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Did you miss a newsletter? You can catch up by going to the
eNotes Archives.
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Did you know that CSI was recently awarded a US Department of Education grant worth almost $250,000 over the next four years to support students who need childcare while attending CSI? Look for more information coming soon!"
Chris Bragg Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness
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NWCCU Launches Review of its Standards, Policies, and Eligibility Requirements
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) today launched a comprehensive review of its Standards of Accreditation, Policies, and Eligibility Requirements. This review is part of the NWCCU's ongoing self-reflection, and in support of the requirements of the United States Department of Education's recognition of the Agency.
The process of review will conclude in Fall 2019 after opportunities for input from key stakeholders, including institutional leadership, faculty, staff, and students, as well as the public. This exercise provides stakeholders the opportunity to assess the current processes around NWCCU's accreditation activities (including the cycle of evaluation and the methods of evaluation).
A complete timeline for the process of the revision of the
Standards of Accreditation, Policies, and Eligibility Requirements is available on the NWCCU website (
www.nwccu.org
).
Beginning
today until December 1, 2018, NWCCU is soliciting input from its stakeholders and the public via the Standards Review Survey tool created to collect information and is available for viewing and submission by clicking:
Additionally, stakeholders and the public are invited to submit comments via email to
[email protected]
.
The review process is overseen by the NWCCU Bylaws, Standards, and Policies Committee, which is chaired by Board of Commissioners' Secretary, Deneece Huftalin, President, Salt Lake Community College. The Committee and the Board of Commissioners will work to consider all input and comments.
Results of the Committee's work
will be shared with NWCCU membership and the public prior to an additional opportunity for public comment in Summer 2019 before adopting the revised
Standards of Accreditation, Policies, and Eligibility Requirements.
Chris Bragg Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness
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James Kellis Manufacturing Technology Instructor
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Remind your students to apply online for FAFSA!
Heidi McCall Student Financial Aid Advisor
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Sautéed chicken breast with light tomato-herb sauce, creamy four cheese risotto and roasted vegetable medley. $10.00
Thursday, October 11
Steak au Poivre a classic French bistro dish, pepper crusted flatiron steak with a brandy and cream reduction roasted heirloom fingerling potatoes and asparagus. $11.00
The above entrees are served with your choice of soup or salad bar, beverage and dessert.
Salad Feature
Salad Niçoise, a traditional French salad, our version features grilled ahi tuna and baby red potatoes dressed simply with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil. $7.50
Sandwich Feature
Pastrami Reuben on marble rye bread $7.50
Soup of the Day
Cream of tomato
Dessert
Wednesday; Spiced Sweet Ricotta Pumpkin Roll. Thursday; Orange Sherbet Baked Alaska
Hours 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Michael A. Johnson Culinary Instructor
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Sarah Renaldi Allied Health Instructor
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Cindy Flowers
PACE Performance Advisor
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Please join us in attending and celebrating these events in October and November.
10/12 Employee & Family Health & Wellness Fair
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Friday, October 12 from 7 - 11 a.m.
HSHS Lobby & Building
Remember to fast 8-10 hours if you plan to participate in the biometric screening.
All employees and significant others may participate FREE of cost. We have 13 tables of information and services to offer including men's health, mental wellness, our EAP, Nutrition, Office on Aging, SC Public Health services, Smoking Cessation, Life Flight, Women's Imaging, MISTI skin cancer, St. Luke's Sleep Center, ergonomic health and retirement planning. Great goodies and prizes to be had!
Many have asked, so I want you to know there is NO FINANCIAL INCENTIVE tied to the screenings at this fair. They are offered for YOUR INFORMATION ONLY. You will, however, qualify for drawings for awesome prizes both for the screening at this fair or if you submit a doctor's verification form.
Included in the screening are BMI/waist measurement and blood pressure. All services will be private and confidential and provided by our HSHS instructors and trained students. Results will be explained by a health coach at the time of the screening. Or, you may prefer to submit a signed doctor's verification form instead, without numbers/measurements noted, to [email protected] on or before the date of the event on October 12, to participate in a drawing for awesome prizes.
If our Registration Form online fills, we will open more slots. Remove your name, please, if you change your mind or encounter a conflict.
Flu Shots FREE for benefited Employees/Spouses
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Friday, October 12 from 7 - 9 a.m. in the HSHS
Thursday, October 18 from noon - 2 p.m. in the HR Conference Rm, TAB 210
Provided by St. Luke's, our annual flu vaccination clinics are FREE to benefited employees and spouses. There is no RSVP, just drop by for quick service and a little poke in the arm.
