OTS Updates

Colleagues,

During this fast-moving and changing time, we are all being asked to be more flexible with the way that we work to best serve the institution and our students while staying safe and complying with Federal and State mandates.

Laptop Request

In preparation for some staff to be able to work remotely, OTS has collected some laptops to distribute to faculty and staff who either do not already have CSN issued devices, or do not have a personal computer to use for remote working.  Please note that if you do have your personal computer to work from, please use that as we have only a limited number of machines to lend.  If you have no other means of working remotely, you can request a laptop at https://at.csn.edu/form/laptop-request.

Collaboration

Additionally, please visit https://www.csn.edu/collaboration to learn more about the tools available to you to work, meet, and collaborate with your colleagues during this temporary remote working time.  Note that as an employee of CSN, you have access to five licenses of the Microsoft Office suite to use on your personal devices to help you to complete any work that you need to do. 

Teams/Webex Installation

As CSN prepares for all classes to go online, two key tools that enable collaboration are going to be installed on all CSN computers.  Cisco WebEx and Microsoft Teams are both great tools for distributed meetings, resource sharing, and collaboration, and will be of particular use to those of you using CSN issued laptops as you will be able to utilize these if working from home.  We will be pushing to all faculty and staff Windows-based computers that are currently powered on, on the CSN network, and do not currently have them installed. This installation will be performed over the network and will not require anyone to visit your office. These installations are silent and run in the background.  The installations are complete when you see the icons for Webex and Teams appear on your desktop. If you do not have your laptop with you, please visit our Collaboration website below for information on downloading and using Teams and Webex as well as guides and videos for other commonly used applications.

Security

During a time like this, when people are in need, cybercriminals find opportunities.  You may see an increase in spam and phishing emails asking you to click a link or download free software. Review these emails carefully don’t download any of this software or click on these links. Instead, refrain from using free tools from the internet (freeware/shareware) as these are often linked to adware or spyware and can create a security risk to both you and CSN if you are working remotely.

Connectivity

For those concerned about internet access during this change, here are several links to companies who are providing broadband internet access for free or small fees to customers:

• FCC agreement stating that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot spots.
• T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers.

Help Desks

CSN Helpdesk Services will remain available and answering as many requests as possible.  However, due to increased demand, wait times may be longer than usual so we encourage you to utilize the self-service helpdesk option available at https://www.csn.edu/helpdesk.  

Also, you can keep up to date on CSN’s response to COVID-19 at https://at.csn.edu/coronavirus. We appreciate your patience with both the OTS 24/7 Technical Assistance Helpdesk and the CSN Call Center during this time.

Survey

We understand how important technology is to your work, and even more so now as we make these adjustments in our work environment.  We would appreciate it if you could take a quick minute of your time and fill out our Technology Preparedness Survey to help us with understanding the situation.

Take care, be safe, and thank you for all of your support and flexibility during this time.

Thanks,

Mugunth Vaithylingam
Chief Information Officer | College of Southern Nevada

Have Questions? We can help.

Whether you need help with your account, recording your voicemail message, or notice an issue with your computer, we are here for you. Just contact us at the OTS Help Desk 24×7: 

Visit the OTS Website 

Dear CSN Family,

Based on input from NSHE’s Emergency Management Coordinator we will be complying with federal guidance that gatherings be limited to no more than 10 people.  As a result, CSN is dismissing all classes and labs with 10 or more people in attendance for the rest of the day. This will not impact classes that are already remote.

Please look for further communication on how labs will be conducted going forward while adhering to strict social distancing protocols.

Thank you.

Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada

Dear CSN Family,

Earlier today Chancellor Reilly directed all NSHE institutions to transition operations to a remote environment no later than Wednesday, March 18.  This will result in the opportunity for the vast majority of CSN administrative faculty and classified staff to work from home. However, we will conduct essential administrative functions and provide on-site core academic and support services to support CSN students, as appropriate.  CSN will not be open to the general public in order to mitigate potential exposure to COVID-19.  

We have been preparing for this scenario for some time. Our leadership team and I are looking forward to providing you with additional details at our virtual town hall tomorrow at 10 a.m. Those of you that cannot make the town hall, please look for more information coming soon from your supervisor. 

I want to thank you again for your support and understanding during this uncertain and changing environment. 

Federico

Please note the new information below:

Today, guidelines from the White House called for Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people. Given this new information, we have decided to cancel the in-person option for tomorrow’s town hall meetings. The online and telephone options are still in place.

Thank you. 

Dear CSN Family,

Please join us at 10 a.m. tomorrow for a CSN WebEx Town Hall to receive the latest updates on academic and operational continuity and pose your questions to leadership. This is the first of several town halls to be scheduled as circumstances allow.

