Dear CSN students,
On Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Henderson Campus, I held the first of three roundtable discussions with students. We will be having two more student roundtables:
Monday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m., Charleston Campus, Building I, Rm. 108
Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m., North Las Vegas, Conference Room A, located above Russell’s Restaurant
For those of you whom cannot attend these meetings, I would like to update you about the following important endeavors that will impact your future at CSN.
Student Unions
An artist’s rendering of a proposed student union at CSN
For years, we have heard from student leaders about the need for a student union or a large space on each campus for students to gather. We also know from the research that campuses with dynamic environments, where students want to hang out, helps students succeed. In March, I will present a plan to the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Board of Regents to build three student unions, one on each of our campuses. The buildings will be designed based on input from students, whom have supported an $8-per-credit fee to fund the construction of these much-needed facilities. I expect this email may be the first some of you have heard about this and I want to make sure to note that most colleges and universities our size have student unions and unfortunately, student fees have been the primary way of funding their construction with more state and taxpayer dollars going to support classroom and lab spaces. The total cost would be about $80 million. If the Board approves of the plan, the process of securing an architect to begin the planning should start this semester.
Governor Sandoval’s Budget Proposal
On Jan. 17, the Governor laid out his budget proposal for the next two years and I would like to express my appreciation to him for his commitment to education. His budget outlines additional funding for community colleges and career and technical education as well as scholarships for low-income students. Student government will be holding Legislative Training for students on Feb. 3. In addition, April 19 is CSN Day at the Legislature and student government will coordinate transportation to take students to Carson City for the day.
Multi-Campus District
CSN has been working in concert with the Board of Regents and our Institutional Advisory Council to transform from a single college to a multi-campus district. A study completed last year determined that this would enhance CSN’s capacity to more nimbly respond to the changing needs of our diverse service area and help create a ‘home campus’ experience for our students. This includes ensuring all of our students, regardless of what campus you attend most, receive the same level of service and access to general education courses. The plan, if adopted, would be phased in gradually.
Have a great semester and I look forward to seeing you around campus.
Best,
Mike
Michael D. Richards, Ph.D.
President
College of Southern Nevada