College of Southern Nevada Awarded Achieving the Dream Leader College Status

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Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations702-651-7715

Richard.Lake@csn.edu

Lauren Lewis, Achieving the Dream

(917) 613-6419 (cell)

llewis@achievingthedream.org

NEWS RELEASE

EMBARGOED until 12:01 AM EST 09/22/15

College of Southern Nevada Awarded Achieving the Dream Leader College Status

CSN recognized for commitment to data-informed decision-making and closing equity gaps

Las Vegas, Nev. (September 22, 2015) – Achieving the Dream today announced the College of Southern Nevada earned Leader College distinction—a national designation awarded to community colleges that commit to improving student success and closing achievement gaps. CSN has shown how data can inform policy and practice to help community college students achieve their goals, resulting in improved skills, better employability, and economic growth for families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

“The Achieving the Dream Leader College status is a prestigious national designation for community colleges,” said CSN President Michael D. Richards. “I am so proud of the hard work our faculty and staff have put in over the last three years on this effort, the results of which show promising increases in student completion. I look forward to expanding our ATD pilot projects to encourage healthy academic habits among our students and nudge them closer to commencement.”

CSN has focused much of its Achieving the Dream efforts on increasing semester-to-semester persistence to increase degree and certificate completion. The college redesigned its intake process and academic guidance procedures. A pilot cohort of recent high school graduates were required to participate in orientation, take English and math placement tests, and meet with an advisor. These students were then required to meet with an academic counselor within their major prior to their second term enrollment. The college plans to implement these changes for all new-to-CSN, degree-seeking students in fall 2016.

“Becoming a Leader College is very powerful and affirms the exceptional work and commitment of faculty and staff to their students’ success,” said Achieving the Dream Vice President for Community College Relations Cindy Lenhart. “The College of Southern Nevada is using evidence to make informed decisions that lead to significant institutional change.”

The 2015 Achieving the Dream Leader Colleges are:

Bakersfield College

(Bakersfield, CA)

Kingsborough Community College

(Brooklyn, NY)

Bellingham Technical College

(Bellingham, WA)

Lorain County Community College

(Elyria, OH)

Century College

(White Bear Lake, MN)

Muskegon Community College

(Muskegon, MI)

College of Southern Nevada

(North Las Vegas, NV)

North Lake College

(Irving, TX)

Columbus State Community College

(Columbus, OH)

Paris Junior College

(Paris, TX)

Cumberland County College

(Vineland, NJ)

Southwestern Oregon Community College

(Coos Bay, OR)

Delta College

(University Center, MI)

St. Clair County Community College

(Port Huron, MI)

Gaston College

(Dallas, NC)

St. Petersburg College

(St. Petersburg, FL)

Grand Rapids Community College
(Grand Rapids, MI)
West Los Angeles College

(Culver City, CA)

Jefferson Community & Technical College (Louisville, KY)

The 2015 Leader Colleges are making strides in the national movement to increase student completion and close achievement gaps, demonstrating the power of the Achieving the Dream Approach. With the guidance of Achieving the Dream Coaches, colleges not only systemically change the way they operate, but also implement key student supports that align with their overall policies and institutional systems, such as college readiness programs, mandatory new student orientation, student-success courses, developmental course redesign, curriculum redesign, and intensive, individualized advising.

Achieving the Dream grants Leader College designation for three-year cycles. After three years, institutions must undergo a recertification process to maintain Leader College status.

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About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

Achieving the Dream, Inc. is a national nonprofit that is dedicated to helping more community college students, particularly low-income students and students of color, stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. Evidence-based, student-centered, and built on the values of equity and excellence, Achieving the Dream is closing achievement gaps and accelerating student success nationwide by: 1) guiding evidence-based institutional improvement, 2) leading policy change, 3) generating knowledge, and 4) engaging the public. Conceived as an initiative in 2004 by Lumina Foundation and seven founding partner organizations, today, Achieving the Dream is leading the most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for student success in higher education history. With over 200 institutions, more than 100 coaches and advisors, and 15 state policy teams – working throughout 35 states and the District of Columbia – the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network helps more than 4 million community college students have a better chance of realizing greater economic opportunity and achieving their dreams.

 

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Lost Boy of Sudan to Speak at CSN

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Contact:          Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations Specialist, 702-651-7715, Richard.Lake@csn.edu

Lost Boy of Sudan to Speak at CSN

Biar Atem will talk about his journey from childhood war refugee to Las Vegas resident

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 16, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada welcomes Sudanese Lost Boy Biar Atem for “From Sudan to Las Vegas: One Man’s Journey.”

Atem will join CSN’s Department of Human Behavior at noon, Friday, Sept. 18 on the Charleston campus, Building K, room 101, to tell the story of how he became a war refugee at age 7, much like thousands of children in Syria today, and went on to found the nonprofit South Sudan Center of America, located in Las Vegas.

During a terrible civil war in South Sudan, thousands of children fled the country between 1983 and 2005. Many of them resettled in the United States. Atem escaped by walking 1,000 miles to a refugee camp in Kenya. He later settled in Las Vegas, found a janitorial job at a Las Vegas Strip hotel, and started his charitable organization, which works to aid immigrants, reduce poverty, provide scholarships and build schools in South Sudan.

About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

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CSN September Chronicle

The CSN September 2015 Chronicle

Greetings! CSN is off to a great start this fall semester and this month’s Chronicle provides important updates.

CSN Achieves Leader College Status with Achieving the Dream

I am pleased to announce that Achieving the Dream has awarded CSN Leader College status. The Leader designation gives national recognition to community colleges showing sustained improvement for student outcomes such as completion and persistence. This is a wonderful accolade and a tribute to all of you. CSN has a culture focused on student success. That said, we have much more to do!

CSN Connections

CSN Connections at Cheyenne

CSN Connections at Cheyenne

Thank you to all who took part in another fantastic series of CSN Connections events! I know this is one of the hottest times of the year, but I hear over and over from our students how much they enjoy meeting you and how informative it is. Hundreds of students this semester learned about all that CSN offers and I am so proud of this signature college event!

Board of Regents Meeting

The Board of Regents met at UNR last week. Among the most relevant issues to our faculty and staff, the notice of termination for future administrative employees was discussed. There was a robust discussion on the current length of time it takes to dismiss administrative faculty members. The proposal is listed here. The Board will take action on this item at the December meeting. Currently, administrative faculty have up to a full fiscal year or more of employment, once they receive a notice of termination, depending on when the notice is given. The proposed notice periods are 30 calendar days in the first two years of service and 45 calendar days thereafter for those hired after Dec. 15, 2015. In general, the other NSHE presidents and I support this proposal. I believe the current length of time required can foster an unhealthy work environment.

Is CSN Too Big?

The Regents have asked each president to present on the American Council of Trustees and Alumni board benchmarks. On Thursday, I provided CSN’s report which I encourage you to review for excellent information about CSN and how we measure up. The Board asked me if CSN is too big and I want to provide further explanation here to you on my response. CSN is one of the largest community colleges in the nation. According to recent data, we are the 11th largest community college. That said, I think CSN students might be better served under a model similar to that of a community college district, in which we are all part of the same college, but with campuses and their faculty and staff having more autonomy to meet the needs of their unique constituents. I am exploring this type of a model with the system and will keep you apprised and seek your participation if this develops further. This is NOT about dividing the college, breaking it apart or a new governance model.

The Silver State Opportunity Grant

As you’ll recall, the 2015 Legislature created the Silver State Opportunity Grant, the first need-based college scholarship in Nevada. All of CSN’s funds have been awarded to 388 low-income students enrolled in 15 or more credits. Awards ranged from $200 to $5,500, based on recipients’ incomes, family incomes and any federal aid. Many have asked how this scholarship might impact underrepresented students. We’ve received the following breakdown from NSHE and wanted to share it with you.