Join online at:

https://csnedu.webex.com/csnedu/onstage/g.php?MTID=e70a57ab606357544f5dd231c8e5d6765

Password:           townhall

Once you log in, you will be prompted to install the required application if you do not already have it on your device. 

In order to maximize available time and limit cross-talk across the video platform, questions will be posed using the chat feature and moderated by CSN staff.

In-Person Viewing: This town hall will broadcast in Room 126 of each of our three student unions; however, we strongly encourage you to participate online. In person viewing will be limited to no more than 50 people per location according to CDC recommendations on social distancing.  

If you are unable to join online and would like to listen to the conversation, call:

1-408-418-9388

Access code: 964 857 332

NOTE: you will not be able to pose questions when joining only by phone.

Thank you.

Federico

Please note the new information below:

Today, guidelines from the White House called for Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people. Given this new information, we have decided to cancel the in-person option for tomorrow’s town hall meetings. The online and telephone options are still in place.

Thank you. 

Dear CSN Students,

Please join us at 11 a.m. tomorrow for a CSN WebEx Town Hall to receive the latest updates on academic and operational continuity and pose your questions to leadership. This is the first of several town halls to be scheduled as circumstances allow.

Join online at:

https://csnedu.webex.com/csnedu/onstage/g.php?MTID=ebaee949c05022536755706da65fe633a

Password:           townhall

Once you log in, you will be prompted to install the required application if you do not already have it on your device. 

In order to maximize available time and limit cross-talk across the video platform, questions will be posed using the chat feature and moderated by CSN staff.

In-Person Viewing: This town hall will broadcast in Room 126 of each of our three student unions; however, we strongly encourage you to participate online. In person viewing will be limited to no more than 50 people per location according to CDC recommendations on social distancing.  

If you are unable to join online and would like to listen to the conversation, call:

1-408-418-9388

Access code: 964 447 730

NOTE: you will not be able to pose questions when joining only by phone.

Thank you.

Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada

Dear CSN Family,

As you are aware, CSN will transition to remote instruction beginning Wednesday, March 18. This follows Gov. Steve Sisolak’s order that all K-12 schools close for the next several weeks.

We realize the rapidly evolving environment requires flexibility in our human resource practices. A key aspect of this flexibility is how we permit employees to take earned leave during this time period. Specifically:

• For employees whose childcare arrangements have been altered due to the closing of K-12 schools, Family Sick leave can be used. Children of employees should not be brought to the workplace for any reason.
• If an employee believes they have been exposed in some manner to the COVID-19 virus, or are in a higher risk category as defined by the CDC, they can voluntarily self-quarantine for those days and take sick leave for the duration of a consecutive 14-day period. The employee would be required to provide a return-to-work statement from a medical provider prior to their return.  

Employees should work with their supervisor and Human Resources when requesting leave for the above circumstances.

As I continue to monitor and assess our work environment please know that the health and wellbeing of you and your loved ones is my top priority. My leadership team and I are committed to ensuring that every employee can work in a safe and stable setting during these trying times. To aid in this, I have asked CSN HR to compile a list of resources available to our employees. We expect to make that available this week.

Thank you.

Federico

Dear CSN Students,

In response to recent developments associated with the COVID-19, the College of Southern Nevada, in consultation with the Nevada System of Higher Education, will transition to a remote instructional model beginning Wednesday, March 18. There will be some exceptions for those classes that require CTE labs, clinical or practicums so consult with your instructors. 

Please be on the lookout for notices from your instructors to advise you of possible alternative assignments and course timelines for transitioning to remote classes.

We realize this is an anxious and trying time in our community and we are doing everything we can to ensure the well-being of our faculty, staff and students. You can stay up to date with the latest information from CSN on our website and on the Nevada Health Response site. 

Thank you.

Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada

Dear CSN Family,

Earlier today, Governor Sisolak announced that he was cancelling public school classes in Nevada due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Therefore, all CCSD school classes have been canceled beginning March 16 through April 6.  

As a result of this dynamic environment, Chancellor Reilly has directed all NSHE institutions to expedite plans to begin execution of remote instruction no later than Wednesday, March 18.  Some exceptions for CTE labs, clinicals, or practicums may be approved by the NSHE Presidents.

Effective immediately, we are encouraging faculty to provide alternative assignments that do not require students to come to campus.  Please make every effort these next two days to accommodate these assignments in order to reduce face-to-face meetings wherever possible.

Faculty who have the ability to move their class sections into a fully online environment should do so immediately. All others instructors will be required to move to remote instruction by Wednesday, March 18. Where remote instruction is not possible in our lab environments, we will make special arrangements with students to complete those requirements in a safe space, ensuring social distancing protocols are in place and constantly monitored.  

