CWI News – Oct. 6, 2023
Spotlight
It was an absolute blast at the CWI Foundation's 10th-annual Opening Doors Benefit Event to raise money for student scholarships! We are so thankful to those in attendance, as well as the generous donors and bidders whose contributions will truly open doors for students' education and careers.
There is still plenty of time to get involved in this year’s Opening Doors event and make a difference in a student’s life. The Online Auction is open through Sunday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. Bid on one-of-a-kind metal art pieces created by our students, experience packages donated by our community partners, delicious food and treats, and much more!
News Highlights
Campus Garden Supporting Students and Their Success
At the very back of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Nampa Campus Academic Building’s (NCAB) east parking lot lies the Campus Garden. In it, you can find a variety of vegetables, fruits, and plants — if you can grow it, it’s probably there.
The garden is maintained and tended to by the Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences, Andrea Schumaker, and CWI students, where it serves a multitude of purposes.
The Campus Garden was created in 2018 after Schumaker learned nearly half of CWI students suffer from some form of food insecurity. Through a CWI Foundation Wishing Well grant, Schumaker was able to put down soil and install irrigation to get the garden up and running, where it has since become a valuable resource for those in need at CWI.
Schumaker and her students harvest from the Campus Garden and bring the fresh produce inside NCAB for anyone to take and eat in between classes or take home to put something on the table.
“If students don’t have good nutrition, there is a trickle-down effect — their brain doesn’t function the way it should which impacts their studies and ability to succeed in their coursework,” said Schumaker. “If you need food, there are resources and people here to support you.”
The Campus Garden has also become an important tool in students’ learning. Schumaker uses the Garden as her classroom and integrates it into coursework to educate students about why their food choices matter, how to vote with their dollars and support local agriculture.
“I believe it is important to know where our food comes from and know what we are putting in our mouths, like nutrition and environmental factors it took to get onto our plates.”
It has not only become a valuable learning tool for Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education and Horticulture Technology students but for others at CWI as well.
Studio Art student, Hannah Wilson, was a Work-Study for Schumaker over the Spring and Summer 2023 semesters. Having experience in a garden before, Wilson thought it would be fun to work with Schumaker in the Campus Garden and develop some new skills outside her area of study.
“It was a lot of hard work,” Wilson said. “I learned endurance because it was so hot over the summer while working in the garden, but it was a great experience learning how to plant crops and crop rotation.”
Wilson’s adventure in the Campus Garden was not only limited to developing her agriculture and harvesting knowledge, but she was also able to use her art skills to help benefit the space.
“Andrea mentioned to me she wanted to get more art out in the Garden because of how much space is out there, and I let her know I am an art student and would be happy to help,” Wilson said.
Wilson and Schumaker came up with the idea of creating a mural that showcased pollinators and the plants being pollinated. They collaborated on the layout and the colors of the mural, but the rest was up to Wilson. It took her about 50 hours to plan and complete the mural, which features different brightly colored flowers, bugs, and a bright blue sky backdrop.
“I am so appreciative of the opportunity,” Wilson said. “I was hoping to land a job where I could utilize my art skills, get more experience, and have something for my resume – this opportunity really helped me. I am so proud that I have been able to leave my mark on the College. It has been a great way to showcase my art.”
The Campus Garden is sustained through donations and events, such as the annual Farm to Fork dinner. The event invites the community onto CWI’s campus to experience a true farm-to-fork meal. It features food and ingredients produced in the Campus Garden specialties from community partners. Tickets to 2023 Farm to Fork have sold out.
Those still interested in supporting the Campus Garden can make a monetary donation by visiting CWI’s Give Now page and selecting Other with Campus Garden as the gift designation. For additional information or questions, contact Andrea Schumaker at andreaschumaker@cwi.edu.
Food Pantry Sees Huge Support from Ford Idaho Center Concert Cares Series
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Counseling and Wellness Services wishes to extend a huge thank you to the Ford Idaho Center Concert Cares series and to the CWI employees, students, and their loved ones who volunteered their time to collect food donations for the CWI Food Pantry program.