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Computer Lab Renovations
CSN is welcoming students back this semester with a newly renovated computer lab on the Charleston campus. The 8,000-square-foot computer lab got new flooring and paint, new computer stations, group tables and seating, as well as an increase from 148 computer stations to 171. The West Charleston C building computer lab now features:

New CSN Charleston campus computer lab

New CSN Charleston campus computer lab

·      All 104 computer “pods” and the independent study pod have both USB and standard power outlets at the desktop

·      Tables that seat from 6 to 10 people with built-in power outlets that pop open at the center were added

·      Two Media Scape tables with an attached 40” monitor on the side seating up to 5 students were added.  Any student or a tutor can now plug in or wirelessly connect laptops and other mobile devices to the table simultaneously and share their screens to the monitor and study together

·      Two touch-screen computers attached to the lab columns now allow new students to walk up and activate their network accounts

OTS and Facilities are starting the design process for the Henderson C building Computer Lab renovation scheduled for next summer and welcome your suggestions to make CSN computer labs spaces in which students can’t wait to study!

New Vice President of Student Affairs

CSN Vice President of Student Affairs Juanita LeFlore Chysanthou

CSN Vice President of Student Affairs Juanita LeFlore Chysanthou

Please welcome our new Vice President of Student Affairs Juanita LeFlore Chysanthou. Juanita was selected, following a national search last spring and began Sept. 1. She comes to CSN from the Lone Star College System, where she served as vice chancellor of student success. She also has experience with the Nevada System of Higher Education, serving as vice president for student services at Truckee Meadows Community College from 2004 to 2009. In all, Juanita brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration to her duties at CSN. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience leading student success initiatives. Please help welcome her to the CSN family!

 

Accreditation Visit:

CSN’s regional accrediting agency, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, will send a team to the college for a site visit Oct. 7-9. The team will review CSN’s ability to meet accreditation criteria. We are encouraging those who would like to submit comments regarding the college’s qualifications for accreditation to do so. You can find out more here.

Mandatory Sexual Violence Prevention Training

This fall, CSN will launch online sexual violence prevention courses for employees and students as part of its on-going steps to ensure CSN provides a safe learning and working environment free of discrimination, harassment and sexual violence. Federal legislation requires CSN to adopt institutional policies that address and prevent campus sexual violence, including providing awareness training to institutional personnel and its students.  All faculty and staff are requested to complete this training, and students will be strongly encouraged to do so. Please keep a look out for a future email from HR with information on how to take the course.

Campus Naming

Arial photo of the CSN Cheyenne campus

Arial photo of the CSN Cheyenne campus

After many months of considering student, faculty, staff and community comments, CSN’s Institutional Advisory Council voted to recommend a campus naming policy that would further promote our relationships with the municipalities in which we live. The recommendation would change the Cheyenne, Henderson and West Charleston campuses to the City of North Las Vegas East Cheyenne Campus, the City of Henderson College Drive Campus and the City of Las Vegas West Charleston Campus, respectively. The underlying premise is that such a change would help local municipalities and their businesses promote their respective community college campus as an economic and workforce development tool. There have already been some concerns issued by policymakers that the term ‘City of’ connotes municipal ownership and I foresee at least some level of modification to this recommendation as we move forward.

I will present the Council’s recommendation to the Board of Regents’ Committee on Community Colleges in November for consideration. If successful, the full Board of Regents would ultimately make any decision on whether to adopt a campus naming policy and what that policy should be.

The cost of changing the monument signs on our campuses would be $15,000 to $17,000 per sign. This would come from the operations budget and likely be done over a long period of time so as not to delay needed repairs and maintenance that are also funded from that money. We would not allocate funds for new business cards or letterhead, etc. These would be updated through attrition overtime. I commend the Council for tackling this issue, which has caused much consternation internally and in the community.

Women’s Volleyball

6We officially launched our inaugural women’s volleyball season on Aug. 28. Our team is led by CSN head volleyball coach Sue Thurman and is comprised of 100 percent Southern Nevadans. Please try to come to a game soon to support these women. Their schedule can be found here. Go Coyotes!

Coyote Q

This summer, CSN also launched CoyoteQ, which allows students to enter a virtual queue for registration, financial aid, the testing center, the cashier and other services. They can sign in using any computer, smart phone or a kiosk on our campus. Once it’s their turn, students receive a text message to let them know or they can see their number pop up on one of our new monitors in student services areas.

