I am pleased to announce that former Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly has been appointed the Chief of Staff-Chief Diversity Officer for the College of Southern Nevada.
Weekly has a proven lifetime record of leadership and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. His background aligns with CSN’s mission and values in a profound and inspiring way. I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Weekly to CSN during this critical time in our history — a time characterized by organizational and transformational change.
During his tenure as commissioner, Weekly was widely regarded as a champion for education, workforce development, and social causes. More recently, he served as vice chairman of the Clark County Commission. He was also the first African-American to chair the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority Board of Directors. He has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Western Regional Representative for the National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO), and served with the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO), the Clark County Liquor & Gaming Licensing Board, and the Local Law Enforcement Advisory Board that awards millions to valley wide programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for families in Clark County.
As chief of staff, Weekly will report directly to me and will work closely with CSN leadership to develop and implement an action plan intended to further diversity and inclusion, at all levels, so our institution mirrors the diversity of our students and community.
Weekly is a native Nevadan and graduate of Western High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Grambling State University, and holds a Master of Public Administration from UNLV, where he also teaches public policy. He and his wife Kim have two children, Malik and Kenya.
Please join me in welcoming Lawrence Weekly to the CSN Family!
Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada
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I want to formally invite you to the 48th Annual CSN Commencement Ceremony! The virtual ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 19, on our website, our Facebook page or our YouTube page. Among our distinguished speakers will be Student Commencement Speaker Krista McFarling-Kelly, NSHE Chancellor Dr. Melody Rose, and, as keynote speaker, Gov. Steve Sisolak.
We are excited that we will be able to honor the Class of 2020 in the midst of a challenging year. We have all experienced canceled events, weeks and months on end of stay-home orders, and safety protocols we had no idea were coming at the start of this incredible year. All of you have risen to the occasion and taken the opportunity to learn and grow.
The Class of 2020 is the absolute embodiment of success in the face of adversity. Every story is unique. Every journey has been different. But the common threads have been, and will always be, determination, courage and the steadfast support of the CSN community.
It is my pleasure to extend a heartfelt thanks the CSN faculty and staff who have provided a solid foundation for students to achieve their ultimate goal of graduation. Thank you for putting students first. Thank you for developing creative solutions to help our community thrive. Thank you for remaining optimistic in our most challenging times.
I invite you to join me in cheering our graduates’ success and anticipating what they will accomplish in the weeks, months and years ahead. I couldn’t be prouder knowing that their time with us here at CSN has helped shaped who they will become.
Congratulations Class of 2020!
Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada
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Our Mariachi Plata continues to impress and grab national headlines. This weekend, group members took first and third place in the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Vocal Competition!
This is the nation’s largest and most prestigious mariachi festival and competition, and I couldn’t be prouder of our students, faculty and staff involved in the program. Student Yasmine Duenes took first place, while student Precious Carrasco took third place. What an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations to Yasmine and Precious!
This historic milestone for the CSN family shows that Mariachi Plata comes out of our world class Music and Performing Arts programs. In only the program’s second year, these results are indeed impressive. Last year, you will recall, Mariachi Plata placed third overall, while two CSN students took first and second place in the vocalist competition.
Mariachi is an important part of the culture in Southern Nevada, particularly among the region’s growing Latino population of Mexican descent. I want to thank Fine Arts Chair Bob Bonora and Mariachi Director Fernando Gonzalez for their dedication and hard work. Without dedicated individuals like them who put students first, none of this would have been possible.
Thank you.
Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada
Yasmine Duenes
Precious Carrasco
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Over the past month, Nevada and the rest of the country have seen marked increases in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. It is now more important than ever that we all work together to ensure that we are following the latest state and federal protocols and guidelines, as well as making sure we do our part to help stop the spread of this disease by following the advice of health professionals.
Earlier this month, CSN imposed further restrictions and safety measures that moved all but essential operations online. Since then, Gov. Steve Sisolak has issued Emergency Directive 35, which tightens protocols in order to stop the disease from spreading. It is in effect through December 15. For us, that means we will follow these protocols through at least the end of the fall 2020 semester.