Counselor and Basic Needs Coordinator, Christy Babcock, and Assistant Director of Counseling and Wellness Services, Jodi Hickenlooper, coordinated the volunteer efforts for CWI, while Director of Marketing at the Ford Idaho Center, Jaci Hill, managed the concert side of things. From June 4 to Sept. 26, volunteers attended more than 20 concerts, mingled with the crowd, and asked for donations.
It wasn’t always easy — remember those hot sweaty 100+ degree days we had in July?! Some concert crowds were more receptive than others. Volunteers always had a story to tell about their experience. In exchange for their efforts, volunteers had the opportunity to attend the concert they worked for.
The CWI Food Pantry program is pleased to announce that more than $2,000, plus a few boxes of food, was raised to support hungry students this fall.
Thank you so much to the following volunteers and the family and friends they brought with them. We could not have done it without you!
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Abigail Wolford
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Angela Bettis
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Anna McLean
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Annie Estvold
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Caleb Bettis
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Carla Latta
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Christian Lybrook
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Danielle Walker
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Elizabeth Ortiz Dominguez
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Gigi Smith
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Glenn Karn
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Heather Scanlon
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Hunter Alvarado
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Isaias Gonzalez Sanchez
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Johan Rojas
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Juan Martinez-Aranda
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Katie Laubengayer
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Kristie Canoy
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Kristin Burbidge
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Kristina Heydendahl
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Laura Bagley
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Maggie Hayes
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Michael Snow
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Mila Maes
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Ryan Gerulf
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Sienna Montgomery
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Susan Aydelotte
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Tami McKenzie
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Stephen Quintero
Donate to the CWI Food Pantry
Those interested in donating to the CWI Food Pantry can stock appropriate items directly into one of the pantries.
Needed food items:
- instant soups (ramen, mac-n-cheese, or other instant meals)
- pull-top cans or pouches of tuna, chicken, and other meats
- pull-top canned soups, chili, and ravioli
- individual-sized applesauce or fruit cups and pouches
- granola bars and similar snack items
- small jars of peanut butter
- individual-sized bags of jerky, crackers, trail mix, nuts, and dried fruit
- instant oatmeal
- individual-sized juices and milk boxes that do not require refrigeration
Grab-and-go lunch items and snacks are the most utilized items. Canned vegetables, pasta, sauces, and other items a person might take home to make a meal do not move as quickly through our pantries.
Miscellaneous items:
- plastic silverware (no knives please)
- paper bowls (no Styrofoam)
- napkins
Hygiene items:
- toothpaste and toothbrushes
- shampoo and conditioner
- soap and body wash
- deodorant
- razors and shaving cream
- feminine hygiene products
- hairbrushes and combs
The food pantry cannot accept perishable, expired, or opened items.
People interested in supporting the Food Pantry can also make a monetary donation by visiting CWI’s Give Now page, selecting Other, and designating the gift as a donation to CWI Food Pantry.
Food Pantry locations
- Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), near Room 122 on the opposite side of the stairs
- Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), near Room 116
- Canyon County Center (CYNC), near Room 106
- Ada County Mallard Building (AMAL), near Room 1122
- Ada County Pintail Building (APIN), near Room 1117
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Christy Babcock at christybabcock@cwi.edu.
Fall 2023 Food for Thought Sees Sweet Success
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Fall 2023 Food for Thought event was a huge success! Hosted by CWI’s Tutoring Services and Student Engagement, the two-day event saw nearly 190 students flock over to the College’s Tutoring Centers, enticed by the delicious smell of free pizza and walk away with useful knowledge about Tutoring Services to use throughout the semester.
The College’s Tutoring staff introduced students to Upswing, the Services’ new innovative booking platform, and how to easily connect with tutors who specialize in specific courses.
What surprised many students was the range of additional support CWI’s Tutoring Center offers. In addition to one-on-one appointments, CWI Tutoring Services provides Study Skills Workshops, writing assignment reviews, Academic Mentor tutoring for study and time management strategies, and English Language tutoring for non-native English speakers.
Perhaps the most exciting outcome of the event was hearing students say they were planning to book appointments with the tutors they connected with. They were so invested in their questions that they preferred keeping their forms instead of exchanging them for pizza! It was also encouraging to hear many students who had never sought tutoring before express their newfound motivation to utilize Tutoring Services or engage in independent study at the Center.
For those with questions or in need of more information about CWI’s Tutoring Services, please contact tutoring@cwi.edu or 208.562.2233.
Mark Your Calendar for CWI’s Fall 2023 Transfer Fair
Are you a College of Western Idaho (CWI) student interested in learning more about transfer options? CWI invites you to the Fall 2023 Transfer Fair! College and university representatives will be on campus to discuss programs, majors, and transfer requirements!
Colleges and universities at Fall 2023 Transfer Fair:
- Boise State University
- Carroll College
- Eastern Oregon University
- Grand Canyon University
- Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Idaho State University
- Lewis-Clark State College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Oregon Health and Science University
- University of Dubuque
- University of Idaho
- University of Providence
- University of Utah
- Utah State University
- Western Governors University
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), first-floor lobby
For those with questions or those in need of more information, please contact Brittney Hernandez at brittneyhernandez@cwi.edu.
Explore Advanced Mechatronics Classes & Careers
Explore a future in Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology by attending a Program Exploration Event at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Current and future students and community members are invited to learn more about the program, meet faculty and industry leaders, tour the College, and more.
“This program is for someone who likes to work with their hands, has an interest in electronics and technology,” said CWI Advanced Mechatronics student, Jacob Schott. “There are tons of new technology and tools coming out, which the College always tries to bring into the program, especially the equipment we will use in the industry.”
The term mechatronics is a combination of “mechanisms” and “electronics,” but a degree in mechatronics incorporates so much more. CWI's mechatronics engineering technology program gives you a broad range of knowledge and skills, such as basics of electricity, electronics and motor basics, automation controllers, mechanical adjustments, wireless communications, and more.
Mechatronics engineering technologists use a combination of mechanical, electrical, computer, and software skills to work with smart technologies, such as robots, automated guided systems, and computer-integrated manufacturing equipment.
Advanced Mechatronics’ Program Exploration night will have those in attendance learn about possible future careers, understand the importance of education in this career field, introduce the program and what to expect from faculty, tips on how to prepare for a successful start, and a personal tour of the lab space and technology.
“Our instructors help set us up for success,” said CWI Advanced Mechatronics student, Mark Rust. “[CWI Engineering Department Chair] Robert Novak will bring in companies to present what they do, what they sell, or manufacture. It gives us opportunities to get interviewed and learn skills for interviews. If we want to pursue this career instructors help give us connections. Our faculty’s goal is to have every student have a job offer and a successful job career ahead of them after graduating.”
Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology hosts several Program Exploration Events throughout the year at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center. Visit the program page or contact Robert Novak at robertnovak@cwi.edu to learn more and RSVP.
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.
Daly Named September 2023 Faculty of Distinction
Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Communication, Media Arts, and Marketing, Anna Daly, who was named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for September 2023.
Daly has been part of the CWI community for the last six years where she has taught various classes, such as Media News Writing and Reporting (COMM 273), Principles of Public Relations (COMM 278), Multimedia Storytelling (COMM 261), Introduction to Mass Media (COMM 271), and Communicating Through Web Design (COMM 259).
Daly teaches because she enjoys guiding students in making connections between the skills they learn in class and how those same skills can be applied in a future career or their academic and personal lives.
“When students make the direct connection between their education and their future aspirations, they become more engaged,” Daly said. “For example, being able to communicate and write clearly and effectively are skills that are essential in every profession. I am passionate about empowering students to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and adaptable team members so they can make meaningful and impactful contributions in their future professions and in our community.”
Born and raised in the Treasure Valley, Daly attended Bishop Kelly High School in Boise and received her bachelor's degree in Communication and a Master of Education degree at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.
While in the final year of her undergraduate, Daly obtained an internship with KTVB Idaho News Channel 7 in Boise which helped start her career in journalism. While at Channel 7, she worked as a News Producer for several different newscasts and even won an Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy) Award for Best Morning Newscast. Daly also helped launch KTVB’s noon show, Idaho Today, which she produced and anchored.
“My internship experience is what allowed me to make connections to people in the news industry and find mentors that I still turn to for advice and guidance today. Now that I can mentor students, I really try to emphasize the importance of internships and fostering relationships that open the doors to new opportunities.”
While Daly works full-time at CWI, she is still actively involved in local journalism. Daly is a Reporter for the locally owned news outlet, BoiseDev, where she writes weekly articles highlighting businesses and people in our community. Working for BoiseDev has allowed her to stay connected to an industry that is everchanging and evolving and then share that knowledge with her students.
Daly believes CWI plays an important role in the Treasure Valley by offering affordable, accessible, and career-focused education to a diverse student body. It also provides students with a variety of pathways to academic and professional success — something she strives to assist with.
Department Chair of Communication and Marketing, Jim Gatfield, notes Daly plays an active role in the programmatic efforts related to strategic planning and growth and has taken the lead in modernizing and refining CWI’s Media Arts program. Daly has met with stakeholders at transfer partners and written a new curriculum based on both transfer and industry-wide needs.
“In the classroom and online, it’s clear that students are benefitting deeply from Anna’s presence,” Gatfield said. “Student evaluations reflect positively on Anna, with students remarking on her commitment to their success and skillful teaching style. Beyond the College, Anna maintains relationships with industry contacts throughout the Treasure Valley. These connections aid both curriculum development efforts and provide students with high-impact internship opportunities.”
Daly’s favorite moments of working at CWI are seeing how her students progress in their education and careers.
“I have had several students go work in public relations,” Daly said. “They will reach out to me with press releases for me to write about and cover for their company and organization. That's when it really comes full circle. It's also always rewarding to see students' work when they go work for local news outlets, marketing, and public relations agencies.”
Outside of the College, Daly enjoys traveling around Idaho and beyond, as well as camping, attending sporting events, and spending time with family.
Join CWI’s Inclusive Excellence Committee
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Inclusive Excellence Committee invites staff and faculty across the institution to consider working as committee members for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The Inclusive Excellence Committee works to advance the learning and working environment at CWI by advising and advocating for all members of the College 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 closely identify achievement gaps to improve undifferentiated outcomes
- and provide input on CWI policies, practices, and procedures of the College to ensure an equitable, inclusive system.
Committee members are asked to 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.
Prospective members are asked to submit a letter of interest to inclusiveexcellence@cwi.edu. Working on the Inclusive Excellence Committee is a highly rewarding professional experience. The Committee looks forward to your application!
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact inclusiveexcellence@cwi.edu.
Take Part in the 2023 Trunk-or-Treat
Associated Students of College of Western Idaho’s (ASCWI) annual Trunk-or-Treat is back and better than ever! Join us on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) east parking lot for a fun and family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating, games, and more.
If spooky fun is what you're looking for, come join us for this year's trunk or treat. 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 “spook-mobiles!” There will be fun games for all ages, music, and tacos from Tin Roof Tacos!
Come share candy and enjoy the Halloween festivities with your CWI community. We encourage everyone to come out and have a good time!
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east parking lot
Please remember, masks that cover your full face and full face paint are not allowed due to safety precautions. People are also not allowed to carry any weapons or props that resemble any sort of weapon (gun, knives, swords, bows and arrow, etc.). Any item or prop that is brought onto campus will be asked to be put back in your vehicle, even if it is a part of your costume as these are prohibited by CWI.
CWI clubs and organizations along with CWI departments and offices are invited to host a trunk or table. Sign up to secure your spot!
For more information about Trunk-or-Treat, please contact ASCWI at ascwi@cwi.edu.
Cybersecurity Awareness: Malware and Fake Online Advertisements
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Information Technology (IT) Department has some tips and information to help you protect yourself from malware and scams.
We all rely on Google for our daily searches, but it's important to be aware that not all ads on the platform are trustworthy. Bad actors take advantage of Google's advertising system to display fake ads that can contain harmful malware or lead to scam websites.
To stay safe, follow these steps:
- Install and regularly update anti-virus software on your computer.
- Enable an ad-blocker like AdBlock on your internet browser.
However, if you do come across a Google ad that interests you, here's how to determine its legitimacy:
- Instead of clicking on the ad's link, manually enter the website's URL into your browser's address bar.
- For example, type www.amazom.com instead of clicking the link.
