CSN to Recognize Diverse Graduating Class

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For Immediate Release:

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

CSN to Recognize Diverse Graduating Class

College will hold a series of multicultural celebrations leading up to the 43rd annual commencement

 LAS VEGAS, May 8, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada will hold several multicultural graduation celebrations in the coming weeks to recognize the hard work of its diverse community of students.

The celebrations begin Saturday, May 9, and run through May 16, leading up to the college’s 43rd annual Commencement Ceremony on May 18. Food and entertainment will be provided at each celebration and all are open to the public.

“CSN will celebrate the accomplishments of every graduate. We want to honor the traditions of members of the diverse communities who call CSN home,” said Maria Marinch, executive director of the Office of Community Relations, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. “We know these celebrations impact student success, express appreciation for the invaluable support family, friends and community provide students, and inspire others to see college in their future.”

CSN, Nevada’s largest and most diverse higher education institution, is graduating its largest class ever this year.

The multicultural celebrations will all take place on CSN’s Cheyenne campus:

  • Native American Celebration: 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, in the Morse Arberry Jr. Telecommunications Building. The keynote speaker will be William Anderson, former tribal chairman of the Moapa Band of Paiutes.
  • Latino Celebration: 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 15, in the June Whitley Lounge. Noted DREAMer and organizer at the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Astrid Silva will deliver the keynote.
  • Asian/Pacific Islander Celebration: 6 p.m., Friday, May 15, in the Morse Arberry Jr. Telecommunications Building. Speakers include Evan Louie, owner of Kona Ice Las Vegas and commissioner of minority affairs for the state of Nevada, and Elaine Chen, president of TopSight Corporation.
  • African American Celebration: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16, in the June Whitley Lounge. The event will feature a performance by the P.A. Owens Christian Academy choir and scholarships presented by Stephanie Hill, CSN assistant vice president for student engagement services and Anthony Caraveo, market manager for Grainger Tools for Tomorrow.

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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As High School Students Graduate, CSN Gears Up for Enrollment

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Greetings from the College of Southern Nevada!

It is time to enroll for the fall 2015 semester.

Beginning May 22, new students can begin registering for classes at CSN for the fall. Registration for the Summer 2015 semester is already open.

New graduates of the Clark County School District should be aware of some important changes we have implemented to the enrollment process. Many of these changes were put in place last year and we have expanded on them for the upcoming semester.

These graduating students from CCSD schools will be required to attend advising and orientation sessions, as well as take placement tests in math, English and reading. Numerous studies show that students who get adequate advising and orientation and are placed in the proper level courses do better in college. Preliminary data from CSN’s initial implementation of this policy last year shows students who were affected were more likely to return the following semester than those who did not fall under the program.

We know that many students come to college with little idea of what classes they should take, what their majors should be, or how to go about forming a plan. We are changing that.

The policy was expanded this year to include reading placement testing. In all, CSN expects about 3,500 CCSD grads to be affected. CSN has communicated about the policy with more than 20,000 high school students expected to graduate this year.

Once students have applied for admission, they can come to an on-campus orientation session, or complete one online. They must also prepare for and take the placement tests. Students who fall under the new policy are strongly encouraged to start the process now.

The orientation process will direct students to services available at CSN and will help them navigate registration. The students will also have help from their advisors to build their class schedules, with a goal of registering for necessary classes early in their college careers, particularly math requirements, which students often delay until the end of college. As students progress through CSN, they will be paired with a counselor from their department and a faculty mentor.

Student progress will be closely monitored and, if the initiative continues to prove successful, it will be expanded in the future to include all new incoming CSN students.

This column ran online May 8, 2015 in El Tiempo.

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CSN to Graduate Record Number of Students

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For Immediate Release:

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

CSN to Graduate Record Number of Students

College’s efforts to improve student services such as tutoring, counseling, a key to success

LAS VEGAS, May 7 — The College of Southern Nevada expects to graduate its largest class ever at its 43rd annual commencement ceremony May 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

A record 3,326 students are eligible to receive 3,578 degrees and certificates, according to preliminary data. Official numbers for the spring 2015 semester will be available once final semester grades are completed.

CSN has made a concerted effort in recent years to help students complete their education once enrolled. The college has launched or expanded services such as free, unlimited tutoring, math and writing resources centers on each campus, and dedicated counselors for degree-seeking students.

“Another year with a record number of graduates demonstrates that what we are doing is working,” said CSN President Michael Richards. “We are proud of the Class of 2015 and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”

Among the graduating class, 36 percent are graduating with honors or high honors.

The graduating class includes some extraordinary students:

  • Andrea Wilkerson, a radiation therapy student who plans on working with cancer patients after graduation. Wilkerson earned a bachelor’s degree in communication in 2006, but she felt like she had missed her calling. After volunteering with organizations that worked with terminal patients, she enrolled at CSN and last year was one of just 75 students nationwide selected to participate in the prestigious Student Leadership Development Program run by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. “I feel like I’m about to go out there and change the world,” Wilkerson said.
  • William McCurdy II, president of the Associated Students of the College of Southern Nevada. He grew up in West Las Vegas, the son of a schoolteacher and a pastor who worked for the local housing authority. McCurdy was a stellar athlete at Palos Verdes High School, but ended up dropping out after fathering a child. Undeterred, McCurdy later came back to school and succeeded through hard work and perseverance. He plans on attending UNLV, and later going to law school. “CSN set the perfect foundation for me,” McCurdy said.
  • Karin Rodriguez, an ASCSN senator and our commencement speaker. Rodriguez, who also plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and attend law school, will be the first from his family to graduate from college. Though he started college several years ago and dropped out, the birth of his first child changed his life. He wanted to be successful for his daughter, so he enrolled at CSN. While working full time and serving in the student government, Rodriguez persevered. He credits the example his mother set for him for his success.
  • Trehixi (pronounced like Tracy) Galvan, this year’s Regents’ Scholar award winner and president of CSN’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Galvan is a first-generation college student whose family immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was in elementary school. She plans on enrolling in Nevada State College and studying to become a teacher with an emphasis in bilingual studies. She credits her teachers at CSN and elsewhere for her success.

Each of these students will be available for media interviews at the Commencement Ceremony.

CSN’s 43rd Commencement Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, May 18, at the Thomas & Mack Center on UNLV’s campus. Media interested in talking to students prior to the commencement between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. are encouraged to contact CSN Public Relations Specialist Richard Lake at richard.lake@csn.edu on the day of the event. The ceremony will also be streamed live on the Internet and available to the public at www.csn.edu/grad.

Who: Thousands of new college graduates

What: 43rd CSN Commencement Ceremony

When: 6 p.m., Monday, May 18

Where: Thomas & Mack Center

Streaming: www.csn.edu/grad

Hashtag: Search #csngrad15

 

CSN DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES AWARDED PER YEAR    

Academic Year 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15*
Degrees/Certificates 2,350 2,742 2,882 3,578
Students 2,228 2,574 2,665 3,326

* 2014-15 totals are projected. Final numbers will be available once spring 2015 semester grades are completed

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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CSN Marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

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Media Advisory:

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

CSN Marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

State-licensed motorcycle safety program has trained tens of thousands of motorists

LAS VEGAS, May 4, 2015 — May is motorcycle safety awareness month, and the College of Southern Nevada wants to remind the community of our longstanding and successful Motorcycle Safety Program.

Started in 1983, the program has trained tens of thousands of motorcyclists to safely navigate the state’s roadways. Its content was designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and is licensed by the State of Nevada. The training program allows motorcyclists to obtain their Class M driver’s license.

According to data from the Nevada Department of Public Safety, there were 55 fatalities in motorcycle crashes statewide last year, 38 of them in Clark County.

Roger Fox, CSN’s Motorcycle Safety Program specialist, said training is critical for anyone who rides a motorcycle on the valley’s roadways.

“Riding a motorcycle takes care,” Fox said. “The more training a rider has had, the safer the roads become. These classes aren’t just for beginners.”

Classes teach everything from basic riding skills to strategies for operating a motorcycle in traffic.

More information and a full schedule of classes are available on CSN’s Division of Workforce and Economic Development site, www.csn.edu/workforce.

To schedule an interview with Fox or to observe a class, please contact Richard Lake at 702-651-7715 or richard.lake@csn.edu.

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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CSN Tutorial Centers Include Advanced Training

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Greetings from the College of Southern Nevada!

Student success is our top priority at CSN, which is why I’m excited to bring you this news. Our Tutorial Centers now include basic, advanced and master level training for tutors, certified by the College Reading and Learning Association, an internationally recognized certification for college level tutoring programs.

This means our students will receive the best possible assistance available that conforms to national standards regarding roles and responsibilities, communications, ethics, study skills strategies, and training for tutors. As always, this tutorial assistance is available for free.

Tutors work with students to explain course content, answer questions, and review for exams. When combined with other support services and academic units, tutoring becomes a powerful tool for helping students adopt successful study habits and learn difficult course material.

Tutorial Services centers are located on all three of our main campuses. Any CSN student can schedule a one-on-one tutoring session on any available subject, and he or she can do so as often as is necessary. In addition, students can stop by any of our several learning centers at any time, without an appointment. Most of these centers, including the math resource center, communication lab and the writing center, are partnerships between the various departments and Tutorial Services.

These centers are popular places for students to do their homework because tutors are on hand to answer questions that may come up.

“In a way, tutors are mentors,” Tutorial Services/Learning Centers Director Shellie Keller said. “It’s about so much more than knowing the content. It’s modeling what a successful student can be.”

Many tutors are current CSN students, though only the most successful can apply. Students wishing to be tutors must have high grades, a recommendation from a faculty member, and they have to pass rigorous testing to be approved.

This column ran online May 1, 2015 in El Tiempo.

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CSN April Chronicle

The CSN April Chronicle

Greetings and welcome to the CSN Chronicle for April 2015.  Information regarding structural changes, legislation involving CSN, and more is included below.

Coming Up:

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CSN Business students Cesar Santos, Amanda Appling, Jonathan Santos and Medin Gebrezgier drive home after the Governor’s Cup with their award.

Governor’s Cup
Congratulations to our CSN business students and their advisor Kevin Raiford on winning second place at the Donald W. Reynold’s Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan competition. Our students – Cesar Santos, Amanda Appling, Jonathan Santos and Medin Gebrezgier — took home a check for $15,000 for their Revive Brand Co. (Streetwear) business plan. They came in second to a team from Sierra Nevada College. Kudos, as well, to our sister institution, UNR, and its undergraduate team that came in third place, winning a check for $10,000. This is a prestigious competition that showcases our best and brightest and a huge accomplishment for our students, Professor Raiford and the entire business program at CSN.

Communication Challenges
As I continue town halls on each campus once a month, a number of interesting, meaningful discussions take place. Good information is exchanged that helps all who attend, particularly me. However, attendance has been low, regardless of the time, day or location. One of the questions that I have asked was: “What format or venue would improve communication?”  Most have said, they think this monthly Chronicle is helpful and they enjoy personal, face-to-face efforts occasionally due to all of our busy schedules. I look forward to co-hosting an upcoming town hall with ASCSN President William McCurdy II on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Charleston campus and hope you can make it. I’ve also been visiting the all-college committees at CSN to get further feedback. In addition, with the website overhaul underway, we will create an intranet for employees, where we will be able to share additional information electronically.

If you have thoughts on how to enhance communication from the Office of the President to the college community, please email our Office of Public Affairs, at kc.brekken@csn.edu.

Structural Changes
To better ensure cross-communication across all departments and enhance the diversity of perspectives I receive, I am proposing a new internal structure consisting of two teams:  an executive team and an extended team.  The President’s Cabinet, as we have known it, would be eliminated under this plan.

The executive team will consist of 15 to 17 people who will meet twice a month to provide the strategic direction of CSN.  The extended team would meet at least once a semester and would be comprised of all directors and above—about 50 people.

This is not an original idea.  Colleagues at Austin Community College use this model for the specific reason of encouraging communication and exchanging ideas.  I’ve asked a number of people at CSN to review and reflect on this model, and it will be a primary topic for discussion at the May cabinet.

Budget OutlookPicture2
The 2015 legislative session has begun to address operating budgets for the next biennium.  Agencies and institutions have had initial budget hearings.  The next step is to hear from the Economic Forum on the projected revenue total for the 2015-17 biennium.  The Forum’s report is due May 1.

In the meantime, CSN and NSHE continue to press for the Regents’ priorities:  Eliminate furloughs, fund merit pay for all employees, increase the value of each Weighted Student Credit Hour completed by $5, create and fund a workforce development fund, and create a state grant program for low-income community college students.

Regents’ budget priorities will be difficult to achieve with the anticipated revenue forecast, but our advocacy continues. I want to commend members of the AFA, Classified Council and Faculty Senate, who have been writing to all 63 legislators on these issues. Thank you for spending your personal time to help our students.

Other Legislative Updates
Gun Bills
Earlier this month, legislators combined the many gun bills in the Assembly into AB 148, better known as the “Campus Carry” legislation, which has passed out of the Assembly. We will now wait for it to be scheduled in the Senate.

SB 227 Silver State Opportunity Grant
This legislation will help our low-income students, providing approximately $2,000 a semester. The first, state-funded need-based grant for community college students, the scholarship requires students to take a minimum of 15 credits and complete the FASFA application.  The resulting policy proposal looks a lot like the program that was implemented in Oregon. SB 227 has been referred to Senate Finance.

Millennium update
The Millennium Scholarship bill SB 128 that would increase the credit-minimum for eligible recipients will appear next in Senate Finance and will then go to the floor.

Institutional Advisory Council

CSN's Institutional Advisory Council meets in the Laxalt Center on April 2.

CSN’s Institutional Advisory Council meets in the Laxalt Center on April 2.

The Institutional Advisory Council met on our Cheyenne campus April 2 and heard reports on the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, a possible campus name change, and CSN’s physical master plan for all three main campuses. Regents’ Scholar and PTK President Trehixi Galvan spoke, along with PTK faculty advisor Bruno Rhodes. Galvan, a first-generation college student, told the IAC members that attending CSN has helped her grow as a student. A future teacher, she said she will attend Nevada State College after graduating from CSN.

The IAC Subcommittee on Campus Naming met this week and finalized a survey on our campus names that you will receive via email in the near future. Please take the time to complete this survey.

Safe Zones

CSN President Michael D. Richards addresses community members and the media at the March press conference announcing Safe Zone training at CSN. CSN student Michael Pitta and The Center CEO Michael Dimengo also spoke at the event.

CSN President Michael D. Richards addresses community members and the media at the March press conference announcing Safe Zone training at CSN. CSN student Michael Pitta and The Center CEO Michael Dimengo also spoke at the event.

I was joined on March 27 by Maria Marinch from our Diversity and Cultural Affairs office and Michael Dimengo, the CEO of The Center, to announce the implementation of the national Safe Zone training program at CSN. We had our first training for faculty and staff on Friday and the half-day session, led by Lisa Clayton and Owen Pillion, was packed! Trained faculty and staff will work to establish “Safe Zones” or judgment free areas where they work, where members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning) community can receive information about resources available in the community and campus. We have learned through this process that a number of our LGBTQ students struggle with harassment, homelessness and mental health issues. We can all help by providing an inclusive and safe learning environment, having a zero tolerance for harassment of any individuals and being aware of the places and spaces that students can find help.

Speed Networking

CSN Dean Marcus Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Darren Divine and CSN alumnus and now recruiter Brandon Bawden catch up at the Speed Networking event on March.

CSN Dean Marcus Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Darren Divine and CSN alumnus and now recruiter Brandon Bawden catch up at the Speed Networking event on March.

On March 20, CSN held our second annual “speed networking” event designed to give tech-savvy students a chance to show off the skills they’ve learned as students here. Similar to speed-dating, the event gave students majoring in business, computing and information technology, engineering technology, health information technology, and media technologies a chance to meet briefly with employers and sell themselves in five minutes or less. One of the students who participated last  year, Brandon Bawden, was hired and is currently the Technical Recruiter for Robert Half Technology here in Las Vegas. He participated in this year’s event on the other side of the table. In all, over 70 students registered and completed workshops ahead of the event on everything from resume writing to interview skills. Forty three students participated in the event, as did 45 business partners representing 31 local companies. Nine of the employers made full-time job offers to our students, along with seven part-time offers, 21 internship offers and one offer to mentor a student. Every employer indicted that they want to participate in the event again next year, as well. That’s a resounding success. Congratulations to Warren Hioki, who has headed this effort, and all involved!

Questions from Faculty and Staff Members
“Is it true that within the next several years, NSHE will be outsourcing our distance education courses to third party vendors such as Pearson?  If this is a possibility, what is the administration doing to protect faculty from losing the ability to teach online?”
One of the outcomes of NSHE’s committee on distance education dealt with outsourcing developmental education.  Nearly all institutions are opposed to the suggestion, arguing that developmental students, in particular, need more assistance and support if they are to be successful.  The Chancellor, in remarks to CSN’s Faculty Senate, assured those present that he is slowing the deliberative process on distance education to receive further analysis and faculty input.  I believe the premise of the question remains open for further discussion.

“If we change the names of the CSN campuses to match the city they are located in, who will pay the cost to make this happen?”
There are a number of ways that this could occur and there’s no clear answer until the Institutional Advisory Council makes a recommendation and the Board of Regents votes on the matter. They will make their final decision, evaluating the cost as part of that vote. If CSN were to pay for new signage, it would come from capital improvement funds.

“Who will replace Vice President of Academic Affairs Darren Divine in the interim once he leaves to become President of Casper College in Wyoming?”
As mentioned in an announcement earlier this month, Dr. Hyla Winters will take over as interim Vice President of Academic Affairs once Dr. Divine departs. A national search for his replacement will take place, starting this fall. We congratulate him on his appointment to this prestigious position and wish him well on his new adventure.

“What is the status of our Hispanic Serving Institution grant proposal?”
The application process is now open for institutions meeting the Title V Hispanic Serving Institution eligibility criteria to apply for funding. CSN is in the process of readying its grant, based on proposals developed with faculty and staff as part of the HSI Task Force and the work of the late CSN Resource Development Director Rosemary West. We know the competition for these grants is extremely intense.

“When will we have a new Vice President of Student Affairs?”
Three Vice President of Student Affairs candidates came to campus and attended open forums to meet the CSN community. I anticipate making the final decision shortly and the new hire will begin July 1.

Best wishes,

–Mike Richards

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It’s Time to Register for Next Semester at Your Community’s College

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release:

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

It’s Time to Register for Next Semester at Your Community’s College 

CSN is expanding some important success initiatives that will affect new CCSD graduates

LAS VEGAS, April 27, 2015 – Enrollment for the fall 2015 semester begins May 22 for new students at the College of Southern Nevada, while current students can register beginning May 4. Enrollment for the summer term has already begun.

To kick off the enrollment season, and to remind students of the services CSN has available, the college is holding CSN Connections events on all three campuses. These events, scheduled for April 28, 29 and 30, will feature food and games, information about all of the academic advising programs CSN officers, transferring, scholarships, help with fall 2015 enrollment, orientation and more.

As part of CSN’s focus on long-term student success, CSN is mandating academic advising and orientation for 2015 graduates of the Clark County School District, as well as placement tests in math, English and reading. It’s an expansion of a policy the college instituted last year, which preliminary data shows has been a success. CSN now requires the completion of reading assessment because evidence shows that these assessments can increase student success. Previously, reading assessments were not required, and recent high school students who had earned credits at CSN (through dual enrollment programs) were not required to participate in these steps.

“This expanded policy is all about student success,” said James McCoy, CSN’s associate vice president for academic success.

CSN expects about 3,500 CCSD grads to participate in the pre-enrollment program. If the initiative continues to be successful, it will be expanded to include all new CSN students.

What: CSN Connections

When: Tuesday, April 28, Henderson campus, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29, Cheyenne campus, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, April 30, Charleston campus, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why: To help CSN students connect to their college and succeed

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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CSN Science & Technology Expo Features NASA Exhibits, Space Shuttle Commander

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release:

 

Retired astronaut Lee Archambault

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

 

CSN Science & Technology Expo Features NASA Exhibits, Space Shuttle Commander

More than 70 exhibits will give thousands of K-12 students a chance to experience hands-on science, technology

 

LAS VEGAS, April 17, 2015 – The College of Southern Nevada will welcome retired astronaut Col. Lee Archambault, NASA Orion engineer Stuart McClung, exhibits directly from NASA, and thousands of local schoolchildren to its 12th Annual Science and Technology Expo on Friday, April 24.

Archambault is a retired Space Shuttle commander whose two shuttle missions to the International Space Station brought him to space for a total of 27 days. He has logged more than 5,000 hours as a pilot, including 22 combat missions in an F-117A Stealth Fighter during Operation Desert Storm.

McClung is the Orion crew module landing and recovery system functional area manager. The Orion is considered the next generation of United States spacecraft. It is designed to take astronauts further than they’ve ever gone before, including to distant planets.

“A world without science would be a world without progress. Science, technology and innovation are increasingly important to our economic well-being and quality of life. This festival is an opportunity for hands-on engagement and exploration. I am pleased to have such incredible science and engineering showcased in Nevada,” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

CSN and the Clark County School District will welcome an estimated 2,500 students to the Expo, which kicks off the weeklong Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival. The expo promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs that help prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers. CSN and many community partners from industry and academia offer this opportunity to spark students’ interest in scientific and technological professions.

