Recruitment for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 is Under Way

Prospective class members are now being solicited for the CSN Leadership Academy Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 cohorts. The personal and professional enrichment program is open to all classified employees, administrative faculty, adjunct and full-time teaching faculty. It utilizes the well-regarded 7 Habits of Highly Effective People model of principle-based leadership, and concentrates on proactivity, strengthening time management, ethical decision-making, and communication competency.

Interested individuals are asked to complete the application found at this link: http://blog.csn.edu/newsroom/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/csn_leadership_application1-1.pdf. Currently, the program has been extended for up to 90 more participants (through the Spring 2022 semester) so it is advantageous to apply quickly. To date, more than 300 members of the CSN community have completed this personal enrichment and professional development program.

Unless otherwise indicated on the form or in the e-mail submission, the applicant will be considered for the Fall 2021 program cycle (which runs September through November). If a large volume of interest exists, all accepted prospects beyond the 30-person class limit will be placed on a Wait List. Those wait-listed will be informed of their acceptance into the Academy, and given the opportunity to participate in the next academic year–space permitting.

If at the time of application, the individual expresses a preference to be included in the Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 sessions, they will have priority placement. Next, openings will be filled through the Academy Wait List.

Participants will be selected based on:

• Date of submission, to determine priority order
• Category (Classified, administration or faculty)
• Supervisor’s permission.

The intention, where possible, is to achieve a balance between the participants, based on their representational “category.” This helps to ensure robust dialogue and full inclusivity.

Dr. Zaragoza wishes this opportunity to be available to all who apply, and can be accommodated. Supervisors are, therefore, encouraged to offer their support to applicants.

Please contact program director Dr. Gillian Silver-Rodis, for more information.

Application Instructions

 Steps:

1. Download the attached “CSN Leadership Academy Application” form.
2. Save the form to your computer/device.
3. Send the completed form to Gillian Silver-Rodis at gillian.silver-rodis@csn.edu.

Dear Campus Community,

As we begin another rather unique semester, I want to welcome our new students, staff, and faculty and our returning community members to our campuses and virtual classrooms. With the first week of classes behind us and many challenges and opportunities ahead, I’d like to take this time to remind you that University Police Services is focused on preserving an environment where you can study, live, and work safely. It is extremely important to us that CSN students, faculty, and staff feel supported.

University Police Services (UPD) serves the College of Southern Nevada, Desert Research Institute, Nevada State College, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A central tenet of UPD’s commitment to the campuses we serve, since its consolidation, has been one of a cultural shift from traditional policing to a true community-oriented policing model based on transparency, accountability, empathy, responsiveness, and appropriate visibility. This philosophy guides our efforts in our interactions with our campus communities. We are committed to working closely with campus partners and learning from them. It is our mission to encourage and engage our community to work as one in order to provide a safe, secure, and enjoyable campus environment.

You will see your officers patrolling campus on foot, bicycle, and in patrol vehicles – and I encourage you to stop and speak with them when you have the opportunity. Our proactive anti-crime, safety awareness, self-defense, and security escort programs are available to all members of the campus community and we are also available to provide specialized presentations and trainings upon request. UPD has continued to provide police services to our campuses during the pandemic while practicing social distancing guidelines and we have worked hard to ensure continuity and make virtual presentations available during this time. We look forward to hosting in-person events on campus again and engaging with our community – so keep an eye on our social media, @UPDSouth and events calendar for updates.

UPD Public Safety Advisory Board

I wanted to make our campuses aware of the newly formed University Police Services Public Safety Advisory Board. The Board’s representatives include student leaders, classified employees, administrative faculty, and academic faculty from each of the institutions UPD serves. The Board serves to enhance lines of communication between students, staff, faculty, visitors and UPD. We are living in a critical time that requires us to be more intentional with our actions. Together, with student, community and campus leaders, organizations and stakeholders, the Board provides recommendations to UPD which includes:

• Support for a community-based public safety approach that fosters and enhances communication channels and relationships;
• Promotes a commitment to campus empowerment and inclusivity;
• Solicits stakeholder input on matters pertaining to public safety ideas, issues and concerns;
• Evaluates campus needs and makes recommendations that elevate evidence-based, trauma-informed public safety;
• Supports transparency; and promotes awareness of public safety programs and services.

With the support of our campus leaders, the Board is committed to strategic and intentional actions to address campus community safety. Campus constituents are encouraged to get involved by contacting their institution’s representatives to share public safety ideas and concerns. Additional information and board member contact information can be located on our website.

As partners, University Police Services stands ready to service the needs of our campus communities during these unique times and we will continue to work toward awareness and active engagement, ensuring a transparent and accountable delivery of law enforcement services. We encourage you to follow us on social media @UPDSouth for alerts and updates, to practice “See Something, Say Something” by reporting suspicious activity, to download the CSN MobileSAFETY App, and contact us if you need assistance.

I look forward to seeing you all back on campus.

Adam Garcia
Vice President & Director
University Police Services, Southern Command
702.895.2634
adam.garcia@csn.edu

Nancy Swanson is an Administrative Assistant for Student Affairs on the North Las Vegas Campus. She has been with CSN for 17 years and is best known for her excellent active listening skills and her ability to demonstrate empathy while building trust. “There are many times when a frustrated student approaches her with a grievance,” wrote Dr. Lisandra De Jesus Associate Vice President- Student Affairs in her nomination. “She has the ability to imagine herself in their shoes and by displaying a sense of caring and understanding, immediately puts them at ease while assisting them with appropriate guidance and providing a resolution to their problem.”  

She has acquired a wealth of knowledge during her career at CSN and has become a valuable resource for both students and staff.  Swanson is well-respected for her organizational skills and her ability to be resourceful while performing her many job duties.  “She does a great job of networking, to maximize the resources available,” wrote Dr. De Jesus. 

Her co-workers admire her positive outlook and find her to be a calm and reassuring presence in the most challenging moments. Swanson frequently offers words of encouragement choosing to focus on the benefits of working together for not only the team for CSN students.  

“Nancy truly shines in her desire to make CSN a place where students come first,” wrote Dr. De Jesus. “Whether it be through her dedicated service to the many students with whom she comes in contact, the staff that she works alongside, or her strong convictions to doing that which is right and noble, she brilliantly manifests a prime example of steadfast dedication to what CSN represents.” 

Nancy Swanson is an alumna of the CSN Leadership Academy, a long-time volunteer for student life and leadership committees as well as a volunteer for other community-serving organizations in Las Vegas.  Congratulations Nancy! 

Would you like to nominate a colleague for Classified Employee of the Month?  

It’s easy to recognize an exceptional colleague for a job well done. Please submit the Nomination Form to Connie Jo Harris by August 20. Please submit the Nomination Form to Connie.Harris@csn.edu. Do not send through interoffice mail.  

The Classified Employee of the Month will receive $200, a certificate, a designated parking spot on campus and be recognized on a plaque at all three campuses. The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional classified employees who stand out among the many employees that consistently perform at a high level. Please nominate those individuals that are thriving in the work at home environment.  

Ranking and selection by the council members is “blind.” The employee’s name and work area on the nomination form will be hidden from the council, thus we are asking for the nominator’s cooperation in not mentioning names and work areas in the narrative, when possible. Nominees who are not selected as the CEOM, will be considered for two additional months.

Sylvia Guerrero is an Administrative Assistant IV for Student Affairs on the CSN Charleston campus. She was nominated for Classified Employee of the Month in July 2021 by Dr. Lisandra De Jesus, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for her contributions to her team advancing CSN’s mission.

Her colleagues note that Guerrero radiates a bright and friendly demeanor with a knack for making students, faculty and staff feel at ease in her presence. “She listens carefully to each and every concern brought to her and displays as sense of understanding while remaining ready to assist,” wrote Dr. De Jesus.

Guerrero’s career at CSN spanning the last 25 years has given her a unique skill set and knowledge base including a wide variety of programs, activities, policies, regulations and requirements. Her colleagues from other departments have taken notice.

“Many years ago, Guerrero powerfully sustained me,” they wrote. “She provided the training I needed to be successful in a new position. I was the only Administrative Assistant in my department and she trusted me with managing the office duties for three campuses.” Guerrero has provided a strong foundation of knowledge for countless colleagues over the years.

Guerrero has served on multiple committees through out the years including the CSN Commencement Committee and Student Success and Retention initiatives within the office of the Vice President.

Congratulations Sylvia!

Would you like to nominate a colleague for Classified Employee of the Month? 

It’s easy to recognize an exceptional colleague for a job well done. Please submit the Nomination Form to Connie Jo Harris by July 18. During telecommuting, please submit the Nomination Form to Connie.Harris@csn.edu. Do not send through interoffice mail. 

The Classified Employee of the Month will receive $200, a certificate, a designated parking spot (when we return to campus) and be recognized on a plaque at all three campuses. 
The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional classified employees who stand out among the many employees that consistently perform at a high level. Please nominate those individuals that are thriving in the work at home environment. 

Ranking and selection by the council members is “blind.” The employee’s name and work area on the nomination form will be hidden from the council, thus we are asking for the nominator’s cooperation in not mentioning names and work areas in the narrative, when possible. Nominees who are not selected as the CEOM, will be considered for two additional months. As the recipient of the nomination forms. 

CSN is partnering with Kroger to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics on our campuses. All clinics will take place in the Student Union Ballrooms:

June 17, North Las Vegas Campus, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
June 19, Charleston Campus, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CANCELED June 26, Charleston Campus, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vaccinations are available for those age 12 and older and no appointment is necessary. Please bring a photo ID and prescription and medical insurance cards. There is no cost and no appointments are necessary. Both the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine are available at the clinics.