is here to support you! Student Engagement and the Library are hosting Crunch Week, a week-long event dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff prepare, relax, and have some fun as we head into the final stretch of the semester.

Flapjacks for Finals

CWI Library staff will be flippin' some flapjacks to fuel you as you prepare for finals. Stop by and grab a cup of coffee and a pancake... or two or three!

Tuesday, Dec. 3
10 – 11 a.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)

Thursday, Dec. 5
10 – 11 a.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)

Soup Study Session

Stop by either CWI Library location on Wednesday, Dec. 4, for a cup of soup and designate some time to study for your finals or wrap up any unfinished projects.

Wednesday, Dec. 4
Noon – 1 p.m.
Ada County Center Aspen Building Library (APIN) Library and Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building (NCMP) Library

Free Gift Wrap Station

Stop by the Nampa CWI Library during Crunch Week to use our free gift wrap station. Students are welcome to bring in a few gifts to wrap themselves. Gift wrap paper, tape, boxes, bows, ribbon, and labels are provided to get those gifts looking snazzy. You'll have one less thing to worry about as you prepare for finals during this holiday season!

Dec. 2 – 7
Library Hours
Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building (NCMP), Library

Extended Library Hours

CWI Libraries will be open for extended hours on Saturday, Dec. 7, for students to get some extra study time before finals. Plan to settle in and focus as your classes wrap up the fall semester.

Saturday, Dec. 7
10 a.m. – 5 p.m
Ada County Center Aspen Classroom Building (APIN) Library and Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building (NCMP) Library

For those with questions about Crunch Week events, please contact studentengagement@cwi.edu. For the full list of events, please visit the CWI Events page.

College of Western Idaho (CWI) announces a $75,000 grant awarded through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). CWI is honored to join the Metallica Scholar’s program, partnering with the Grammy award-winning band’s All Within My Hands foundation, a global front-runner in supporting workforce education and sustainable communities.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, CWI’s President Gordon Jones and Fire Service Program Manager, Darrin Raskopf, unveiled this significant award at a media event hosted at the Nampa Fire Training Facility.

The grant is earmarked for CWI's Fire Service Technology Program to amplify training opportunities for students seeking careers in fire service. This financial support is set to enrich their educational journey, provide essential breathing equipment and cover their expenses related to renting turnout gear during internships with local fire departments.

Launched in 2019, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in collaboration with the American Association of Community Colleges, initiated the Metallica Scholars Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, underscoring a steadfast commitment to local career and technical education. The program is currently functional across all 50 states and Guam.

By joining this prestigious league of scholars, CWI furthers the band’s mission of supporting workforce students. CWI President Gordon Jones captured the essence of this collaboration when sharing, “These funds will be used to acquire crucial equipment for our students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field, preparing for careers as firefighters. Our Fire Service Technology program is more than just a path to a career — it’s a call to protect and serve our community.”

In any profession, the tools of the trade are essential to success. To symbolize the partnership, a unique representation was created by CWI Welding students: a guitar paired with a fire hose. This imagery highlights the power and significance of both careers. Just as a guitar can inspire and influence through music, a fire hose represents the strength and dedication required to protect, save, and serve the community. Both tools, though different in purpose, embody the impact of their respective crafts. 

Fire Service Technology students used the paired guitar and fire hose to put out a simulated car fire at the press conference, fighting back intense flames, steam, and billowing smoke — elements ironically also found at any good heavy metal concert.

Learn more about a career in firefighting by visiting Fire Service Technology. 

Sara Avila, the Benefits Administrator in the Human Resources department, has been named the Staff of the Month for October 2024. Sara’s dedication, warmth, and commitment to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) mission of supporting students and staff have left a lasting impact on the college community.

Toen Phothisane, who nominated Avila, praised her for the kindness and empathy she brings to her role. “Sara embodies all the traits that make CWI great. She is patient, empathetic, and treats all employees with kindness and compassion,” he shared. As a bilingual professional, Avila goes the extra mile by assisting a diverse range of CWI community members, ensuring they fully understand the benefits available to them. Her willingness to provide one-on-one benefits sessions exemplifies her commitment to addressing questions and concerns with care.

Avila’s responsibilities as Benefits Administrator are extensive. She serves as a key contact for employees, managers, and stakeholders on benefits administration and leave management, including FMLA and Workers’ Compensation. She oversees annual benefits open enrollment, coordinates training sessions, and manages Workers’ Compensation claims from intake to closure. With her SHRM-CP certification and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boise State University, Avila’s expertise and professionalism contribute significantly to her team and the broader CWI community.

Reflecting on what drew her to CWI, Avila shared her perspective as a first-generation college graduate. “I understand firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with pursuing higher education. This experience has fueled my passion for encouraging others to take that extra mile — whether through earning a degree, certificate, or other qualifications. I feel that CWI supports each individual’s unique journey toward achieving their dreams.” Avila’s journey through higher education inspires her work, where she strives to make a difference for others every day.

Avila’s commitment to CWI’s mission, work-life balance, and collaboration stand out as hallmarks of her experience at the College. “CWI promotes a healthy work-life balance, offers robust benefits, and provides wellness resources to support employees’ well-being. It’s rewarding to contribute to a cause that positively impacts individuals and the community,” she said. One memorable moment for Avila was helping a student in crisis. “After listening and asking a few questions, I realized they needed guidance on budgeting. I provided them with a tool to manage their finances better, helping them avoid ‘crisis mode’ and continue their education. I believe the extra time we spend with a student, employee, or manager makes a difference.”

Avila’s journey at CWI began in Financial Aid as a Financial Aid Officer, where she worked for over a year before transitioning to Human Resources as a Recruiter, a role she held for five years. She now serves as the Benefits Administrator, a position she has held for the past two years. Her journey within the college reflects her dedication to serving the needs of both students and staff, making her a valuable part of the CWI team.

Beyond her professional achievements, Avila enjoys a vibrant personal life. Born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles County, California, she has resided in Idaho for the past 21 years. She has been married to her husband, Mario (Tiquito), for 28 years, and together they have a daughter, Madelyne, who is married to Garrett. In her spare time, Avila enjoys spending time in her garden, where the physical work brings her a sense of peace and therapy. She also loves dancing with her husband, embracing their cultural heritage through salsa, cumbia, and bachata, and hiking, especially in the Redfish Lake area.

Avila's kindness, dedication, and positive impact on the CWI community make her a deserving recipient of the Staff of the Month award for October 2024. Congratulations to her for her outstanding contributions to the College!

The Inclusive Excellence Committee at College of Western Idaho (CWI) invites staff and faculty across the institution to consider working as a committee member.

Working on the committee is a highly rewarding experience, and we look forward to getting to know you. For fiscal year 2024-2025, the committee is focused on initiatives such as: resource development, professional development opportunities and educational events surrounding inclusion and access, and support for Employee Resource Groups.

The Committee’s Charge

The Inclusive Excellence Committee works to advance the learning and working environment at the College by advising and advocating for all members of CWI in work that fosters greater inclusion, equity, access, and belonging. The committee commits to:

• Advise, guide, and consult with members of the CWI community regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion issues for faculty, staff, and students.
• Provide input on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training and educational opportunities that increase competency, equity, and inclusion.
• Support college initiatives, events, or other opportunities that increase cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Engage diverse perspectives from faculty, staff, and students in the development of a community that respects the dignity of every person and celebrates their diversity.
• Provide input on how to close identified achievement gaps to improve undifferentiated outcomes. 
• Provide input on CWI policies, practices, and procedures of the College to ensure an equitable and inclusive system.

Time Commitment

Committee members attend regular, monthly meetings that occur on Mondays from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Additionally, members commit to participating in work groups to focus on committee projects and initiatives.

Application process

Prospective members are asked to submit a letter of interest to inclusiveexcellence@cwi.edu where they: introduce themselves and their role at CWI to the committee, explain why they are passionate about increasing belonging for all students at CWI, and include any ideas they might have around how the committee can do work to foster inclusion at CWI.

We look forward to your involvement!