Navigating Success at CWI: A Comprehensive Guide to Blackboard Learn and Beyond
For students at the College of Western Idaho (CWI), navigating the digital landscape is crucial for academic success. This guide provides essential information about Blackboard Learn (now Canvas), key resources, and support systems available to help you thrive throughout your educational journey.
Introduction
CWI is committed to providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed. From online learning platforms to academic advising and technical support, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of the resources available to CWI students. Whether you're a first-time student or a returning learner, understanding these resources will empower you to make the most of your college experience.
Transitioning to Canvas: CWI's Learning Management System
Blackboard was the online learning management system (LMS) that CWI instructors used to manage their classes and enhance learning. However, CWI has transitioned from Blackboard to Canvas. Canvas is Bristol’s Learning Management System. Your instructor may post supplemental resources, such as pictures, videos, or links to relevant webpages. Access to Canvas is essential for success in your courses. You will receive important updates and complete tasks, such as taking exams and quizzes, using this suite. Instructions for logging into Canvas can be found here.
Essential Resources for CWI Students
myBristol Portal
myBristol is your primary portal for doing virtual work at Bristol. It can be found in your myBristol Portal. Through myBristol, you can access a form for requesting adjunct sessions, and many other services. If you have any questions, go to your myBristol Portal or the ITS Help Desk Portal. You can also access your account through your myBristol Portal. Bristol’s Dynamic Forms portal is on your myBristol page.
Academic Calendar
The academic calendar serves as an information source and planning document for students, faculty, staff, and departments, as well as outside organizations. It contains important dates and deadlines, including add/drop periods, census dates, final exam schedules, and graduation application deadlines. Students may add or drop classes per the dates outlined on the academic calendar. Deadlines for graduation applications fall on the census date of each semester and are outlined in the academic calendar.
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Academic Advising
An advisor is a professional staff member who is responsible for helping a student navigate their educational journey. They may assist in career exploration, student success strategies, and planning your education path.
Financial Aid
Aid is made available from grants, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional, and private sources. Awards from these programs may be combined in an "offer letter" to meet the cost of education. A grant is an award most often given to students with financial need. Unlike student loans, grants do not have to be repaid under most circumstances.
Student ID Card
Student ID cards are issued to new students before the start of classes. Students will need them for identification purposes to use the library materials, to obtain admittance to College activities, to use the computer labs, and for all transactions in One Stop Student Services. Students are not charged for their initial ID card; a $5 fee will be assessed for replacement cards. CWI, in partnership with ValleyRide, offers free transportation for employees and students with a valid CWI ID card and sticker on any fixed routes serviced by Valley Ride Transportation.
Support Systems for Student Success
Digital Navigators
A new resource called “Digital Navigators” is available at College of Western Idaho (CWI) to support students with their technology needs. Digital Navigators are fellow students employed in work-study positions, trained to help their peers navigate the digital systems essential to success at CWI. In an increasingly digital world, many students rely on laptops, online platforms, and communication tools but may not feel fully confident using them. Their role is to provide guidance on a variety of digital tasks, from logging into campus Wi-Fi to creating discussion threads in class. In addition to one-on-one support, Digital Navigators is ready to schedule multi-week digital skills sessions to help any student master the basic computer skills needed for college success. CWI has transitioned from Blackboard to Canvas, and Digital Navigators are already trained on the new platform. Students are encouraged to seek help - even for questions that may seem small. Digital Navigators are fellow students who understand the learning curve that comes with using technology in an academic setting. Digital Navigators represent a significant addition to student support services at CWI. By offering assistance with day-to-day technology needs, they help build the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
CARE Report
CARE (Communicate, Act, Refer, Engage) reports are reports filed by faculty, staff, students, or the general public regarding a student concern. A CARE report should be filed when a student is in distress, needs resources, or needs support.
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Academic Programs and Credentials
CWI offers a variety of academic programs and credentials to meet the diverse needs of its students.
Degrees
CWI offers the following degree types: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Arts (AA), and Associate of Science (AS). An Associate of Engineering (AE) degree is a credential awarded for completion of requirements in an approved Academic Transfer Engineering program of at least 60 semester credits and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. Students who select this program are expected to have already attained high levels of math and chemistry skills. Depending on math readiness, an AE can typically be completed within two years if a student attends on a full-time basis. Students who complete the Associate of Engineering program should note that the general education (GE) requirements for this program will NOT result in GE core completion with regard to transfer. An Associate of Science degree is a credential awarded for completion of requirements in an approved Academic Transfer program of at least 60 semester credits (includes a minimum of 36 general education credits) and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. Depending on math readiness, an AS can typically be completed within two years if a student attends on a full-time basis.
Certificates
CWI offers the following certificate types: Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC), Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC), Basic Technical Certificate (BTC), Academic Certificate (AC), and Specialized Certificate (SC). The Advanced Technical Certificateis a credential awarded for the completion of requirements in an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. The Basic Technical Certificate is a credential awarded for the completion of requirements in an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. The Intermediate Technical Certificate is a credential awarded for the completion of requirements in an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. The Academic Certificate is a credential awarded for the completion of a coherent program of study consisting of seven (7) semester credits or more, representing a coherent body of knowledge that may lead to an academic degree.
Program Planning
A Degree Plan is the most helpful sequence of courses recommended or required by the program to facilitate the timely completion of all degree requirements. A Certificate Plan is the most helpful sequence of courses recommended or required by the program to facilitate the timely completion of all certificate requirements. Each program at CWI provides a Certificate Plan on certificate catalog pages which are designed to help students with registration every semester.
