CWI News – Oct. 24, 2025
In the Spotlight

CWI’s Admissions and Workforce Development teams represented the College at Expo Idaho for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) fair earlier this week. The event, one of the largest of its kind in the Treasure Valley, gave staff the opportunity to connect with hundreds of prospective students and share all that CWI has to offer to help them make the best choice for their future.
News Highlights
Spring into Success – Register for Spring 2026
Get ready for an exciting Spring 2026 semester at College of Western Idaho (CWI)! Whether you’re continuing your education, starting a new path, earning a degree or certificate, preparing to transfer, or learning just for fun, CWI is where opportunity begins and potential grows.
Admissions & Registration
Mark your calendar!
- Oct. 27 – Priority Registration Begins (continuing students)
- Nov. 3 – Open Registration Begins (new/returning students)
- Jan. 10 – Admission Deadline
- Jan. 20 – Classes Begin
- Jan. 22 – Registration Deadline
Current Students
- Be sure to meet with your advisor prior to registering. Once advising is completed, students can register online any time on or after their assigned registration time.
- Registration times are assigned based on cumulative credits earned. Students can check myCWI and their CWI email for their assigned time.
- Continuing students are considered those who enrolled and attended classes any semester since Spring 2020.
- Dual credit students will register during open registration.
New & Returning Students
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All new, degree-seeking students must participate in New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes.
Contact One Stop Student Services or visit us online to learn more about applying to CWI, orientation, and registering for classes.
CWI Students Save Over $2 Million Through Z-Degree
Since launching in fall 2023, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Z-degree initiative has provided students with an affordable, accessible path to completing their education, saving them more than $2 million in textbook costs.
Z-Degree courses utilize Open Educational Resources (OER), free, digital learning materials embedded directly into course sections, to eliminate the need for costly textbooks. These materials have been accessed over 31,000 times by CWI students since the program began, ensuring that every learner in a Z-degree course has immediate, first-day access to the materials they need to succeed.
“From the start, the goal of the Z-degree was to remove barriers and make education more accessible,” said Associate Professor of Communications, Johnny Rowing. “By using OER, students don’t have to wait for financial aid or worry about textbook costs. They’re ready to learn on day one.”
Z-degree classes are available to all students, regardless of their chosen major, providing an affordable alternative to traditional textbook costs. In addition to classes, Communication, General Studies, Philosophy, and Studio Art 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.
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.
CWI Students and Faculty Shine at Illuminated 2025
College of Western Idaho (CWI) made a strong impression at Illuminated 2025 on Oct. 3, a collaborative art experience presented by Surel’s Place as part of the FlipSide Festival in Garden City. The immersive event transformed the city’s Live-Work-Create District into a glowing outdoor gallery featuring projection-based artwork from local artists, including CWI faculty and students.
Produced by CWI Studio Art alum Joseph Haskin, in collaboration with Surel’s Place, Illuminated offered visitors a mix of light, sound, and storytelling. Now in its second year, the event featured projection installations by seven artists, turning Garden City into a surreal landscape of glowing imagery and motion.
CWI Studio Art faculty Eric Mullis, Goran Fazil, and Brie Schettle exhibited alongside other regional artists, including CWI alum, Megan White. Mullis’ Sculpture (ARTS 231) students also contributed original work to the show, helping bring the large-scale installations to life.
ARTS 231 Featured Work at Illuminated
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Nostalgia: Ava Madrigal, Gracie Sosa, Sadie Meyer, Bronwyn Hitchcock
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AI Companion: Ellie Wilson, Ilene Antonov, Madi Miller, Nalani Roberts
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Autumnal: Casey Stitzel, Natalie Masterson, Emily Hall, Josefine Carver
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Victorian Still Life: Eden Hunt, Ali Henslee, Ahmed Abouzeid, Kim Bessette, Kiwi Edington
Adding to the evening’s creative energy, Fazil’s band, Grampa Crum, performed live music during the event.
The event also highlighted the growth of CWI’s new Digital Photography program. Students Shelby-Jeanne Stace, Brian Dotson, Marc Schnefke, and Holly Bale documented the event under the guidance of instructor, Shawna Donahue.
