CWI News – Oct. 27, 2023
Spotlight
What a spooktacular event! The 2023 Trunk-or-Treat at College of Western Idaho, organized by the Associated Students at the College of Western Idaho, saw an excellent turnout. A wide array of clubs, programs, students, staff, and their families gathered at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) parking lot to join in the festive activities on Thursday evening.
CWI wishes everyone a ghoulishly good time this Halloween!
President's Message
Greetings Faculty and Staff,
I would like to start by thanking you for attending our fall Town Hall meeting. It was great to have so many people attend in person and more than 100 online. The open discussions, constructive feedback, and shared aspirations showcased not only the dedication of our team, butalso the collective commitment to serving our students and community.
If you missed the coffee bus yesterday, you can visit one of these locations over the next week:
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Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Ada County Center Pintail Building
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Thursday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Nampa Campus Administration Building
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Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Canyon County Center
- Thursday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center
I would also like to share my gratitude to each one of you for your support and efforts during the NWCCU 7-year accreditation visit. Special thanks to Alexis Malepeai-Rhodes, Shamika Klemetsen, and the entire team who organized the visit. Accreditation is a rigorous process that assesses every facet of our College, from curriculum to operations. Your dedication, preparation, and openness during this evaluation were terrific. Our achievements are a testament to the excellence and commitment that each one of you brings to CWI every day.
As we gear up for spring registration, this is a great opportunity to continue providing our students with guidance, support, and inspiration. I appreciate you ensuring our students feel seen, heard, and empowered on their educational journey.
Again, thank you for your dedication, passion, and determination to make CWI a beacon of learning and growth.
Respectfully,
News Highlights
Register for Spring 2025 at CWI!
At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we're gearing up for an exciting Spring 2025 semester, and we invite you to be part of it! Whether you're continuing on, looking to earn an associate degree, pursue a certificate, prepare to transfer, enhance your skills, or simply take classes for the joy of learning — CWI is your destination for endless possibilities.
Admissions and Registration
Mark your calendar! Registration for ALL (continuing, new, or returning) students at CWI for the Spring 2025 semester opens Monday, Nov. 4.
The admissions deadline for the Spring 2025 semester is Saturday, Jan. 11. CWI students have through Thursday, Jan. 23, to register for classes, with tuition and registration fees due by Friday Jan. 17.
Current Students
- Be sure to meet with your Student 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 and Returning Students
- 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.
Get Ready to SCORE Big During CWI Nights at Idaho Steelheads!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner with Idaho Steelheads for CWI Nights in the 2023-2024 Season!
For the second consecutive year, CWI is proudly stepping up as the official education partner of the Idaho Steelheads, and this time, we're taking it up a notch! Brace yourself for FIVE unforgettable nights on the ice as we have fun and raise awareness of the more than 100 academic programs and career training opportunities available at the College.
Students, alumni, employees, family, friends, and members of the CWI community are all invited to attend each CWI Night at a discounted price of $20, which, in addition to a seat, will include 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.
Plus, representatives from CWI will host a table on the concourse to enter current and future students in a drawing chance for a chance to win a $1,000 SCORE Big scholarship or CWI hockey jersey — awarded that night on the ice!
“This scholarship is an amazing gift and moreover an opportunity to pursue my dreams of becoming a high school English teacher,” said one of last year’s SCORE Big Scholarship recipients, Logan White. "This scholarship will afford me to help take care of my family and continue to fill out my education at College of Western Idaho!"
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.
Discounted tickets for CWI students
Stay tuned into campus communication for upcoming announcements to learn how students and employees may be able to win free tickets to upcoming games through involvement in campus activities and registration events.
Plus, the CWI community can check out an Idaho Steelheads game in fashion and school spirit with college-branded hockey jerseys! The jerseys are available online or at the CWI Bookstore located at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC).
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact communications@cwi.edu.
Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Flamenco Idaho
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming the performing group, Flamenco Idaho, to the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) on Friday, Oct. 27, for a performance and a workshop.
Flamenco Idaho is a performing group that draws inspiration from classical guitar, contemporary dance and art performance, cultural music, and the art form of Flamenco. Their focus is on performing new and traditional works that represent the artists that comprise the group. The group comes from varying backgrounds, including classical, cultural, and experimental music, numerous dance forms, visual art, and poetry. Many of its members have studied in Spain and strive to maintain the country's traditional background. In their presentation, you will see and hear their musical style and be introduced to a brief history of Flamenco.
Following a performance from Flamenco Idaho, the group will host a workshop that will allow participants to learn basic rhythmic patterns through the handclapping style of palmas and learn some introductory movements that incorporate signals and sequences used for communication with the musicians.
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 performance and workshop are both free and open to the public. For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu.