General Education (GE)
The phrase “General Education” refers to the educational foundation of skills, knowledge, habits of mind, and values that prepare students for success in their majors and in their personal and professional lives after graduation. This educational foundation is developed primarily through courses designated by the Idaho State Board of Education as GEM or by CWI as an institutionally designated GE course. All degrees include a set of general education course requirements that students, regardless of their major, must meet. In combination with a student’s major, the general education curriculum prepares students to use multiple strategies in an integrative manner, to explore, critically analyze, and creatively address real-world issues and challenges. General education coursework provides graduates with an understanding of self, the physical world, the development and functioning of human society, and its cultural and artistic endeavors, as well as an understanding of the methodologies, value systems, and thought processes employed in human inquiries. General Education Matriculation (or GEM) courses must cover a set of outcomes, criteria, and knowledge objectives defined by the Idaho State Board of Education. These outcomes differ based on the designated GEM content area and are covered in detail on the General Education page. Additionally, CWI has three institutionally designated general education competency areas which must be met by students earning an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. General Education requirements vary by program. Be sure to consult your program requirements (and transfer institution requirements, when applicable) before selecting GE courses.
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Dual Credit
The Dual Credit program allows high school students to enroll in college classes for credit before high school graduation. College credits earned through Dual Credit may apply toward high school and college graduation. CWI provides high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit in qualified classes taken at the high school campus or on the CWI campuses and online.
Key Academic Policies and Procedures
Admission
Admission is the process of becoming officially recognized as a student. Once admitted to CWI, you do not have to go through this process again unless you have not enrolled or attended academic classes in the previous six terms and/or two years (see "Returning Student" for further information). You must fill out an admissions application form and submit it to CWI to begin the admissions process.
Add/Drop
Students may add or drop classes per the dates outlined on the academic calendar.
Census Date
The census date is the point at which your enrollment is locked as the official enrollment for the term. Census dates are the last day that students can drop a class without receiving a "W" grade, change a course to or from an audit status, register for an internship or independent study course, receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees for any classes dropped, and/or apply for graduation. Census is also the date when a student's first disbursement of federal financial aid is applied to the charges on their student account.
Catalog Year
A student's catalog year refers to the academic year they were first admitted into the College of Western Idaho. Knowing your catalog year is important because you must follow the program requirements that were in effect during that academic year.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A grade point average (GPA) is a measure of a student's overall academic performance, typically calculated as a numerical average of grades earned in all courses. CWI has multiple GPA types listed on transcripts and each is used to determine different things like a student's academic standing or honors.
Graduation
Once a student has completed all requirements for their chosen program, they can apply for graduation and will have their earned degree or certificate conferred after the Registrar's Office confirms the requirements have been met. Students must apply for graduation whether or not they plan to participate in the commencement ceremony. Deadlines for graduation applications fall on the census date of each semester and are outlined in the academic calendar. Commencement is a formal graduation ceremony where students officially receive their degrees and certificates. CWI holds an annual commencement at the end of the spring semester, typically in May.
Additional Academic Information
Academic Year
The academic year is divided into two 16-week semesters (fall and spring) and one 8-week semester (summer).
Course Delivery Styles
A course's delivery style is the instructional method used to teach the class.
Credit Hour (Credit)
A credit hour is a time-based reference for measuring educational attainment used by the Association of American Universities and Colleges. Credits vary, depending upon the type of course and level at which it is offered. One credit is generally given for 2.5 hours per week of work, both in and out of class. A description of the course types and associated hours of work required can be found on the Course Description Key. All degrees and certificates require a minimum number of credits to complete the program. A general outline of credit requirements for each type of degree and certificate offered by CWI can be found on the Degree and Certificate Requirements page.
Course Fee
Course fees (sometimes referred to as "special course fees") are additional charges not included in the tuition. Fees may be charged to cover the cost of materials and equipment needed in certain courses.
Corequisite
A corequisite is a requirement (typically a course or placement test) that must be completed concurrently with another requirement or course. If a course has a corequisite, students will not be able to register for the course unless the requirement(s) are in progress or have been met.
Discipline
An area of academic study. Disciplines provide the framework for a student's program of study.
Developmental/Remedial Coursework
Developmental or remedial coursework are courses that are meant to increase a student's skills in math, reading, or English before they enroll in college-level courses. A student may elect to take remedial courses or may be required to take one or more remedial courses as a result of their placement test results taken upon their admission to CWI.
Elective
An elective course is a course that is not specifically designated as part of a degree or certificate requirement. In some cases, electives can be choices from within a specific curriculum area. For example, you may need two Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing (GEM 5) courses to fulfill your general education requirements but you can choose from among a designated list of courses.
Final Exams (Finals)
A final exam is a culminating assignment or exam in an academic course. The type of final exam administered in a course is left to the discretion of the instructor.
IncludED
Courses utilizing IncludED deliver all required instructional materials at an additional cost to students as part of their tuition and fees. This benefits students by offering the convenience of paying for instructional materials ahead of the start of the class along with tuition and fees; this also ensures that registered students have access to all instructional materials on the first day of class.
Independent Study
Academic work is chosen or designed by the student with the approval of the department concerned, under an instructor's supervision, and usually undertaken outside the regular classroom structure.
Internship
An experience that allows students to work in a professional environment to gain training and skills. Internships share a common course number of 293, meaning an internship course code within any subject area will be [subject/course prefix] 293 (for example - ENGL 293 English Internship).
Lab
Laboratory courses require students to perform certain functions in controlled situations that help them test and understand what is being taught.
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