We realize this is an anxious and trying time in our community and we are doing everything we can to ensure the well-being of our faculty, staff and students. Please note that all CSN facilities and services will be open and, until further notice, administrative faculty and classified staff are expected to report to work. You can stay up to date with the latest information from CSN on our website and on the Nevada Health Response site. 

Thank you.

Federico

Dear CSN Family,

Following NSHE Chancellor Thom Reilly’s guidance on remote instruction, we at the College of Southern Nevada are working on our plan to deliver the vast majority of our courses remotely no later than April 3. We have not yet confirmed a date that this transition will begin.

Both UNLV and UNR have announced plans to begin remote instruction on March 23, in conjunction their respective spring breaks. We and the state’s other community colleges are committed to working toward delivering our programs remotely while maintaining the highest standards.

Campus Operations & Employees

All college operations are continuing as normal for now, and our campuses remain open. I do want to remind employees and students who feel ill that they should stay home and notify their supervisor or instructor. You are aware that the situation surrounding the coronavirus is rapidly changing, and we are ready to adjust campus operations and working conditions as necessary.

External Events on CSN Campuses

At this time, we believe it is in the best interest of our campus community, and the community at large, to cancel all external events held on our campuses beginning Monday, March 15. This includes events at the CSN Planetarium and the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre on our North Las Vegas campus.

CSN event management personnel will reach out to external event organizers to determine if rescheduling is appropriate. Any financial investment made by an external organization will be fully refunded. Organizers may also call our events line at 702-651-3590 to inquire about event status, request cancellation and begin the refund process.

Internal Events on CSN Campuses

We are proceeding with the protocol needed to cancel or postpone internal events, tours and gatherings for the duration of the spring semester, excepting those events and trainings necessary to ensure academic or operational continuity during this difficult time. We further advise that these areas of exception use all means necessary to accommodate their needs through electronic means, where possible. If that is not possible, we recommend restricting any necessary gathering to a group of no more than 50 people with appropriate social distancing as recommended by the CDC.

For questions regarding internal student affairs events, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 702-651-7374. For all other internal event inquires contact the Office of the Henderson Vice President and Provost at 702-651-3598 or the Office of Marketing and Communications at 702-651-7353.

Please note also that the NJCAA is suspending all competition beginning Saturday, March 14 through Friday, April 3. This means that our CSN Coyotes baseball and softball seasons are likewise suspended.

Health & Safety

Like most Americans, I know our CSN family is concerned at this time.  Please know that we are doing all we can to ensure the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff. Let us all use Gov. Steve Sisolak’s state of emergency declaration in Nevada as a reminder that we must remain committed to rise to the challenge before us.

I know that this transition will have unexpected impacts and cause unforeseen complications for all of us, so I appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this crisis together. And as always, please refer to our website and the state of Nevada’s newly launched site for additional information as it becomes available. 

Thank you.

Federico

Dear CSN Family,

Following NSHE Chancellor Thom Reilly’s guidance on remote instruction, we at the College of Southern Nevada are working on our plan to deliver the vast majority of our courses remotely no later than April 3. We have not yet confirmed a date that this transition will begin.

Both UNLV and UNR have announced plans to begin remote instruction on March 23, in conjunction their respective spring breaks. We and the state’s other community colleges are committed to working toward delivering our programs remotely while maintaining the highest standards. 

Campus Operations 

All college operations are continuing as normal for now, and our campuses remain open. I do want to remind students who feel ill that they should stay home and notify their supervisor or instructor. You are aware that the situation surrounding the coronavirus is rapidly changing, and we are ready to adjust campus operations as necessary.

External Events on CSN Campuses

At this time, we believe it is in the best interest of our campus community, and the community at large, to cancel all external events held on our campuses beginning Monday, March 15. This includes events at the CSN Planetarium and the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre on our North Las Vegas campus.

Internal Events on CSN Campuses

We are proceeding with the protocol needed to cancel or postpone internal events, tours and gatherings for the duration of the spring semester, excepting those administrative events and trainings necessary to ensure academic or operational continuity during this difficult time. 

Please note also that the NJCAA is suspending all competition beginning Saturday, March 14 through Friday, April 3. This means that our CSN Coyotes baseball and softball seasons are likewise suspended. 

Health & Safety

Like most Americans, I know our CSN family is concerned at this time.  Please know that we are doing all we can to ensure the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff. Let us all use Gov. Steve Sisolak’s state of emergency declaration in Nevada as a reminder that we must remain committed to rise to the challenge before us.

I know that this transition will have unexpected impacts and cause unforeseen complications for all of us, so I appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this crisis together. And as always, please refer to our website and the state of Nevada’s newly launched site for additional information as it becomes available. 

Thank you. 

Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada