2019-2020 CSN Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 CSN Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

About CSN



NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION (NSHE)

The Nevada State Constitution provides for the control of the NSHE to be vested with the Board of Regents. The Nevada System of Higher Education includes The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR); The Desert Research Institute (DRI); Nevada State College (NSC); Great Basin College (GBC); Western Nevada College (WNC); Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). CSN operates three main campuses and other academic centers in Clark County.

MISSION

The College of Southern Nevada creates opportunities and enriches lives with inclusive learning and working environments that support diversity and student success. The College fosters economic development, civic engagement, and cultural and scientific literacy, while helping students achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals.

Vision Statement

The College of Southern Nevada is recognized as a leader among community colleges in fostering student success.

CSN is committed to:

Exceptional Learning Environments, which integrate career and liberal arts education, to shape well rounded, engaged citizens, employees, and community leaders.

Developing Solution-Oriented Strategies to help students overcome barriers to educational access and success.

A Culture of Accountability in which we balance data-informed decision making with flexibility and responsiveness to stakeholders, individuals, and events.

A Collegial Work Environment that makes CSN the “employer of choice” for an exceptional workforce that is engaged in and accountable for the quality of CSN’s learning environment, and benefits from excellent support, growth opportunities, and competitive total compensation packages.

Quality Community Partnerships that provide resources and educational opportunities to develop a skilled workforce.

Cultural and Academic Initiatives that promote the advancement and appreciation of the arts, sciences, and humanities, contributing to the richness of our multicultural community.

Environmental stewardship and public awareness of risks and opportunities for sustainability.

Resource Development, Operational Efficiencies, and State-of-the-art Technology that support an innovative and exemplary learning and working environment.

Values Statement

CSN values the following:

  • Lifelong Learning: CSN values a broad-based education because a diverse foundation of knowledge empowers creative thinking, problem solving, and innovation.
  • Excellence: CSN understands that achieving and surpassing our goals requires care, commitment and quality, in teaching, learning, scholarship, service, and administration.
  • Integrity: CSN places fairness, honesty, transparency and trust at the center of all policies and operations.
  • Inclusion: CSN embraces diversity because it heals social division and injustice, and promotes creativity, growth and critical thinking through the integration of many different perspectives.
  • Academic Freedom: CSN values freedom of thought and speech because open minds and uninhabited discussion are fundamental to teaching, learning and responsible civic engagement.
  • Connectedness: CSN builds a collective identity through shared governance, effective communication, and collaboration among students, faculty, staff and community members.

ACCREDITATION

The College of Southern Nevada is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4224
www.nwccu.org

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities refers to the institution as a whole. Therefore, statements like “fully accredited” or “this program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities” or “this degree is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities” are incorrect and should not be used.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING

CSN uses an integrated assessment planning, reporting, and funding allocation process in a continuous cycle to assure student learning is occurring and program curricula are evidence-based and effective. To assure that programs at CSN are effective and that students completing programs of study at CSN are adequately demonstrating competence in knowledge and skills, the faculty and staff follow ongoing assessment processes outlined in faculty senate policy and managed through the Office of Assessment.

Periodically during their courses of study, CSN students may be asked to participate in tasks where they demonstrate the breadth and depth of their ability, indicate levels of satisfaction with services provided, and appraise their learning experience. Students nearing completion of their programs of study at CSN should expect to participate in a wide range of activities and measures to assess learning achieved in their degree and certificate programs. Meaningful evidence of students learning and related student affairs program goals is analyzed and used for program improvement, to determine student success, and contribute to institutional effectiveness. Alumni may be asked to communicate their views about CSN programs in the context of their life experiences and careers since graduation. Employers may also be asked to indicate the attributes needed and expected from CSN graduates, to evaluate how effective CSN programs have been in preparing students to meet workforce needs.

CSN faculty and staff must assure that students gain the requisite learning from their programs of study at CSN, and that these programs continue to meet high standards of excellence.

GREEN EFFORTS

CSN’s recognition of its role in the community and its commitment to be responsible stewards of the environment is an important aspect of the college’s core values. Efforts began in 2007-2008 with a grant from the Student Government. The faculty Senate Environmental Strategies Committee began the initial efforts to incorporate recycling into the daily life of students, faculty and staff at CSN.

