CSN Speaks, System Leaders Listen

What needs to change at CSN? Faculty, staff and student leaders had plenty to say when Nevada System of Higher Education leaders visited the Charleston campus Oct. 15.

More than 50 people attended the 45-minute listening session with Board of Regents Chair Stephanie Goodman, Vice Chair Carol Del Carlo and Chancellor Matt McNair. CSN President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein also listened and joined the discussion.

The questions went straight to issues affecting employees and students: paychecks, tuition bills and what happens when policies aren’t followed.

Faculty members described frustration with salary compression, limited merit pay opportunities and uncertainty about how compensation decisions are made. They asked for fairer pay and a clearer explanation of the process. Goodman and Del Carlo acknowledged the concerns, pointing to legislative funding as a key part of addressing compensation.

Employees also asked who holds administrators accountable for following policies and how employees can provide feedback on leadership. Goodman said similar concerns have surfaced at other institutions and pointed to an upcoming review of the system’s bylaws and handbook.

Student leaders brought their own questions, including the future of the board’s inclusion, diversity, equity and access committee, financial aid and how regent districts are drawn. Another attendee raised the cost of tuition for international students and asked whether individual circumstances could receive closer consideration. Goodman said the issue deserved another look.

Attendees wanted to follow the work beyond the room, too, asking for easier access to legislation affecting higher education. Klippenstein pointed to updates from his office and CSN’s ongoing bill tracking.

Across the discussion, participants asked for more than answers to individual questions. They wanted clearer processes, consistent follow-through and a better understanding of how decisions affecting their work and education are made.