March Cabinet Minutes

Posted on June 14, 2012 by CSN

March 12, 2012

Cabinet Members:
President Mike Richards
K.C. Brekken, Director, Communication & Events
Constance Brooks, Director, Government Affairs & Diversity Initiatives
Thomas Brown, Senior Advisor to the President
Patty Charlton, Senior Vice President for Finance & Facilities
Chemene Crawford, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs – absent
Darren Divine, Vice President, Academic Affairs – absent
Richard Hinckley, General Counsel – absent, Diane Welch, proxy
Shellie Keller, Chair, Administrative Faculty Assembly
Rob Telles, President, Classified Council
Jacque Matthews, Executive Director, Foundation
Joan McGee, Chief Campus Administrator, Charleston Campus
Charles Milne, Faculty Senate Chair-Elect – absent
Aimee Riley, President, Student Government
Josh Ruter, Interim Campus Manager, Henderson Campus – absent
Tracy Sherman, Faculty Senate Chair
Mugunth Vaithylingam, Chief Information Officer

The meeting was called to order by Dr. Richards at 9 a.m.

The notes of the February cabinet meeting were approved.

Patty Charlton updated Cabinet members on the Funding Formula. The Round Table discussions were well-attended and had good feedback, especially from students. The formal discussions between NSHE institutions just prior to the Board of Regents meeting, however, grew a bit heated. CSN did gain some ground as the funding gap is being addressed and we will be updated as new information becomes available.
The most current information is posted on the NSHE website:
http://system.nevada.edu/tasks/sites/Nshe/assets/File/Initiatives/fundingformula/New_NSHE_Funding_Model._dtd_3.12.v9.for_final_distribution.pdf

Dr. Richards told the group that at the Board of Regents meeting, CSN’s culinary department was highlighted, and the student speaker from the department represented CSN well. The meeting also gave CSN the opportunity to spotlight some other departments at the hosted dinner for the Regents outside the E Building. Featured at the dinner were a massive barbecue and smoker built by welding students, beautiful candies created by our pastry chefs and students, culinary students who cooked the dinner and CSN’s orchestra who provided music for the event.

Joan McGee reported on the CSN Strategic Plan and the relationship between the Plan’s objectives and accreditation. To ensure that responsible parties are clear on the compliance piece, and to make everyone aware of the Strategic Plan and the tasks contained within it, Joan is meeting with as many employees and students as she can. So far she has met with almost 75 people, with many more to go. Updates reporting progress on Plan tasks will be due July 1st each year. Those updates will be compiled and reviewed, and a revision to the Strategic Plan will be made if necessary. Feedback from NWCCU reviews, reports and visits will be also taken into account each year when discussing any revision. This 3rd year of the accreditation cycle will prompt a site visit from NWCCU and they have scheduled their visit for October 15-17 this year.

Thomas Brown reviewed the many projects being undertaken by Human Resources. The division’s emphasis is on communication, training, customer service and especially how those relate to CSN’s mission of Access, Quality and Diversity.
Some highlights from the Human Resources staff:
• About 35 active/pending recruitments are underway to fill approximately 46 positions
• Initial work has begun to draft a potential college-wide attendance policy
• HR is working to certify more FMLA specialists
• Working on the deliverables for iNtegrate Phase II
• Many payroll/benefits sessions for new hires were held for individuals and groups
• Conducted benefit information training during spring convocation week
• Ongoing monthly work with iNtegrate/PeopleSoft and MyCSN regarding name changes and inconsistent data
• Implemented the automated I-9 completion system and trainings for the system
• More updates to the HR website
• I-Leave Training is being developed
Some highlights for Affirmative Action:
• New Title IX Policy regarding communication requirements – Thomas and AA staff participated in a required training webinar
• Thomas and AA staff also have another Title IX webinar scheduled March 23 and an additional 6 week training course through NACUA for certification
• Developing new course for required on-going discrimination training as per the Board of Regents’ new policy
Some highlights from the Cheyenne campus:
• Remodel is continuing with the main Student Services area to begin in the next couple of months
• Conceptual plans are being developed for a remodel in the culinary kitchen and Russell’s restaurant
• Equipment requests for new signage for the Main building have been approved and facilities will begin on the drawings shortly
• New paint, seating and carpet will go into classrooms 1068 and 1227 this summer, with classroom 1661 next in line for new seating
• Currently developing a construction schedule to re-pave the delivery area behind culinary
• Emergency blue lights are being installed in the parking area for police

CAPE:
• Spring calendar of offerings is ongoing
• Planning for Classified in-service days
• Preparing for sessions that will be facilitated during the spring including Supervisory series; Conflict Resolution; Adobe Acrobat forms & portfolios; MS Excel 2010 as a database and uploading rosters; MS Word 2010 long document formatting and mail merge; MS Outlook 2010
• Continuing to conduct MyCSN Training and supporting staff with assistance as requested
• Customized training on customer service by request

Constance Brooks attended all meetings and round tables about the funding formula and is working to ensure legislators understand it. She reported that Henderson and Cheyenne campuses will be early voting sites for the primary and election. Charleston campus itself will not be an early voting site, because the Charleston Library on the northeast corner of the campus is a site already. With regard to the Diversity aspect of Constance’s area, she told the group that the Women of Excellence luncheon will have Punam Mathur as keynote speaker. She encouraged all to attend. For future events, she is working through some ideas for improving the quality of the events while possibly reducing the number of them. She is also thinking about diversity themed graduation events and is working with Jacque Matthews on scholarship funding as well.
Supplier Diversity continues to improve, but low bid restraints are problematic. Also, the certification requirements for small businesses are cumbersome; so before there is significant change, there must be some change in that area.

