Dear CSN Family,
Much is happening at CSN this semester, and I want to ensure that we will keep you updated on all the latest developments. But first, I again want to apologize for the confusion caused by my message earlier in the semester regarding the timelines for implementing of the faculty overload pay provision of the CSN-NFA CBA. Please know that I am committed to working with Chancellor Rose, the NFA, the Faculty Senate, and the Board of Regents to advocate for approval of the retroactive increase included in the BNA-CSN Collective Bargaining Agreement to increase overload pay to $925/IU, as well as to increase base pay, retroactive to July 2020. I continue to support the NFA focus on attaining parity for CSN staff and faculty compensation in relationship to our sister NSHE community colleges.
I am also pleased to report that the CSN Sawgrass Report on diversity and inclusion at CSN is now available on my blog. The report provides a framework for CSN to affirm our commitment, and will help guide our work, to attain our collective vision for an exemplary, inclusive, and diverse institution.
Human Resources
I want to take a moment to recognize and thank our Human Resources office, which has been working incredibly hard over these last several months. Over the summer, HR collaborated with academic faculty and academic affairs to recruit for 39 open faculty positions.
The office has continued to work collaboratively with the Faculty Senate, Administrative Faculty Assembly and Classified Council to ensure both student and employee success in the virtual environment, as well. This has included return to campus protocols, FFCRA/COVID Virtual Panel Training for all employees, and the creation of a work schedule template to assist employees and supervisors in preparation to return to campus.
In addition, HR and the NFA continue to work together to administer the collective bargaining agreement.
CSN Athletics
Even though there are no athletic competitions taking place until the spring semester, our CSN Coyotes have been busy. Our Lady Coyotes softball team recently visited Three Square to help with food distribution for those who are facing food scarcity due to COVID-19. Our athletes are out there practicing now in anticipation of competition next semester — including our new men’s and women’s basketball teams!
CSN Athletics is planning its annual November fundraising golf event at Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas, with the Coyote Golf Classic, presented by Best Mattress, scheduled for November 15-16. The tournament, which will move to a two-day event to help with spreading donors and attendees out at Reflection Bay, will feature special opportunities for giveaways and opportunities to meet CSN student-athletes and coaches.
Athletics has also announced that all CSN faculty & staff are automatically members of the Coyote Club, which includes a season pass and other benefits. If you’re able, please consider upgrading from the basic, free membership to a paid one that helps support our student athletes — 80 percent of whom continue their education at four-year institutions after CSN. For more information, contact Lance Thompson.
Workforce
Our Division of Workforce & Economic Development has several initiatives underway to help train or retrain the region’s workforce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DWED is forming important community partnerships that will soon result in one-stop shops at CSN locations around Southern Nevada aimed at helping our community and displaced populations recover by providing services ranging from ESL and high school equivalency classes to filing unemployment claims and signing up for job retraining.
Regents’ Awards
It is time to nominate a colleague or student for a Regents’ Award. Faculty and staff nominations are due October 5, and student award nominations are due November 16.
Thank you. Stay safe and God bless.
Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada