When the supermajority of Ada and Canyon County voters passed a referendum in May 2007, they enabled the creation of Idaho’s newest community college in more than 40 years – the College of Western Idaho. Since then, CWI’s board of trustees and staff have been working diligently – partnering with the College of Southern Idaho to offer accredited courses that transfer to four-year institutions, coordinating the upcoming transition of Boise State University’s Selland College staff and curriculum to CWI, hiring instructors to teach the academic courses that begin in January 2009, and beginning to accept applications and enroll students during the past month.
Despite all of these very substantial accomplishments, people still ask me, “What is a community college?” And, actually, that happens to be one of my favorite questions to answer.
I start off by telling them how different and unique a community college is versus a traditional four-year college or traditional university because a community college is founded on the fundamental principles of access and affordability. More importantly, this question allows me to share the numerous ways that CWI will benefit the community we serve.
A community college – first and foremost – is accessible. There is a commitment to an open admissions policy and low tuition costs. Consequently, a community college enrollment reflects the rich diversity of the community it serves because it is populated with people of all ages, ethnic and cultural heritages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
A community college is affordable. Low tuition and financial aid keeps this higher education option within the reach of many Americans. Like CWI, most community colleges have transfer agreements with colleges and universities to accept its credits toward four-year degree requirements. Many students choose to complete their first two years of coursework at a community college, thus significantly reducing the cost of a four-year degree. Even though community colleges have seen a slight increase in tuition over the years, these increases and the overall cost of a community college education remain significantly lower than those of four-year institutions.
A community college is also flexible. A community college provides a wide range of educational programs that include: two-year degrees (associate degrees), core classes, credit and non-credit vocational and occupational training, certificate courses, adult basic education, English as a second language and personal enrichment classes.
CWI also offers a flexible schedule with day, night and online courses where students can learn a skill or trade, fulfill a personal or professional career aspiration and achieve their educational goals at a pace that makes the most sense for every individual’s personal situation.
I can provide you with many more reasons and examples of how CWI will be a tremendous asset to the Treasure Valley, but one of the most significant roles that CWI will play is as a catalyst for community development. Community colleges are becoming magnets for higher-income baby boomers and seniors seeking to retire to newly-formed campus-centered cities where community colleges serve as the core of community life.
Not only will new people be drawn to the Treasure Valley, but local businesses will be able to access instructional programs to bolster their workforce – whether they are original courses created by the community college or the application of programs recognized by local industry. This is critical in Idaho where we are facing work force shortages in areas of health care, construction and computers/technology.
Starting this January, CWI will begin to develop into a thriving community college. It will be academically challenging, while offering a friendly higher education environment that is accessible, affordable and flexible. We are truly creating the opportunity for students for all ages, races and economic status to develop into the work force of the future.
Dennis Griffin is the president of College of Western Idaho.
Source:http://www.idahostatesman.com/128/story/601658.html