Diane Welch reported that she and Richard Hinckley are working on several projects which are keeping them very busy:
• Cases in litigation
• Working through Health Sciences policies to do with student pregnancy and blood borne pathogens, radiation exposure and animal contact
• Working through leave and attendance policies
• Revamping disciplinary procedure
• Standardizing language for vendor contracts to ensure NSHE interest is protected
• Attending State Bar/NACUA events

Rob Telles was proud to report that classified employee, Angel Clemens, chose the name for CSN’s end of the year event: Reflections of Success. He also said the Employee Recognition luncheon is in the beginning stages of planning and is scheduled tentatively for May 31. Classified Council is giving a lot of thought to the in-service days and ideas for classes that would make the week more relevant, interesting and increase attendance. He also reminded everyone of the upcoming bake sale which will have a St. Patrick’s Day theme and will take place on each of the 3 main campuses.

Dr. Richards said a recommendation from EDIC included sharing of HR openings and applicants between NSHE Institutions. The method and practicality for that sharing is a topic of discussion currently.

Next week Dr. Richards would be sending a series of announcements through all email and through the ICS about the following topics:
• New admissions policy requiring high school diploma or equivalent
• Certain deadlines for students to make arrangements for payment to preserve class registration
• New application process for residency
• Financial Aid eligibility will change to requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
• New payment due date will be June 1

NSHE has contracted with Business Benefits, Inc. to do benefits analyses of the NSHE Institutions’ benefits. They will be working with the compensation committee and paying special attention to health insurance.

March 26-30 the Vice President for Student Affairs candidates will be on the Charleston campus for open forums and interviewing with Dr. Richards afterward. He encouraged the cabinet members to participate in the forums to get to know the candidates.

The Salvation Army requested volunteers to help residents study to pass their GED exams. Anyone interested can contact them at (702) 870-4430.

Patty Charlton reminded the group of the year-end purchasing deadlines.

Jacque Matthews told everyone the date of this year’s CSN Celebrity Golf Tournament. It will be June 15 at Badlands Golf Club.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

Next meeting scheduled April 9, 2012.

aml

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February Cabinet Minutes

Posted on June 14, 2012 by CSN

February 13, 2012

Cabinet Members:
President Mike Richards – absent
John Bearce, Director of Institutional Research – absent
K.C. Brekken, Director, Communication & Events
Constance Brooks, Director, Government Affairs & Diversity Initiatives
Thomas Brown, Senior Advisor to the President
Patty Charlton, Senior Vice President for Finance & Facilities
Chemene Crawford, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Darren Divine, Vice President, Academic Affairs – absent
Richard Hinckley, General Counsel – Diane Welch, proxy
Shellie Keller, Chair, Administrative Faculty Assembly – Taylor Gray, proxy
Rob Telles, President, Classified Council
Jacque Matthews, Executive Director, Foundation
Joan McGee, Chief Campus Administrator, Charleston Campus
Charles Milne, Faculty Senate Chair-Elect – absent
Dan Morris, Executive Director, Business Operations – absent
Aimee Riley, President, Student Government
Josh Ruter, Interim Campus Manager, Henderson Campus
Tracy Sherman, Faculty Senate Chair
Mugunth Vaithylingam, Chief Information Officer

The meeting was called to order by Patty Charlton at 9 a.m. Dr. Richards was called to a meeting off-campus.

The notes of the January cabinet meeting were approved.

Patty went over some dates on the calendar including the upcoming town hall meeting on the Charleston campus with Regent Page on February 23, the Board of Regents meeting on March 2 & 3 also on the Charleston campus, and spring break
March 19 – 25.

Joan McGee told the group that the 2010-2017 Strategic Plan with the first year progress report is now posted on the CSN website along with the revised version of the Plan. Over the next few weeks, Joan will be meeting one-on-one with the individuals responsible for the various objectives listed in the revised plan. The purpose of the meetings is to clarify each individual’s responsibilities and objectives; and to ensure that the progress reported is relevant, assessable and timely.

Taylor Gray reported for the AFA on behalf of Shellie Keller. The last report from AFA was before the holidays and since that time there have been several notable events. In December, the AFA undertook a volunteer project in collaboration with the Department of Family Services and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA). The project was named the CSN Serves December Volunteer Event. Fifty-one CSN faculty, staff and students volunteered; sorting and wrapping gifts for over 2,000 foster children in Clark County. Clark High School also sent volunteers to help. The event was a huge success and CSN is invited to return next year. Shellie and the rest of the group look forward to seeing the project grow. Another AFA event took place over the holidays—a Holiday Treasure Sale. The event was coordinated in a very short period of time and raised about $400. They plan to continue these efforts and create a scholarship or some form of support to benefit homeless CSN students.

The AFA employees of the month were:
• December 2011 – Jeff Fulmer, Visual Resource Center Specialist, Academic Affairs
• January 2012 – Joyce Bivona, Grants & Contract Manager, Finance and Administration
• February 2012 – Jann Carson, Specialist, Center for Academic & Professional Excellence

Dr. Richards and Patty Charlton are invited to the next AFA general meeting on February 24; and members are interested in hearing about admissions policy, budget concerns and employment issues.

Tracy Sherman gave an update on Faculty Senate. Regent Schofield dropped in at the meeting on Friday. It was a nice surprise. Faculty Senate is currently addressing workload policy and evaluation policy. Also, the Rape Crisis Center gave a presentation at the meeting and discussed all the good work going on there.

Jacque Matthews highlighted events going on in the Foundation. She began with informing everyone that a campaign director, Guy Amato, was hired on at CSN and began work on February 6. He will be touring campuses and meeting with Deans and VPs this week. Guy also will be working with the Foundation Board teams to coach progress. The CSN Foundation is currently working on a fundraiser with Cili Restaurant to support culinary competition. The details are currently being worked out and Jacque is hoping for a March date for the event. If it is successful, more celebrity chefs may become involved and bring more attention to CSN’s first-rate culinary and hospitality programs. The Legacy of Achievement Gala will take place May 12 at the Rio. The theme is “Moments of Magic,” and honorees will include Ken Goodrich, Dick McGee, Diane Hampton and Bob Stoldal. Another fundraiser is in the works, the annual celebrity golf tournament. Cox has committed to sponsor the event, but more sponsors are needed. The date for it will be announced soon. Other gifts to the CSN Foundation include a $300,000 in-kind gift over 3 years to benefit Athletics, $60,000 gift from Findlay Toyota over 3 years, and 2 overnight bus trips for Student Government and for Culinary students. Jacque is also working with K.C. Brekken on another insert in the Las Vegas Review Journal featuring successful CSN alumni. The date for the feature in the R.J. is April 11, 2012.

Patty told everyone in the meeting that Tech Connection was very successful and thanked Mugunth and Jacque for an excellent event.

Aimee Riley said the feedback from the student roundtables was excellent and students want them to continue. She is currently working with County officials to have polling locations on campus. She will be meeting with K.C. Brekken, Constance Brooks and the campus managers to discuss the logistics of the project. Aimee also informed everyone that there is a 91% greater instance of completion for students involved in student government or clubs and organizations at college. To capitalize on those statistics, there is a club rush scheduled for the Charleston campus today, and Cheyenne and Henderson campuses tomorrow. Another event to take place at the June Whitley center on the Cheyenne campus will focus on sex education, with representatives from Planned Parenthood and Aid for Aids of Nevada, among others attending. A former CSN student and amateur stand-up comedian, Daniel Mack, will be honored in a comedy event on April 12. The event will take the form of a competition and will be judged by a local industry expert. The tribute will be free and open to the public – details to follow. Aimee also welcomed 5 new senate members to student government.

Josh Ruter said he is working on the Henderson campus calendar that has been rather neglected. It will be posted as a PDF weekly on the CSN website on the Henderson Location link. www.csn.edu/about/locations/henderson.asp.
Some highlights from the Henderson campus:
• The master plan for signage is progressing.
• Trash cans have been installed in the parking lot to keep the grounds cleaner.
• A Building roof is complete
• B Building chillers should be complete in March along with other HVAC upgrades
• C Building may soon have solar panels on the roof
• Modulars between A & B have been painted and look great
• Various locations on campus now have E-access
• Furniture replacement schedule is being developed to be in compliance with fire codes and ADA requirements. The replacements will take place as funds become available.
• Student Government brought free flu shots to all campuses. Joshed thanked Aimee for that service.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Next meeting scheduled March 12, 2012.

aml

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January Cabinet Minutes

Posted on June 14, 2012 by CSN

January 09, 2012

Cabinet Members:
President Mike Richards
John Bearce, Director of Institutional Research
K.C. Brekken, Director, Communication & Events
Constance Brooks, Director, Government Affairs & Diversity Initiatives
Thomas Brown, Senior Advisor to the President
Patty Charlton, Senior Vice President for Finance & Facilities
Chemene Crawford, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Darren Divine, Vice President, Academic Affairs
Richard Hinckley, General Counsel
Shellie Keller, Chair, Administrative Faculty Assembly
Rob Telles, President, Classified Council
Jacque Matthews, Executive Director, Foundation
Joan McGee, Chief Campus Administrator, Charleston Campus
Charles Milne, Faculty Senate Chair-Elect
Dan Morris, Executive Director, Business Operations
Aimee Riley, President, Student Government
Josh Ruter, Interim Campus Manager, Henderson Campus – absent
Tracy Sherman, Faculty Senate Chair
Mugunth Vaithylingam, Chief Information Officer

The meeting was called to order by Dr. Richards at 9 a.m.

The notes of the December cabinet meeting were approved.

Dr. Richards began the meeting by welcoming back Jacque Matthews. He then highlighted some upcoming dates, including Tech Connection on January 18th, CAPE training classes during spring convocation, the special Board of Regents meeting on January 20th and the beginning of the spring semester on January 23rd.

At the special Board of Regents meeting, CSN will present the final plan describing how the 8% student fee increase will be utilized. K.C. told the group about a discussion on Twitter (#csnbudget) that garnered a lot of input from students and staff on the fee increases as well.

Mugunth Vaithylingam encouraged everyone to register for Tech Connect, which will take place on the Cheyenne campus all day on January 18. Last year the event raised $30,000 for CSN and the goal is to surpass that amount this year. There are more vendors, lots of free software training, two excellent keynote speakers and prize drawings. Many community members have been invited, including Chancellor Klaich, Regents, people from CCSD and UNLV. Mugunth is also trying to secure an appearance of a state of the art disaster recovery truck, NERV, of which only two in the world exist.

Joan McGee presented the revised Strategic Plan that she, Hyla Winters and Laura Yavitz modified. Once Hyla and Joan streamlined the plan in accordance with NWCCU recommendations, Joan and Laura retrieved and clarified College data. Pages 9-20 of the revised plan list the action items for each goal, the responsible division, department or committee, the achievement indicators and the timeline for completion. Joan stressed the importance of reading the Plan and knowing what it contains. Each cabinet member belongs to one of the groups of responsible parties for the action items and each cabinet member should know what it is for which he or she is responsible. Some of the completion dates in the timeline are approaching quickly and immediate action may be required. Joan will post to the website the new Plan along with the Strategic Plan progress summary she compiled and presented last month at the cabinet meeting.

K.C. Brekken told everyone that 325 employees attended the Holiday Party, and 850 pounds of food were collected for the Three Square food bank. She reminded everyone of the Round Table discussions on all three main campuses, and said there were still some seats available. There was some positive news coverage for CSN when the CSN Cheer Squad earned 1st place in the American Grand Nationals Tournament of the American Cheer and Dance Championships for co-ed level six. K.C. also told the group to look for details of the Town Hall with Regent Geddes on February 23. The event will be held in D-101 at 4:00 pm that day. March 1 & 2, CSN will host the NSHE Board of Regents meeting. May 18, an end of the year recognition and celebration event will happen at the Texas Station. A contest to name this event will begin in February, and a committee is currently being assembled to plan the event.

Constance Brooks, Director of Government Affairs and Diversity Initiatives, gave her first report as a cabinet member. She announced that Jennifer Denson would be joining her at the Cheyenne campus as her assistant, and a part time staff member, J.T. Creedon, will assist her in the Government Affairs aspects of the office. Constance shared her goal to make the Office of Diversity a better resource to the college and will focus on student success and community outreach this year. She will be forming an advisory committee, which will include representatives from each of the Heritage Month groups, to assist in relevant event planning. Currently there are separate advisory committees for each group. For Black History Month, she is focusing on 3-4 quality events during the month rather than numerous events that tend to garner poor attendance. She is working with Thomas Brown on Affirmative Action initiatives. Constance also told the group about EDICT, Eliminating Disparities in Clinical Trials, an organization of which all the NSHE presidents are members. The first EDICT meeting of the year will be on January 10.

Darren Divine said that Academic Affairs and Student Affairs will be working closely on the Complete College America initiatives. The main focus of the initiative is student attainment of a certificate or degree. One obstacle to completion seems to be successful completion of mathematics courses. Darren is working to establish dedicated math labs on each campus, staffed and open all day. The timeframe to get them up and running is tentatively fall semester, but it partly depends on fee increases and how much will be allotted to fund the math labs. Both Dr. Richards and Aimee Riley mentioned a free tutorial web site for math refreshers (and other subjects such as History and Science) at Khan Academy: http://www.khanacademy.org It is a great resource for all who want to refresh their skills in subjects they may not use in everyday life.
Darren also reported that in the attempt to remove the 40th anniversary sign work from Building E on the Charleston campus, a big mess resulted. The large sign was made of a new material that adheres to surfaces without glue. Unfortunately, it adhered too well, and pieces of the sign are stuck to everything. The sign company will have the area power washed this week.

Joan McGee highlighted what is happening at the Charleston campus and the Learning Centers.
Charleston:
• Building A – fire alarm system is currently being upgraded, a new cooling tower will be installed next month and an interior remodel is scheduled for this summer
• Building B – common areas were painted and new carpet was installed last year
• Building C – currently being painted (exterior) and the grass area on the north and east side will be replaced with desert landscaping this year
• Building G – a new fume hood in the science area on the 3rd floor will be installed in February
• Ralph & Betty Engelstad Health Sciences Building – new seat walls were installed on the south side of the building in the landscaped area and a new security roll-up door in being installed in Room 124
• O&M Building – remodeled the interior of the warehouse and currently adding an office
• Child Care Building – new landscaping and irrigation completed last year, 2 new canopies will be installed in spring
• Campus in General – Valley Crest Landscaping will now be maintaining and repairing all of Charleston campus grounds. There are no grounds personnel on Charleston campus.
Learning Centers
• Mesquite – temporary employee is covering for another who is on FMLA leave
• Nellis – temporary employee is covering for another who is on FMLA leave
• Western – just transferred an AAII from Joan’s area to Western to replace AA who accepted a position outside of NSHE.
Dr. McGee represented CSN at numerous events and fundraisers since her last report in October, including Higher Education night at Opportunity Village, Part-Time Recruitment Fair, Frederick Douglass luncheon at Russell’s, several Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Education Committee meetings, and many other events.

Mugunth Vaithylingam said OTS Recognition Day was very well-received by the college community. The VOIP phone changeover will be complete by the end of March. A self-service help desk will be available at the beginning of the semester. Employees will be able to submit requests online and be able to track the progress of each ticket created. He again encouraged everyone to register for Tech Connection to take place on January 18th.

Rob Telles reported that the employee recognition luncheon will take place this year between spring and summer semesters. The next Classified Council meeting will be on February 16.

Patty Charlton reported that HR and Finance are involved in the iNtegrate 2 project; with John Scarborough representing Human Resources and Mary Kaye Bailey representing Finance. They will be going to other states to visit institutions that have already implemented similar systems.
The Facilities Department is working on E-access for all classrooms with estimated completion scheduled for late June or July. The Cheyenne campus restrooms should be refurbished by the end of summer. CSN has selected a vendor for the call boxes required to be in compliance with the Emergency Management Grant. Facilities Management may be contracting supplemental custodial help until we have hired and trained enough custodians to fill the open positions.

John Bearce distributed an enrollment comparison which indicates a decline of about nine percent for Spring 2012 as compared to Spring 2011. Online classes are up in enrollment about two percent.

Chemene Crawford reported that as of 9:00 am today, January 9, the MyCSN Call Center began taking calls to assist students with navigating the MyCSN system. Patricia Marshall is the coordinator for the new area. If anyone receives a call requesting help with the MyCSN system, the calls can be directed to 651-5555, where students can receive live help from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The hours may change as call volume is assessed. In Student Financial Services, a new director has been hired, Matthew Sanchez, who started on January 3.

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

Next meeting scheduled February13, 2012.

aml

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CSN Foundation 2012 Legacy of Achievement Gala Raised Thousands of Dollars for CSN Students

Posted on May 14, 2012 by CSN

The College of Southern Nevada Foundation conducted one of the most significant fund raisers of  the year in Nevada higher education, the 2012 Legacy of Achievement Gala, on Saturday, May 12, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

 More than 500 guests and over a dozen community partners, including NV Energy and Caesars Entertainment, supported the event to raise more than $300,000 for CSN scholarships and programs.            

The CSN Foundation organizes the gala each year to raise funds and honor community leaders. The Legacy of Achievement program was initiated in 2007 and the annual gala has raised almost $2 million for student scholarships and programs at the state’s largest and most diverse higher education institution.

This year, the Foundation honored Henderson Municipal Court Judge Diana D. Hampton, Western Zone President for American Residential Services Kenneth D. Goodrich, CSN Fine Arts Department Chair Richard McGee, Ph.D., and Sunbelt Communications Executive Vice President of News Robert “Bob” Stoldal.

Recipients, who will have an endowed scholarship at CSN in each of their names, were selected by trustees based on the overall and lasting impact of their contributions locally, statewide and nationally.