Día de los Muertos Celebration Events
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant holiday that honors and celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. With this colorful and lively tradition, communities come together to commemorate their loved ones in a beautiful and symbolic manner. This year's Día de los Muertos at College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebration event will be a spectacular and heartfelt experience, filled with traditions, art, and appreciation of this unique holiday right here on our campus.
Join CWI Student Engagement and the Siempre Unidos Student Club on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge, Room 122, as we come together as a community to celebrate life and remember loved ones.
Whether you're familiar with the tradition or new to it, this event offers an inclusive and joyful way to participate in a celebration of life and remembrance. Come and attend a workshop exploring more about what the holiday entails, followed by an interactive crafting activity, pictures at the photo booth, and watch a movie while enjoying some good tamales and pan dulce.
There will also be week-long viewing of the community altar located in NCAB, Room 122, from Oct. 30 – Nov. 3.
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
NCAB Student Lounge, Room 122
Oct. 30 – Nov. 3
NCAB Student Lounge, Room 122
For more information about the Día de los Muertos Celebration, please contact Jeanette Orozco at jeanetteorozco@cwi.edu.
In addition to the Celebration event at the Nampa Campus, Associate Professor of Spanish, Janel Holt’s, Elementary Spanish 1 (SPAN 101) will host an altar display for Día de los Muertos at Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons, from Oct. 26 – Nov. 3.
In the weeks leading up to Día de los Muertos, students learn about the rites, traditions, and beliefs connected to the Day of the Dead in Mexico. Students then paint skulls, an activity central to this celebration, and display them on the altar, another important element of this holiday. They also translate passages explaining the customs of this holiday from Spanish to English, which are shown on the altar.
“These activities not only provide students an opportunity to learn about this celebration and its traditions but also to consider the similarities and differences surrounding the concept of death in Mexico and the United States,” said Holt.
Oct. 26 – Nov. 3
APIN Student Commons
For more information about the altar display, contact Janel Holt at janelholt@cwi.edu.
Dual Credit Connections
Are you a Dual Credit College of Western Idaho (CWI) student wanting to find your place on campus? CWI's Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, a chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), wants to help! The club will host Dual Credit Connections, a series of workshops geared towards helping Dual Credit students feel more integrated on campus and make the most out of their time while at CWI, on Saturday, Nov. 4.
The half-day event invites students and their parents to attend workshops and information sessions on topics, such as resources on campus, scholarships, transfer opportunities, and more. Students will also have a chance to interact with faculty, staff, and fellow Dual Credit students.
The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
RSVP to Dual Credit Connections
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact ptk@cwi.edu.
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.
Schoenherr Awarded Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Professor of Psychology, Heather Schoenherr, who was named the recipient of the 2023 Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award given by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (Division 2 of the American Psychological Association). The award recognizes teaching excellence for individuals currently teaching at two-year colleges and is widely considered the highest honor for members of the Society.
The selection criteria for the Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award broadly focus on instructional effectiveness and encompass three key areas: effective teaching, service, and scholarship of teaching and learning.
According to the award’s criteria, effective teaching requires the development of outstanding teaching methods, materials, and courses, as supported by innovative approaches, student evaluations, supervisor and colleague feedback, and prior teaching accolades. The service criterion encompasses local, regional, and national contributions aimed at fostering student interest in psychology and using psychological principles to improve society, such as mentoring, community outreach, and collaboration efforts. Finally, the scholarship of teaching and learning puts a focus on professional engagement in teaching-related publications, conferences, and activities, fostering student research, and furthering graduate-level training for enhanced instructional effectiveness.
“It is an honor to be a recipient of the Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award,” said Schoenherr. “Teaching is a privilege and a responsibility that I hold in high regard. I share this recognition with my incredible students, who inspire me daily, and with my colleagues who diligently dedicate themselves to this noble profession. As community college educators, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate the development of academic self-efficacy and identity in our students giving them the encouragement and tools to continue their education or transition to the workforce. Community colleges truly hold transformational power. I am deeply humbled to be among the outstanding educators who have received this award in the past.”
A founding faculty member at CWI, Schoenherr has educated students at both ends of their CWI journey for the last 15 years. This includes those on the verge of graduating in the Social Sciences Capstone course (SOC 290) and those embarking on their first semester at the College, enrolled in Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101).
In addition to teaching, Schoenherr is also the advisor for the Psychology Club and Psi Beta Honor Society, which recently garnered recognition with the Chapter Excellence Award. Under Schoenherr's guidance, the CWI chapter's primary focus revolves around equipping students with invaluable research experience, bolstering their competitive edge when they transition to universities or enter the workforce.