In addition to capacity limitations and the transition of the vast majority of our services to a remote environment, CSN is implementing increased requirements on face coverings that are effectively immediately. All individuals who are not activity eating or drinking must wear a face covering both indoors and outdoors, even when social distancing protocols are otherwise maintained. This includes all interior and exterior CSN spaces — regardless of social distancing or whether you are alone. Please see our Coronavirus website for full information on restrictions and closures at CSN, including hours that certain facilities and services are available.
By working together I am confident we will enter the post-pandemic world a stronger institution. Thank you all for your cooperation and support.
Stay safe and God bless.
Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada
On Sunday, November 22, Gov. Steve Sisolak set forth the guidelines provided under Executive Order 35, Statewide Pause due to the continued COVID-19 transmission rates and increasing positive cases, imposing increased restrictions to those established during Stay At-Home 2.0. Directive 35 includes capacity limitations for public and private gatherings, retail, restaurants, and other areas within the community. This directive is in effect from November 24at 12:01am until December 15, unless otherwise stated. As Nevadans have been urged to stay home, limit gatherings and to telework to the greatest extent possible, CSN continues to work to implement these new requirements as the fall 2020 semester comes to a close.
A current update on the status of CSN activities is as follows.
Academics
As you know, in mid-November all on-ground courses that could be moved online were transitioned into the remote environment through the end of the semester and in some cases for a two-week period. Lab courses identified by deans and department chairs that have remained in-person will continue without change through the completion of the semester. Lecture classes identified on campus will be reduced to 25% of the fire code capacity. These changes are being implemented by the deans and departments. For additional questions, please contact the respective department chair and dean.
Bookstores
All three CSN bookstores will suspend in-store service through at least November 30. During this time, textbook, learning material, and supply orders can be placed via the web-based storefronts and items will be shipped to a home address. Textbook buybacks will also be performed online through an e-service provided by Follet. Follet staff will remain in the stores throughout the suspension of in-store service, but only to attending to necessary end-of-semester tasks. Curbside service will not be provided during the closure.
Signage has been placed on doors of each bookstore and the bookstore websites have been updated.
Campus Child Care/Early Childhood Lab
Deemed an essential service, the CSN Child Care Centers will continue operations at this time. Contingency planning continues with families should additional measures be necessary. For additional information please contact the Early Childhood Lab School at 702-651-4004.
Campus Life/Coyote Cupboards
Coyote Cupboard Services will continue on an appointment basis and by curbside pick-up on the following campus schedule.
• Charleston Campus: Wednesday 11am – 1pm
• Henderson Campus: Tuesday and Wednesday 9am – 3pm
• North Las Vegas: Monday and Tuesday 10am – 12pm
Computer Labs
Computer labs at the main campuses will remain operational during this time with revised hours, however new capacity limitations will permit only 25% of stated occupancy and workstation availability. Labs will be open between 9 am – 6 pm through completion of the fall semester and then will close until the spring 2021 semester.
Dental Faculty Practice (DFP)
The DFP will continue essential services on an appointment basis. Patients will continue to be required to complete temperature checks and health questionnaire.
Delivery Services
Receiving and Mail Services will continue delivery of essential mail and orders. Courier service between the campuses is suspended.
Division of Workforce & Economic Development (DWED)
All DWED courses that have not been transitioned to the remote environment must adhere to 25% capacity of the fire code and 6-feet social distancing must be maintained at all times.
Events
All on and off campus events have been cancelled through the end of the calendar year 2020.
Facilities
As final academic schedules are completed during this time, any buildings not in use will be locked down. Building systems will continue to be maintained to ensure operation continuity.
Food Service Operations
The Starbucks locations at North Las Vegas and West Charleston campuses have been suspended for the remainder of calendar year.
Signage has been posted in the student unions informing customers of the closures. The Boost Mobile food ordering application has been updated to reflect the closures.
Libraries
Campus libraries will provide services in a remote environment during this time. Library personnel and staff are available to assist students for more information please use the CSN Library webpage at https://library.csn.edu/
The outside library bookdrop at each campus will be open for item returns.
Performing Arts Center
The Horn Auditorium will remain closed until further notice.
Planetarium
The CSN Planetarium and Gift Shop will remain closed until further notice.
Russell’s Restaurant
Operations at Russell’s Restaurant have been completed for the fall 2020 semester and will be closed at this time.
Student Services
Services will continue to be provided remotely. Identified individuals will remain on campus for critical select time-sensitive services including financial aid processing and admission/registrar requirements.
Student Unions
The Student Unions will be closed for operations and services. As noted above, food vendor Culinart has discontinued operations through the end of the calendar year and Coyote Cupboards will be available on an appointment basis and curbside pick-up.
Testing Services
Placement testing activities will be delivered solely in the remote environment until further notice.
In closing, the CSN campus community has been diligent in the use of mandatory face-coverings, social distancing requirements, limiting gathering capacity, the use of hand sanitizing and good hygiene has been reinforced by of faculty, staff and students. Increased requirements on the use of face coverings are required and include the use at all times and in all locations on campus both interior and exterior, regardless of social distancing and/or by yourself. We ask that you continue to be diligent in these COVID-19 mitigation efforts not only at CSN but also in your home and outside experiences.
We recognize that these are challenging times, the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community is our paramount priority. All planning at CSN has included contingency plans should the need arise to transition to remote activities. As new information is known and operational changes are required, we will keep you apprised.
As the holiday season is upon us, I want to wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the entire CSN family. Traditionally, this is a time when we gather with friends and family; however in light of the COVID-19 pandemic we must be diligent now more than ever in ensuring health and safety. Although we may not be gathering as we have in years past, I pray that we retain the season’s spirit of joy and hope.
I especially want to thank each you for helping us get through the many challenges posed by the pandemic. Together we have overcome every challenge by putting our students first — and I am confident that we will continue doing so, no matter the circumstances. We emerge a stronger and better institution every time we overcome adversity. Thank you all for that.
As you know, the challenges we must face are far from over. The news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is not good — not here in Southern Nevada, in the entire state, or anywhere in the country. We are in the middle of a spike in reported cases, hospitalizations and deaths. We must continue to be diligent in our efforts to mitigate transmission rates. Remember the advice of health professionals: wear your face coverings, reduce the size of gatherings, maintain social distancing, and remain home if you are feeling sick. Additionally, experts recommend that you minimize travel and stay at home to the greatest extent possible. Please be aware that if travel is necessary, many states have imposed increased limitations, which you can find information on here, as well as a list of best practices when traveling here.
I am sure you are aware that Gov. Steve Sisolak provided information on Sunday regarding new limitations of private gatherings to no more than 10 people from no more than two households — whether the activity is indoors or outdoors. You can find a full list of restrictions and guidelines on the Nevada Health Response website. We at CSN will follow guidance from the chancellor’s office when it is released.
Finally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shared a number of resources that include important recommendations and guidelines for holiday celebrations and gatherings.
COVID is not the only news going on, as the winds of change come at us from several different directions. In addition to a contested presidential election, an ongoing social justice campaign, and economic consequences stemming from the pandemic, we at NSHE are experiencing changes that include a new chancellor, new presidents at the state’s flagship universities, and four newly elected regents who will be seated after the first of the year. I want to thank outgoing regents Trevor Hayes, Kevin Page, Lisa Levine, and Rick Trachok for their tireless dedication to Nevada’s students. I also want to wish a warm welcome to newly elected regents Lois Tarkanian, Byron Brooks, Patrick Boylan and Joseph Arrascada. I look forward to working closely with them as we prepare for a successful 2021 and beyond. It is an exciting and challenging time for all of us, and I know we are up to the challenge.
You will recall that the governor’s office called for budget cut proposals earlier this year. We responded with plans for reductions that resulted in no layoffs. Now, the call for more cuts has come, and again, thanks to the hard work of our Budget Reduction Task Force, we submitted plans to NSHE for cuts that avoided any layoffs. I want to caution, however, that we are not out of the woods. There may be calls for more cuts in the future. In addition, our full-time equivalent enrollment was down more than 10 percent this semester compared to last year, which will mean a further reduction in state funds for CSN in the upcoming biennium.
The bottom line is that there is much uncertainty and ambiguity on the horizon. As always, every decision we make will be guided by a concern for the health and safety of our faculty, staff, students and community.
Federico
Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. — Charles Dickens
In This Issue:
CSN Foundation Campaign
Commencement Ceremony
Spring 2021 Enrollment Open
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
James McCoy Selected as Interim VPAA
EmployNV Career Hubs
International Education Week
NSHE Furlough Policy
Employee Assistance Program
Holiday Toy Drive
Nevada Promise Mentors
S/U Grading Policy Extended
CSN Foundation Campaign
I hope you saw my note last week about the CSN Foundation’s fundraising campaigns designed to help our students in this time of incredible need. During these difficult times, many of our students are facing difficult financial choices that can shape the rest of their lives. They must balance the costs of rent, utilities, food — and their college expenses. You can give the gift of hope by supporting the Foundation’s student-focused campaigns.
Commencement Ceremony
While we were unfortunately forced to cancel our planned Commencement photo op for our Class of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still thrilled that we’ll be holding a Virtual Commencement Ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 19. The Class of 2020 has been through an extraordinary time, and we believe it’s critical to publicly recognize their accomplishments. Please look for more information on the ceremony in the coming weeks.
Spring 2021 Enrollment Open
Registration for the spring 2021 semester is open now. Similar to the current semester, we plan to offer about 85 percent of our spring 2021 classes online, with hands-on classes such as welding and science labs in person.
President Zaragoza Appointed to Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities Board
I’m extremely pleased to announce that I have been appointed to the national governing board for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities — a first for Nevada higher education. CSN is an important part of the national conversation about higher education and the role of community colleges in training and retraining our nation’s workforce, especially now as we prepare for a post-pandemic economy. I am honored to represent CSN on the Governing Board and I want to thank our entire NSHE family and congressional delegation for their support.
James McCoy Selected as Interim VPAA
James McCoy
I am happy to report that James McCoy is the new interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at CSN. The appointment, which begins December 1, comes after an internal search, open to all NSHE employees. James most recently served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs and Director of Corequisite Implementation at the NSHE System Office. The move marks a return to CSN for McCoy where he previously served for more than two decades in multiple leadership positions including Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Academic Success, Chair and Lead Faculty for the Department of Communication and tenured Communication Professor.
Please join me in welcoming James back to CSN.
EmployNV Career Hubs
We held the official grand opening for the first of several planned EmployNV Career Hubs on our Charleston Campus this month. The centers are the result of an unprecedented partnership between CSN and Workforce Connections. They’re designed to help train and retrain our region’s workforce and fill critical jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, skilled trades and logistics. Centers are also planned for our Henderson and North Las Vegas campuses, as well as our Sahara West Center.
I want to thank Workforce Connections Executive Director Jaime Cruz for the partnership and his devotion to the cause of helping to get Nevadans back to work.
International Education Week
International Education Week commenced worldwide from November 16-20, and we at CSN were glad to participate. The virtual celebration was an opportunity to explore the benefits of international education and exchange. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education was part of an effort to promote programs to prepare Americans to contribute to a global community and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the U.S.
CSN programming hosted by faculty and staff throughout the week focused in part on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Set forth as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future, the goals address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. More than twelve events were held virtually over five days underscoring the importance of global collaboration for collective success.
I want to thank International Center Director Carol Fimmen for her hard work in putting these events together and ensuring their success.
NSHE Furlough Policy
The Board of Regents this month formally approved the legislatively mandated employee furlough policy as part of a strategy to dramatically reduce costs. This policy requires all system employees — academic faculty, administrative faculty, and classified staff — to take unpaid time off from December 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. As we have noted, these furloughs will result in pay reductions of 4.6 percent.
CSN has launched a new Employee Assistance Program from Guidance Resources. The program offers counseling, legal and financial consultation, work-life assistance and crisis intervention services to all employees and their household family members.
Employees and their families can access the program confidentially at
guidanceresources.com or by downloading the GuidanceNow app on their mobile device using the web ID: CSNEAP. For more, please read the FAQs.
UNLV – UPD Headquarters, University Gateway Garage
CSN Henderson – Building C, Information Desk
CSN North Las Vegas – UPD Substation, Building P
CSN Charleston – UPD Substation, Building M
NSC – UPD Substation, Dawson Building.
Nevada Promise Mentors
The Nevada Promise Scholarship program is once again seeking mentors of all backgrounds who are willing to give 3-5 hours each semester to guide CSN students as they pursue a college education. Become a mentor and change a life.
Those interested community members can find out more by attending a virtual information session at noon December 2 via Microsoft Teams at https://tinyurl.com/y2dkzw9a.
S/U Grading Policy Extended
NSHE Chancellor Melody Rose issued an update on S/U grading for all NSHE institutions. NSHE’s institutional presidents have unanimously agreed to continue the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option for the 2020-2021 academic year under the authority granted them by the Board of Regents last spring.
This has been a challenging year for all of us, but it is moments like these that allow us to define ourselves and choose the path we take forward from here. As social activist and Nobel Laureate Wangara Maathai said, “There are opportunities even in the most difficult times.”
Today, as we prepare for a holiday season like none we have ever experienced, I want to ask you to help our CSN students. In this year of crisis, our students face difficult financial choices that can shape the rest of their lives. They must balance the costs of rent, utilities, food — and their college expenses. You can give the gift of hope by supporting the CSN Foundation’s student-focused campaigns.
CSN Student Emergency Fund
Give the gift of an emergency grant to a CSN student, empowering them to meeting pressing day-to-day expenses and allowing them to stay in college. Schwab Bank will match your gift up to $10,000!
If you are able, please consider giving the gift of hope this holiday season: Hope for today and for the prosperous future that staying in college can bring. Please direct any questions to foundation@csn.edu.
Thank you, stay safe and God bless.
Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada
Barbara Talisman, CFRE Executive Director CSN Foundation
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I’m pleased to announce the appointment of James McCoy as the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. This appointment comes after an internal search process that was open to all NSHE employees. Mr. McCoy will serve in the interim role through June 30, 2021 while we commence a national search in the coming months.
Mr. McCoy currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs and Director of Corequisite Implementation at the NSHE System Office. Prior to serving in that role, he was Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and a faculty member at CSN.
I want to thank the screening committee and hiring committee for their efforts in this search.
Please join me in welcoming James back to CSN in his new role.
Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada
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As I communicated last week, CSN has responded to Gov. Steve Sisolak’s Stay at Home 2.0 plan by suspending all but essential on-campus operations through at least November 30. We have all been watching and reading the news surrounding COVID-19, and it is not good. New cases, hospitalizations and fatalities remain on the rise in Nevada, and we must all do our part to help contain the pandemic.
At CSN, this means we must reconsider how we deliver all of our services, from academics and student support to childcare and community services. Below you will find a list of services and facilities that have been impacted by our altered semester plan. For full details, please see our Coronavirus web page.
Service
Availability
Academics
A select few hands-on courses will remain on campus. Instructors will communicate directly with students.
Bookstores
Closed. Online services will continue.
Childcare
Open.
Coyote Cupboards
Open by appointment only.
Computer Labs
Open 9 am to 6 pm.
Dental Faculty Practice
Open based on appointments.
Delivery Services
Mail continues; courier services between campuses suspended.
Facilities
Buildings will not be locked down.
Food Service
Starbucks locations are closed.
Libraries
Services available remotely.
Performing Arts Center
Closed.
Planetarium
Closed.
Russell’s Restaurant
Closed.
Student Services
A select few critical back office and time-sensitive services will remain available. Remote services are available for direct student support.
We will continue following guidelines and directives from local, state and national health experts as we all navigate this crisis together. We recognize that these are challenging times, but please know that the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community is our paramount priority.
As we adapt to the changing environment and new information, we will be sure to update you prior to November 30 about our plans going forward.
Stay safe and God bless.
Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada
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