CWI News – Sept. 5, 2025
In the Spotlight
A key visual for the What Is Mechatronics campaign made a special visit to College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Nampa Campus this past week. Bus 703 was caught in front of the new Health & Science Building showing off its Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program bus wrap, custom designed by CWI's Marketing and Creative team.
News Highlights
Join Us for the Agricultural Sciences Complex Ribbon Cutting
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is celebrating the grand opening of its cutting-edge Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex including the Simplot Agriculture Building on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Nampa Campus. Faculty, staff, students, and the community are invited to celebrate this transformative space elevating agricultural sciences.
This state-of-the-art facility blends 40 acres and 38,000 square feet of innovative instructional space with sustainable design, creating a modern hub for hands-on education and research. Thoughtfully designed using daylighting principles, the complex ensures that every classroom and lab is infused with natural light. With nearly 300 registrations, a number of students will embrace learning in this new, modern environment blending indoor and outdoor learning.
Ribbon Cutting attendees can tour the complex, including state-of-the-industry labs, and learn more about programs co-located here, including Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education, Animal Veterinary Sciences, Fermentation Science, and Horticulture Technology.
Agricultural Sciences Complex
Tuesday, Sept. 9
10 a.m.
Simplot Agriculture Building, 16941 N Progress Way, Nampa
Classes in the Agricultural Sciences Complex began with the start of the fall semester on Aug. 18, and students are already bringing the new learning spaces to life.
Come see how CWI is shaping the future of healthcare and science education in the Treasure Valley. For more information, visit cwi.edu.
Central Receiving & Mail Services Launching Soon
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is implementing a new central receiving and mail services system designed to improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery of mail and packages across all campuses. The new system will centralize how mail, packages, and freight are received and distributed. The transition begins Oct. 1, 2025, with full implementation expected by Jan. 2, 2026.
Key changes include:
-
Mailing Address Update (effective Oct. 1, 2025): Campus mail will now be processed at 5500 E. Opportunity Dr., Nampa, ID 83687. The current P.O. Box address will remain valid until Oct. 1, 2026.
-
Central Receiving Launch (Jan. 2, 2026): All incoming deliveries of parcels and freight will be received at 5725 E. Franklin Rd., Nampa, ID 83687.
-
Mail Stops: New mail stops will be added and select existing ones will be updated to ensure accurate delivery. For example, Canyon County Center will transition to MS 4000 to give the CWI One Stop its own unique code.
-
Outgoing Shipments: Departments can request pickup for outgoing mail and packages by emailing centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
Departments across the College are asked to update business cards, stationery, email signatures, and websites with the new addresses. Marketing and Communications will provide updated brand templates ahead of the transition.
“This move reflects CWI’s commitment to supporting our growing community with reliable and efficient services, we appreciate everyone’s cooperation to make this transition smooth,” said Jeff Flynn, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management
With these changes, CWI is preparing for a more efficient future in handling mail and deliveries. Faculty and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated processes and are responsible for communicating these updates to external business partners.
For more details, view this PDF or contact centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
The First Four Weeks of Fall 2025
Welcome Otters!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to celebrate the start of another academic year with a lineup of exciting events for new and returning students. Here are the first of many events to mark on your calendars for Fall 2025.
Week of Welcome
Monday Aug. 18 – Wednesday, Aug. 20
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
- Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
- Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Week of Welcome is an initiative designed to support students during their first week of classes. CWI staff will be stationed across select campus locations to help students navigate the college’s various campuses, help students locate their classes, and provide students the opportunity to get answers to common questions that will promote a successful start to the semester!
Student Resource Fair
- Wednesday, Aug. 27
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Thursday, Aug. 28
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Kick off the semester with the Office of Student Engagement and Counseling and Wellness Services by exploring the many services and opportunities available to you at CWI. The Student Resource Fair brings together departments and community partners to help you make connections, find support, and get involved. Enjoy giveaways, meet staff and faculty, and discover tools to help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Club Fest
- Wednesday, Sept. 3
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Thursday, Sept. 4
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Looking to make friends, develop leadership skills, or share your passion with others? Club Fest is the perfect place to explore active clubs at CWI or connect with the Office of Student Engagement to learn more about how to start a new club on-campus. Meet club representatives and learn how you can make the most of your campus experience. From academic clubs to special interests, there is something for everyone.
Job & Career Fair
- Tuesday, Sept. 9
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
- Wednesday, Sept. 10
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
- Thursday, Sept. 11
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center
Step into your future at CWI’s Job & Career Fair. Network with local employers, learn about job opening and internships, and connect with CWI Work-Based Learning Center for help with your resume and interview skills. Whether you are seeking part-time work, a full-time position, or career advice, this event is your gateway to professional growth.
Here’s to a great semester ahead – let’s make Fall 2025 one to remember!
All events sponsored by Westmark Credit Union.
AI Stipend Applications Close Sept. 12
The AI Committee at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to announce new professional development stipend opportunities for the 2025-2026 academic year, available to both faculty and staff. There are two stipend options with specific roles, deliverables, and a two-semester commitment aimed to foster innovation and increase AI engagement across campus.
The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 12.
1. Department Engagement Leaders
This role is ideal for people ready to learn alongside their colleagues to spark meaningful conversations and exploration within their department. No AI experience required. Leaders will:
- Facilitate department-specific AI activities and discussions.
- Investigate, test, and share out opportunities, risks, and success conditions for an AI implementation that advances the department's goals.
- Meet quarterly with AI Committee to share our learnings.
Apply to be a Department Engagement Leader
2. AI Innovators
This opportunity is for those already deeply engaged with AI tools and practices. Innovators will:
- Host one, campus-wide Lunch and Learn per semester.
- Produce one content item for the AI Central SharePoint.
- Share a five-minute presentation at the quarterly AI Committee meetings.
Stipends are $500 in a direct stipend or to department’s professional development funds, as determined by your supervisor. Full details and link to apply AI Professional Development Stipends 2025-26. Questions? Contact Jillana Finnegan at jillanafinnegan@cwi.edu.
Food for Thought Fall 2025
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Learning Commons (Library, Tutoring Services, and Writing and AI Literacy Center) for their annual Food for Thought, a two-day event for new and returning students to connect with librarians, tutors, and writing and AI consultants to learn about the academic resources available to help them succeed in their classes.
CWI library staff supports students with research and offers streaming videos and other tools to support student studies. Tutors work with students to help them better understand and prepare for coursework, exams, or papers. Services include appointments covering various academic disciplines, study group opportunities, and more. The writing and AI consultants support students with access and training on AI tools and usage, along with writing help.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Tutoring Center, Room 1304 and Student Commons
Thursday, Sept. 18
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Tutoring Center, Room 209 and Second Floor Atrium
Join the Learning Commons and Student Engagement for free pizza and opportunities to connect!
Tickets Available for Opening Doors Scholarship Events
College of Western Idaho (CWI)’s Foundation is hosting its annual Opening Doors Scholarship Event on Friday, Sept. 26. This event is the largest night of raising funds to directly support student scholarships. This year there is a limited number of individual tickets for anyone interested in joining an unforgettable evening.
The evening includes engaging conversations with CWI students, faculty, and staff along with catered dinner and some exciting auction items. You won’t want to miss it.
For sponsorship opportunities or questions, please reach out to the CWI Foundation at Foundation@cwi.edu.
CWI Reflects on the Service and Impact of Trustee Stan Bastian
Former CWI Trustee Stan Bastian, a dedicated educator and public servant who helped shape the early success of College of Western Idaho (CWI), passed away on Aug. 26. Bastian’s service to the College and his community left a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the Treasure Valley as a whole.
Bastian, an Eagle resident, was a longtime leader at CWI, serving multiple terms as a Trustee and holding leadership roles such as Secretary/Treasurer. He brought decades of experience as an educator, school administrator, and state legislator, ensuring that CWI remained focused on access, quality, and student opportunity.
Reflecting on Bastian’s contributions, CWI President Gordon Jones shared, “Stan’s vision and commitment was key for supporting student success at CWI. He was a tireless advocate for education and the Treasure Valley.”
As a CWI Trustee, Stan was instrumental in CWI’s history,” said founding Board of Trustee member Mark Dunham. ‘Stan’s thoughtful leadership and his forthright perspective on government and education were key when we were making hard decisions such as the Whitewater property purchase in Boise.”
“Having served with Stan on the CWI Board of Trustees for over eight years in the early stages of the College’s development, I can say with confidence that he played a significant role in laying a solid foundation,” said former Trustee Guy Hurlbutt.
Skip Smyser, who also served with Bastian on the board said, “He was an absolute gentleman!”
The College community remembers Stan Bastian with deep gratitude and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.
