CWI News – September 27, 2024
In the Spotlight
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News Highlights
Commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day at CWI
Join College of Western Idaho's (CWI) School of Social Science and Public Affairs, and School of Arts and Humanities as we honor Indigenous Peoples Day at the Nampa Campus Academic Building Monday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
The entire CWI community is invited to join us for refreshments and a presentation led by Indigenous community members, followed by a thoughtful, interactive conversation.
Native Experiences and Revitalization
Presenter:
Rob Sam – Ron is an enrolled member with the Summit Lake Paiute in Northern Nevada. He is an accomplished artist and musician who presents to local students, participates in powwows and the regional Sun Dance ceremony. Join us to hear him discuss his personal journey revitalizing Native experiences and traditions.
Monday, Oct. 14
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), 102E
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available prior to the event.
The State of Idaho has officially recognized the day since 2019 when Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation declaring every second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Nikki Gorrell at nikkigorrell@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.
CWI 2024 Culture Initiative Updates
Thank you again for your engagement and feedback during the 2024 Culture Initiative Listening Tours. We had a productive townhall meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, where we discussed the findings and our planned next steps to address the key areas that were identified. For those unable to attend, the recording of the townhall is now available online: Culture Initiative Townhall Recording
Also, access to the CWI Culture Initiative SharePoint site is now available via Quick Links on your MyCWI page or here: Culture Initiative SharePoint Site
This is where you will also find the survey results, ongoing updates about our progress as well as additional opportunities to discuss this important work that will be scheduled over the next year.
Next Event: Faculty Lunch and Learn on Nov. 15
Topic: CWI Culture Initiative
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Volunteer Workgroup: If you are interested in participating in the workgroup, please click the button below. Workgroup nominations will close on Friday, Oct. 4.
We are grateful for your continued participation, and we encourage you to engage with the resources found on the SharePoint site as we work together to enhance the CWI culture. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.
Register for the Fall 2024 Ignite Leadership Series
The Fall 2024 Ignite Leadership Series, a two-part introductory program sponsored by The Hartwell Corporation, is designed to ignite leadership potential and empower you to achieve success. This transformative experience is open to all CWI students and will equip you with the skills you need to excel in any environment.
What you will gain:
- Develop essential leadership skills
- Discover your purpose
- Boost your confidence
- Network with peers
All participants will complete a True Colors assessment, enjoy dinner from Café Zupas, and will be entered in a drawing for a leadership basket!
The Ignite Leadership Series is a sequential program, so attending both sessions is crucial for the full experience. Mark your calendars for:
Fall 2024 Ignite Leadership Series
Session 1
Tuesday, Oct. 15
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122
Session 2
Tuesday, Oct. 22
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to unlock your leadership potential! Registration is now open.
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
Stay Tuned for Monthly Cybersecurity Tips
This year, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Cyber Defense Center (CDC) will be sending out a monthly newsletter about Cybersecurity. It will have some interesting tips and important information to help you protect yourself online. CWI’s Cyber Defense Center, in conjunction with CWI’s Information Technology (IT) department, focuses on cybersecurity education for the college and for our surrounding community.
Hackers…Who are They?
White Hat (Ethical & Legal Hackers)
- Ethical Hackers
- Security Analysts
- Cybersecurity Consultants
Black Hat (Malicious & Illegal Hackers)
- Crackers — Break into systems with Malicious Intent
- Cybercriminals — Seek Financial Gain Through Illegal Activities
- Hacktivists — Political or Social Activism
Gray Hat (Ambiguous, They May Exploit Vulnerabilities Without Permission, but Do Not Necessarily have Malicious Intent)
- Freelance Hackers — Hack for leisure or for Contractual Positions
- Bug Bounty Hunters — Find the Bugs in Systems
Script Kiddies (For Fun, Mischief, or to Gain Notoriety)
- Amateur Hackers
- Wannabe Hackers
Nation-State (Espionage, Cyber Warfare, or Political Gain)
- Cyber Warriors — Employed by Governments to Engage in Cyber Espionage, Cyber Warfare, or Cyber Defense
- State-Sponsored Hackers — Government Hackers
Red Team (Improve Security by Identifying Weaknesses through Simulated Attacks)
- Penetration Testers — Usually hired to test the vulnerabilities of an organization
Blue Team (Defend Against Cyber Attacks and Improve Security Measures)
- Security Professionals — Responsible for defending an organization’s information systems against real and simulated attacks
Hackers have diverse motivations and methods, as well as varying ethical and legal implications of their actions. Being wary of anything that looks suspicious is just one way to protect yourself against malicious hackers.
For more information about CWI’s organizational security please contact Michael Wilson at michaelwilson1@cwi.edu
For more information about cyber awareness or cybersecurity, you can either contact Michael Wilson or Sara Hoyt at sarahoyt@cwi.edu or cyberdefense@cwi.edu. Or visit the Cyber Defense Center website at https://cwi.edu/community/cyber-defense-center
To report a possible cybersecurity issue, please submit a help desk ticket to IT.
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.
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!
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.
