Services Offered to Students

CSN has a community of academic advising and student service professionals to assist students from the time of their first enrollment to completion. At CSN, advising department assignments are designated based on your major and other factors. Listed below are the departments within our community and the populations they serve.   

• The Academic Advising Department has a team of academic advisors who are responsible for providing traditional academic advising for most CSN students.  
• Health Science Advising works exclusively with students who select majors in the Health Sciences to be completed at CSN. These majors can lead to careers in nursing, dental services, sonography, eye care, animal care, medical offices and records, and patient therapy. For the full list of Health Science programs, visit https://www.csn.edu/healtharea.  
• Counseling and Retention Services advocates for students and addresses their needs through preventative retention efforts including individualized success plans. Counselors advise students whose academic status is academic warning, probation, or suspension, students on financial aid warning or suspension, and those who require Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals.  
• Veteran Student Services works as a liaison between CSN students and the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans and their dependents with their educational benefits and academic needs. The Center certifies enrollment and provides academic advising for students who are using VA benefits to pay for college. 
• Athletics Advising works with all CSN student athletes.  The athletics advisor provides academic support including class recommendations, degree mapping, and enrollment assistance.  

For more information about the Academic Advising Department or to schedule an appointment, visit csn.edu/advising. Students may also email advising@csn.edu.

Art Galleries

Fine Art Gallery

The CSN Fine Art Gallery, located in Room H101 of the Nicholas J. Horn Performing Arts Center on the North Las Vegas campus, provides the campus and the community with a wide range of contemporary art exhibits. The gallery supports the educational mission of the Art and Art History Program, and hosts exhibits and events by guest artists, students, and faculty. Exhibit announcements can be found posted on campus, online, in local media, or by calling the CSN Department of Fine Arts for information.

Artspace Gallery

The CSN Artspace Gallery, located upstairs above the main entrance lobby on the North Las Vegas campus, provides the campus and the community with a wide range of contemporary art exhibits. The gallery supports the educational mission of the Art and Art History Program, and hosts exhibits and events by guest artists, students, and faculty. Exhibit announcements can be found posted on campus, online, in local media, or by calling the CSN Department of Fine Arts for information.

Level Up Galleries

The Level Up Galleries bring the highest quality fine art from the traditional art gallery to locations on CSN’s campuses where student, faculty, staff and the college community gather. The name “Level Up” indicates the location of this initiative (campus second and/or third floor locations), references College wide student success initiatives such as Achieving the Dream, and ties into contemporary video game nomenclature, specifically those synonymous with advancement, attainment, enlightenment and success. For more information please contact the CSN Department of Fine Arts.

Student Union Galleries

Each Student Union on CSN’s three main campuses; Henderson, West Charleston, and North Las Vegas, included gallery exhibition space.  These spaces aim to celebrate the best artwork from CSN students, alumni and the greater college community.  Exhibit announcements can be found posted on campus, online, in local media, or by calling the CSN Department of Fine Arts for information.

CSN Student Art and Design Exhibition Spaces

CSN Student Art and Design Exhibition Spaces exist on each campus to highlight artwork made in art and design classes at the College of Southern Nevada. The culmination of the creative process for both fine and applied art is only achieved through that artwork’s display. The College of Southern Nevada supports this culmination by providing informal, formal, and digital exhibition spaces for student art and design work.

Bookstores

CSN is proud to partner with Follett Higher Education to provide excellent service and competitive rates for students as the official bookstore of CSN.  The bookstore provides all textbooks and course materials for CSN classes and provides the best and lowest costs for textbooks while maximizing the number of used books in our inventory. Bookstores are located on the Charleston, North Las Vegas, and Henderson campuses.  Visit the bookstore website at www.csn.edu/bookstore.

Additionally, we offer a wide variety of books, clothing and apparel (hoodies and T-shirts), gifts, school supplies, convenience items, and fan gear to support the Coyotes! Need an extra phone charger, notebook or your favorite pen? We can help. The bookstore also partners with Josten’s to provide cap/gown combos and specialty graduation gifts. These are a wonderful option to commemorate your accomplishment!

Bookstore Refund Policy: Your textbooks are fully refundable in their original condition with sales receipt and/or online packing slip within 10 school days from the official start of classes for fall and spring courses and 7 school days for summer and/or short-term courses. After this date, you may return your books within three business days of purchase with original receipt and/or online packing slip for your full refund. Books for classes that are cancelled by the school are fully refundable within one week of the scheduled start date for the course.  Please use caution when opening package sets as some electronic media and textbook packages may not be fully refunded once opened. Textbooks purchased during the last week of classes or during exam periods are non-refundable. You can visit any of the bookstore locations for additional information on the Refund Policy.

Centers for Academic Success

Communication Learning Centers

The Communication Learning Centers are designed to provide students with assistance during any stage of the speech making process for all classes requiring presentations. Our staff is knowledgeable and trained to provide you with individualized or group session assistance. Our focus is on helping students become effective speakers. We can help students select the perfect topic, research it, organize the speech, create functional speaker’s notes and presentation aids, and improve their physical and vocal delivery. Students can practice their speech in our whisper room to improve delivery and gain confidence!

Charleston……………………. 702-651-5732

Henderson……………………. 702-651-3125

North Las Vegas……………. 702-651-4232

Math Learning Centers

Free individual and group drop-in tutoring is available in the Math Learning Center on each campus. Students can access unlimited drop-in support designed for development of math skills and overall learning development. Drop-in sessions are 30 minutes. Students spend 30 minutes of study in between sessions to strengthen understanding of mathematical concepts before advancing to the next topic.

Charleston……………………. 702-651-5732

Henderson……………………. 702-651-3125

North Las Vegas……………. 702-651-4232

Reading and Writing Centers

The college strongly recommends that all students taking classes with reading and writing assignments use the Reading and Writing Center. It is a place where students from all disciplines and at all levels can come and discuss their coursework with a trained Reading and Writing Assistant. Students can get help with any stage in the writing process, from idea generation, through organization, to final revision. Students can also get help with active reading strategies for any reading in any class. Reading and Writing Assistants help students produce quality written essays, research papers, and other required assignments by offering feedback, guidance, and support throughout the reading and writing process. Students who visit the center will learn strategies and techniques to improve the effectiveness of their reading and writing. Bring a copy of the instructor’s or professor’s assignment and guidelines. For hours of operation and locations, please contact the nearest campus center:

Charleston……………………. 702-651-5732

Henderson……………………. 702-651-3125

North Las Vegas……………. 702-651-4232

Science Learning Centers

The Science Learning Centers offer drop-in learning assistance on a first come, first serve basis in a collaborative learning environment. The center staff encourage studying in groups, but individual 30-minute sessions may be available. Assistance is available in most subjects in the Physical and Biological Sciences. In addition, many faculty from Physical and Biological Sciences hold their office hours in the resource centers.

Charleston……………………. 702-651-5732

Henderson……………………. 702-651-3125

North Las Vegas……………. 702-651-4232

CIT/IS Software Lab and Network Lab

The CIT/IS Software Lab and Network Lab offers students the opportunity to collaborate with each other in solving problems and to get help with completing assignments and projects. Lab Monitors can help students understand assignment requirements and explain the concepts. Students are then expected to complete work on their own. Both labs are equipped with computer hardware and software necessary for students to complete assignments and projects. The CIT/IS software lab is primarily dedicated to courses offered in the software program including CIT 129, CS 135 and IS101. The CIT/Network Lab is primarily dedicated to courses offered in the cybersecurity and network programs.

Further information can be found at at.csn.edu/cit-information.

Computer Labs - Interactive Learning Centers

During scheduled student teaching days, CSN students have access to full-service computer labs at the Charleston, North Las Vegas and Henderson campuses. There are also computer labs available at the High Tech Centers on the Green Valley High School and Palo Verde High School campuses. The computer labs are “Interactive Learning Centers” that bring together students, computing resources, Centers for Academic Success tutors, and instructors. Access to online instructional applications and software taught in CSN classrooms are available to currently registered students in all the Interactive Learning Centers. For more information on the Interactive Learning Centers please visit csn.edu/computerlabs.

Counseling and Psychological Services

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 students experience a mental health condition in college and half of college students reported their mental health as below average or poor.  Common mental health stressors for college students include anxiety over grades and finances, and burnout.  Students often find that such issues impact their ability to succeed in college.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) strives to help students pursue their academic, personal, and career goals by promoting self-advocacy, self-regulation, and developing coping strategies and problem-solving abilities in students.  We believe that academic and career success can be facilitated by developing students’ appreciation of the integration of behaviors, thoughts, feelings, belief systems, culture, interpersonal relationships, family structure, and physical health. 

CAPS offers free, confidential solution-focused counseling with a licensed clinical therapist as well as various mental health workshops and trainings to help students manage their emotional, relational, and behavioral growth.  Any CSN student currently enrolled is eligible for CAPS services.  CAPS services are available both in-person and online.   

More detailed information about CAPS can be found at www.csn.edu/caps. To schedule an appointment with CAPS, please contact:

Charleston (Building D, Room 104)………………………..702-651-5518, CAPS@csn.edu

Henderson (Building C, Rooms 113 & 113A)………….. 702-651-3099, CAPS@csn.edu

North Las Vegas (Building E, Room 120)………………. 702-651-4099, CAPS@csn.edu

Coyote Q

CoyoteQ allows students to get in line for student services without standing in line. Students can enter the virtual queue from the following services: Advising and Coaching Services, Career Services, Cashier, Disability Resource Center, Financial Aid, International Center, Registrar, Career Services & Transfer Center, Testing Center or Veterans Affairs.

Coyote Student News

Coyote Student News serves the College of Southern Nevada’s community as a reliable source for news and entertainment. Coyote Student News is the official student-run online newspaper sponsored by the College. Find us at www.coyotestudentnews.com.

CSN Career Services Center

The Career Services Center assists students and alumni with comprehensive career exploration and employment services. This department focuses primarily on the development and implementation of career, and employability plans. The Career Services Center maintains partnerships with employers, faculty, staff, administrators, local colleges, out-of-state colleges and universities, and the greater community to increase opportunities for the employment, career development and continuing education of CSN students and alumni. Resources, services, and events provided by this department include:

• Handshake – The #1 platform to connect job and internship seekers to employers! The system offers online resume review, local and national job postings, and students the ability to post their resume for employer consideration.

• Career Assessment Resource – Career Services offers the TypeFocus online assessment tool to help students learn about themselves and connect them with potential careers in line with their personality profile. (https://typefocus7.com/, Access Code: CSN1971)

• Employment Events – The Career Services department hosts job fairs, employer interviews, career-specific information sessions, and on-campus recruiting events at the three main campuses.

• Career Programming and Workshops – Students may attend these to learn job searching skills, develop interview competencies, correctly utilize professional networking sites, obtain information on professional organizations related to their field and create a career plan.

• Career Advisement and Guidance – Career Services Specialists can help students to improve career decision-making skills, prepare resumes and cover letters, provide current labor market information, prepare for salary negotiation discussions, determine costs of relocation and cost of living, and help students to prepare for job interviews.

• Employer Development – Career Services establishes, cultivates, and maintains contacts with local, regional, and national companies with the goal of connecting employers with CSN students seeking employment. Partnering employers are given direct access to our library of CSN student and alumni resumes to help them fill their open positions.

​Career & Technical Assistance Program (CTEAP)

The Career & Technical Education Assistance Program (CTEAP) provides textbooks, uniforms and tools assistance to eligible students interested in non-traditional occupations in Career and Technical Education Fields.  Students must complete Federal Assistance for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) progress, Pell Grant recipient, resident of Nevada or spouse/dependent of a military personnel stationed in the state of Nevada, declare an Associate of Applied Science degree program, participate in required career services meetings/events, maintain adequate academic progress.  The program no longer funds students in AA, AS or AGS general degrees.

Handshake

Handshake is the #1 way for students to connect with employers when searching for jobs or internships and now CSN students are a part of Handshake’s large network of resources! CSN students are encouraged to complete their Handshake profiles by logging into joinhandshake.com. Please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns about getting started with Handshake.

Five (5) Easy Steps to Activate Your Handshake Account

1. Log in to your GoCSN Account.
2. Click on the Handshake Tile.
3. Select College of Southern Nevada.
4. Use your CSN STUDENT log-in credentials.
5. Fill out your profile, upload resume, and apply to jobs/internships.

How to Schedule an Appointment in Handshake

1. Access your account through GoCSN Handshake Tile or joinhandshake.com.
2. Click on the upper right-hand corner (Career Center).
3. Select schedule a New Appointment.
4. Choose a category (ex. Resume Review).
5. Schedule an appointment!

Charleston……………………. 702-651-5089

Henderson……………………. 702-651-3174

North Las Vegas……………. 702-651-4700

CSN Identification Cards

CSN I.D. cards are available to students, faculty, and staff. The CSN I.D. card:

• Provides identification at the CSN Library for borrowing privileges.
• Provides identification for student status to qualify for discounts.
• Must be renewed each semester.
• Student ID cards may be picked up in each student union from 9AM-4PM, Monday through Friday.

Students must be enrolled for the current semester and provide a photo I.D. to obtain a CSN I.D. card. There is a $2.00 charge for your CSN I.D. card. Fees are subject to change.

CSN faculty and staff must provide a signed memo from their department head indicating their position and title. Faculty and staff I.D. cards are not required to be renewed each semester.

CSN Libraries

CSN Libraries welcomes you! CSN Libraries support the research and academic needs for the college, and we are here to help you attain your academic and career goals.  Expert librarians provide research assistance in person, via chat, video conference, text, and email, and have developed tutorials and guides to help you complete your assignments.  Visit us at our libraries on the Charleston, North Las Vegas, and Henderson campuses, where we provide access to various collections of research materials, computers and laptops for use in the libraries, group study rooms, and more. Our extensive online library provides 24/7 access to electronic resources from any location, on- or off-campus.  Please visit the library website at library.csn.edu for complete information on library resources and support, hours of service, locations, phone numbers, and policies.

Department of Counseling and Retention Services

Academic Counselors advocate for students and address their needs through student success retention services. 

Counselors assist students with the following services:

• Academic Challenges (self-referrals)
• Academic Warning, Probation, and Suspension Appeals
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
• CAPS 123 - Career Development
• Counseling and Guidance Personnel Service Courses
• College and Community Resources
• College Success Strategies
• Financial Aid Warning and Suspension Appeals
• Returning Students

For more information, please visit csn.edu/counselingdepartment. 

Note: Health Science Majors

If you have questions about any of the Health Programs, or wish to meet with a Health Program Advisor, please schedule an appointment with a Health Program Advisor.

Disability Resource Center (DRC)

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is committed to providing equal access to all its educational programs and services to qualified persons with documented disabilities.  CSN’s policy is to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  Beyond the College’s legal responsibilities for promoting equal access, CSN has always welcomed all individuals, regardless of disability, who choose to visit, work, or take classes here.

Under federal law, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The DRC and the student with a disability will discuss the interaction between the disability and academic environment, and determine the reasonable accommodations.  Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

• Auxiliary aids and services (note-takers, lab or library assistants, readers, scribes)

• Assistive computer technology

• Alternative testing (extended time, quiet testing location)

• Document conversion (alternative print format: braille, large print)

• Referral services to campus, community, and state agencies

• Learning disabilities consultation and strategy instruction

• Assistive listening devices

Students with disabilities who require accommodation must seek assistance from the DRC promptly, usually before the start of classes or as soon as a disability becomes known.  Such documentation should provide as complete a picture of the individual’s current functioning as possible. Documentation from an appropriately licensed or certified professional is preferred, and DRC staff are available to assist students in obtaining and reviewing documentation.  The DRC is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law.  Any information collected is used for the benefit of the students.  Any information regarding a student’s disability shall be considered confidential and shall be shared with others within the institution on a need-to-know basis only.  Complete student information on all related policies, procedures, and guidelines may be obtained at www.csn.edu/drc/ or the DRC offices on each of the three campuses.

In order to request accommodations for a disability, please access the AIM DRC tile through GoCSN.

West Charleston……………………………….. (702) 651-5644

Henderson……………………………………….. (702) 651-3795

North Las Vegas……………………………….. (702) 651-4045

Video Phone…………………………………….. (702) 475-4676

Early Childhood Education Lab Program

The Early Childhood Education Lab Program (ECE Lab) is a nationally accredited preschool and childcare program for children ages three months through five years, that also functions as a laboratory site within CSN’s Department of Education for students studying Early Childhood Education and related fields.

The ECE Lab Program has sites at the Charleston and North Las Vegas Campuses, and enrolls children of faculty, staff, students, and the community. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with closures for all state holidays and CSN’s closing periods. Class sizes are limited and there are waiting lists for all age groups. Early application is strongly recommended. For further information, visit our website at csn.edu/childcare.

Or contact the ECE Lab at:

Charleston……………………. 702-651-7390

North Las Vegas…………… 702-651-4004

English as a Second Language

The Department of World Languages’ ESL Program, which is fully accredited by the CEA, offers to both international and local students (including those referred to as “generation 1.5”) 20 courses including integrated skills, grammar, reading, listening/ pronunciation, conversation, writing, and editing. Most courses are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and many are now offered online. A free placement test is required for new students. For more information, contact one of the two full-service language labs:

Charleston……………………. 702-651-5736

North Las Vegas…………… 702-651-4475

Language Labs

The Language Labs located on the Charleston and North Las Vegas campuses administer English as a Second Language (ESL) placement testing and assist students with admission and registration issues. The Charleston and North Las Vegas Labs also offer World-Language students access to audio, video, and computer materials used in developing language proficiency. These materials are also available on several computer stations housed within the Henderson Library.

Performing Arts Center

The College of Southern Nevada’s Performing Arts Center offers a comfortable environment of artistic, cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities for students at the college and the community. It is located at 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue in the heart of the North Las Vegas campus. CSN’s Performing Arts Center is home to the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre, The Backstage Theater, and CSN’s Fine Arts Gallery, where a variety of art exhibitions, theatrical shows, music productions, lectures, political events, and other community assemblies are presented each year under the management of a friendly staff with over 30 years of experience in the field of entertainment. Students, staff, and community members are invited to drop by and experience live performances and enjoy these memorable events. Show tickets are available for purchase online at csn.edu/pac. Anyone interested in the facility’s services can also visit the Performing Arts Center Box Office, located in the lobby of the Horn Theater.  For more information; call the box office at: 702-651-LIVE (5483); or send an email to info.pac@csn.com.

Phi Theta Kappa

If you have remained in good standing with Phi Theta Kappa while at CSN and you wish to obtain a Phi Theta Kappa notation on your diploma, transcript, and in the commencement book, you must visit CSN’s Phi Theta Kappa page at csn.edu/phi-theta-kappa and follow the Phi Theta Kappa graduation instructions. The deadline to submit your information is the same as that for CSN’s graduation. If you would like to be recognized as a Phi Theta Kappa member at CSN’s commencement ceremony in May, you must purchase a Phi Theta Kappa stole online at http://ptk.org/Store.aspx.

Planetarium and Observatory

CSN’s Planetarium, the only public planetarium in Southern Nevada, presents performances to the community that feature re-creations of the night sky on its 30-foot diameter domed screen that depict the relative motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. Our DigistarTM HD digital projection systems provide science oriented virtual reality experiences.

The Planetarium is located in Room S146 at the south entrance of the North Las Vegas campus. Free telescope viewing sessions are held after Friday and Saturday evening public shows in the nearby Student Observatory on clear nights. Special telescope viewing sessions are also scheduled whenever notable astronomical events occur. The Planetarium, in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), also operates the NASA/Nevada Regional Educator Resources Center. The Center, located in Room S222-B on the North Las Vegas campus, provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) materials to teachers and educators for classroom use.

For information, visit our website at www.csn.edu/planetarium, or call:

Astronomy Hotline…………..702-651-4SKY (4759)

Recruitment and College Connections

The recruitment team provides personal assistance to prospective and newly admitted CSN students throughout the entire college exploration, application, and enrollment process.  In addition to working with K-12 partners, the team collaborates with community organizations, local business and industry partners, and underserved populations to increase access to CSN’s educational opportunities.  The team also coordinates campus tours and large-scale outreach events. For more information, visit www.csn.edu/studentrecruitment or email the Office of Recruitment and College Connections at enroll@csn.edu.

Student Ambassador Program

Student Ambassadors are current CSN students selected and trained to work alongside Student Services staff to provide peer-to-peer outreach and enrollment support to prospective and entering CSN students. Student Ambassadors are friendly, enthusiastic, and outgoing individuals with strong public speaking skills and a great sense of pride in CSN. Benefits of being a Student Ambassador include becoming part of a prestigious and dynamic student program, developing leadership skills, gaining valuable work experience, and earning above average hourly pay rates. Applicants must be full-time students in excellent academic standing (3.5 cumulative GPA or higher).  Those interested in learning more about the program or to apply to become an ambassador may visit csn.edu/ambassador or email the Office of Recruitment and College Connections at enroll@csn.edu.

Student Government

The Associated Students of the College of Southern Nevada (ASCSN) is comprised of an elected student body that represents all CSN students. ASCSN is committed to encouraging students to strive to achieve their educational goals by providing them with information and resources. ASCSN provides a variety of activities to promote social interaction amongst students.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Government awards funds to official student clubs and organizations. Through this funding, approximately 46 clubs and organizations are able to host a variety of extracurricular events:

• Accounting Club
• Alternative Processes Photography Club
• American Sign Language Club
• A.N.T.S. (Alliance of Non-Traditional Students at CSN)
• Arcade Anime Escape
• Biology Club
• Black Student Association
• Cardiorespiratory Sciences Club
• Chemistry Club
• Circle K International
• Collegiate Association for The Research of Principles
• Criminal Justice Association of CSN
• CSN Anthropology Club
• CSN Brother 2 Brother Club
• CSN Choir Club
• CSN Code Club
• CSN Conservative Leadership Club
• CSN Creative Writing Club
• CSN Culinary Club
• CSN Cyber Security Club
• CSN Environmental Sciences Club
• CSN Electronic Genesis Gaming Club
• CSN Gygax Tabletop Coalition
• CSN New Coyote Crew
• CSN Philosophy Club
• CSN Sister 2 Sister Club
• CSN Student Education Advocacy Union
• CSN Student Nurses’ Association
• Dental Hygiene Association (SADHA)
• Gaming Cluster Coalition Club
• Gender & Sexuality Alliance
• Generation Dreamers
• International Student Association
• Italian Club
• Japanese Language Club
• Jazz Club
• Living Sociology Club
• Multicultural Club
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (SCNAVTA)
• Nursing Pinning Club (Senior Student Nurses)
• Performing Arts Club
• Phi Theta Kappa Club
• Psychology Club
• Sonography Student Association
• Student Organization of Latinos and Allies
• Surgical Conscience Club

Student Life and Leadership Development

The Department of Student Life and Leadership Development enhances the co-curricular experience by working with students, student government, student clubs, faculty, and staff to develop engagement initiatives which ensure opportunities for cultural sensitivity, awareness, and personal growth. The Department of Student Life and Leadership Development spearheads programs and workshops which develop academic, cultural, social programs, and activities that support the mission of the college. We champion preparing students for life-long learning and global citizenship by promoting and supporting campus activities that appeal to a diverse community. Student Leadership Institute-Here are the five aspects of the CSN Student Leadership Institute, and a brief description of each program.

Student Leadership Academy

• Cultivate a cohort of students to learn, discuss, and critically think about the importance of leadership.

Leadership Book of The Semester

• Gather an engaged group of CSN Students to discuss a leadership book throughout the semester.

