Dear CSN Family,
Today marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic caused CSN and the rest of the Nevada System of Higher Education to announce that we would begin remote work and instruction immediately. This pandemic has caused untold devastation around the world, and I want to pause today to remember all of those we have lost.
It has also shown the remarkable resiliency that we are all capable of, especially here at CSN. I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued dedication to our mission to ensure that our students and communities achieve, succeed and prosper. A brighter time is on the horizon, as NSHE Chancellor Dr. Melody Rose notes in her letter today.
In recent weeks, trends in Nevada’s COVID environment have continued to improve with lower positivity rates and hospitalizations. This positive trend coupled with the increase in vaccine availability gives us hope for the fall 2021 semester and our planning, including prevention and the health and safety of our faculty, staff, students and visitors.
Gov. Steve Sisolak has announced that, effective March 15, capacity limitations have been increased to 50 percent of the fire code or a maximum of 250 people, whichever is more restrictive. All safety practices remain in place, including six feet of social distancing, face coverings indoors and outdoors, completion of health assessments, staying off campus when not feeling well, and exercising good hygiene habits.
Vaccine Update
I am pleased to report that NSHE personnel who have not yet been vaccinated and will be returning to campus may soon be eligible, based on the following criteria, as determined by updated state guidelines:
- Increasing availability of vaccines
- Declining COVID-19 cases
- Plans for gradual return to campus activities over the next few months
- Possible full return to fall 2021 campus activities
- Return of many employees in the coming months
- Possible large scale events
- Possible additional face-to-face classes for summer term
Please monitor your email closely for an invitation from our COVID lead Patricia Charlton.
Vaccine Points of Distribution
We are excited to announce that in partnership with the City of North Las Vegas a COVID-19 Vaccination Point of Distribution (POD) will open on March 22 at the North Las Vegas Student Union. Vaccine availability will begin on Monday, March 22through Friday March 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. In subsequent weeks the schedule is planned for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Dates are subject to change.
Those with questions regarding appointments or registration for the vaccine should direct them to the City of North Las Vegas’ vaccine hotline (702) 342-8417. Additional information is available at VaxNLV.com. Anyone wishing to volunteer at the site can contact the city’s Volunteer Coordinator Solome Barton at BartonS@cityofnorthlasvegas.com.
Finally, the CSN Henderson POD will conclude vaccine operations on March 25. I want to personally thank all those who have made this partnership between CSN, UNLV, and Nevada State College a success. Our Health Sciences and EMS faculty and students have been instrumental in providing vaccines and assisting in observation. Additionally, I extend our gratitude to all the faculty, staff and students who volunteered in support of those who have received vaccines at this location. The POD on UNLV’s campus will continue operations and will be available for scheduling vaccine doses.
Stay safe and God bless.
Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada