2021-2022 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog and Student Handbook [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 empowers our students and communities to achieve, succeed, and prosper.

Values Statement

CSN Values (I-LEAD):

• Integrity

We place fairness, honesty, transparency, and trust at the center of all decisions, policies, and operations.

• Lifelong Learning

We foster curious minds, continuous learning, and a broad-based education to enhance creative thinking, problem solving, innovation, and principled leadership.

• Excellence

We achieve and surpass our goals through continuous performance improvement and commitment to — and quality in — teaching, learning, scholarship, service, and administration.

• Academic Freedom

We embrace freedom of thought and speech in support of teaching, learning, communication, shared governance, and responsible civic engagement.

• Diversity

We value the integration of different backgrounds and perspectives among students, faculty, staff, and community members as a way to collaborate and promote creativity, innovation, and growth.

Vision Statement

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

shared governance, and performance excellence.

 

ACCREDITATION

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

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 that 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 NWCCU 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 NWCCU 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

 

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.

 

CAMPUSES

For campus locations and maps visit csn.edu/csn-locations.

Charleston Campus

The Charleston Campus is located at 6375 West Charleston Boulevard 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.

The Student Union is now open! If you are interested in scheduling space in the new building, please make sure to coordinate with the CSN Events Office:  https://www.csn.edu/eventrequest. Study rooms at each Student Union will be coordinated through Student Government staff.  They can be contacted as follows: Charleston Campus Student Government Desk: (702) 651-5614.

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.

The Student Union is now open! If you are interested in scheduling space in the new building, please make sure to coordinate with the CSN Events Office:  https://www.csn.edu/eventrequest. Study rooms at each Student Union will be coordinated through Student Government staff.  They can be contacted as follows: Henderson Campus Student Government Front Desk: (702) 651-3177.

The Water Street Center is an extension site of the Henderson Campus located at 311 Water Street, Henderson, Nevada, 89105, in Downtown Henderson.  Students can take general education courses and non-credit classes through the Division of Workforce and Economic Development.  The center also houses the Southern Desert Regional Police Academy (SDRPA) which provides law enforcement training in partnership with the City of North Las Vegas Police Department, the City of Las Vegas, and the College of Southern Nevada.

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.

The Student Union is now open! If you are interested in scheduling space in the new building, please make sure to coordinate with the CSN Events Office:  https://www.csn.edu/eventrequest. Study rooms at each Student Union will be coordinated through Student Government staff.  They can be contacted as follows: North Las Vegas Campus Student Government Front Desk: (702) 651-4942.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

$10 Printing Credit

Students receive a $10 credit towards printing each semester (spring, summer, and fall). To use this credit, students will log into PrintWise using their CSN credentials at any computer located in the Library or computer labs to release their print jobs. Students will also be able to see the amount of money available on their printing accounts in PrintWise. If students exceed their $10 credit, they may add more funds through PrintWise on a CSN Library or computer lab computer, or they can add funds at the Cashier’s office. For more information visit https://at.csn.edu/printwise.

Mobile Print

Effective Fall 2021, students will have the ability to print from their iOS, or Android devices to printers located in high traffic student areas such as the Library, computer labs, and the Student Unions. Be on the lookout for signage in these areas indicating the printers available to students.

Instructions to print from an Android device: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTgRHmURvos

Instructions to print from an iOS device: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t1VmtqrVDY

Recycling

The Facilities Management Department has continued promoting the recycling program on our campuses and satellite locations by incorporating designated containers for recyclables and trash.  To the extent possible, the theory of reduce, reuse, and recycle is applied throughout our sites thanks to our community partners and the effective execution of our Custodial Services.

In July 2021, we are partnering with a new recycling company, Republic Services, to continue using mixed use dumpsters on our properties. With their help, we are keeping an average of 3200 pounds of recyclable product out of the trash weekly! At this time, efforts are being made to educate students, faculty, and staff on proper recycling practices for plastics, cans, glass, paper, and cardboard, which is lowering our waste disposal expense.

We have also partnered with Opportunity Village to develop a procedure for the destruction of sensitive materials to be shredded when placed into the secure bins, which they certify once the items have been shredded and properly disposed of into compost.

Our newest community partner, M & H Pallets, LLC, will help with the reuse of wooden pallets to keep as much post-consumer wood waste out of the trash as possible. Please join CSN in reusing, recycling, and reducing efforts whenever possible.

Thank you!

Solar Panels/Alternative Energy

We are pleased to announce, CSN has been maintaining our solar panels working in collaboration with Nevada Energy’s Solar Generations Program. Solar panels can be seen housed at all three of our campuses: Charleston, North Las Vegas, and Henderson. Currently, we have the following kilowatts at each campus location:

  • Charleston - 159 kilowatts
  • Henderson - 84 kilowatts
  • North Las Vegas - 208 kilowatts

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 in its entirety. In addition, we have a solar panel on our Planetarium sign at the North Las Vegas campus. All of these solar panels have significantly helped to reduce our electrical bills year after year.

Use of Green Cleaning Products

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; utilizing 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 and post-consumer recycled fiber content, toilet seat covers that are Green Sealed certified, and toilet paper with 100% recycled fibers and a minimum of 25% post-consumer fibers and EPA compliant.  The trash and recycling bags are biodegradable Green Sealed certified as well.

Water Conservation

Facilities Management is pleased to announce we have converted grassy areas to drought resistant landscaping. Currently, the only grassy areas that remain at the North Las Vegas campus are in relation to the Early Childhood Education program and the South entrance.  At the Charleston campus the Veterinary Technician examination area for large animals, the Palm Court area, and the Early Childhood Education program are utilizing water conscious grassy areas.  The Henderson campus has a grassy knoll area at the new Student Union which has been created with smart irrigation technology, and the women’s softball field installed artificial turf to reduce grass maintenance.

Our automated irrigation systems are being upgraded and are monitored with smart technology.  This incorporates a website that reports to our Grounds Project Manager when repairs are needed in order to avoid water being wasted by breaks and leaks.  It also sends notifications as to how much water is required in specific areas.  This reporting method adjusts for any precipitation that may have occurred in a 24-hour cycle to prevent over-watering.  Areas with old and failing emitters are being replaced with underground drip tubing irrigation at each campus and each of our satellite locations.

Hydration stations have been installed at each campus to dispense filtered water into a user’s personal vessel, eliminating the use of disposable cups.  All new construction has incorporated efficient low-flow plumbing for restrooms and sinks.  These recent improvements confirm that CSN values water conservation in the valley.