Student Leadership Studio Think Tank

• Align CSN Students with industry professionals to discuss resolutions, and ideas.

Coyote Student Organization Leader Training

• Ensure that our CSN Student Organization leaders are equipped with necessary tools to be excellent para professionals.

Student Leadership Summits

• Bring awareness to leadership, cross cultural concerns and foster the importance of sharing common experiences.

CSN Serves

CSN Serves is the volunteer and service-learning component of Student Life and Leadership Development. We provide and promote volunteer opportunities at the College of Southern Nevada for students, faculty, and staff. CSN Serves partners with various agencies in Southern Nevada to provide invaluable volunteer experiences. Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and become entrenched in the Southern Nevada community through our regularly scheduled monthly events. For more information, please call 702-651-4669.

Testing Centers

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) helps degree-seeking students who wish to meet the English college readiness assessment criteria or place into higher Math courses to complete transfer-level courses or co-requisite courses.

Placement testing services are available for potential CSN students, at no cost, at the three main campuses. The college uses the Guided Self-Placement Survey (GSP) for English placement and ALEKS PPL for the Math placement tests. All new CSN degree/certificate-seeking or transfer students must complete the required placement tests or present an alternate method of placement.

We also offer proctoring services throughout the year for CSN courses for free, along with testing for other institutions, and community enriching exams.  Fees may apply.

English Placement Requirements

New students admitted to CSN are no longer required to seek English placement from the Accuplacer. Students wishing to enroll into CNA courses may still use Accuplacer Reading scores to meet admission requirements offered at the Testing Centers at the three main campuses.

All First Step CSN students will be placed into ENG 100, ENG 110, ENG 113, and ENG 101 by either:

• Completing a Guided Self-Placement (GSP) survey, or
• Submitting to the Testing Centers equivalent scores on ACT, SAT, or WritePlacer scores that are less than two years old, as outlined in the chart below, or
• Submitting to the Registrar’s Office equivalent Advanced Placement (AP) scores or High School GPA.

English Placement Chart Summary - Fall 2022

GSP Cut off Scores by language profile.

*These students have placed below the minimum for standard admission into ENG 100.  Therefore, to ensure success in this course, it is strongly recommended that additional instructional support precede or accompany enrollment into ENG 100.  Consult a counselor/academic advisor for available options at this link: www.csn.edu/coyoteq.

* ESL Placement Test referral. ESL Placement Test referral is recommended with the GSP scores of 0-20, as in the chart above, if English is not the student’s first, primary, or native language. The student needs to visit csn.edu/esl to enroll in the CSN ESL Program.

What is the Guided Self Placement (GSP)?

The GSP is not a test but an online instrument/survey that helps the student to assess their skills level of preparedness to start an English course. The GSP has no right or wrong answer or a pass or fail grade.

The GSP can be accessed by clicking on this link and following the screen instructions: csn.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a5BCAVBTirpB1NI.

The GSP may be taken one time only.

After completing the GSP and math placement testing, students should complete the online orientation, which now includes the Advising Workshop.  After that, students will receive a complete course recommendation form prepared by an academic advisor.  Upon receipt of the course recommendation form, students can register.

Exceptions. An advisor may grant an exception/exemption to First Steps students who do not wish to complete the GSP.  Students wishing to speak to an advisor can make an appointment or come in for express advising.  Please see the advising web page for the latest information: csn.edu/advising.

Other English Placement Information

Completing the English Placement Process is essential for a student who did not request an exemption from an Advisor or present an alternative placement result.

Accuplacer Reading test is available on appointment to enroll students into CNA classes at the following link: csn.edu/placement-testing.

Processing of alternative pathways. English Placement eligibility using alternative placement measures.  These measures are processed at the three campuses by submitting to the Testing Centers equivalent scores (ACT/SAT) or submitting to the Registrar’s Office equivalent AP score(s) or High School GPA with a High School Transcript. (Please see “English Placement Chart Summary” above).

Math Placement Requirements

New students admitted to CSN are expected to take ALEKS PPL Math assessment. ALEKS PPL math is an adaptive web-based program that can map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment has up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. 

The ALEKS Placement Test can be used to self-remediate for better test scores.  Please see csn.edu/math-placement for some more details and the latest information on ALEKS PPL. 

The Math Department will not issue permission for any student to take a course they do not place into. This includes students that are even one point away from placing into a MATH/STAT course.

Students wishing to use placement test scores from another institution must speak with the Chair of the Math Department.

Students may contact the Math Department at the respective contacts as below.

Math Course Prerequisites and Minimum Placement Scores

All test scores MUST be less than 2 years old (from the date the test was taken).  The Math Department does not accept placement tests taken at any other institution.

Important:  MATH 104B, 116, 120E, 124E, or 126E do not have course prerequisites.

*A grade of “C” or higher is required in prerequisite courses.

Please see csn.edu/math-placement for additional information.

Expiration of Test Scores:

All placement test scores are good for two years. Students must ensure to enroll in the course(s) level they are placed before the expiration of their test results. At the expiration of a test result, students’ enrollment in the course level of placement will be blocked, and such a student will need to retake the test or present an alternative placement result.

Retest Policy:

The GSP may be taken one time only.

The Math Placement tests may be retaken as provided for under the Math placement requirements.

Out-of-Area/Remote Testing Policy:

Any person who lives outside of Las Vegas may take a placement test without traveling to Las Vegas. Please visit our website at csn.edu/testing for more information.

CLEP and Dantes (DSST):

These tests enable non-traditional and traditional students to earn college credit based on lifetime achievement and job skills. These tests are offered at the three main campuses. CSN does not accept Dantes for Credit.

High School Equivalence Exams:

The GED is given at the three main campuses; please make your appointment through www.GED.com.

CSN Chemistry Placement Test

The CSN Chemistry Placement Test is provided to allow students to go into CHEM 121 without taking the CHEM 103 prerequisite.  It does not, however, cover the math prerequisite for the class.  You can retest after six (6) months.  This test is an online exam.  Students are required to make an appointment online.

The test is 50 minutes long with 35 questions.  You must get a 21 or higher to meet the prerequisite.  You are allowed a personal Periodic Table and a scientific calculator (non-graphing, non-programmable) on the exam.  Detailed information is available at csn.edu/placement-testing.

ATI TEAS Exam

The TEAS is a computer-based diagnostic test instrument that is used to assess the preparedness of students applying to enter the health science fields.  

The test explicitly assesses prospective students for CSN Health Science Limited Entry (LE) Programs.

The TEAS test contains 170 questions written in a multiple-choice format with four-option answers.  It has a total duration of 209 minutes.

The test is designed to assess the necessary academic skills in the subjects of Reading (53 questions for 64 mins.), Math (36 questions for 54 mins.), Science (53 questions for 63 mins.), and English and Language Usage (28 questions for 28 mins.).  Detailed information is available at csn.edu/csn-teas.

Proctoring:

Make-up tests and distance education/instructor exams for courses taught at CSN are proctored without a fee.  Proctoring for tests from other institutions (including all other Nevada System of Higher Education institutions: i.e., UNLV, UNR, NSC, WNC, TMCC, or GBC) is available for a fee.

Career Interest and Aptitude:

These tests (Strong, MBTI, and WOWI) are available for a fee on the three main campuses.

For more detailed information visit csn.edu/testing.  Please see the Testing Centers Contact Information below for testing hours and addresses.

Testing Centers Contact Information

TRiO Student Support Services

The TRiO Student Support Services is a federally funded program designed to provide academic support, guidance, and advocacy to first-generation, financial aid eligible, and/or disabled students seeking to complete a two-year degree at CSN and/or transfer to a four-year college or university. Services are offered within a very intensive, integrated, and individualized contact system that encourages participants to develop persistence, self-discipline, responsibility, and confidence. Final acceptance into the program will be determined by a two-tier interview process to ascertain academic need and an ability to benefit. All TRiO services are free of cost to participants. The TRiO Program is located on the North Las Vegas campus, Room E109. For more information call 702-651-4441 or visit csn.edu/trio.