I hope you are having a wonderful summer and that this June edition of The CSN Chronicle finds you well. As always, there is much news to share.
Actions of the Board of Regents
At its June meeting, the Board of Regents adopted increases in tuition and registration fees beginning in fall 2015. CSN’s increase is 4%, or an additional $54 a semester for a full credit load of 15 hours. CSN student leaders and the administration jointly developed an expenditure plan to direct revenues to student success initiatives, including:
Adding more advisors
Adding staff in financial aid
Adding need-based scholarship funding
Modifying space for counseling privacy
The Board also adopted capital budget priorities for the 2015 legislative session, and the framework for the operating budget request. A project representing the final phase of renovations for the Cheyenne campus was NSHE’s second priority in the lean capital budget request.
Commencement
On May 19, a record 2,831 students were eligible to receive 3,194 degrees and certificates, according to preliminary data. This is our largest graduating class ever.
SB 391 Recommendations
On Tuesday, the interim legislative Committee to Conduct an Interim Study Concerning Community Colleges, which has been meeting all semester long, wrapped up its work.
The committee will draft letters to the full Legislature in support of the following items:
Regarding the funding requests, Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick emphasized repeatedly that there will be limited funds available next session.
I look forward to discussing the committee’s work in greater detail during the Convocation kick off on Aug. 18.
Construction Update: Renovation of the A and B (partial) buildings on the West Charleston campus is on schedule for completion by spring 2015. Work on the buildings will improve circulation and building systems while extending the life cycle of these important facilities. Over the next two weeks, as a part of our continuing effort to implement energy saving measures, the Facilities Management Department will be replacing the parking lot lights at the Cheyenne Campus. We will begin work as early as possible in the day to avoid inconveniencing as many people as possible. During the time we are completing this project, you may find barriers blocking off areas of the campus for a few hours at a time while work is being performed in that particular location. We are taking this step to ensure your personal safety as well as to avoid the possibility of sustaining damage to vehicles. |
Fall Convocation
Convocation in August will again be held at Texas Station. The event will take place on Aug. 18. Please RSVP at rsvp@csn.edu. We will announce the recipients for the Excellence Awards and the President’s Distinguished Employee of the Year Awards.
Pick up a Reflections of Success yearbook to learn about the award nominees. The yearbooks have been distributed to campus departments/units and to the various sites and centers. Contact the Communications Office at 702-651-7354 to have a copy mailed to you.
CSN’s Chris Brown to Serve on North Las Vegas Veterans Commission
Gov. Sandoval has appointed CSN Interim Director of the Department of Student Life and Leadership Development Chris Brown to the City of North Las Vegas Veterans Community Commission. Chris attended his first monthly meeting on June 12 at the City of North Las Vegas Council Chambers.
The commission is designed to assist local veterans with reintegration into the North Las Vegas community. It also serves as an advisory committee to the mayor and council on matters related to veterans.
Please congratulate Chris when you see him and thank him for his service not only to the City of North Las Vegas but also to our nation. U.S. Corporal Brown participated in combat operations during Operation Just in Panama as a team leader. He earned the Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal for engaging enemy forces during riverine and jungle operations. In April 1990, Chris was again deployed for combat, this time to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Shield/Storm, earning another Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Southwest Asia Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Kuwait) and Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia). Chris was Honorably Discharged in September 1991. In 2014, he received the 20-Year Membership Pin from Veterans of Foreign Wars where he has served various positions to include Post Commander and District Commander. He is a Life Member of VFW Post 1753 and an annual member of American Legion Post #10.
Chris represents a number of CSN folks who are serving or who have served in the armed forces of the nation.
Calling for New Members for All-College Committees
In May, we sent out an email soliciting faculty and staff that are interested in serving on one of CSN’s college-wide or all-college committees. The list of committees here, listing our All-College Committees and contact info for the chairs.
If you would like to be considered to fill a future vacancy on one of these entities, please email CSN Government Affairs & Communications Director K.C. Brekken by July 1 at kc.brekken@csn.edu and identify the committee(s) on which you would like to serve. K.C. will then distribute the full list to all of the committee chairs over the summer. This will help ensure a diverse representation of active participants on these important committees.
Women of Influence
Spring semester flew by, and here’s one important announcement I forgot to make this past semester. Please help me congratulate the CSN 2014 Women of Influence award recipients, which were announced at the Office of Diversity Initiatives and Women’s History Month Committee luncheon at Russell’s Restaurant on April 4, following Women’s History Month. The following CSN students, staff and faculty were selected by a committee of their peers for their commitment and dedication to the college and community:
Denise Signorelli
2014 CSN Woman of Influence/Faculty
Esther Pla
2014 CSN Woman of Influence/ Administrative Faculty
Debbie Beyer
2014 CSN Woman of Influence/ Classified
Vanessa Smith
2014 CSN Woman of Influence in Academics
Nierada Nititadakul
2014 CSN Woman of Influence Emerging Leader Award
Our next Chronicle will come out in August and include important information, regarding the fall semester.
Until then, enjoy the summer!
–Mike Richards