10/19 Wear Pink to Work for Breast Cancer Awareness Day
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This October, the CSI Wellbeing Program is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women after skin cancer. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it's found and treated early. If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them. If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years. You may also choose to get them more often.
Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms and point you in the direction of a women's imaging center for the screening.
10/24 Wear Orange to Unite Against Bullying
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Together against bullying. UNITED for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
Make it
ORANGE
and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to showing that you believe that all youth should be safe from bullying? Come together in one giant
ORANGE
message of hope and support, WEAR AND SHARE
ORANGE
to color our nation, and even the world, visibly showing that our society believes that no child should ever experience bullying.
Read the history on Wikipedia
, Unity Day sponsored by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center.
10/27 Annual St. Luke's Magic Valley Health Fair
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Details about this event have yet to be announced, including the start and end time. It typically includes clinical lab work, flu shots, vaccinations, skin cancer and pulmonary screenings, blood pressure, vision tests and more. There may be a cost associated with some services. Watch for details as we get closer to the date.
- No Shave November
- TBA Finances with Guy Ferguson of VALIC
- TBA Fall craft event
- Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving Day
- TBA Tony Mannen Tie Day with live music and best beard contest
Judy Heatwole, MTD
Wellbeing & Development Coordinator
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The last outdoor photo shoot for employee photos will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17. Doug Maughan will email an exact location that week.
Note: If weather conditions require, Doug will email the location change for this Thursday's photo session.
Doug Maughan
Photographer
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The CSI Foundation is pleased to announce the fall round for
Mini Grants
and for
Professional Development Grants
. Up to $3,000 is available for each of these grants and projects are to be completed within a year of the award. The due date for these grants is
midnight Wednesday November 7, 2018
and proposals are to be submitted using
- Mini Grants - to stimulate creative ideas and activities and their subsequent implementation that result in improved student learning and/or success. Click here for additional information.
- Professional Development Grants - support travel to attend national conferences for the purpose of institutional improvement. Click here for additional information.
Application Process: -
Send a digital copy of the completed application to
[email protected]
by midnight Wednesday November 7, 2018. Please note that your application must signed by your supervisor and Dean/AVP/VP for consideration.
Kristen Adamson
CSI Foundation
Administrative Assistant
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Judy Heatwole, MTD
Wellbeing & Development Coordinator
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Our new publication from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) is now in your workplace to share with your colleagues. This month's focus article is about beating breast cancer. Please find an excerpt below.
Judy Heatwole, MTD
Wellbeing & Development Coordinator
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NPR Health News
It's shaping up to be one of the worst flu seasons in years.
If you are one of the thousands of Americans who are sick with the flu, this one's for you.
You've spent the past couple of days cooped up in your house watching bad TV, fighting the fever sweats and expelling a baffling amount of mucus. As you start to resemble a human being again, you might feel pressure to head back to work.
But when is it really OK to return? Many people go back as soon as their symptoms start to resolve, which could be putting your co-workers at risk.
The CDC says you are contagious one day before you start feeling sick and up to seven days after. If you're a kid, elderly, or have a weak immune system, you can be contagious for even longer.
Judy Heatwole, MTD
Wellbeing & Development Coordinator
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By: Chef Brenda Wattles, RDN and The Idaho Bean Commission
According to the Idaho Bean Commission, the number one reason to eat Idaho's beans is due to our rich volcanic soil and clean mountain water that produces the "highest quality, disease-free bean seed in the world." If that isn't reason enough, Registered Dietitian and Chef Brenda Wattles adds five more reasons to eat our local, healthy food.
Beans are Versatile
There are ten varieties of beans grown in Idaho. All of which have their own flavor profile and texture that offer numerous ways to prepare them. Beans can be served as a main course or a side dish. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, beans can be considered as a main protein entree or a side vegetable. That is versatility at its best!
Beans are Easy to Prepare
Whether you are cooking them dried or straight from the can, they are easy! Dried takes a little longer, but the process is simple (*see instructions below). Once they are cooked and ready to go, add them to soups, hummus, salads, or even smoothies! Visit the Idaho Bean Commission's website for recipes ideas.
Beans are Inexpensive
If you are looking to save money on your grocery bill, beans are a great cost-conscious alternative! Adding them to your menu as a main dish protein can cut your budget tremendously. Chef Brenda recommends making homemade black bean burgers, hearty vegetarian chili, or topping entrée size salads with beans as your main protein source.