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The CSN May Chronicle

Posted on May 7, 2012 by CSN

Greetings!  As this academic year winds down, there is much to report to you in many areas of the college.      

Achieving the Dream

We have announced that CSN has become an Achieving the Dream institution with CSN Professor Janice Glasper leading our team.  Learn more about ATD by visiting its website here. 

ATD focuses on improving student success, including completions of certificates and degrees, among all students and especially underrepresented minorities.        

As an Achieving the Dream institution, CSN is already receiving invitations to apply for foundation and corporate grants.  This is an encouraging dimension of our participation in ATD. 

Transfer Task Force

CSN and UNLV have agreed to form a Transfer Task Force to carry out a specific charge that may also be replicated among other institutions in the state.  Here’s the charge: 

A major resource of the State of Nevada is its diverse system of higher education within which students may seek and obtain advanced education for their personal and professional improvement.

While some Nevada students begin and complete their education at one institution, many find it necessary to take courses at multiple colleges and universities.  Some take transferable college level courses while still enrolled in high school.  Because students move so freely through our system, they often miss key services to help them proceed efficiently toward their career goals.  They may not carefully monitor which classes articulate with bachelor’s degree programs, and of course as they take new classes, they may change their career objectives several times en route to a bachelor’s degree. In some cases,lack of understanding of application requirements, how to apply, and how to secure financial aid can create barriers to success.  Recent cuts have also created critical service gaps that may complicate transfer and must also be addressed.  The process of reverse transfer is also  poorly understood by students “swirling” through different institutions.

With these challenges in mind, CSN and UNLV will form a Task Force on Transfer to examine ways to improve transfer mobility, increase student satisfaction and degree completion, reduce the costs of their education, and improve the efficient use of tax/fee dollars.  

The charge to the task force will proceed in phases as follows:
·        To gather inter-institutional data on transfer or develop the data resources needed to gather the data using our new student information system and data warehouse tools.
·        To analyze the data in a detailed way to understand transfer patterns, inefficiencies and success.
·        To examine transfer policies and practices in other states and recommend best practices for institutions and students in Nevada.
·        To develop a comprehensive plan addressing weak links to improve transfer success and efficiency, including identification of the resources needed to effect the changes.
·        To form an implementation committee to track our progress and ensure a high degree of institutional collaboration in the service of our students.

The results of the task force will be published as each phase is completed and can be used to improve transfer throughout the NSHE.  Our overall goal is to provide a high quality educational experience for transfer students as well as native students, and to increase our graduation success in Southern Nevada, and our state.

 

I know that transfer issues of all kinds have impeded students and frustrated faculty.  Now we have a chance to address the issues with a review of best national practices. 

Faculty Election Results: 

Congratulations to Dr. Darin Dockstader,  the new Faculty Senate chair-elect! 

Congratulations to new and continuing department chairs elected this spring. These terms are effective fall 2012 to spring 2015: 

Business Administration:  Clarissa Cota

Computing and Information Technology:  Margaret Taylor

Dental Sciences, Diagnostic Evaluation and Rehabilitation Services:  Jim Godin

English:  Levia Hayes

Health Relate Professions:  Cassie Gentry

Social Sciences:  John Hollitz 

Salary Schedule Review

Carolyn Collins and John Scarborough are CSN’s representatives on the Salary Schedule Review Committee.  They are doing an awesome job for us.  We should see a preliminary report from them during fall Convocation. 

Regional Planning Authority

For the past several months, CSN has participated with other community organizations on the creation of a Regional Planning Authority to implement the Nevada Economic Development Plan.  Many thanks to Rebecca-Metty Burns and Constance Brooks for their work on this new direction for southern Nevada.  

The RDA will serve as a regional organization focused on strengthening local economic development.  CSN is a stakeholder in this process and I am part of the steering committee comprised of city, county and chamber officials. This is a great opportunity for local and state government, education and community officials to work collaboratively with the private sector on such issues as economic diversification and workforce development with a focus on Southern Nevada. 

Budget Priorities

Over the next few months, the Board of Regents will establish budget priorities for the 2013 legislative session.   The presidents have recommended funding salaries at the full base and eliminating furloughs for all employees as top priorities.  We are also recommending that the state improve funding for benefits and provide plan options. 

In addition, we are recommending the new funding formula become the NSHE and legislative compact. 

ASCSN Elections:

Student government completed its elections in April. Congratulations to the new 2012-13 officers:

President: Travis Brown
Vice President: Antonio Guerrero
Secretary: Charles Winters
Treasurer: Julie Ogulnick
Cheyenne Senator: Cecilia Arroyo Arias, Christopher Herrera, and Nailah Gantt
W. Charleston Senator: Jonathan “Streetz” Paya, Michelle Tewes, James Garrett, and Steven Cohen
Extension Senator: Jesus Lopez Huizar

Phi Theta Kappa

Congratulations to CSN student and PTK member Gail San Diego, who was elected to be the International Vice President of Division IV, one of the highest ranking positions within the honors society at the annual convention in April in Nashville, TN. 

Formula Study

Since December, the Legislature’s study committee on higher education funding has met monthly to consider a new and more equitable funding formula.  CSN has supported the Chancellor’s plan to revise the formula with an emphasis on course completions described in campus meetings held earlier this spring.  I have kept my blog up to date with the latest information on the formula and how CSN compares.    Committee chairman Steven Horsford has formed two subcommittees:  one to examine the alternative formula and the other to consider local funding and governance.  Should there be developments on the formula over the summer months, we’ll post them to our web page and my blog and report on them during Convocation. 

Remember our Reflection of Success Awards dinner and program is on Friday, May 18 at Texas Station.  It’s a chance to recognize our wonderful faculty and staff. RSVP at rsvp@csn.edu. 

The CSN Foundation Legacy of Achievement Gala is May 12 at the Rio. More information is available at www.csn.edu/foundation.

Also, remember Commencement is Monday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV.

 Emergency Management and Preparedness 

On April 17-19, 2012, CSN sent a team to a FEMA sponsored training, Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Education.  The team, which included Darryl Caraballo, Carlo Dacumos, Greg Gammon, Brad Gruner, and Luis Tristan received first hand training regarding:  1) phases of emergency management; 2) identifying hazards and using a risk assessment process; 3) response using Incident Command System (ICS), and setting up an Emergency Operation Center; 4) partnering with our community; 5) developing plans; training and testing the plans; and 6) engaging the campus community.    

Over the past year, we have been actively engaged in developing CSN’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and various aspects of emergency preparedness for CSN—among them the Emergency Management and Preparedness Guide which was launched to the college community in Fall 2011.  The Guide can be located on the CSN website http://www.csn.edu/pages/3947.asp.  Over the coming months you will continue to hear about efforts to better prepare CSN in the case of an emergency and the role you play in this all-college priority.   

During  Convocation  in August, an overview of what we have accomplished to date will be presented, and training opportunities will be provided during the CAPE schedule to communicate the Emergency Operations Plan, faculty, staff, and student roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency; and lots of key information that you will want to have. 

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration, Patty Charlton at 651-5667.

Questions from Faculty and Staff Members: 

“How likely is the chancellor’s funding formula proposal to succeed and be implemented by the state?”

I believe there is a good chance that the revised funding formula will be adopted and implemented according to the schedule that Chancellor has outlined.  My meetings with legislators and regents have reinforced the favorable elements of the new formula, and have been encouraging.  We must be vigilant, however, because this is a long process, and changes could occur along the way.  I’ve become very leery of proposed changes because they negatively impact CSN. 

 “How much did CSN pay to join Achieving the Dream and what does that provide that we cannot do ourselves?”

As part of CSN’s selection to join Achieving the Dream, the college pays $75,000 per year for membership. For this fee, CSN will receive a leadership and data coach that will each visit the institution multiple times a year to work with us in our first year of planning and review and then in our subsequent years of intervention and review. We will receive assistance with data analysis, access to best practices for methodologies to improve student success and conference registrations. Indirectly, CSN receives the prestige of affiliating with like institutions and additional opportunities to seek alternative funds to support our initiatives.

Achieving the Dream will help us improve student success opportunities and diminish achievement gaps, faster than we could ourselves.  In addition, the mileage Nevada will receives from these improved practices and the impact we hope that they will have on students will help our state and local economy as we move better prepared, critically thinking and highly skilled students into the workforce.

“Why did CSN want to be a designated Achieving the Dream Institution?”

In the 2010-2017 CSN strategic plan, also known as Enterprise 10-17, student success is a common theme through the core themes of access, quality, and diversity.  Examples of CSN goals and achievement indicators targeting student success are:

  • Encourage students to complete degrees in 3 years, certificates in 2 years;
  • Increase the number of declared majors who graduate;
  • Encourage students to take remedial work in first 30 credits; and
  • Any department offering remedial education will show increased student success. 

“How did CSN become a designated Achieving the Dream Institution?”   

CSN initially applied for ATD designation in 2010.  Our application was rejected and we were encouraged to reapply.  We reapplied in December 2011 and were accepted into the fall 2012 cohort of colleges.  CSN is the first community college in Nevada to apply and be accepted as an ATD institution. The announcement was embargoed, meaning we were unable to say announce this, until the national organization released the information to the news media.  

“How does Achieving the Dream affect the average faculty member?” 

For the first year, most impacts will be felt in institutional research and student affairs.  But long term our success with Achieving the Dream will be an institutional effort involving faculty, staff and students.   The ATD coaches will be working with a variety of constituents to evaluate the college’s practices over the next year and create a plan going forward. Specific interventions will be developed at this time that may or may not impact each individual faculty.  The important point is that this will be a collaborative process and you will be able to provide input either through faculty senate representation, communicating directly with core team leaders or other communication mechanisms that will be developed. 

Convocation will take place August 20 at Texas Station.  Thanks to your input in our survey last year, we have modified the program to target a number of reports during a short two-hour session. Look for the email invitation, requesting your RSVP in the coming weeks.     

 –Mike Richards

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More information about CSN’s selection to join Achieving the Dream

Posted on April 30, 2012 by CSN

Greetings!

          On Friday, we announced that CSN has been selected to join an elite group of colleges as part of the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network.

             Achieving the Dream is the nation’s most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for student success in higher education. The organization strives to improve member colleges’ practices and procedures to close achievement gaps and augment student retention, persistence and completion rates.

             This means that CSN will have the best coaching and assistance available in the nation to ensure the students who walk through our doors obtain a quality and meaningful education that translates into personal and professional success. On Friday, we gave a broad overview about Achieving the Dream. This link provides a more detailed outline of what we can expect during the first year of planning and the next two years when we implement the first and second rounds of interventions as part of Achieving the Dream. 

            Dr. John Nixon, who recently retired as President of Mt. San Antonio College in California, will serve as our leadership coach. He has over 35 years of experience working with community colleges, including overseeing policy and management of California’s largest single-campus community college district. Dr. Ken Gonzalez, a national expert and researcher on institutional effectiveness in higher education, will be our data coach. Both will guide us to create institution-wide student success initiatives. 

A couple of examples of how Achieving the Dream has impacted other community colleges.

  • At Galveston College in Texas, officials increased developmental math success rates from 21% in fall 2006 to 58.6% in fall 2010. This remarkable improvement is associated with changes to the developmental math curriculum, including increased contact hours and use of MyMathLab software. These interventions have been scaled to reach 100% of developmental math students and 18.8% of all students.
  • At Community College of Vermont, located in Montpelier, they increased first-time, fall-to-fall retention rates for first-time-in-college students from 38% in 2006 to 41% in 2009. The improvement is associated with an initiative called the Dimensions First intervention, a required first semester seminar that helps students to build strong information literacy and critical thinking skills, teaches them how to engage in the academic community, and provides a space for goal-setting and reflection. Dimensions First has been scaled to reach 35% of first-time-in-college students and 6% of all students.
  • At Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania, they increased fall-to-spring retention from 68% in 2007 to 73% in 2011. They did this by using a combination of interventions: English conferencing, Supplemental Instruction, JumpStart Math, Academy for College Excellence, Reading/counselor pairings, new student orientation and mentoring that in combination have been scaled to reach 31% of all students.

As part of Achieving the Dream, CSN has a core team that includes Professor Janice Glasper, incoming Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Charles Milne, Institutional Research Director John Bearce, Senior Vice President of Finance & Facilities Patty Charlton, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Darren Divine, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Santos Martinez, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Hyla Winters and me. Many others will also be involved. We will be looking at a variety of practices in student services and academic affairs. Working with the coaches, assessing our weaknesses and fixing these practices will require broad participation from a variety of faculty and staff. This must be an institutional effort. 

We are embarking upon a very exciting journey for CSN that will help us make more effective improvements, faster than we could on our own. I look forward working with you all during this transformative process.

We will hear more about this great initiative at Fall Convocation on Aug. 20 at Texas Station. Mark your calendars. 

Sincerely, 

Michael Richards, Ph.D.
President, CSN

 

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CSN selected into the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network

Posted on April 30, 2012 by CSN

LAS VEGAS (April 27, 2012) – The nation’s most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for student success in higher education has selected CSN to join its national reform network, CSN President Dr. Michael Richards announced today.

CSN joins an elite group of colleges in June as part of Achieving the Dream and will begin immediately to identify strategies to close achievement gaps and increase student retention, persistence, and completion rates.

“As an Achieving the Dream institution, we will have access to the best practices in the nation, coaches and data analysts that will help our students succeed and improve opportunities for the entire state,” Richards said. “With the help of the Achieving the Dream, we will go farther, faster than we ever could on our own.” 

As an Achieving the Dream institution, CSN will develop and implement research-based policies and practices based on quantitative and qualitative analyses of its institutional strengths, problem areas, and achievement gaps. CSN is committed to assessing the effectiveness of these policies and practices, institutionalizing the approaches that prove successful, and sharing the findings widely. 

Through Achieving the Dream, CSN will have the opportunity to learn from other Achieving the Dream institutions and receive assistance from experienced practitioners in building a culture of evidence campus-wide, using data to identify problems, setting priorities, and measuring progress toward increasing student success. 

 “The work of closing achievement gaps and improving student success is extremely difficult and critically important,” said Beverly Fletcher, Senior Director of Organizational Development and Change for Achieving the Dream. “Being an Achieving the Dream institution takes courage, discipline, and a tenacious institution-wide commitment to student success and equity. CSN should be applauded for helping tackle one of society’s most daunting challenges: success for more college students.” 

The Achieving the Dream Model

Each college commits to the Achieving the Dream Student-Centered Model of Institutional Improvement. Based on four principles, the Model frames the overall work of helping more students, particularly low-income students and students of color, stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. Each college will approach the work differently, but Achieving the Dream’s five-step process will provide practical guidelines for helping keep the focus where it belongs and building momentum over time. Throughout the process, Achieving the Dream Coaches will offer customized support and help each college’s core team implement data-informed programs and policies that build long-term, institution-wide commitment to student success. Learn more about the Model here.

Achieving the Dream is a national nonprofit leading the nation’s most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for student success in higher education history. The Achieving the Dream National Reform Network, including nearly 200 institutions, more than 100 coaches and advisors, and 15 state policy teams – working throughout 32 states and the District of Columbia – helps 3.75 million community college students have a better chance of realizing greater economic opportunity and achieving their dreams.

About CSN: Founded in 1971, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN offers more than 200 degree and certificate options in more than 130 areas of study, including 30 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.

 

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Funding Formula Comparison

Posted on April 4, 2012 by CSN

As the discussion on how to allocate state funds to Nevada’s universities and colleges continues, I would like to share a comparison of the state funding per student under the current formula and under the chancellor’s proposed model. Click on the graphic to enlarge it on your screen.

 

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New NSHE Funding Model

Posted on March 24, 2012 by CSN

The chancellor’s proposed funding formula, discussed in this morning’s Review-Journal in an article by Richard Lake, is a good start to creating a transparent and equitable way to distribute state support to our colleges and universities.

CSN students have historically been funded at substandard levels compared to their peers at other community colleges. We are gratified that the model in its current iteration strives to address this large funding gap that has persisted and grown over the last two decades. Looking forward, this will create a fair and equitable funding system for all of Nevada’s higher education institutions, the likes of which we have never experienced.

In particular, I appreciate that this formula recognizes the different missions of the state’s seven teaching institutions. The model rewards colleges and universities if their students complete courses and provides incentives for us to fulfill state and national graduation goals. Most importantly, the proposal allows each college and university to retain fees and tuition so that its students will benefit from their investment in their education.

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March Chronicle

Posted on March 16, 2012 by CSN

The CSN Chronicle 

Greetings and welcome to The CSN Chronicle for March 2012.  For a year when the Legislature is not in session, the spring semester is unusually busy with studies, events and policy changes that I want to share with you.      

Fall 2012 Registration Changes 

Three major policy/protocol changes have been announced that may impact student enrollment for fall 2012 semester classes.  I would ask that all faculty and staff understand these changes so that we may all work to help students experience a smooth enrollment process and a successful fall semester. 

1.  Payment due date is June 1:

Early registration begins May 1 and the payment due date for students who register early for fall 2012 classes is June 1. Payment or payment arrangements (whether paying out of pocket or with financial aid) must be made by this deadline or students’ enrollment may be canceled. Registration re-opens for all students on June 4, after which time payment is due at 11:59 p.m. on the day of registration. 

The use of this “rolling” enrollment cancellation process will help ensure CSN does not shutdown the entire registration system for all NSHE institutions as we did last fall.   

