Dear CSN Family,
Today’s email update highlights important information from Human Resources as we sustain our remote working environment, plan our eventual return to campus, and prepare for several possible budget scenarios.
As you know, at the request of the governor and chancellor, we presented our initial budget reduction proposal to the Board of Regents last week. I am pleased to report that we can achieve the entire $19.5 million budget reduction target without layoffs. However, at either the 10 percent or 14 percent levels of proposed cuts in the fiscal year beginning July 1, furloughs will be required for all NSHE institutions. Should these occur, Human Resources will work proactively to answer questions, address concerns, and most importantly move forward with an equitable approach. At this time, potential furloughs do not affect classified employees.
There have been questions about when we might return to campus. As of now, what we know for certain is that all instruction will remain remote through June 30. While a firm date has not been set for employees to return to campus, our current expectation is that non-teaching staff will remain in their virtual work environment or on paid administrative leave status at least through the remainder of the spring semester. As you know, this situation is fluid and sometimes it changes rapidly so we will keep you informed.
After a month of working under unusual conditions, there has been an increase in requests for assistance in ergonomic workplace guidance. HR works individually with each employee on these requests, as each one is unique. However, we would like to pass along work-from-home ergonomic tips that we hope will help.
Since we are not on campus, I am going to use this opportunity to “post” this Families First Coronavirus Response Act employee rights poster. Please take a moment to learn about federal law regarding paid sick leave and related topics. Should you have questions, please email HRCustomerService@CSN.edu.
Lastly, please remember that we have scheduled a Virtual Town Hall this Friday, and will hold them every week through the beginning of May. We want to make sure all our faculty, staff and students remain aware of the news that affects all of us.
Thank you all for your hard work and for remaining Vegas Strong and CSN Proud.
Stay safe and God bless.
Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada