CSN Signs on to be a Principles of Excellence School with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

LAS VEGAS, July 31, 2012 — As of Aug. 1, the College of Southern Nevada is a committed postsecondary institution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Principles of Excellence to ensure CSN veteran students receive the highest standard of service.

            In May, President Barack Obama signed an executive order directing his administration to develop principles to strengthen oversight, enforcement and accountability for institutions receiving funds from federal military and veterans educational benefit programs. The new standards were designed to combat predatory practices targeting students eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

            “Implementing these principles means that veterans enrolled at CSN won’t be hindered by unexpected financial or academic problems,” said CSN Veterans Affairs Coordinator Vanessa Robledo. “They will have a plan in place to complete and graduate and they will have the tools they need to succeed.”

            CSN serves approximately 1,300 veterans each semester and is exploring ways to expand services and outreach to this community.

            The principles will require that every committed college or university provide veterans with an individual academic and financial plan by the summer of 2013.

            Colleges that sign up agree to work with veterans, before classes begin, to ensure they understand the total cost of their academic degree programs, how much will be covered by federal benefits, the type and amount of financial aid they might qualify for and their estimated student loan debt upon graduation if applicable.

CSN currently provides individualized academic counseling and advising to each veteran student. The Principles of Excellence now require all committed institutions to provide a similar level of service to ensure timely completion of their academic goals.

            “CSN is member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium and is committed to serving veterans and their families,” said CSN Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Santos Martinez. “Becoming a Principles of Excellence school means that CSN will put additional resources into its Veterans Educational Center to ensure each veteran receives individualized attention.”

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (www.csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN offers more than 200 degree and certificate options in more than 130 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules including day, evening and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN -- Your future starts here.

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