CSN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT POLICIES
Mandatory Portfolio Requirements: Each CSN Education Department course requires at least one graded project, called an artifact, to be added to the education student's Weebly portfolio. Each portfolio artifact will be evaluated by the course instructor and then organized by the student inside the students' Weebly portfolio. All assignments are to be word processed in APA format unless otherwise stated. All errors in writing need to be corrected before submitting any assignment for final evaluation. Students need to take the time to make sure their artifacts reflect professionalism and their best work. Before submitting an assignment, students should have their assignment reviewed by The Writing Center, available on all three campuses: contact Robyn Rohde, 702-651-7402). If students live outside the Las Vegas area or are otherwise unable to visit The Writing Center, they can submit their assignment online to Smart Thinking, available on the menu of their Canvas course.
List of Portfolio Artifacts for Each Course:
EDU 201/202 Intro to Elementary and Secondary Education: Field Observation, Education Philosophy, Lesson Plan
EDU 203 Intro to Special Education: Field Observation, IEP Planning, Special Education Philosophy
EDU 210 Nevada School Law: Court Case Argument(s)
EDU 214 Technology: Software Literacy Project, Technology Standards Project, Emerging Technology Project, Lesson Plan
EDU 280 Valuing Cultural Diversity: Individual Culture Project, Diversity Presentation, Multicultural Lesson Plan
EDU 220 Education Psychology: Case Study, Lesson Plan
EDU 299 Education Portfolio: Praxis Core Exam Results, Classroom Management Plan
ECE Students will need the following artifacts below along with the artifacts from EDU 210, EDU 214, EDU 280, and EDU 220 mentioned above:
ECE 250 – Project ECE 251 - 3 Observations, Lesson Plan ECE 252 - Cognitive observation
ECE 260 - Book file ECE 232 - Experience plans
Praxis Core Exam: All Education students need to take the Praxis Core Exam upon completion of their English and Math General Education requirements and preferably before enrollment in the Education Capstone Course, EDU 299: Education Portfolio.
Praxis Core Exam Requirement: Education students must pass the first level of the Praxis before being accepted into their Bachelor's level Education programs at UNLV or NSC.
Information about the Praxis Core Exam and materials available to prepare for the Praxis Core can be found at the following links:
Nevada Dept of Education Praxis Requirements:
Praxis Core Exam Information:
Praxis Preparation Writing:
Praxis Preparation Reading:
Praxis Preparation Math:
Free Online Praxis Core Math Prep: CSN education students have been granted free access to an online math skills improvement program called Ed Ready to help prepare for the Praxis Core Math exam! To access the program, please use the following link enter "csn_9" in the key code box, and start improving your math skills today! All students should use the Ed Ready program prior to taking the Praxis Core Math Exam.
Students who have already taken and passed all three sections (Math, Reading, and Writing) of the Praxis I PPST prior to July 1, 2014 may transition into their Bachelor's degree Education programs at UNLV and NSC upon graduation from CSN with their AA in Education degree.
Students who have questions about the Praxis Core can contact Professor Theri Wyckoff, , or any one of the Education Counselors (listed at the end of this page).
Academic Dishonesty/Student Code of Conduct: CSN’s Education Department demands a high level of academic behavior. Acts of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating, are regarded as serious offenses. As members of the College Community, the behavior of all students is governed by the NSHE Code and Student Conduct Code. All enrolled CSN students have access to the conduct regulations and procedures. Copies are available in the Office of the Vice President for Student Services.
Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the CSN college community. By joining the CSN college community, students accept the expectations to always take the ethical path and uphold the standards for integrity and honesty in their individual academic studies and to encourage others to do the same. It is the policy of CSN to review and investigate all allegations of violations of the academic integrity policy, and if violations have occurred, to impose appropriate sanctions that maintain the integrity of CSN’s academic courses and programs. CSN students assume the obligation to conduct themselves with integrity in their academic pursuits and in a manner that is compatible with the CSN Student Conduct Code and CSN’s mission as an educational institution with high standards of integrity overall. Students who violate these standards for academic honesty and integrity will be subject to CSN’s disciplinary process. Complete information about the Academic Integrity Policy can be obtained at
Plagiarism Statement: The direct use of someone else’s words, ideas, illustrations, photos, or graphics without identifying them as someone else’s and not your own is plagiarism. If a student plagiarizes in a course and the instructor discusses the plagiarism with the student, if the student continues to plagiarize, the instructor reserves the right to fail the student in the course.