 

Some fun facts about Coyote Q

Between the July 27 go-live date and Monday, students who entered CoyoteQ, were helped by staff 47,045 times.

In the week before the semester started, (Aug. 17 to Aug. 21), 9,461 total students entered CoyoteQ and were helped by all student services. The busiest department across all campuses for that week was Financial Aid with 2,535 students served and the average service duration time per student across all campus/departments was 8.08 minutes.

Questions from Faculty and Staff Members:

“Why does it seem as if CSN doesn’t promote from within as it relates to classified employees?”
It is unfortunate that there is the perception that classified employees are not promoted internally. Since Jan. 1, 2015, 27 classified employees have been promoted through the reclassifiction, recruitment, or conversion to professional processes. That said, it is important that all employees are aware of professional development opportunities, such as CAPE and grant-in-aid and have the capability to participate in these activities. Classified employees are eligible to participate in the CSN Classified Training Assistance Program.  Employees may request up to six credits per semester, subject to administrative approval. They can also request reimbursement for book expenses, up to $50 per course.  Specific guidelines and procedures are available on the Human Resources’ web page at http://www.csn.edu/pages/2417.asp.
“Are there going to be any type of longevity pay for those tapped out or are they better off retiring (although earlier than they’d like)?”

The 2015 Legislature eliminated longevity pay. There are many very personal and specialized considerations that any employee who is considering retirement needs to evaluate and analyze. CSN has contracted with vendors who specialize in retirement services. We do not advise employees on whether or not he/she should retire but rather encourage employees to seek professional guidance from financial/retirement experts. 

“What does enrollment look like this fall?”

CSN’s enrollment is stabilizing. With apprenticeship and short-term course number still in play, we expect enrollment to be relatively close to last fall. We will know more mid-semester.

“What does the recent expansion of Western Governors University to Nevada mean for CSN?”

CSN has had an articulation agreement with Western Governors University for many years and now that WGU has established an official presence in partnership with the state, CSN looks forward to creating stronger ties with this institution to help our students who desire to transfer to WGU do so effectively. WGU Nevada is designed to cater to the needs of Nevada’s economy and will offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, K-12 education, information technology, and health (including nursing). Western Governors University, an accredited non-profit online school, has already partnered with five other states, including Texas, Indiana, and Washington, to serve potential students with their competency-based learning approach.

Please feel free to send me an email if you have questions or concerns. Hope you are enjoying the start of the fall semester!

–Mike Richards

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CSN Career Fair Connects Job Seekers and Employers

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For Immediate Release:

Contact:          Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations Specialist, 702-651-7715, Richard.Lake@csn.edu

 CSN Career Fair Connects Job Seekers and Employers

The public is invited to showcase jobs skills to recruiters at the Oct. 14 event

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 16, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada will host its Fall 2015 Career Fair, connecting students and other job seekers to approximately three dozen local employers. The event is open to the public and is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14 in the June Whitley Student Lounge on CSN’s Cheyenne campus.

The open forum gives job applicants the opportunity to meet recruiters, learn about job openings and gather detailed employment information. Applicants should dress in interview attire, have resumes on hand and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews.

“The Fall Career Fair gives our students and other job seekers a chance to meet many different employers directly. It’s a great networking opportunity,” said Erica O’Toole, career specialist at CSN. “Many job seekers use it as a way to learn more about potential employers. Recruiters will also be on hand to provide detailed information about their organizations and the jobs available.”

Employers scheduled to appear include: AlliedBarton Security Services, Ameriprise Financial, CanvasPop, LLC, CaptionCall, CBS Radio, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Clark County Human Resources, Clark County Parks and Recreation- Aquatics, College of Southern Nevada Human resources, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Express, Fastenal, Gaming Laboratories International, Guardsmark LLC, Heartland Dental, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, In-N-Out Burger, J. Crew, JT3, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Professional Institute of Technology, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, LOFT Outlet, Nevada Department of Corrections, Panda Resort Group Inc., PLS Logistics, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Station Casinos, Trueblue, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Senator Harry Reid’s office, Wells Fargo, and Wynn Resorts.

