CWI News – September 20, 2024
News Highlights
East Opportunity Drive Closure Sept. 23-28
As part of the Student Learning Hub construction, College of Western Idaho (CWI) will be closing East Opportunity Drive for the week starting Monday, Sept. 23. You will be able to access the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) via a detour to the north, which will be marked with signs. All parking lots will remain open during this time. Valley Regional Transit (VRT) bus service will continue at the current locations.
The attached image provides a visual for the section of East Opportunity Drive that will be closed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Facilities Planning and Management at 208-562-2354.
Visit CWI’s website to learn more about ongoing campus development projects.
Farm to Fork 2024 is 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. 4. 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."
Farm to Fork Dinner
Friday, Oct. 4
$80/person
Campus Garden Tour @ 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Campus Garden
- Take a tour of the garden, meet the chef, and talk with local partners contributing to the event.
Dinner @ 6 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 122
- Dinner includes a five-course meal paired with delicious beverages.
Tickets for 2024 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.
Get Ready to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Join us for a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month hosted by the Hispanic Employee Resource Group and Student Engagement. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of the Hispanic community.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 122
Experience a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture, history, and contributions at the College of Western Idaho (CWI). Enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, and a special address by Keynote Speaker, Mari Ramos, Executive Director of the Idaho Hispanic Foundation. There will also be a captivating performance by a baile folklorico Latin American folkloric dance group showcasing the vibrant traditions and cultural expressions of the Hispanic community.
This event is open to all ages and backgrounds. Come celebrate the diversity and richness of Hispanic culture while enjoying a memorable experience.
Event Schedule
3:00 p.m. – Welcome and Introductions, Overview of Hispanic Heritage Month
3:30 p.m. – Food and Networking
4:00 p.m. – Baile Folklorico Performance
5:00 p.m. – Keynote Speaker, Mari Ramos
This event is open to all members of the CWI community. We hope to see you there as we celebrate together!
For more information, please contact: jeanetteorozco@cwi.edu
Discover Your Path to Success at Entrepreneur Lab
Welcome to Entrepreneur Lab: Your Gateway to Innovation
Calling all innovators, creators, hustlers, and entrepreneurs! College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited invite you to the Entrepreneur Lab — a new initiative dedicated to empowering and resourcing the entrepreneurial spirit within our campus and community. Whether you are in the inception stage of a groundbreaking idea or seeking to expand an established business, Entrepreneur Lab is here to support you.
Join us for the Kickoff Event where we will unveil the brand-new Entrepreneur Lab space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.
Event Details
Thursday, Oct. 10
2 – 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), room 100B
Ribbon Cutting: 2 p.m.
Why Entrepreneur Lab?
At Entrepreneur Lab, our mission is to provide meaningful support and hands-on experiences for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Whether you're a student with a passion for innovation, an inventor with an exciting prototype, or a newly established business owner looking to thrive in today's market, we offer the connections, guidance, and opportunities you need to succeed.
Explore Our Resources and Programs
- Cohorts: Dive into our structured cohorts designed to guide you from idea conception to business launch and beyond. Benefit from expert mentorship, practical workshops, and a supportive community of peers.
- Events: Immerse yourself in a calendar full of enriching events, from hands-on workshops and guest speaker sessions featuring successful local entrepreneurs to a culminating pitch competition.
- Community Connections: Connect with like-minded individuals and industry leaders who share your passion for entrepreneurship. Forge valuable relationships that can propel your ideas and ventures forward.
What to Expect at the Kickoff Event
- Meet the Team: Engage with our dedicated Entrepreneur Lab team who are committed to supporting your entrepreneurial journey with personalized guidance and support.
- Networking Opportunities: Expand your network and build relationships with current students, faculty, alumni, local businesses, and community members who are all integral parts of our thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We hope that the Entrepreneur Lab will be more than just a physical space — it will be a dynamic community of forward-thinkers and trailblazers who are redefining entrepreneurship in our region. Whether you're driven by a passion for innovation, a desire to make a difference, or a dream of building something extraordinary, Entrepreneur Lab is your launchpad to success.
RSVP Today
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. RSVP now to secure your spot at our Kickoff Event on Oct. 10. Come celebrate with us, network with industry experts, and ignite your business journey with Entrepreneur Lab.
Get Involved, Get Inspired
Join us at Entrepreneur Lab and embark on a journey where your ideas are empowered, your aspirations are supported, and your entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Together, let's build a vibrant community of innovators who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship at CWI.
Be a Mental Health Hero: Step Up Your Skills
Have you ever encountered these situations?
- A student confides that they've been struggling and can’t keep up after missing class
- Your normally cheerful co-worker is suddenly withdrawn and disengaged
- A student starts crying during an appointment with you
Everyone faces mental health challenges at times. We all want to help but may not feel like we have the skills to support someone facing a mental health challenge.
At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we strive to create an environment where mental health is valued as much as physical health. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) can equip you with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges and crises. And great news — CWI employees can attend this training for free! Sign up for an MHFA course on your own or contact us to schedule a team session.
Don't wait — together, we can build a campus culture that truly cares!
The CWI MHFA instructors also host monthly Mental Health Tid-bit meetings where we discuss important wellness topics for employees and students. Watch the employee calendar for details!
Mental Health Tidbits: Stress Management with Yoga Fusion
Discovering the proper stress management techniques and prioritizing mental health is crucial for maintaining your well-being. Whether it's the demands of school, family, work, finances, or relationships, College of Western Idaho (CWI) understands the overwhelming pressures life can throw your way. Our CWI Mental Health First Aid trainers offer Mental Health Tidbits for campus community members to help broaden their knowledge on mental health topics.
In October a musically inspired yoga dance fusion class will be offered at both campus locations to support holistic stress management. This mindful fitness format fosters emotional stability and resilience, encourages a deeper connection between the body and mind, and sharpens focus and concentration. These 50-minute sessions will be conducted barefoot on the mat, with no jumping or impact, making it accessible to nearly all. The sessions will be led by Erica Compton, Director of Student Advising and Success. Erica is also a certified ACE Group Fitness Instructor, certified Oula and Oula One instructor, and teaches both formats weekly at the Tomlinson South YMCA.
Yoga Fusion Class (Oula One)
Wednesday, Oct. 16
4 – 5 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1320
Wednesday, Oct. 23
4 – 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building (NASP), Room 100
What to Bring:
• Water Bottle
• Yoga Mat (a few will be made available if you don’t have one)
• Flexible attire
Ten CWI employees are certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors. MHFA teaches individuals the skills necessary to help someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This research and evidence-based program promotes mental health literacy to help the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. The course introduces participants to the MHFA Action Plan, ALGEE, a five-step plan that can be used to provide support to someone in distress. Additionally, participants learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance abuse, engage in experiential activities to build an understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families and discuss evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.
CWI employees interested in attending MHFA training can visit the Mental Health First Aid Training Courses to learn more.
For those with questions or interested in learning more about the Mental Health Tidbits Discussions, please contact Jodi Hickenlooper at jodihickenlooper@cwi.edu.
Wishing Well Fund Accepting Applications
Looking for extra financial help to fund a classroom need or program? Now's your chance as the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s Wishing Well Fund is accepting applications!
The Wishing Well Fund was established to encourage our staff and faculty to innovate and enhance CWI's educational environment and develop student learning opportunities. All the funds granted must be used for the direct advancement of departments or programs, contributing to students' growth and learning experiences.
This Fund is only possible thanks to the generous contributions of CWI employees and our supportive community partners, who are passionate about funding projects that extend beyond the standard departmental budget and require a financial lift to enhance student experiences.
The application must be signed both by you and your Dean/Director and submitted online to the CWI Foundation by 3 p.m. on Oct. 31. Late submissions will not be considered.
The maximum award amount is $1,500, and funds must be utilized by May 1, 2025.
For more information about the Wishing Well Fund or to request an application, please reach out to the Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