CWI Deans are recognized at the WICHE Academic Partnerships 2025 Annual Meeting
Two Deans from College of Western Idaho (CWI) were recognized at the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Academic Partnerships 2025 Annual Meeting earlier this year held in Reno, Nevada. Assistant Dean Greg Wilson was applauded for completing the 2023-2025 WICHE Academy for Leaders in the Humanities Cohort. The academy prepares humanities faculty for upper-level leadership roles at higher education institutions in the West. Wilson was named WICHE Academy for Leaders in Humanities Fellow as one of eight faculty chosen to participate from around the west. The Fellowship in part supported Wilson in leading the Open Education Resources (OER) initiative at CWI which is estimated to have has saved students over $1.4 million dollars in textbook costs since 2023 as well as the Digital Navigators initiative which helps students navigate the sometimes-complex digital aspects of pursuing higher education.
Dean Justin Vance was also honored for graduating from the 2024 Western Academic Leadership Academy Cohort. The Western Academic Leadership Academy is a year-long professional development program for academic leaders aspiring to become chief academic officers in the WICHE region’s postsecondary sector. A project Vance worked on in concert with his participation in the academy was the expansion of CWI’s 8-week session offerings that give students added choice in term length options and more entry points throughout the year.
In addition, during the conference Dr. Vance co-presented with Heidi Estrem, Chief Academic Officer, Idaho State Board of Education; Tiffany Seeley-Case, Vice President of Instruction, College of Southern Idaho; and Angela Sackett, Vice President of Academics and Student Affairs, College of Eastern Idaho, on a panel titled, “Embracing the Hot Potato of Statewide Collaboration to Produce Transformative Change.”
The presentation focused on state-level transfer initiatives in Idaho and the shift from them being perceived as 'compliance requirements' to becoming catalysts for meaningful institutional and statewide change. Some topics touched on by Vance were the statewide General Education Summit, General Education Core Certification, the Common General Education Class List, Common Test for Credit (e.g., AP, CLEP, etc.), and common degree type definitions.
Entrepreneur Lab Highlight: Daniella Jenson
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab is proud to shine a spotlight on one of their enthusiastic entrepreneurs. Daniella Jenson, a current student at CWI studying Business with a minor in Psychology, is passionate about helping fellow students see the world from new perspectives through travel, personal growth, volunteering, and the transformative power of a gap year. Jenson’s vision is deeply influenced by her personal overseas travel experiences, including recent trips through Indonesia and Vietnam.
Last year, Jenson pitched her venture idea, Solosowonderer at the Entrepreneur Lab’s Fall 2024 Showcase & Completion, and secured funding to support her mission of introducing students to gap year opportunities.
Through her work with the Entrepreneur Lab, Jenson has focused on asking the right questions, building strategic partnerships, and envisioning a future where schools recognize how gap years can enhance both student success and retention. By sharing her story and visuals on platforms like Instagram, Jenson aims to bring the gap year experience to life for a wider audience.
Jenson’s next step is to create a comprehensive guide and photography resource hub to help more students and families explore the world, discover themselves, and take the leap into a life-changing gap year. The Entrepreneur Lab is excited to continue to support Jenson and other students like her as they experiment with entrepreneurship.
Health & Wellness Screenings Arrive at CWI This October
Life moves fast, and finding time for medical appointments can be a real challenge, especially when juggling classes, work, and your personal life. Counseling and Wellness Services at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is thrilled to announce the first-ever Mobile Health Fair.
In partnership with Full Circle Health, Saint Alphonsus Mobile Mammography, and Saint Alphonsus Mobile Medical Unit, CWI’s case managers are bringing essential health services directly to you. Stop by when it works for you, or schedule ahead if you prefer by calling 208.367.4482.
This unique event will provide a variety of vital health services free of charge for students and staff, including:
- Basic Health Testing (blood pressure, glucose, etc.)
- HIV Testing
- Social Needs (e.g., help with housing, food insecurities, utilities, etc.)
Additionally, mammograms will be available with proof of insurance and if certain qualifications are met, including specific history and age.
Mobile Health Fair
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east side of the building
In tandem with the Mobile Health Fair, Counseling and Wellness Services will be hosting a two-day mental health wellness event. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay , will offer free mental health screenings and provide resources to support suicide prevention, assistance with intimate partner violence, and nicotine cessation.
Free Mental Health Screenings
- Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122
Contact Juan Sanchez at juansanchez1@cwi.edu with questions.