CSN has increased activities and initiatives designed to reduce the college’s carbon footprint and to establish itself as a leader of sustainable practices. These activities include:

Print Wise Print Management System

In an effort to save natural and fiscal resources, CSN has implemented the Print Wise System to manage computer lab and classroom printing. The system encourages students to “print wise,” by raising awareness of the costs associated with unnecessary printing, and reduce the waste of toner and paper products. This policy saved an estimated 1.2 million pages from being printed in the open computer labs in the fall 2011 semester alone. Overall, student printing has been reduced by 40-60% each semester. The Print Wise System will automatically apply a $10 printing credit to each student network (Active Directory) account that will provide the equivalent of 200 free black and white pages at 5 cents per page, or 40 color pages at 25 cents per page. Once that print quota is reached, students will need to purchase prints at the same rate by adding money to their accounts online using a debit or credit card, or pay cash at any CSN Cashier’s Office. For more information visit https://at.csn.edu/printwise.

Solar Panels/Alternative Energy

Working with Nevada Energy’s Solar Generations Program, CSN has been able to install solar panels at all three of our campuses. These installations have been completed over several years, and we currently have: 159 Kw at West Charleston, 208 Kw at North Las Vegas and 84 Kw at Henderson. With the construction of these solar panels, we have received $1,250,000 in solar panel rebates from Nevada Energy. This money has helped contribute to the funding of the construction of these panels, and in some instances, paid for the installation completely. In addition, we currently have a solar panel on our Planetarium sign at the North Las Vegas campus. All of these solar panels have helped to significantly reduce our electrical bills each year.

Recycling

In 2015, a Sustainability Work Group Committee was formed, comprised of students, faculty and staff to develop and implement a recycling program that would encourage recycling practices as well as lower our waste disposal expense and eventually reap the rewards of the effort; revenue from the recycling program.

The Facilities Management Operations Department assumed the helm of the program and began Public Service Announcements on the ICS Monitors throughout the college. Designated containers for recyclables and trash, posters were posted at each recycle station illustrating items for disposal of each type of “throw-away”.

A relationship with a locally owned Waste Management Company was established and with their help, CSN realized a $22,000 savings during the first 5 months by adjusting the pickup schedules and replacing the “One size fits all” dumpster to the more suitable receptacle. We have developed a procedure for the destruction of sensitive materials that include documentation certifying the shredding of contents of the secure bins.

Water Conservation

Facilities Management has converted grassy areas to drought resistant landscaping. Currently the only grassy areas that remain are in relation to the child care areas.

Our automated irrigation systems are being upgraded and are monitored with a smart website that reports by to our Grounds Project Manager when repairs are required and how much water is required in specific areas, adjusting for any precipitation that may have occurred in a 24 hour cycle.

Hydration Station have been installed at each campus. These stations dispense filtered water into the user’s personal vessel; eliminating the use of disposable cups. The Custodial Services staff, who also replace the filters at the recommended interval, maintain the stations.

Use of Green Cleaning Products

100% of the cleaning products the college utilizes are Green Seal and/or Green Guard certified. Custodial Services uses the most effective materials to maintain a sanitary environment to students, faculty, and staff; using reusable mops, microfiber rags and micro-fiber dust mops. Automatic dispensing units for cleaning solutions are located in each custodial closet; dispensing the recommended ratio of product to water. The College uses paper towels with 40% recycled content, toilet seat covers with 100% recycled paper, and toilet paper with 100% recycled paper.

 

THE CSN EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM (ENS)

The ENS is intended to provide members of the campus community immediate information in the event of a major crisis or emergency (e.g. fire on campus, natural disaster, or criminal activity).

This system instantly delivers to you, important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates to any device(s) you select (e.g. email account, cell phone, etc.). ENS is your personal connection to real-time updates including instructions in case of an emergency.

Once you have logged into this application, you will be able to provide emergency contact information that the College can use to contact you in the event of an emergency. Access to this system is available only to currently enrolled students as well as currently employed faculty and staff. Once you have enrolled, your notification will be activated within 24 hours.

To sign up for ENS alerts, go to www.e2campus.net/my/csn/index.htm. It only takes a few minutes to activate your ENS account. Please note your CSN email account must be activated prior to ENS activation since those are the login credentials you will use to sign up.

 

CSN FOUNDATION

The CSN Foundation raises funds to support CSN students, faculty, staff and programs. Scholarships and grants allow for new ideas and learning to grow. Your gift changes lives and provides a foundation for growth in Nevada.

Your philanthropic support is tax deductible and helps CSN change lives and build bright futures. To learn more about the CSN Foundation, please call 702-651-7535 or visit our web page at www.csn.edu/foundation.

 

CAMPUSES

Charleston Campus

The Charleston Campus is located at 6375 West Charleston Boulevard is located in Las Vegas and houses the President, upper administration, and Human Resources for CSN. Programs supported at Charleston include: the Veterans’ Educational Center, a Dental Clinic, Mojave Mental Health Services, cardiorespiratory, nursing, and many other health-related programs. This campus is also home to Nevada Public Radio station KNPR. New solar panels showcase one of CSN’s green initiatives.

Henderson Campus

The Henderson Campus is located at 700 College Drive in Henderson. Students can take general education courses and specialized classes in fields such as aviation and welding. This campus is home to the Morse Stadium and Lied Baseball Complex and used by CSN’s national championship baseball. The campus is also home to a new softball field for the women’s softball team. New solar panels showcase one of CSN’s green initiatives.

North Las Vegas Campus

The North Las Vegas Campus is located at 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue in North Las Vegas. The centralized student services area makes easy access to critical support areas. Major programs supported at North Las Vegas include: Transportation Technology, Cisco Systems, Culinary Arts (producing gold and silver medal winners in numerous national competitions), Automotive Service Education, the Planetarium, and the Nicholas Horn Performing Arts Center, hosting hundreds of college and community events each year. New solar panels showcase one of CSN’s green initiatives.

Green Valley High Tech Center

The Leslie and Joan Dunn Center at 1560 West Warm Springs Road is located next to Green Valley High School. The center provides core general education classes as well as EMT Training classes and is supported by a computer lab, smart classroom, and specialized labs. The center also provides support to the local community through Division of Workforce and Education non-credit classes.

Mesquite Center

The Mesquite Center located at 140 North Yucca Street includes a computer lab, phlebotomy lab, certified nursing assistant lab, and 2 smart classrooms. General Education classes are provided, as well as a variety of customized training options. Jumpstart dual credit classes are also offered to the local high school students.

Moapa Valley Center

The Moapa Valley Center is located at 2400 North St. Joseph Street, at Moapa Valley High School. The center provides General Education classes, online course support, a computer lab, dual credit for high school students through the Jumpstart Program as well as courses for lifelong learners and degree/transfer-seeking students.

The Nellis Center

The U.S. Air Force contracts with the College of Southern Nevada to provide classes on base that satisfy requirements for the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) degree. It services active duty personnel, reservists, family members, retirees, DOD personnel and some civilians to maximize space utilization.

Sahara West Center

The Sahara West Center, located on the Northwest corner of Sahara and Valley View, is the hub for multiple programs with classes that can be taken as a standalone or as a bridge from program to program. Programs housed in this location include: the Adult Literacy and Language Program, which provides classes for English as a Second Language (ESL) and High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation; the Algebra Refresher Program, for those who need a refresher in mathematical concepts before taking credit-based classes; the Healthcare and American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center classes, which provide continuing education for medical professionals along with entry-level occupational programs such as Home Care Aide, Dialysis, and Health Unit Coordinator classes; Community and Personal Enrichment classes ranging from marketing, security, and baking to computer basics and web design; and the CSN Assessment Center, which provides access to WorkKeys and HSE assessments.

Summerlin High Tech Center

The Bob and Sandy Miller High Tech Center is located at 333 South Pavilion Center Drive next to Palo Verde High School. It is home to the Ornamental Horticulture/Floral Design and Construction Management Programs, and partners with the Clark County School District to provide Jumpstart programming for Palo Verde High School students. The site is supported by a computer lab, smart classrooms, and student services.

Western High Tech Center

The William and Dorothy Raggio High Tech Center, is located at 4601 West Bonanza Road, next to Western High School. It provides general and transfer courses, workforce training, Clark County School District program classes, community events, and is home to the new HVAC Center of Excellence, and the CSN MyCSN Call Center. The site is supported by smart classrooms, offices, and student services.