The following steps will help students protect their enrollment from cancelation:

· Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form before May 30;
· Pay the balance due before 11:59 p.m. on June 1; or
· Sign up for a payment plan online via MyCSN and pay the minimum amount due by 11:59 p.m. on June 1, (or do so in person at a campus cashier’s office during regular business hours).                       

2.  Residency application materials are due Aug. 1, 2012:

To apply for in-state residency for the fall 2012 semester, students submitting residency applications must turn in their complete application with all supporting documentation no later than Aug. 1, 2012.           

3.  Changes affecting students who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent:

Incoming students seeking a degree or certificate of achievement from CSN must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, to be admitted to an academic program at CSN and to be considered for financial aid. 

An incoming student without a high school diploma or its equivalent may apply for admission to CSN as a degree-seeking student under alternative criteria but will not be eligible for financial aid. Incoming students may be admitted under alternative criteria by satisfying one of the following requirements: 

         Placement testing scores sufficient for entry into ENG 100 and Math 095 or higher; or

         Transfer credits equivalent to NSHE’s ENG 100 and Math 095 with grades of “C” or better   

          from another accredited college or university; and have good standing at any previously

          attended institutions, including but not limited to, records of disciplinary action. 

Subject to the approval of appropriate high school and college officials, junior and senior high school students who are at least 16 years old may be admitted and enrolled at CSN. 

Due to changes in federal regulations, students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to be considered for financial aid. 

Current degree-seeking CSN students without a high school diploma or its equivalent receiving financial aid (including students satisfying the Ability-to-Benefit requirement) will be allowed to complete that program with financial aid assistance but will not be able to change their declared majors after June 30, 2012 without first earning their high school diplomas or its equivalent. 

Therefore, current students who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent should verify that their declared major/degree programs in the MyCSN Student Center are accurate. If the major/degree listed is incorrect, a student must submit a change of major form in person to the Office of the Registrar prior to June 30, 2012. 

 If students have not graduated from high school and would like to take the GED (offered in English or Spanish), they can prepare for and take the GED exam at CSN. They must pre-register in person with a proper government-issued picture ID at CSN’s Testing Center, located at each campus. CSN also provides GED preparation classes.  For a paid class ($135), contact 702-651-4747. For a free course at CSN’s Sahara West Center, please call 702-651-4487.           

Please help us communicate to students that they must plan ahead for the June 1 payment due date and submit their FAFSA forms before May 30 if they intend to use financial aid to pay for courses this fall. I appreciate your assistance in helping us to disseminate this information to help students succeed at CSN. 

Why are these changes necessary?   

1.  Effective July 1, the U.S. Department of Education is changing the “Ability to Benefit” (ATB) criterion in order for students to be eligible for and to receive financial aid.  This change, affecting all colleges and universities in the nation, directly impacts CSN. The timing with CSN’s new admission policy that requires degree-seeking students to have high school diplomas or its equivalent is incidental. 

2.  Although NSHE has a new administrative computing system, CSN’s registration volume and purge schedule has collapsed the system as we registered students during the past year.  The technical and human problems this has created will be resolved with a “rolling” enrollment cancellation process.  Such an approach should also help with more reliable enrollments and schedule planning. 

3.  Increases in the number of non-resident students applying for in-state residency have created processing delays that have frustrated students and impacted our ability to reconcile tuition and fee payments.  Creating a better deadline should address that problem. 

4.  The new admission policy for community colleges in Nevada sets a “floor” for college readiness that the state has not had in the past.  We want students who are college ready to enroll and succeed at CSN.  But we also have an obligation for educational opportunity, for non-traditional students, and for students in the public education pipeline who may not be as well prepared for college-level work as their peers.  Community colleges nationally, and CSN in particular, have been institutions that help people with alternate routes for admission.  Our own GED program is a marvel, and more people should know about that option.   Placement testing offers another option.  There should be no barrier to students entering CSN.  We just need to advise them about the appropriate pathway to their success. 

Work Climate Survey

The Work Climate Committee will again survey faculty and staff later this spring.  The survey will be anonymous and results will be posted on CSN’s Institutional Research web page.  The intent of this survey is to improve our work climate in an honest and open manner.  You may recall that the themes of last year’s findings centered on policies, service, training, and communication.  

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

The Nevada/California region of Phi Theta Kappa held its annual Regional Conference in Las Vegas this year under the leadership of CSN’s Bruno Rhodes and Jacob Elison.  It was another great success.  Our officers and members’ efforts paid off Saturday night when they were presented with the following awards: 

  • Five Star Level Award for Chapters
  • 4 members were awarded the Individual Five Star Level Award
  • Distinguished Chapter Award-3rd place in the region
  • Participation in The Make A Difference Day Regional Project
  • Completion of Project READ
  • Participation in Chapters United
  • Participation in the 2011 Regional Service Project Human Trafficking

Elections

  • Public Relations Officer Chris Marshall voted Nevada Regional Vice President to the NV/CA Regional Board
  • Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Bruno Rhodes voted Nevada Regional Advisor to the NV/CA Regional Board 

  Congratulations Alpha Xi Beta!  You cannot do better than five stars!  

Key dates:March 19-23—Spring Break

  • March 26-30–Forums each day for Vice President for Student Affairs candidates
  • May 4–Outstanding Student Awards
  • May 10—Retirement Luncheon
  • May 12–CSN Legacy of Achievement Gala, Rio Hotel
  • May 18 – CSN 2012 Reflection of Success, Texas Station
  • May 21—Commencement
  • August 18—Part-time Faculty Conference, Texas Station
  • August 20—Fall Convocation 

Questions from Faculty and Staff Members: 

“What is the enrollment picture for spring semester?”

We will submit census data as of March 15th.  Last I saw, headcount enrollment was down 9 percent over the same period last year, and FTE was also down about 9 percent. 

 “Is remedial education funded in the new proposed funding formula?”

Yes, developmental math and English courses will be funded at the same level as a college level English and math courses in the current iteration of the funding formula that NSHE is pursuing. 

 –Mike Richards

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