CWI to open as accredited school thanks to CSI

June 28, 2008- The colleges' parentership will give students access to federal aid and will allow CWI credits to transfer.

Students attending College of Western Idaho when it opens in January can expect to be eligible for federal help to pay for their education, thanks to an agreement between the school and College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

CSI has agreed to extend its accreditation to the new two year school, which means CWI should open as an accredited school.

The agreement must still go to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, but college officials don't expect any problems.

Studetns who graduate from CWI under the College of Southern Idaho accreditation would get a diploma with both schools' names on it.

CSI will charge CWI for some of the cost it incurs providing oversight.  But CSI president Jerry Beck estimates it will cost them less than $100,000 a year.

If CWI operates under CSI's accreditation umbrella, classes students take would be eligible for transfer to other schools, students could get federal support to pay for their schooling, and CWI would be eligible for federal support.

Under the agreement, CWI will hire and evaluate employees.  CSI will reveiw CWI's policies and procedures, approve curriculum changes and new instructional programs to make certain they meet CSI requirements since CSI's accreditation is on the line.

CWI is expected to start academic class in January and professional-technical classes in fall 2009.

Bill Roberts: 377-6408