The Society for the Teaching of Psychology promotes excellence in the teaching and learning of psychology. The Society provides resources and services, access to a global collaborative community, and opportunities for professional development. It endeavors to promote equity and social justice for teachers and students of psychology with marginalized, racially minoritized, and intersecting identities. The Society also strives to advance the scholarship of teaching and learning; advocate for the needs of teachers of psychology; promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the teaching and learning of psychology; foster partnerships across academic settings; and increase recognition of the value of the teaching profession.
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.
Register for Spring 2024 Classes and Get Rewarded!
Struggling to figure out which classes to take this spring at College of Western Idaho (CWI)? You’re in luck! Current and future CWI students have an opportunity to get their questions answered and course load finalized for the upcoming semester, while enjoying some fun activities at the College’s Spring 2024 Registration Party.
CWI's Student Advising and Success team is hosting a two-day Registration Party event to help students register for classes, meet with their advisors through drop-in appointments, review their progress toward graduation, and more. Advisors will also be handing out treats and raffle prizes to those who register or have already registered for spring classes while supplies last.
Students who attend the event also have a chance to win a pair of Idaho Steelheads tickets for the team's Wednesday, Nov. 15 game!
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get questions answered and your courses picked out before CWI’s Fall Break. For those with questions, contact Lindsey Zahller at 208.562.2354 or lindseyzahller@cwi.edu.
Engelhardt Named August 2023 Staff of the Month
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Maintenance Craftsman, Richard Engelhardt, who was named Staff of the Month for August 2023!
Engelhardt helps manage maintenance, inspections, and fleet – where no two days are the same for him. His responsibilities span from basic maintenance to assisting with larger repairs, ensuring safe and well-maintained buildings and outdoor areas, and handling snow removal and waste management. He collaborates with contractors, oversees vehicle maintenance, and coordinates vehicle use and schedules, including driving to different locations and suppliers.
Prior to joining CWI, Engelhardt spent four years working at the City of Boise’s Parks and Recreation Department. During three of those years, he had the opportunity to care for the Rose Garden, which allowed him to add a personal touch to its beauty and interact with visitors from around the world. In his final year with the city, he worked at Ice World as part of the facilities team, tending to both the indoor and outdoor areas, and operating the Zamboni to prepare the ice for games.
One of Engelhardt's most cherished job experiences was from 2015 to 2018 when he worked at Horseshoe Bend School. During that time, he held multiple roles, including facility worker, school bus driver, and coaching positions for middle school football and basketball. He also served as a substitute teacher when needed.
Engelhardt has been part of the CWI community and the College's Facilities team for two years. He applied for a job at the institution after receiving encouragement from a former employee who believed he would be an excellent fit at the College. He told Engelhardt that he would enjoy his managers, and coworkers – which Engelhardt confirmed has been true.
It's not just Engelhardt who has found joy in working alongside his colleagues at the College. Those who have had the pleasure of working with Engelhardt share that he is a bright light at CWI, always keeping things functional and doing it with a smile.
School of Health Administrative Assistant, Karla Cordova, had the opportunity to work alongside Engelhardt earlier this semester during a painting project at the Ada County Center Quail Building (AQUL). She mentioned that Engelhardt always had a smile on his face and greeted everyone with a warm "Good morning" each day. He diligently ensured that everything was organized and ready for the painters to begin their work each day. Even after the project was completed, he promptly made sure everything was set back to its desired condition.
"Many times, the people behind the scenes are just that – behind the scenes and we don't realize the impact they have on our daily lives and our college in general,” said Cordova. “Richard is definitely one of those employees that is a high-impact, low-profile individual. We don't always ‘see’ them, but we all benefit from their hard work, dedication, and integrity. He went above and beyond taking care of all our needs. Always friendly, always courteous, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Richard embodies the exact type of employee CWI prides itself on retaining."
Since joining CWI, Engelhardt has had countless memories at the institution – one in particular has been his son enrolling in the College’s Unmanned Aerial Systems program where he took classes at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) and Engelhardt got the chance to see him a few times a week.
Engelhardt looks forward to creating more memories at the institution and witnessing first-hand some of the campus expansion and development projects taking place over the next few years. Engelhardt believes there is a significant demand for the services and opportunities provided at CWI, especially for students who are beginning to embark on their life journey and seeking a promising future.
“CWI provides a very much-needed opportunity for people to learn a trade that is in dire need right now for the continued growth and foundation of our city, state, and country,” Englehardt said. “I hope it continues to be a place where success in our community is being developed.”
Outside of the College, enjoys spending time with his wife, Mardie, and three children; Madison, Travis, and Myles; five-year-old granddaughter, Remie Pearl, and King Charles Spaniel, Esther. He also loves doing yard work, playing golf, serving at his church as an Associate Pastor, and doing prison ministry.
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.
