History
At CWI’s inception in 2007, Boise was the last metropolitan area in the country lacking a community college. In March of that year, the Idaho Legislature appropriated funds for the college. Later that May, a supermajority of voters in Canyon and Ada counties voted to form a community college district. With the monetary support of the Albertson Foundation and the appointment by the Idaho State Board of Education of CWI’s first Board of Trustees, the College of Western Idaho was launched. CWI acquired the programs, personnel, and property of the recently defunct Selland College and officially opened its doors to students at its main campus on what was formerly Boise State University’s West Campus.
Milestones
2007
May 22, 2007
Supermajority of Ada and Canyon County voters passed referendum to establish a community college district, enabling the creation of the College of Western Idaho.
July 17, 2007
Board of Trustees for College of Western Idaho Appointed
July 30, 2007
First Board of Trustees Meeting Held
August 7, 2007
Dennis Griffin named as president for the College of Western Idaho
2008
January 14, 2008
College of Western Idaho welcomes its first students; initially offering a wide selection of certificate classes and fast track career training non-credit programs
June 2008
A Memorandum of Agreement between the College of Southern Idaho and the College of Western Idaho was signed. The MOA provides accreditation oversight by CSI as CWI pursues its own independent accreditation.
July 15, 2008
Trustee’s approve the 2008-09 Schedule of Tuition Fees, establishing the per credit fee at $119
January – October 2008
Comprehensive Strategic Planning process to reflect the values of a locally owned and controlled community college.
Fall 2008
Anticipated registration for two-year transferable courses to be offered in January 2009
November 2008
Hagler and Associates to deliver Strategic Plan to Board of Trustees for approval.
2009
January 2009
Anticipated availability of full CWI course offerings, including for credit curriculum, certificate classes, workforce training and adult basic education (ABE)
Summer 2009
Transfer of Boise State University professional technical programs and Selland College of Applied Technology staff to College of Western Idaho.
Registration for professional technical courses, anticipated to start in Fall 2009.
July 13, 2009
Dr. Berton L. Glandon begins his tenure as the second president of the College of Western Idaho.
Fall 2009
Professional technical courses anticipated to start