Reflecting on the experience, Stace shared the creativity on display has helped reshape her view of Idaho’s art scene.
“I have always viewed Idaho as a place where nothing happens,” Stace said. “But going to college has helped me discover these pockets of creativity and light I never thought I’d see here. I am grateful for that.”
Through opportunities like Illuminated, CWI’s Studio Art and Digital Photography programs continue to connect students to Idaho’s arts community, empowering them to create, collaborate, and share their work with the world.
From Student to Faculty, Phelps Finds His Calling at CWI
When Cody Phelps first enrolled at College of Western Idaho (CWI) in 2011, the College was still in its infancy.
Fresh out of high school and new to the Treasure Valley, he came to CWI like many community college students looking for direction and opportunity. What he found was a launchpad that would carry him through Ivy League classrooms, industry leadership roles, and ultimately back to the same halls he once walked as a student.
“It’s kind of surreal,” Phelps said. “Fifteen years ago, I was sitting in these chairs as a business student. Now I’m the one up front teaching.”
During his time as a student, Phelps became CWI’s first elected Vice President of the Associated Students of CWI (ASCWI). Being part of the College’s earliest days gave him a sense of connection that has stayed with him.
“It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come and we’re only just scratching the surface,” Phelps said.
He also found mentorship from faculty like Economics Instructor, John Nordstrom, who encouraged him to pursue the subject further. That influence led Phelps to Boise State University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Economics, before heading to Cornell University for a master’s degree in Healthcare Informatics.
After graduating with his degrees, Phelps built a career across healthcare and business. He worked in consulting, led teams at PacificSource, and became one of the youngest directors at Albertsons Companies. Currently, he leads pharmacy analytics at Terry Reilly Health Services, where his work supports underserved communities across the Treasure Valley.
“The work that Terry Reilly does for the community and underserved populations, people who are often at or below the poverty level, really brings purpose to what I do,” Phelps said. “It’s about finding ways to stretch every dollar to provide access to healthcare for those who need it most.”
While his professional path in industry was well established, an unexpected invitation by a former instructor in 2019 brought Phelps back to the CWI classroom.
“I had no idea honestly if that teaching would be a calling for me or something I’d even be good at,” he said. “I entertained it and said, you know, I’ll try it. I started with a class or two and went from there. I fell in love with it.”
Phelps now teaches Economics, Business Law, Statistics, and Management, both as an Adjunct Faculty at CWI and at Boise State.
The best part of teaching for Phelps is connection. Having once been in his students’ shoes, he works hard to remove what he calls the “invisible wall” that can exist between student and teacher.
“I tell them, ‘Ten or fifteen years ago, I was you,’” he said. “Whether you’re certain about your degree path or just figuring it out, I want students to know I’m happy to be a resource and help guide them to ultimately get that footing that allows them to accelerate their academic and professional careers.”
Looking back, Phelps credits CWI with accelerating both his academic and professional journey. He also reflects on how the College prepared him for continued success:
“As someone that has gone forward from community college to a traditional four-year to an Ivy League master’s, I can confidently speak to the level of education here and the capabilities of instructors,” Phelps said. “If you put in the work and do well here, you’ll be ready for anything.”
From student to industry professional and now faculty member, Phelps has seen CWI from nearly every angle. For him, it all comes down to the same mission that drew him in years ago: meeting students where they are and helping them take the next step.
“That’s the beauty of CWI. There isn’t one path. Every student comes with their own goals, and we’re here to help them get there,” Phelps said.
Join the Frightful Festivities at ASCWI’s 2025 Trunk-or-Treat
Associated Student of College of Western Idaho's (ASCWI) Trunk or Treat is back and better than ever! Join us on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) east parking lot for a fun and family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating, games, and more.
This year, we'll have even more decorated cars, more candy, and more fun! Come dressed in your best costume and trick-or-treat from the trunks of decorated cars. There will be fun, games for all ages, music, and food from Classic Guac & Roll!
This is a great opportunity for the community of College of Western Idaho (CWI) to come together and celebrate. We encourage all students, faculty, staff, and their families to come out and have a good time!
ASCWI Trunk-or-Treat
Thursday, Oct. 30
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east parking lot
Interested in hosting a trunk or table?
CWI clubs and organizations along with CWI departments and offices are invited to register to host a trunk or table at the event. Registration is limited and will close no later than Oct. 29 (earlier if full).
For more information about CWI’s Trunk or Treat, please contact ASCWI at ascwi@cwi.edu.
Celebrate Life and Remembrance at Día de los Muertos
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Engagement on Wednesday, Oct. 29, for a Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge, Room 122. Come together as a community to honor life and remember loved ones through an afternoon of culture, creativity, and connection.
Enjoy a workshop exploring the history and significance of Día de los Muertos, followed by an interactive craft activity, photo booth, and delicious tamales and pan dulce. Whether you are familiar with the tradition or learning about it for the first time, this event offers an inclusive and engaging way to celebrate.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Wednesday, Oct. 29
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge, Room 122
Oct. 24 – Nov. 3
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge, Room 122
For more information about the Día de los Muertos Celebration, please contact Jeanette Orozco at jeanetteorozco@cwi.edu.
Discover Your Next Step at Healthcare Discovery Night
Are you a current College of Western Idaho (CWI) student interested in a career in healthcare? Don’t miss Healthcare Discovery Night on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Nampa Campus Health and Science Building.
This event is your chance to explore CWI’s healthcare programs and see where your education can take you. Meet with experienced faculty and staff to learn more about CWI programs such as Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, and more! Representatives from Boise State University and Idaho State University health science programs will also be on site to share information about degree pathways and transfer opportunities.
Students will also get the opportunity to tour the lab spaces inside CWI’s newly constructed Health and Science Building, a cutting-edge facility designed to give healthcare students hands-on, real-world experience.
Nampa Campus Health & Science Building (NCHS), lobby
Seats are limited, sign up to secure your spot and start exploring the next step toward your future in healthcare!
Mechatronics Students Learn from Industry Experts
At College of Western Idaho (CWI), students in the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program gain hands-on experience from instructors who bring years of real-world expertise across multiple industries. From telescope operations and satellite tracking to robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing, CWI’s Mechatronics faculty have built careers applying the same concepts they now teach. Their experience helps students connect classroom theory with practice, preparing them to step confidently into high-demand, high-tech careers.
Robert Novak began his path with a simple curiosity by taking things apart just to see how they worked. That curiosity grew into a global career in electronics, including telescope operations, satellite tracking, and industrial automation. As Department Chair, he leads the Mechatronics program, designing the curriculum and selecting instructors to ensure students develop practical, industry-relevant skills.
“We designed the Mechatronics program to meet real-world industry needs,” Novak said. “Bringing in instructors with hands-on experience gives students a chance to learn directly from professionals who have lived the work.”
Novak also emphasizes the importance of passion, persistence, and personal mentorship, understanding that life outside the classroom shapes academic success just as much as what happens inside.
Jim Jozwiak, Assistant Professor, Mechatronics Technology Drawing on decades of experience in both industry and academia, Assistant Professor, Jim Jozwiak, brings a unique perspective to his classroom. He has worked in automation, robotics, and complex mechanical systems, giving him firsthand insight into how Mechatronics concepts are applied in professional settings. His students benefit from his ability to connect abstract principles into real-world scenarios, showing them not just how to use the tools but why they matter.
To complement his Industrial Tools and Fabrication class, Jozwiak published Industrial Hand and Power Tools, a textbook designed specifically for the program.
“Students need a resource that matches what we do in the lab,” he said. “There wasn’t a good book, so I wrote one myself. It gives students a reference they can use alongside hands-on learning, bridging theory and practice.”
Sam Barker’s career spans the military, information technology, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. He has worked as a manufacturing process engineer and manager at House of Design Robotics, where he helped implement large-scale automation systems, including those at Autovol, an automated modular construction company.
After years in high-stakes manufacturing, Barker transitioned to teaching as a way to stay connected to the field while helping shape its future workforce.
"Teaching at CWI lets me stay in the industry I love while training the very people I would have hired, helping them succeed in real-world settings," he said.
Barker focuses on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and troubleshooting, giving students practical strategies and lessons from his career. He also emphasizes applied mathematics, helping students understand not just how tasks are performed, but why processes work the way they do.
Together, CWI’s Mechatronics faculty create a learning environment that combines technical rigor with personal mentorship. Students explore complex systems in the classroom and labs, while gaining insight from instructors who have faced the challenges and successes of the professional world.
By focusing on hands-on experience, real-world applications, and supportive teaching, the program prepares graduates to enter high-demand fields with confidence and skill.
Learn more about Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program
Honoring the First-Gen Journey
Are you a first-generation college student? Join us for the First-Generation Awareness Day Event, celebrating students who are the first in their families to attend college, where neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree. This event is open to everyone, whether you identify as first-generation or not.
Come hear the stories of current students, graduates, faculty, and staff as they share their experiences, challenges, and achievements as a first-generation student. Enjoy food, connect with others, and discover resources to support your own journey to success. Why celebrate in November?
Thursday, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus in the Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge – Room 122
CWI Employees: Get Your FREE First-Gen Shirt!
In conjunction with the Nov. 6 event, CWI employees have the opportunity to get a free First-Gen shirt to wear Nov. 4 – 6 at your place of work. Help CWI raise awareness and celebrate First-Generation college students this year.
Click here to learn more and request a shirt while supplies last.
CWI Nights Return — SCORE Big with Idaho Steelheads Hockey
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner once again with Idaho Steelheads for CWI Nights during the 2025-2026 Season!
Students, alumni, employees, families, and friends are invited to join the CWI community at the arena for an evening of hockey, school spirit, and scholarship support. For just $25.44, fans will receive admission to the game along with a meal voucher for a Double R Ranch hot dog, chips, and a small drink. Even better, $5 from every CWI Night ticket goes directly back to the SCORE Big Scholarship Fund, helping students achieve their goals.
Each CWI Night will also feature opportunities for students to win big. CWI’s outreach team will be hosting a table on the concourse where current and future students can enter to win a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship, awarded during the second intermission right down on the ice. One lucky winner will also walk away with a CWI hockey jersey making the evening even more memorable.
CWI Nights
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Oct. 29 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters
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Dec. 3 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Trois-Rivières Lions
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Feb. 4 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
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Feb. 25 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Wichita Thunder
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March 25 – Idaho Steelheads vs. South Carolina Stingrays
Games begin at 7 p.m. at Idaho Central Arena.
Discounted Tickets
The fun doesn't stop at CWI Nights! Discounted tickets are available to the CWI community for all Steelheads home games during the 2025-2026 season for just $18. Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to the event and are subject to availability.
Stay tuned for future announcements to learn how students and employees may be able to win free tickets to upcoming games through involvement at campus activities and registration events. Be sure to show up at the games in Otter fashion and school spirit with college-branded clothing — available at the CWI Bookstore online or in person at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC).
Contact communications@cwi.edu with questions or for more information.
Enter the 2026 Connections Conference Logo Contest
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Connections Conference celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement. We are inviting current CWI students to showcase their design talent by creating a new 2026 Connections Conference logo that represents this mission! Submissions for the Logo Contest will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 21, at 11:59 p.m.
The winning logo will be chosen by the Connections Conference committee and used for marketing and promotion of the event. 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 Conference Logo Contest will receive a monetary award of $400.
Please note: Accepting this award may affect your financial aid eligibility. For questions, contact Financial Aid at financialaid@cwi.edu.
Students may submit up to three (3) works for consideration.
The winner of the contest will be announced at the beginning of the Spring 2026 semester.
The winning logo must adhere to CWI’s Brand Standards, as it will appear on official promotional materials. Before submitting, please review all entry requirements to ensure your work meets the contest guidelines.
HR Updates
New Hires & Rehires
- Clay Kreps – Accountant, Sr., Business Office
- Katie Gepford – Admission Specialist, Admissions & One Stop
Position changes
- Elizabeth Macias – Scholarship Coordinator, Financial Aid
Employment Opportunities
Employees can access Internal Job Postings or visit Careers at CWI to view all external listings. Upon application submission, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive an email, check your "Junk/Spam" folder, then email recruiter@cwi.edu to verify receipt of your application.
Note: This is the official communication newsletter for the College. Content is driven by contributions gathered from all areas of CWI. If you have news you would like to submit for this, please use a Marketing Help Desk ticket.