For more information or to host an employer booth, contact CSN Career Services, 702-651-4700.

About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

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Artists Return to CSN for Exhibit

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Media Advisory:

Contact:          Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations Specialist, 702-651-7715, Richard.Lake@csn.edu 

Artists Return to CSN for Exhibit

Four artists will be featured in CSN Artspace Gallery’s “Ground Zero,” opening Sept. 11

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada Artspace Gallery presents: “Ground Zero,” a fine arts exhibit featuring the works of Erik Beehn, Eric Burwell, Marylou Parker and Toni Rosa, four professional artists working in a variety disciplines who began their academic art studies at the College of Southern Nevada. 

After getting their start at CSN, Beehn, Burwell, Parker, and Rosa have gone on to receive baccalaureate degrees and masters of fine arts degrees elsewhere. Though these artist now live and exhibit their artwork around the country, “Ground Zero” marks CSN as the location their careers began. 

The exhibit, curated by CSN Fine Art Professor Wayne Littlejohn, opens Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 at the Artspace Gallery, located on CSN’s Cheyenne campus.

About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

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CSN, Local Chefs Partner to Feed Schoolchildren

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For Immediate Release:

Contact:          Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations Specialist, 702-651-7715, Richard.Lake@csn.edu

CSN, Local Chefs Partner to Feed Schoolchildren

The college’s culinary program will join nonprofit Chefs for Kids at Lois Craig Elementary School

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 8, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada’s culinary program will team up with local nonprofit Chefs for Kids to deliver a freshly cooked, healthy meal to local schoolchildren.

Students and faculty from CSN’s award-winning program will begin preparing food at 4 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the college’s Cheyenne campus. They will serve the breakfast to approximately 800 children at Lois Craig Elementary School at 8:45 a.m.

Chefs for Kids helps provide nutrition education to first- and second-grade children in “high needs” schools in the Clark County School District. The program is in its 25th year.

“Our ultimate goal is to end the childhood nutrition problem,” said Chef Tom Rosenberger, chair of CSN’s Hospitality Management Department and a member of the Chefs for Kids Board of Directors.

The food for the breakfast was donated by local businesses and will feature healthy choices, including fresh fruit, potatoes, eggs, sausage and a muffin.

Chefs for Kids is a joint venture of the American Culinary Federation Chefs Las Vegas and the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. The program works to eliminate malnutrition and hunger through education and awareness. For more information on the group, visit www.chefsforkids.org.

What: CSN and Chefs for Kids serve breakfast

When: 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

Where: CSN Cheyenne campus and Lois Craig Elementary School, 2637 E Gowan Rd, North Las Vegas.

About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

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Follett Higher Education Group & CSN students to Make Donation to Three Square

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Contact:          Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations Specialist, 702-651-7715, Richard.Lake@csn.edu

Follett Higher Education Group & CSN students to Make Donation to Three Square

Successful drive fueled by student contributions of canned goods, cash

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 4, 2015 – Follett Higher Education Group’s College of Southern Nevada Bookstores will present a check for $4,000 to local food bank Three Square after a successful food drive.

CSN’s three bookstores held the drive in the week leading up to the start of classes on Aug. 24, and in the first week of class. In all, they took in 428 pounds of non-perishable food, in addition to the money.

“We far exceeded our goal,” said Ryan Livengood, district director for Follett. He said the event was such a success that plans are being made to do it again.

Students were given bookstore discounts and gift certificates in exchange for donating.

Who: Officials from Follett, CSN and Three Square

What: Donation of $4,000

When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015

Where: CSN Cheyenne campus, Building F, on the north end of campus

About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

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Vice President for Student Affairs Joins CSN After 25 Years in Higher Education

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For Immediate Release:

Contact:          Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations Specialist, 702-651-7715, Richard.Lake@csn.edu

Juanita LeFlore Chrysanthou brings broad knowledge of student success initiatives to Nevada’s largest higher education institution

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 1, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada is proud to announce the hiring of Juanita LeFlore Chrysanthou as its new Vice President for Student Affairs.