Beans are a Protein and a Fiber-Rich Superfood
Most Americans are getting enough protein. However, they are often deficient by about 10 grams of fiber a day. By adding one cup of cooked beans to their diet, they will be adding about 12-16 grams of fiber a day. Additionally, beans are high in antioxidants. They are also low in calories and saturated fat.
Beans are Excellent for Weight Loss
One cup of canned black beans is only 218 calories! Not only are they low in calories, they provide lots of bulk during digestion. So, they will keep you full longer! Adding beans to your diet is one of the best ways to get a variety of nutrients for such a small number of calories.
Judy Heatwole, MTD
Wellbeing & Development Coordinator
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Pat Weber
CSI Sustainability Council Member
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Chance Munns
Assistant Professor, Horticulture
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Herrett Center for Arts and Science
College of Southern Idaho
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Museum, Planetarium, Observatory
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Year round hours.
*Closed Sundays, Mondays, and federal holidays.
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Tuesdays
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9:30 am to 9:00 pm
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Wednesdays
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9:30 am to 4:30 pm
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Thursdays
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9:30 am to 4:30 pm
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Fridays
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9:30 am to 9:00 pm
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Saturdays
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1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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Oct. 9
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7:00 pm
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Legends of the Night Sky*
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7:30 pm
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Herrett Forum Lecture:
Public Art in Context
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8:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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Oct. 12
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7:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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8:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
|
9:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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Oct. 13
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1:30 pm
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Legends of the Night Sky*
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2:30 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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3:30 pm
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Legends of the Night Sky*
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4:30 pm
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National Parks Adventure
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7:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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8:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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8 pm-midnight
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Free monthly star party
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9:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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Oct. 16
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6:00 pm
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Reptile Revue
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7:00 pm
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Legends of the Night Sky*
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8:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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Oct. 18
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11:00 am
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The Monster at the End of This Book
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Oct. 19
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7:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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8:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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9:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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Oct. 20
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1:30 pm
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Legends of the Night Sky*
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2:30 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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3:30 pm
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Legends of the Night Sky*
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4:30 pm
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National Parks Adventure
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7-9 pm
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International Observe the Moon Night**
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7:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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8:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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9:00 pm
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The Ooky Spooky Light Show
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*Live Sky Tour
For Now Showing Options at the Faulkner Planetarium
click here.
For special events happening at the Herrett Center
click here.
For astronomy events in the Centennial Observatory
click here.
Rick Greenawald
Manager, Faulkner Planetarium
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Description: C
ome share ideas, commiserate and brainstorm answers to teaching quandaries, and establish connections with instructors of varying disciplines and experience levels.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 8:00 am
Location: TAB 210
Facilitators: Shane Brown & Mike LaPray
Topic:
"
Open Forum"
Recommended Audience: CSI Employees
This Friday Brown Bags
Description:
Each Friday afternoon we will gather together and share lunch/treats while we discuss the daunting task of putting theory into practice, putting context into all the content we
teach.
Date: Friday, September 14, 2018
Time: 12:45 p.m.
Location: HSHS 139
Facilitators: Clay Wilkie & Evin Fox
Topic:
"
Midterms: How are things going? How do we support our students in stress?"
Recommended Audience: CSI Employees
This Coming Monday Brown Bags - Students & Employees
Description: The student faculty brown bag provides a safe space for collaboration and creates an opportunity to build relationships between students and employees.
Date: Every Monday
Time: Noon
Location: SUB Fireside Lounge
Facilitators: Justin Vipperman, Matt Reynolds, Samra Culum, & Carolina Zamudio
Topic: Struggles/Worries while in College
Recommended Audience: All students (CSI employees are welcome)
This Coming Monday Brown Bags - Employees
Description: This semester we will be reading and reflecting together on Student Engagement. We're currently reading Discussion in the College Classroom: Getting Your Students Engaged and Participating in Person and Online by Jay R. Howard. By learning together and exchanging perspectives, we hope to be motivated by discussions to test drive new practices! Come join us!
Date: Every Monday
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: TAB 210
Facilitators: Jan Carpenter, Jacqlyn King, Tiffany Seeley-Case
Topic: Find the e-book here. Use this link to read the book on campus.