- Hover your mouse over the ad's link to reveal the actual URL.
- Scammers may disguise the link as a trustworthy site like amazon.com or zoom.com, but the underlying address could be a totally different URL and lead to a malicious website or malware download.
Additionally, be cautious when installing third-party extensions or applications. It's crucial to research and verify their credibility before clicking on any links or downloading.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from fake ads and potential harm while surfing the web.
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact IT at helpdesk@cwi.edu or 208.562.3444. For those interested in learning more about cybersecurity or a career in this field, visit Cybersecurity's program page.
Flu Season Information and Resources
The flu season has arrived! Protect yourself and those around you.
The flu spreads through tiny droplets made through coughing, sneezing, or talking. The droplets can travel about six feet and can land in the mouths or noses of others nearby. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- If you are not feeling well, stay home.
- Periodically wash your hands and sanitize surfaces.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth avoiding the use of your hands.
Learn about the flu vaccine and decide if this is the right step for you by visiting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s seasonal flu vaccine informational page.
Immunizations are available at several locations across Idaho. Contact your local public health districts, your primary doctor, or visit a local pharmacy to schedule an immunization.
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests this winter
Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, consumers can once again get four (4) free coronavirus home tests delivered directly to their home.
Order Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
What you need to know:
- Limit of one order per residential address.
- One order includes four (4) individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
For more information on COVID testing, visit the federal government's online resource page.
Idaho LAUNCH at College of Western Idaho Helps Fund Tuition & Fees for Idaho Seniors
Attention Idaho high school seniors graduating in Spring 2024! The State of Idaho has an incredible opportunity for you. Introducing Idaho LAUNCH, a program designed to help Idaho students fulfill their college dreams and attend College of Western Idaho (CWI) in Fall 2024.
With Idaho LAUNCH, you can receive 80% of your tuition and fees covered, up to $8,000 per student; nearly covering completion of a two-year degree or certificate. And the best part? There are no GPA or financial need requirements. Plus, everyone who applies to CWI is accepted!
Imagine starting your journey towards a degree or certificate at CWI, knowing that most of your tuition and fees will be taken care of. Plus, if you qualify, you can also apply for scholarships and financial aid to help cover any remaining costs.
We believe in giving every student the opportunity to create a better future through education and personal empowerment. At CWI, you'll have access to over 100 programs that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for today's in-demand careers.
Whether you're passionate about technology, healthcare, business, or any other field, CWI has got you covered. Don't miss out on this amazing chance to start your career right here in Idaho.
Applications for the Idaho LAUNCH program open Tuesday, Oct. 3, and will run through the end of November. High school students are highly encouraged to apply early.
Take the first step towards a bright future by learning more about Idaho LAUNCH and how you can get started on an affordable pathway to success. Sign up for CWI Idaho LAUNCH Link and visit the Resource Library on Next Steps of Idaho for additional Idaho LAUNCH program details. CWI is here to support and guide you every step of the way.
NWCCU Accreditation Visit and Open Forums
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU or the Commission) and must comply with NWCCU Accreditation Standards. NWCCU will be conducting an accreditation visit at CWI related to the Year-Seven Comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness on Oct. 18 – 20, 2023.
During the visit, NWCCU will be conducting open forums to meet with CWI faculty and staff. The open faculty and staff sessions are intended for operational faculty and staff only. High-level supervisory personnel should not attend these open sessions. Examples of high-level supervisory positions include Department Chair, Assistant Dean, Dean, Provost, Director, Executive Director, Assistant Vice President, Vice President, Executive Vice President, President, etc.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Room 139AB
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Room 139AB
CWI recently submitted to NWCCU the Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review (PRFR) Report and the Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness (EIE) Report. The EIE Report covers NWCCU Accreditation Standard #1 and the PRFR Report covers NWCCU Accreditation Standard #2.
Both accreditation standards will be covered during the NWCCU onsite accreditation visit in October 2023. Employees are strongly encouraged to read the PRFR and EIE Reports in preparation for the NWCCU accreditation visit.
Additional information and resources are available at:
For those with questions or in need of additional information, please email communications@cwi.edu or call 208.562.2222.
