CWI News – Sept. 29, 2023
Spotlight
A new partnership between CWI, Idaho Power, and Power Engineers brought students to Swan Falls Dam this week for an up-close look at potential careers involving drones, raptors, hydroelectric equipment and more. This is part of a collaboration to bring potential STEM careers into focus for students in a setting that provides a historical backdrop and modern energy equipment. The students also got a visit from Slim, the golden eagle.
President's Message
Greetings CWI Community,
Last week, we had the honor of hosting Idaho's Governor Brad Little and several Treasure Valley legislators at our campus for an Idaho LAUNCH kickoff event. The gathering was another opportunity to showcase CWI’s incredible work and our commitment to training Idaho’s workforce.
One of my favorite aspects of the event was the more than 70 students in attendance from our Heavy-Duty Truck, Heavy Equipment, Welding, and Automotive programs. Our students are the proof points that our vision for education is having an impact and our state’s leaders saw that firsthand at this event.
As fall sets in, I am glad to see so many events on our vibrant campus. A great example is Farm to Fork, which celebrates the harvest season and supports CWI’s agriculture programs. Mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 6, and join us by purchasing your tickets here.
Finally, our biggest fundraiser for the college is the tenth annual Opening Doors Benefit Event on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Please visit CWI’s website to learn more and join us for what is sure to be a fun evening. Your support will make a profound difference in the lives of our students and our community.
Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant and thriving community!
Respectfully,
News Highlights
Building His Future Through CWI
As a lifelong car buff, it should be no surprise Automotive Technology student, Ryan Hael, enrolled in the program at College of Western Idaho (CWI). However, up until 2022, he had been too nervous to pursue a career to further his passion.
“Coming into this field I knew very little about cars except for the simple stuff like oil and changing light bulbs,” said Hael. “I had a big love for cars my whole life, but it’s only been from a distance and seeing cool cars on the road, but it stopped there.”
Luckily for Hael, he has had a support system close by to help him take that leap into the auto industry. His mother encouraged him to further himself and his education by looking into what CWI’s Automotive Technology program had to offer.
After doing some research and checking out the Automotive Technology program’s orientation, Hael was sure the College was the place for him. He was drawn to the labs and classroom space students were able to utilize while in the program. He also was eager to take advantage of the program’s equipment, from the beginner tools such as sockets and wrenches to the more advanced resources such as a belt tensioner.
“I am extremely happy with my choice, meeting new people and seeing the passion my professors have for the automotive industry has increased my love for cars even further."
Through the Automotive Technology program, students learn about jobs like maintenance and light repair, electrical systems, engine repair, engine performance, automatic transmissions, and more. The program utilizes local partnerships, students in the program are even able to gain an internship and work at an industry repair shop.
In addition to the program's equipment and technology, students, like Hael, invest in their own tools and toolbox which they then take with them after completing the program.
“It is expensive, but it will pay for itself in the long run.”
Thankfully through the support of the Nagel Foundation, Hael was able to apply for one of their scholarships and use the funds to cover some of the costs of his tuition and tool fees.
The Nagel Foundation scholarship fund was established at the College in 2019 to keep the legacy of the Nagel Beverage Company alive by enriching and giving back to the community through education and service. To date, thousands of dollars have been awarded from the fund as scholarships to second-year career and technical education students.
Now in his second year in the program, Hael is grateful to the Nagel Foundation for supporting and believing in students like him. It has afforded him to succeed in the program by putting much of his focus on his studies.
“This scholarship has relieved so much stress off my back of having to try to apply for loans and struggling to scramble funds to pay for my tuition. This scholarship is also helping me be able to stand out in the automotive field by having tools that will help me work faster and do jobs that other technicians won’t be able to do without those tools.”
Being part of the CWI community has afforded him the ability to follow his dreams and learn more about a field he has had an interest in, but never felt confident enough to pursue. Thanks to encouraging family, instructors, classmates, and supportive community members, like Nagel Foundation, he feels like he can thrive in the program and is confident enough to become Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified and pursue a future career at a local car dealership.