Recommended Audience: Students, Staff, and Faculty
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October 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the CSI Fine Arts Center
Frédéric Chopin is known as the poet of the piano. His special affinity for this instrument yielded music that is beloved by audiences around the globe. This program will focus on Chopin's life and works, beginning with his formative years in Warsaw and ending with his mature years in Paris. The recital will blend narration, visual images, and piano performance to explore Chopin's fascinating journey which contributed to the creation of music that is universally enjoyed and admired. Dr. Parkinson will perform some of Chopin's best-known works, including "Fantaisie-Impromptu," "Minute Waltz," and "Heroic Polonaise."
Tickets are $10/adults, $8/seniors, or $6/students and are available at the CSI Box Office.
Camille Barigar
Director of Community Enrichment
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Sport |
Opponent |
Date |
Time |
Location |
Women's Volleyball |
USU Eastern |
Oct. 12 |
7 PM |
Twin Falls, ID |
Men's Basketball |
Rocky Mountain Jamboree
|
Oct. 12-13
|
TBA
|
Windsor, CO
|
Men and Women's Cross Country |
Inland Empire Championships |
Oct. 13 |
10:45 AM |
Lewiston, ID |
Men's Baseball |
Treasure Valley CC |
Oct. 13 |
TBA |
Twin Falls, ID |
Women's Volleyball |
Colorado Northwestern CC |
Oct. 13 |
3 PM |
Twin Falls, ID |
Women's Softball |
Round Robin |
Oct. 13 |
TBA |
Twin Falls, ID |
Karen Baumert
Sports Information Director
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Tickets are now available for the first performance of the CSI Theater Department's 2018-2019 Season, The Secret in the Wings. The show will run October 10 - 12 at 7:30 p.m. and October 13 at 2 p.m. in the CSI Fine Arts Theater.
In Mary Zimmerman's The Secret in the Wings, a young child confronts subjects such as loss, love, marriage, and family through the reading of a book of little known fairy tales. The basement of the child's house comes alive as the characters from the tales appear from the walls, out from behind trunks, and even through an armoire, to act out the tales as they are read from a dusty old book by the ogre from next door. The heirlooms and discarded items in the basement become the props in the creepy tales, bringing the true power of fairy tales into the light and on the stage. The run-time of the show is approximately one hour.
Tickets are $10/adults or $5/seniors or students. Tickets available at the CSI Box Office, by calling 732-6288, or online at
tickets.csi.edu.
Camille Barigar
Director of Community Enrichment
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Perri Gardner
Assistant Professor, Political Science
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October 15, 4:30 p.m.
Explore the Snake River's accessible falls on foot! Transportation and guide included! This hike has a steep descent and climb out of the canyon and not advised for beginner hikers. FREE for CSI Students, $5 for CSI Faculty/Staff, $10 for community members.
Sorry, no refunds. Call 732-6697 to register!
Mountain Bike Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Auger Falls
Beginners welcome! Join us on Wednesday nights for a group ride. All gear is provided, plus limited transportation. Email
[email protected] by 12 p.m. on Wednesday
to register. Limited space. Free for
CSI Students taking 7+ credits, $5 for CSI Faculty/Staff, $15 for community members ($5 if you bring your own bike).
October 31 Costume Ride!
Lunchtime Rides on Campus
Every Thursday, 12 p.m., Outside the SUB
Take a break from
classes and ride on campus with the ORC! We'll be outside the SUB with the bikes - just show up and ride (first 20 people)! Dress for the weather!
Christa Gessaman
Outdoor Recreation Center Coordinator
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GLASS BLOWING - OPEN STUDIO
Dates: October 15 - November 5
Days: Mondays
Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
Fee: $50 + $10/hour for supplies (paid to instructor)
Location: 496 Madrona
Instructor: Wes Overlin
CREATIVE WRITING
Dates: October 16 - December 3
Days: Tuesdays
Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
Fee: $70
Location: Shields 109
Instructor: Shane Brown, Jim Irons
HIP HOP
Date: October 16 - December 4
Days: Tuesdays
Time: 6 - 7 p.m.
Instructor: Keesha Olander
Fee: $80
Location: Gym 304
Click here
to sign up for this class or any other CSI Community Ed class.
Camille Barigar
Community Enrichment Director
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The CSI Advising Center is sponsoring the 2018 Fall CSI Transfer Fair. Students will have an opportunity to meet with the transfer institutions from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 17, 2018,
in the Student Union building. Four-year colleges and universities from around the area will be here to visit with students about the transfer process. Information about the academic programs, financial aid, scholarships, and housing will be available.
The following institutions will be attending the event; Boise State, BYU-Idaho, College of Idaho, Idaho State, LCSC, Northwest Nazarene, University of Idaho, Montana Western, and Utah State.