Students should study the following documents regarding Academic Integrity:
Student Integrity Policy link:
Student Action Integrity Report form:
Instructor/Student Confidentiality: I fully understand the commitment, responsibility, and cooperation expected of me as a pre-service educator; therefore, all communication with my instructor is to be made by me. No discussion of absences, grades, and assignments will be accommodated to any member of the student’s family: parent, guardian, spouse, relative, and/or personal relationship.
Grades: As a pre-service education student the importance of maintaining an average or above average performance in classes is expected. This includes compliance with CSN and Education Department policy.
Attendance: Extended hospitalization or absences may warrant an “I” (incomplete) or “F” grade. If make-up provisions have been granted in accordance with the instructor’s policy, it is the student’s responsibility to comply with the timeline of the agreement. It is recommended that in extenuating circumstances, the student appeal to the college with the required documentation for a tuition reimbursement.
Withdrawal Policy: Students may withdraw from a course with a grade of W during the first 60% of a session, measured by time, not assignments. Instructors can no longer assign students a grade of “W.”
Research: Papers must adhere to the general rules established for APA style. Refer to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition, Washington DC: American Psychological Association. Copies of this book are available in the CSN library.
Learning APA style will assist you throughout your educational career and beyond. Citations and references are required for each assignment unless otherwise indicated. APA requires that when the ideas you present are from the assigned readings or other sources, you must cite these within the body of your assignment. Your References page should contain the sources you cite in the assignment. By adding the References page, the reader will know what sources were used. Remember to be sure to reference ALL sources (articles, web pages, books, illustrations) you have used in your assignments. For more information, visit
The CSN Library APA Website:
The Writing Centers:
The Purdue Owl:
If students have any questions about APA citation they can always ask the CSN librarians for help. The CSN Library has hard copies of the APA guide as handouts at each campus library. CSN librarians can help answer specific questions about citing different types of sources, and if students are distance education students who cannot visit the library in person, they can always reach CSN librarians through e-mail or online chat available during the semester. Students can copy and paste this link into their browser:
Substitute Teaching for the Clark County School District: The State of Nevada requires a minimum of 60 semester credits, with 6 semester credits in professional education, or a bachelor’s degree or higher degree earned through a regionally accredited college/university, to be eligible for a K-12 substitute license. For more information, visit the Nevada Department of Education website:
Teacher Curriculum Materials are available at the Cheyenne Campus Library, room 2100. This location contains resources needed by Teacher Education and Early Childhood Education programs for the purpose of preparing instructional materials, lessons, and course related activities. Contact librarian Jack Sawyer at , call 702-651-4014, or visit the website at
Education Information: Pick up CSN Education and Early Childhood degree sheets and other materials helpful to Education and Early Childhood students at the Education Office, Cheyenne Campus: Room S222 or download at
Math and English Requirements: As you begin your education journey, it is imperative that you take the English and Math placement tests early on so you can be placed in the level of English and Math that you need early in your program.*
Contact a CSN Testing Center right away to set up your placement exams:
Cheyenne, E 122, 702-651-4050
W. Charleston, C 125, 702-651-5733
Henderson, B 107, 702-651-3128
If you have any questions about the placement tests, required English and Math courses, or your degree program, you can contact your instructor or any of the Education, Behavior, and Social Science Counselors listed at the end of this policy page.
*Note: Not all students must take the placement exams. If your high school SAT/ACT scores are high enough or you have Math/English courses from prior college, you may not need to take the Math or English placement exams. If you believe you might be one of the students who does not need to take the placement exams, contact one of the Education counselors to find out.
Check the Education Website for more information.
CSN INFORMATION
Disability Resource Center: It is the students’ responsibility to personally meet and discuss any learning issues which might require special assistance. If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) located in the Student Services Center at each campus. For the Cheyenne Campus the number is 702-651-4045, Henderson’s number is 702-651-3086 and West Charleston’s number is 702-651-5089. For those students who would like to earn a little extra cash, stop by the DRC to fill out an application. The office hires students as note takers, proctors, scribes, lab assistants, and research assistants as needed.
CSN Computer Labs: The CSN computer labs are available for those students needing access to a computer. Please contact the CSN lab coordinator at your campus for the specific times the lab is available for your use. Most of you will likely complete most of your assignments at home. If you are having problems with your computer, or do not have the required software, feel free to use any of the on-campus Computer Labs.
702-651-5731 Charleston Interactive Learning Center
702-651-4592 Cheyenne Interactive Learning Center
720-651-3002 Henderson Interactive Learning Center
702-651-4900 Summerlin High-Tech Center
702-651-4898 Western High-Tech Center
702-651-2650 Green Valley High-Tech Center
Campus Printing: Printing in CSN classrooms, computer labs and libraries falls under the new Print Wise initiative, designed to help save natural and fiscal resources. Print Wise provides CSN students with a $10 credit toward printing at the start of each semester, which will provide for up to 200 black and white copies at 5 cents a page, or 40 color copies at 25 cents a page. After that, a student may put money into his or her account online or at a CSN Cashier’s Office to purchase additional prints at the same rate. It is the responsibility of each student to maintain his or her printing accounts to cover printing expenses during each semester.
CENTERS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (CAS): The CAS mission is to foster positive and caring learning environments that support classroom instruction and overall student success. Free one-on-one and drop-in tutoring is available in our Accounting Labs, Computer Tutoring Labs (CIT/IS & Basic Computing Needs), Communication Labs, Math Resource Centers, Science Resource Centers, Tutorial Learning Centers (one-on-one tutoring), and Writing Centers. Tutors are available in most subjects to provide learning support and help you improve your academic motivation and performance, enhance your self-esteem and confidence as an independent learner, and achieve your educational goals. Visit for detailed information about all centers including locations, hours and more.
You will find more information regarding the Centers at or please contact Shellie Keller or Robyn Rohde (Assistant Director) directly – . We also welcome feedback on how to improve the quality of our services.
Writing Centers: Before submitting your assignment, take your typed assignment in APA format and a copy of the assignment directions to the Writing Center for help in editing. See the CSN Writing Center webpage for locations and hours: or contact Robyn Rohde, 702-651-7402.
Smart Thinking: Offers online tutoring, writing services, and homework assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides assistance in Mathematics (Basic Skills through Calculus II), Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Accounting, Economics, Spanish and Statistics. Call 702-651-5619 for Log-in & password information.
Student Lingo: Offers free study skills workshops to CSN students ONLINE. The link to review choices available is: Students only need to register with their name, ID and birth month for each workshop. Each workshop is takes 15-20 minutes to complete, and includes links to resources and quizzes. Upon completion of an evaluation, students may print a certificate of completion.
TRIO: A student academic success program. Eligibility: must be a US citizen or qualified resident and low income or parent(s) NOT 4-year college graduates or DRC qualified. Student must be enrolled in at least 6 credits with a 2.0 GPA and be willing to participate in this intensive program. Phone: 702-651-4441. Website:
Advising & Coaching Services: Advisor/Success Coaches help students assess academic strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. The department also manages the CSN Faculty E-Alert System assisting instructional staff by working with students on strategies and interventions that lead to successful course completion.
Charleston Campus Bldg. D – Student Services Area 702-651-7367
Cheyenne Campus 1100 Student Services Area 702-651-2626
Henderson Campus Bldg. B – Room 120 702-651-3103
E-ALERT: This is CSN’s academic early warning system. Professors can identify students who need help and/or students who are having trouble in their classes. Students may also set up an appointment and receive help. Call the Retention Office: 702-651-2626 at Cheyenne or 702-651-7367 at West Charleston and Henderson.
Canvas Course Login Directions:
1. Login to the CSN Online Campus by going to:
2. Once logged in, you will see the standard list of all of the courses in which you are enrolled.
Please go to for more information on Canvas, including training guides and login info.
Student Refund Policy: Information is available at including information about short-term class refunds.
Student Academic Warning/Probation/Suspension Policy: If a student’s cumulative GPA falls to 2.0 or lower after attempting at least 12 credits, they will receive an academic warning so that they have time to seek help. Continued performance at 2.0 or lower in future semester course work can lead to academic probation or academic suspension. Students on academic suspension will not be able to enroll in classes for a semester. More information is available at .
Counseling/Advising: If you are a new student or have no declared major, you will meet with a CSN success coach for all your advising needs, including course planning and career exploration services. Success coaches are located in student services areas and their contact information is available at
If you are a student who has declared a major, CSN has assigned you a counselor who is an expert on your declared major and can help you effectively navigate your program.
This counselor’s office is located in the academic school (i.e., Education, Behavior, and Social Sciences) in which your declared major resides. To find out your counselor and make an appointment, go to or contact the CSN Call Center at 702-651-5555.
The counselors for Education, Behavior, and Social Sciences are the following:
Brad Brady, 702 651-5554, , West Charleston Campus, C269 L
Gabriel Rodriguez, 702 651-5809, , West Charleston Campus K2465
Greg Niemasik, 702 651-2603, , Cheyenne Campus S224C