“I can’t put into words about what I have gained through the Automotive Technology program. I have learned so many useful and impactful things that I can use to help myself and others for a lifetime. Because of CWI, I am bettering myself and able to do things I never thought I would be able to by myself.”
Scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 academic year at CWI are open through Nov. 30.
Speech and Debate Start Season with Big Win
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Speech and Debate team is back from the Fran Tanner Tournament hosted by College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls — returning as outright tournament champions! In total, the team brought home 11 awards.
"The first tournament of the season is always a gamble, it’s impossible to gauge where the other teams are at and if the work we’ve put in is up to par for the season," said CWI Assistant Professor and Director of Forensics, Luke Yeates. "Watching 11 of the 12 members of the team bring home awards was a sight to behold."
For the tournament's Speech events, there were no divisions which meant all novice-level students were competing against students who have upwards of four years of experience.
Speech Awards:
Extemporaneous Speaking
- Gold — Alex Norris
- Silver — Trace Van Sickle
Impromptu Speaking
- Bronze — Trace Van Sickle
Reader’s Theater
- Gold — Will Guerrero, Orion Logan, and Eli ODonnell
For the Debate events, eight students on the Debate team made it out of the preliminary rounds and into the finals.
Debate Awards:
Novice Division
- Gold — Jared Kartel
- Bronze — Asha Muhingi, Josephine Beasley, and Orion Logan
Jr. Division
- Gold — Trace Van Sickle,
- Silver — Noelle White
- Bronze — Kennedy Care
Open Division
- Bronze — Oliver Heaviside
Finally, and what is a first for CWI, the College's Speech and Debate team was awarded Gold in Team Sweepstakes! The tournament was balanced in a particular way where, instead of focusing on total points earned, the total was divided by the number of competitors a team brought to the tournament. The end number is called the point efficiency of the team. For all comprehensive teams at the tournament, the only team to break 10 points per student was CWI.
Team Sweepstakes:
- Gold — College of Western Idaho
"This is an incredibly rare feat, especially considering the caliber of the programs attending the tournament this weekend," Yeates said. "I see good signs for the team this season."
For those with questions, or in need of more information about CWI’s Speech and Debate team, contact Luke Yeates at lukeyeates@cwi.edu.
CWI Alum Leads Effort to Fill CWI Food Pantry
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Food Pantry at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) was recently filled thanks to generous donations by Boise State University’s Student Association of Radiologic Technologists (SART)!
President of SART, Jeleana Loa, is a former CWI student and Tutor who spent a lot of time in NCAB where she noticed how empty the Food Pantry was on a regular basis. She made a promise to herself that she would one day return to campus and help fill the pantry.
“I think the CWI Food Pantry is essential,” Loa said. “College is an investment. While I can appreciate how affordable CWI is, I know that doesn’t eliminate the need for assistance.”
As President of SART, Loa created events for members to participate in to earn points in order to attend the Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology in Las Vegas in January. One of the activities she came up with was a collection drive to help benefit the CWI Food Pantry.
More than 19 SART students donated dozens of items to the drive, including macaroni, Top Ramen, Gatorade, juice boxes, peanut butter, granola bars, canned soup, hygiene items, and much more. Loa and others with SART were able to stop by NCAB and fill the shelves on Monday, Sept. 27.
SART has plans to do another collection drive this November.
“The need for Food Pantry support is high right now,” said CWI Counselor and Basic Needs Coordinator, Christy Babcock. “CWI’s Pantry shelves are empty again soon after we get them stocked. We strive to stock the shelves once per week, depending on what we have available. Unexpected donations like the one from SART are a welcome and wonderful surprise.”
In 2019, a CWI survey revealed that 40% of our students have experienced food insecurities, which negatively impacts student success. Research shows that supporting students with on-campus food pantries helps promote positive student development, retention, and graduation.