Ryan Bigelow
Student Advisor
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Scott Rogers
Challenge Course Coordinator
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Doug Stone + Jeff Campbell and the CSI Jazz Ensemble
Oct. 23, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the CSI Fine Arts Auditorium
Jazz saxophonist Doug Stone and Jeff Campbell, both extraordinary musicians hailing from Louisiana State University and Eastman School of Music respectively, will be performing with a small group and with the CSI Jazz Ensemble. Besides our guest artists, the concert will also feature Alex Hudson on vocals.
Ben Britton
Instructor, Woodwinds & Jazz
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All CSI Employees are invited to attend a very special Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event hosted by the CSI Foundation. There will be food in the SUB Building, various prizes and a super fun, campus wide interactive scavenger hunt. We hope you'll join us in connecting with our community and campus programs. Any questions you may have please reach out to the Foundation Office.
Tamara Harmon
CSI Foundation Assistant Director
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The Great Pumpkin 5k walk/run and youth race is being sponsored for our employees and families by your CSI Employees Wellbeing Team again this year. This is a tradition for our campus! Employees are FREE and your first buddy is just $10! Wear a costume. Stay for a fabulous chili feed! Send your registration form and money to Ann Rolfes in the Gym
now t
hrough October 16, to have shirts ordered in time.
Click Here for the Employee/Buddy Registration Form.
Lindsey Anderson
Head Coach XC/Distance Track
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Students with the College of Southern Idaho's Radiologic Technology program - the Rad Tech Club - invite prospective students to come to their three-hour career day from
9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 9.
The event will be held in the Rad Tech lab (HSHS 178) at CSI's Health Science building on North College Road.
Students will be given information about the program and how they can apply, plus they will get to go on a tour of the radiography lab and learn about some of the medical imaging equipment used in the program. Each participating student will receive 2 points towards their program application should they choose to apply. There will be hands on presentations and time for questions about the program and the careers students are lead to after completing their education. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
For more information, please contact program advisor
Dr. Gary Lauer at 732-6719 or
Tamara Janak at 732-6716.
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This 2.5 hour course is designed to update Small Businesses on the new Tax Laws, and how they will affect their business. Federally licensed tax professional Mariana Fieraru from OBI Leadership Training will be teaching this must-take course. Topics covered include Tax Rates, De
duction Lists, Tax Brackets and how the new laws will affect your business. If you are a small business owner or manager in Idaho, you can't afford to miss this training. Want to learn more about Mariana Fieraru? Check out her bio below!
Date: October 17, 2018
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Taylor 248 (Board Room)
Co-Sponsor: OBI Leadership Training
Fee: $ 39.00
Want to see who is all attending? Check out our Facebook event and find your friends!
Check or cashiers checks can be mailed to 202 Falls Ave. Twin Falls, ID 83301 or credit card payments can be made in person or over the phone at 208-732-6450.
Jordan Gentry
Small Business Development Center
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GLOBAL ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION RALLIES
TENS OF THOUSANDS TO COMBAT MODERN-DAY SLAVERY
The Magic Valley Walk for Freedom will start at 10 a.m. from the CSI Expo Center on Thursday, October 20, 2018, and it will end at 1 p.m.
On
October 20, 2018, tens of thousands of people will gather all over the world for a fundraising and
awareness event called #WalkForFreedom. Walks will take place in hundreds of cities across dozens
of nations.
This event is operated by a global anti-human trafficking organization, A21. The purpose of the walk
is to raise awareness about the millions of men, women, and children who are still trapped in slavery
today. By fundraising and rallying thousands of people around the cause, the belief is that this event
will be the catalyst for the rescue and restoration of human beings who are being exploited.
Walk For Freedom is distinctly recognized by its participants who will be wearing black shirts and
walking in single-file lines all over the world-in local towns, through busy intersections in city
centers, on dirt tracks in crowded villages, along bridges, tunnels, and water banks. Hundreds of
local walks will be seen marching for a global end to modern-day slavery.
"We are convinced that if we do this together, if we keep showing up, if we continue to be tenacious,
if we continue to turn up with strength, numbers, and courage, then we can see slavery eradicated in
our lifetime, "says Christine Caine, A21's Founder.
A21 Overview:
A21 is a global nonprofit organization determined to eradicate human trafficking through awareness,
intervention, and aftercare. Currently operating in 13 countries, A21 aims to combat modern-day
slavery through a multi-dimensional operational strategy: Reach, Rescue, and Restore. Through
partnerships and the efforts of supporters all over the globe, A21 truly believes that a multitude of
victims can be identified and assisted, and perpetrators can be brought to justice.
Millions of slaves.
A $150 billion industry.
1% ever rescued.
More information about Walk For Freedom and A21 can be found on our website:
A21.org and A21.org/Walk
Julie Underwood
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Wellbeing & Development Coordinator
|
Ashley Klauser
Volunteer Coordinator
Twin Falls County Board of Community Guardians
[email protected] | 208.736.5048 ext. 2246
|
October 9, 2018
Contact: Mike Keckler
208-332-1591 (office)
208-866-5734 (cell)
One Board Serves Idaho Education Very Well
By Dr. Linda Clark, president, Idaho State Board of Education
After reading Marty Peterson's recent
guest opinion in the Idaho Statesman suggesting the Idaho State Board of Education has too much on its plate to properly oversee both secondary, and postsecondary education in our state, I felt it necessary to respond.
First, I have the utmost respect for Mr. Peterson and his long career in public service, including time spent serving as the legislative liaison for the University of Idaho.
However, I believe his suggestion that the State Board should concentrate solely on K-12 education and that separate boards be appointed to oversee each of our three universities and Lewis-Clark State College would be counterproductive.
The Idaho Constitution vests the "general supervision of the state educational institutions and public school system" in the State Board of Education. Idaho is one of only two states (Rhode Island is the other) with one board overseeing all public education from kindergarten through graduate-level higher education. I know from my dealings with colleagues on the national level that Idaho's consolidated governance model is the envy of many other states because it provides us with the ability to set policy which impacts the entire education pipeline without having to navigate multiple layers of decision-makers.
For example, if we had to negotiate agreements with each institution, launching statewide programs like Direct Admissions, whereby all high school students are automatically admitted to an Idaho college or university would be extremely difficult and time consuming. Initiatives like Apply Idaho, which enables high school seniors to apply to any Idaho college or university free of charge, likely never would have gotten off the ground if we needed prior approval from eight different governing boards.
As one board, we are able to operate as a system, which enables us to look at the broader needs of all students and the state. We support each institution and highlight what makes them unique, while leveraging a system which is greater than the sum of its parts.
Geographically, Idaho is a huge state with a small population and scarce education dollars. Mr. Peterson points to the model employed by our community colleges, each of which has its own board of trustees, and we who serve on the State Board are delighted by the success of our community colleges. As the name implies, these institutions are designed to meet initial post-secondary needs of local communities by providing career technical instruction and general education classes needed to earn an associate degree, while preparing students to continue their education at one of our four-year schools, if they choose.
Our universities and Lewis-Clark State College provide higher education opportunities to entire regions. One board is able to ensure each institution has resources and serves specific unduplicated missions benefitting the system and our entire state.
I will concede that the depth and breadth of the State Board's governance responsibilities is significant. But rather than breaking the system apart, there is a more precise and cost-effective method to address workload demands. By virtually any measure, the State Board is remarkably under-staffed. Currently a staff of 33 (including four employees exclusively supporting the Public Charter School Commission) provides professional staff support to the State Board. By comparison, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) reference by Mr. Peterson, has a staff of over 100. While WSAC has more than three times as many employees, its scope of responsibility is much narrower than that of the State Board. Similarly, the Utah System of Higher Education has a staff of 40 responsible only for statewide planning, approval of academic programs and other higher education system activities. I believe a better use of taxpayer dollars would be to invest in what we have rather than create four new boards - each with their own staff and administrative overhead.
Finally, Mr. Peterson states that separate boards for each institution would give the State Board more time to concentrate on our K-12 system. The Idaho State Department of Education, under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, serves as the State Board's executive agency administering K-12 education in partnership with 117 school districts and 56 charter schools statewide. The education department has 140 staff who already work day-to-day with local districts to administer policies and programs and distribute funding.
Nearly 130 years ago, Idaho's founders tasked the legislature with establishing and maintaining a uniform and thorough system of public education. With one State Board of Education overseeing the entire system, we can focus attention on each rung of the educational ladder from beginning to end. There is always room for improvement and we are continually working with parents, lawmakers and stakeholders to make Idaho's education system strong and student-centered.
Public education in Idaho works because it is a system-wide approach that is holistic, efficient and effective. More boards would introduce more bureaucracy, but I'm not convinced they would improve the educational experience of our students.
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