Chrysanthou starts her new position today, joining vice presidents for academic affairs, finance, and strategic initiatives and administrative services.

She comes to CSN from the Lone Star College System, where she served as vice chancellor of student success. She also has experience with the Nevada System of Higher Education, serving as vice president for student services at Truckee Meadows Community College from 2004 to 2009. In all, Chrysanthou brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration to her duties at CSN.

“Chrysanthou brings a wealth of knowledge and experience leading student success initiatives to CSN, and we’re excited to welcome her. Student success is among our highest priorities,” said CSN President Dr. Michael D. Richards. “In addition to student success, she brings significant experience in financial aid and student enrollment planning.”

Chrysanthou also has experience at a Hispanic Serving Institution, co-directing a Title V grant while at Bakersfield College. CSN recently announced it met the federal criteria to become a Hispanic Serving Institution.

“I’ve dedicated my career to community college students, and I am looking forward to working students at the College of Southern Nevada,” Chrysanthou said. “I can’t wait to get started.”

About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

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New CSN Program Gives Students Money to Enroll in More Classes

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LAS VEGAS, Aug. 18, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada is launching a new program today that will give students free money to spend at the bookstore if they take more classes this semester.

The CSN Future Grad program encourages students to take as close to a full load of credits as possible. Full-time students are more likely to graduate, and that’s what CSN wants its students to do.

Sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group, which operates CSN’s bookstores, the program is available to new students enrolling in their first three-credit classes or returning students adding additional three-credit classes between Tuesday, Aug. 18, and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, which is the last day to register for 16-week courses for the fall semester.

After enrolling in a new three-credit course, students must email their names, student identification numbers and the names of the new courses in which they enrolled to futuregrad@csn.edu. Funds are limited to the first 1,000 students who email the college and meet the requirements. More details are available at www.csn.edu/futuregrad. Students who complete all the course work they began at the start of the semester will be eligible to receive another $100 CSN bookstore voucher for the spring semester.

“CSN has a variety of courses available now and we hope this program can compel potential students considering attending to make that final step and enroll, and returning students to take more credits toward graduation,” CSN President Michael D. Richards said. “We are grateful to Follett for generously providing the funds for this program.”

What: CSN Future Grad Program

When: Now through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, which is the last day to register for 16-week courses for the fall semester

Who: Returning and new CSN students

About CSN:

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from 180 degree and certificate options in more than 100 areas of study, including more than 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination

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New Nurse Training Program at CSN Ready Made for Vets

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Greetings from the College of Southern Nevada!

At CSN, we recognize that our military veterans are the backbone of who we are as a nation. We must do everything we can to help them get the education they need.

As the largest higher education institution in Nevada, CSN is poised to help. One program we recently launched should go a long way toward that goal.

Our Medic to LPN program trains U.S. Army medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen to become Licensed Practical Nurses in a fraction of the time it would normally take. They get credit for the training they received in the military. It is designed for veteran medics and corpsmen, as well as active duty members of the guard and reserve.

Nevada is one of six states that piloted the program this spring. At the behest of Gov. Brian Sandoval, the Nevada State Nursing Board and CSN worked together to develop the program. It is similar to one developed at an Arizona community college.

We are proud to have graduated our first class over the summer, and expect to welcome a new class to the program in the fall. The first graduates included both active duty members of the military and reservists.

Military medics receive extensive training, much of which overlaps with the training LPNs receive. Under the new program, CSN will award credit to medics and corpsmen and allow them to complete the program in 16 weeks; typically, the LPN program takes two years to complete.

By completing the program in a single semester, students will not only save on tuition and fees, but they will be able to enter the workforce sooner. Once they complete courses, labs and clinical work, students will have to take the National Council Licensure Examination, known as the NCLEX, to become licensed practical nurses.

The demand for LPNs is strong in Nevada and elsewhere in the nation, according to Deborah Ain, director of nursing at CSN. LPNs reported an average annual salary of $41,000 in the latest data available from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field is expected to see greater than average growth, as well. 

This column ran online Aug. 14, 2015 in El Tiempo

 

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