The College has five Food Pantries located throughout CWI’s campuses, where CWI students and employees experiencing food insecurity are welcome to help themselves to what they need. The pantries also contain hygiene products for people to take and use.
“With local grocery prices soaring, students are feeling the pinch to their budgets. All too often, students have to sacrifice meals in order to cover other expenses,” Babcock said. “Our goal is to support students’ basic needs and to keep the pantries stocked with snacks and grab-and-go meals so they have something to eat while they are on campus.”
Those interested in donating to the CWI Food Pantry, like SART students, 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 “the 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.
CWI Celebrates International Week of the Deaf and Deaf Awareness Month
To celebrate International Week of the Deaf and Deaf Awareness Month, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) American Sign Language (ASL) Club and Student Disability Services hosted a couple of events to spread awareness of the Deaf community and have fun while doing so!
First, ASL students, interpreters, and Deaf community members gathered at Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) to kick off the International Week of the Deaf and Deaf Awareness Month activities on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Participants heard from two CWI Deaf, Sign Language Studies adjunct faculty members, Kristi Dorris and Mikkel Nelson, who shared about their upbringing, what it was like learning ASL, their experience with Deaf culture, and finding their identities within the culture.
The event also had those in attendance play the online quiz game, Kahoot, with questions about ASL and Deaf culture to help spread awareness and education. Interpreters were provided for the event so everyone was included.
ASL Club and Student Disability Services then took things over to Settlers Park in Meridian for the International Week of the Deaf Picnic on Friday, Sept. 22. Those in attendance were able to enjoy delicious food and play yard games – all while communicating in ASL!
Each year in the second to last week of September, CWI’s ASL Club and Student Disability Services come together to celebrate International Week of the Deaf and Deaf Awareness Month to educate and spread awareness of the College’s and Treasure Valley’s Deaf community.
For those in need of more information or interested in getting involved with CWI’s ASL Club, please visit their Club page. For those who are in need of assistance from CWI’s Student Disability Services, please contact accessibility@cwi.edu. For inquiries regarding Sign Language Interpreting services, please email signlanguageinterpreters@cwi.edu.
2023 Opening Doors Online Auction Now Open!
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation will host its tenth-annual Opening Doors Benefit Event. Plan to join the CWI community as we raise money for student scholarships.
This year’s event will kick off with an online auction. The entire CWI community is invited to join this year's online auction featuring one-of-a-kind metal art created by CWI students, experience packages donated by community members, and more!
The online auction is open now through Sunday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m.
In addition to the auction, the CWI Foundation will host a sold-out, live event at Galaxy Event Center on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The live event will recognize donors and scholarship recipients, highlight programs at the College, and feature messages from CWI and community leaders.
Contact the Foundation at 208.562.3100 or foundation@cwi.edu for more information and ways to get involved!
2023 Farm to Fork Tickets Sold Out!
Get a taste of the Treasure Valley and College of Western Idaho (CWI) during this year's Farm to Fork event, Friday, Oct. 6. Hosted by the College's Agricultural Science department, this true farm-to-fork meal will feature produce grown in CWI's Campus Garden and specialties from local partners.
"We are thrilled to engage with our community to support the Campus Garden," said the Department Chair and Assistant Professor in Agriculture Sciences, Andrea Schumaker. "This project is a true labor of love, and it brings us immense joy to provide students the opportunity to harvest vegetables, educate them about agriculture, and contribute to the availability of fresh, nutritious food for them and their families."
$80/person
- Take a tour of the garden, meet the chef, and talk with local partners contributing to the event.
- Dinner includes a five-course meal paired with delicious beverages.
Tickets for 2023 Farm to Fork are sold out!
Those still interested in supporting the Campus Garden can make a monetary donation by visiting CWI’s Give Now page, selecting Other with Campus Garden as the gift designation.
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.
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.