“Helping schoolchildren become excited and passionate about science, technology, engineering and math is the greatest achievement we can make as educators,” said Michael Spangler, dean of CSN’s School of Advanced & Applied Technologies. “Careers in these fields are in high demand, they pay well, and they’re vital to Nevada’s and our nation’s future.”

Exhibits and demonstrations include:

  • Take a selfie with a NASA spacesuit
  • Soar with a drone
  • Apprenticeship exhibits
  • Fighting Robots
  • Chemistry magic show
  • Planetarium shows
  • Blowups of the Orion spacecraft
  • USGS scientists
  • Creepy crawlers
  • Web design demo
  • 3D printing
  • and much more …

The Science and Technology Expo will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 24 and is free to attend. For more information, please call 702-651-4959.

What: CSN’s 12th Annual Science & Technology Expo

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 24

Where: CSN Cheyenne campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, North Las Vegas, NV 89030

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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CSN March Chronicle

The March Chronicle

Greetings and welcome back to faculty! We hope Spring Break was revitalizing! There is much to share with you at the mid-point of the spring semester.
Town Hall Summary 

I held a town hall meeting on the Henderson campus March 10 and one yesterday at the Charleston campus. I am holding one per month and hope you can attend future town halls.

One question I received concerned whether we had plans to reinstitute the practice of having one administrator in charge of each of our campuses. I do have such plans, and an announcement will be forthcoming. I also told the gathering that launching a new CSN website is my top priority for this year and hope to have it complete by September. Stay tuned for more on that.

We had a good crowd at the town hall yesterday on the Charleston campus.

Future town halls are planned for 3 p.m. on April 1 at the Cheyenne campus, Conference Room A, and 2:30 p.m. May 7, at the Charleston campus, room D-101. Please come, and bring your questions.

 

 

 

Integrate II

Representing a major improvement in the processing of human resource and financial transactions is the migration to a new administrative computing system for Nevada’s colleges and universities.  Called “Integrate II,” the implementation process will take the next two years and will change the way all institutions operated.  CSN is positioned well for this implementation, with Mary Kaye Bailey leading our part of the process.

Legislature

There are a number of bills that impact CSN this session. Here is an update.


Gun Legislation

On Education Day, our students met with Sens. Ben Kieckhefer, David Parks, Joyce Woodhouse and other leaders to advocate for CSN.

This past week, Assembly members amended AB 148, better known as “Campus Carry,” to include AB 2, which allows guns to be in vehicles on campus in a locked box. This bill, AB 148, passed out of committee and is headed back to the Assembly floor before heading to the Senate. There is still much about these bills that will likely change before anything is signed into law and we will keep you informed about opportunities to testify. However, there is often very little notice about these hearings, so I encourage you to write or call your elected representatives to let them know how you feel about this type of legislation.

 

SB 227- Silver State Opportunity Grant 

Lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill supporting a state-funded, scholarship program for low-income community college and state college students. Sens. Ben Kieckhefer and Ruben Kihuen introduced this transformational legislation. Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), have been determined by the system to be financially needy, take at least 15 credits a semester, and be college ready (meaning they are not taking developmental English or math courses) to be eligible for this scholarship. The resulting “shared-responsibility” policy proposal is meant to provide the student with enough resources so that he or she does not need to work full time while attending college and looks a lot like the program that was implemented in Oregon.  In addition, while NSHE had originally requested $5 million, Kiechhefer and Kihuen boldly requested double that amount for the biennium.
Millennium Update

On Feb. 26, SB 128 was passed out of committee and is waiting to be heard again on the Senate floor before being sent over to the Assembly. This legislation would change the minimum number credits that millennium scholarship recipients are required to take. At CSN students would have to take a minimum of 9 credits where at the four institutions they would have to have 12.
In the Assembly a similar bill, AB 111, was also passed through committee this week. The only different in this bill is that is has an incremental phase-in process.

 

SB 182/AB 399 — Economic Gardening

In the Senate, Sen. Spearman has authored a bill that would help CSN and UNR support local small businesses in our community. Assemblywoman Dina Neal has authored AB 399, which is similar but focuses more on Southern Nevada, and was heard in committee today. This legislation would allocate $300,000 to start a pilot program and help grow a set number of local businesses each through the provision of data and other resources.  Our fantastic team in the CSN Division of Workforce & Economic Development would lead this effort at CSN.

 

In addition to legislation mentioned above, the budget request of the Board of Regents is being heard in several budget hearings.  All expenditure requests are, of course, based on the amount of dollars that state has available, making the Governor’s proposed revenue package a critical focus as the Legislature moves forward.  We are optimistic that the package will be adopted.  Later, in May, the Economic Forum will meet to consider final revenue levels for the next biennium.

 

New National Endowment for the Humanities Grant to fund “Linking with Latin America” Project

Preliminarily, CSN received word of an $116,806 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to partner with the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Latin American Studies as part of the NEH’s Bridging Cultures at Community Colleges program.

CSN’s project, titled “Linking with Latin America: The Border Crisis and Beyond,” will incorporate content related to Latin America and its cultures into humanities courses, bring in visiting scholars for expert seminars, better prepare humanities faculty for a large and increasing Hispanic population, and enhance faculty and staff sensitivity.

Congresswoman Dina Titus calling President Richards to congratulate CSN on receiving the NEH grant.

This NEH grant will enrich the classroom experience and professional development for faculty and staff with a better understanding and appreciation for Latin American cultures. This helps us serve our growing Hispanic student population and provides training for our faculty and staff to better prepare all of our students for successful entry into our global community.

We are very grateful to our Congressional delegation for their support in helping us obtain this opportunity.

Institutional Advisory Council

During the legislative session, CSN’s new Institutional Advisory Council (IAC) is meeting monthly.  The IAC is currently working on creating a recommendation for the names of CSN’s campuses. A subcommittee is developing a survey to go out to the college community in the near future, working with representatives from the local municipalities, Faculty Senate Chair Jodie Mandel, ASCSN Vice President Lizbeth Gonzalez, the CSN Foundation, Institutional Research and members of the business community. The CSN IAC will then consider a diverse array of institutional and community perspectives and provide a recommendation for the Board of Regents to consider.

Vice Presidential Openings
After seven years at the helm of CSN academics, Vice President of Academic Affairs Darren Divine has decided to step down at the end of this semester. We wish him well wherever his journey may take him. Dr. Divine began at CSN in 2000 as a biology instructor and is a tenured professor in that department. We will appoint an interim vice president before the end of the semester and then conduct a national search for the position.

CSN’s Vice President of Student Affairs search is wrapping up. Finalists will be on campus April 7, 8 and 9. There will be a public forum from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. video conferenced to each campus for each candidate, each day, so that you can meet them. Locations are yet to be determined. I hope to have the selected candidate begin, following the next fiscal year on July 1.

Evaluation Recommendations
As you may know, the presidential evaluation held in December and approved by the Board of Regents in March, resulted in several recommendations for the college and my organizational structure in particular. One of the most prominent recommendations, supported by the board, was the expansion of CSN’s executive administration to ensure I receive diverse input, representative of the many groups we serve at CSN.  Likewise, a broadening of the administration will help with communication challenges to ensure broader dialogue and information sharing occurs at all levels and with our many community partners.

One model I’m exploring is to create a 15-20 member senior leadership team that would meet twice each month and an extended leadership team of up to 50 members that would meet twice a semester.  Under this model, the President’s Cabinet would dissolve.
In addition to expanding my administration, two studies were also recommended:  one to examine mandating the AA/AS degree prior to transfer, and the second to examine the feasibility of disaggregating CSN’s campuses to create a quasi-community college district.  A task force for the first study will be announced after spring break. My predecessor formerly completed a study of the second recommendation and I plan on breaking it out for renewed discussion and consideration.


NSHE Board of Regents Chair Kevin Page throws the first pitch at CSN Coyotes’ Board of Regents Night.

CSN Coyotes Baseball

Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Page joined the Coyotes baseball team for our Board of Regents night on March 5. Everyone had a great time, and Chairman Page did a fine job throwing out the night’s first pitch. What’s more, the Coyotes did us all proud, winning the game and improving their already impressive record.

Tenure Congratulations

At the March 5 and 6 Board of Regents meeting, Regents approved tenure for CSN faculty. Congratulations to the following individuals. This is a major milestone and achievement for our faculty:

  • Julian Barroso-Merino, International Languages
  • Denny Burzynski, Mathematics
  • Stephanie M. Espinoza, Library Services
  • Anthony Fortner, Business, Hospitality & Public Services
  • Chieko Fukushima, Applied Technology
  • Kellie Jeanne Hagewen, Human Behavior
  • April Celeste Hebert, Communication
  • Amy Diane Litman, International Languages
  • Charles M. Lohman Jr., Media Technologies
  • Gail Lynn Lupica-Amani, Health Sciences
  • Mary Manoharan, Nursing
  • Elsa M. Mason, Human Behavior
  • Daniel F. McElhattan III, Media Technologies
  • Kevin G. Mess, Applied Technologies
  • Donald D. Mirjanian, Political Science
  • Camille Elizabeth Naaktgeboren, Biological Sciences
  • Robert E. O’Toole, Accounting, Finance, and Computer Office Technology
  • Carrie K. Preite, Biological Sciences
  • Caprice J. Roberson, Library Services
  • Marilyn I. Robinson, Computing & Information Technology
  • Marianne Sampson, Dental Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Services
  • Heidi C. Schneiter, Dental Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Services
  • Julian Chater Smit, Human Behavior
  • Dale Andrew Wallace, Computer & Information Technology
  • Gary E. Widdison, Dental Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Services

CSN Charleston Campus Ralph & Betty Engelstad Health Sciences Building

Campus Master Plans

As most of you know, a series of campus “open houses” are being held this week on each campus to receive feedback on physical master plans for each campus.  These plans provide a framework for future campus development, including building placement, circulation patterns, parking, landscaping, etc.  Internal reviews—including your input–will complement the planning process and improve the final product.   Take some time to review the plans and the options they present.

Faculty & Staff Questions:      

“How likely is a budget cut or an Arizona-type reduction in state support?”

Without Governor Sandoval’s revenue package, there are inadequate revenues for the State of Nevada.  A budget cut would be certain.  With the revenue package, the next biennium would proceed as described in the Governor’s budget.   Regarding an Arizona-type cut to community colleges, it is unlikely.  Arizona’s major community colleges have local funding and high tuition.  Nevada’s community colleges have only state appropriations and low tuition.  CSN, for example, receives about 77% of its budget from the state general fund.

 

“If ‘Campus Carry,’ or other gun-bills get through, allowing firearms on campus or in campus parking lots, will CSN provide training for employees and students on the new laws? Will CSN provide firearm safety training for those who have CCW permits?”

Needless to say, CSN and the higher education system are closely following the campus carry bills.  Should one or more pass and become law, the College and NSHE will abide by the law.  Currently, our efforts are directed in opposition to the proposed legislation; internally, we have not discussed safety training, but certainly could if needed.

 

“Any new information about furloughs, merit or benefits?”

The governor has eliminated furloughs in his executive budget recommendations and provided merit for classified employees. We continue to advocate for improvements to health and other benefits as well as the inclusion of NSHE professional faculty and staff in the merit program so that we can treat employees equitably and also provide incentives to keep our highly talented faculty and staff at CSN.

 

Best,

 

Mike

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Thousands of K-12 Students to Experience Hands-on Science, Technology

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release:

 

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

 

Thousands of K-12 Students to Experience Hands-on Science, Technology

CSN’s 12th Annual Science & Technology Expo on April 24 will engage more than 2,500 K-12 students!

 

LAS VEGAS, March 25, 2015 – Schoolchildren who are part of the next generation of science and technology pioneers will enjoy a day of fun and learning at the 12th annual CSN Science and Technology Expo taking place on Friday, April 24.

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and the Clark County School District (CCSD) will welcome thousands of K-12 students to the event located on CSN’s Cheyenne campus. The event also kicks off the annual Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival.

The expo promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs that help prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers. CSN and many community partners from industry and academia offer this opportunity to spark students’ interest in scientific and technological professions.

This year, more than 2,500 students are expected to attend the free educational expo. Community members are also welcome.

“Helping schoolchildren become excited and passionate about science, technology, engineering and math is the greatest achievement we can make as educators,” said Dr. Michael Spangler, dean of CSN’s School of Advanced & Applied Technologies. “Careers in these fields are in high demand, they pay well, and they’re vital to Nevada’s and our nation’s future.”

Exhibits and demonstrations include:

 

  • Web design demo
  • Apprenticeship exhibits
  • Fighting robots
  • Chemistry magic show
  • Planetarium shows
  • Creepy crawlers
  • 3D printing
  • Journey to space
  • And much more!

 

The Science and Technology Expo will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is free to attend. For more information please call 702-651-4959.

What:              CSN’s 12th Annual Science & Technology Expo

When:             9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 24

Where:            CSN Cheyenne campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89030

 

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. 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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