CWI News – September 6, 2024
In the Spotlight
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News Highlights
Support First-Generation Students at CWI’s Open Doors Benefit Event
Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s 11th-annual Opening Doors Benefit Event, taking place Sept. 1 – 15, as we raise money for first-generation student scholarships! 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 much more!
The auction opens on Sunday, Sept. 1, and runs until Sunday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m. Be sure to register early to view and bid on auction items! Follow the arrow below to learn more and bid.
For more information and to learn about additional ways to support the College and first-generation students, contact the Advancement/Foundation at 208.562.3100 or foundation@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- Your normally cheerful co-worker is suddenly withdrawn and disengaged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!
Visiting Artist Series: Roland Becerra
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, Roland Becerra, to the Nampa Campus Academic Building on Thursday, Sept. 12, for a lecture and Friday, Sept. 13, for a workshop.
Roland Becerra grew up in Miami’s “Little Havana”, where he witnessed the process of recreating Cuban culture in a new homeland through stories, art and music. This deeply impacted his path toward becoming an artist. He earned an MFA from Yale University and has exhibited his work throughout the east coast. His first animated short “Dear Beautiful” premiered at Sundance in 2009. Roland spent the last decade making “Agatha” into a feature-length animated film and currently into a graphic novel.
Artist’s Lecture
Roland Becerra will present a lecture to students at CWI about his work.
Thursday, Sept. 12
6 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Room 206
Creating Simple Stories: Beginner Comic-Book Workshop
Becerra will also host an engaging, hands-on workshop where attendees will learn the essentials of comic-book storytelling. This beginner-friendly session is perfect for those interested in exploring the art of comics. Attendees will learn the basics of creating clear and compelling stories through simple art and concise dialogue.
Friday, Sept 13
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Room 206
By the end of the workshop, participants will understand the basics of comic-book storytelling and create their own simple, short comic.
CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by National Endowment for the Arts. Visiting Artist Series events, featuring visual and performing artists, are free and open to the public.
For those with questions or need more information, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@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.
Join a Club and Find Support at Fall 2024 Student Resource Fairs
Discover what College of Western Idaho (CWI) has to offer outside of the classroom! Student Engagement is hosting their Fall 2024 Student Resource Fairs. CWI students can attend to explore different resources available on and off campus, while enjoying fun activities and tasty food.
Students will be able to connect with clubs, campus departments, and gain valuable information that will contribute to a thriving and successful campus experience.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
CANCELED – Wednesday, Sept. 11 – CANCELED
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
The Student Resource Fair will also bring together about a dozen off-campus community partners. These organizations are excellent resources to help students with basic needs, such as transportation, childcare and family support, financial support resources, low-cost medical care options, and domestic violence resources.
Three lucky students who fill out an event passport or attend the virtual fair will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. Names will be chosen and contacted by Student Affairs following the events.
Can’t make it in person? Visit the Resource Fair virtually all semester long in myCommons on Blackboard!
For those with questions or in need of more information about the Student Resource Fairs, contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
Fall 2024 Job & Career Fair
Looking for employment? Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) Sept. 17 and 18 for the Fall 2024 Job & Career Fair, where you can meet with businesses from across the Treasure Valley who need skilled workers like you! Employers are looking for interns, administrative assistants, CNAs, social workers, equipment operators, mechanics, and more.
Need a new headshot for Handshake or LinkedIn? Paylocity will be offering FREE professional headshots for students who participate. Show up ready to impress and take advantage of this opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Employers:
- Ada County Highway District
- Amazon
- Bish's RV
- City of Boise
- ESI Construction (Engineered Structures, Inc.)
- Express Employment Professionals
- Idaho Banker's Association
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- J.R. Simplot Company
- Paylocity
- PepsiCo
- Saint Alphonsus Health System
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
Wednesday, Sept. 18
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Employers:
- Amazon
- AmeriCorps of Chelan Douglass Community Action Council
- City of Boise
- College of Western Idaho – Work-Based Learning Center
- ESI Construction (Engineered Structures, Inc.)
- Express Employment Professionals
- Home Instead
- Idaho Banker's Association
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Kiddie Academy of Meridian
- Micron Technology Inc.
- Paylocity
- PepsiCo
- Saint Alphonsus Health System
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- and MORE!
Contact Sitlaly Escamilla, Coordinator of Student Leadership and Programs, at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.
