Scorpion: More than a Name or Mascot by Serena Butler

We here at Nevada State College are just like the mighty scorpion, we might be small, but we can pack a powerful punch to your educational future. I could sit here and tell you what my experience as a student of Nevada State has been like, but I think you’ve heard enough from me for one semester. So, to change things up I went out to discuss with my fellow students what we all would like to know. What does it truly mean to be a Nevada State Scorpion?

Here’s what they had to say:

“To become successful.” 

“It means to be kind, to want to help others to be successful, and to focus on your success.”

“Everything, it means everything because I think at any other college and university that we would stand out. It is a new school; it’s about being a part of something bigger. Being a part of this growth is everything. I love the unity and family feel of this campus. My two favorite colors are also black and gold, and I am a Scorpio, so it fits perfect.”

“It means that anything is possible. I have not felt so motivated towards my career until I got to Nevada State.”

It was evident that attending school here means more than just getting an education. They knew exactly what they wanted out of their college experience upon enrollment. Yet, what was that factor that drew them to Nevada State in the first place? What really made us stand out?

“I found out about it through my friend a while ago. I initially started at CSN. Then, when I decided to try the classes here, I immediately left CSN. I stayed here because the environment and professors were better. They actually care.”

“They offered my program. I am in speech pathology, but also, I enjoy the smaller campus versus a school like UNLV where it’s more about the fraternities, and the more social versus educational. I like that at Nevada State that your focus is more on education.”

“The small class sizes.”

“I finished everything for UNLV and it was my first choice. As soon as I walked on campus, I loved the energy, I loved the people. I loved how it felt family oriented, it felt really good. I remember switching all my papers, so I could start that coming semester. I think it was just because the overall experience I had coming here.”

You know we want you to BE GREAT, but what about Nevada State? What would it take for Nevada State to BE GREAT like its student population?

“They can offer free coffee days or something. I know some universities like to do free handouts during the week. Whether it’s food or drinks. Something as simple as coffee would be nice.”

“I think that we should have a sleep room for students with a huge gap in their schedule. That would be like a room with dim lights where people can go to just relax. I know people that have a 6-hour gap in their schedule and they cannot go home because they take the bus.”

“Parking lots, they should make more parking lots”

“I would love to see a music program here. Being that I am a poet and musician, songwriter. I wish there was more of an arts program here. Not just visual media. Learn how to play the piano. More art classes, we have drawing but not a painting class. I believe Nevada State would be better with an arts program. We have students that care about fine arts in general, no matter if it’s painting, drawing, playing an instrument, singing. We really have talent here and some of our students had to pick a regular major because they couldn’t do what they wanted to do. I am one of those students.”

Note that some of these issues are currently being addressed at an administrative level and will be fixed or discussed within the near future. We are still growing, so we appreciate your patience.

I said I wouldn’t talk about my experience, but Nevada State has become a very special place for me. At Nevada State, you are more than a number. You are an individual who will reach your full potential in an environment only a school like this could provide because…

 we are BOLD, we are GREAT, we are STATE!

Reflections on my Back to School Week by Bart Patterson, NSC President

This week, with the invitation of the faculty, I had the pleasure of attending seven classes on campus with varied subject areas. It reinforced for me everything that is wonderful about higher education with the opportunity to engage, learn and explore ideas.

My first major observation is that the statistics are true. We really are a campus of about 77% women with rich diversity in ethnicity, age and life experiences. This led to robust and varied class discussions from a variety of perspectives. Our students are amazing.

My second major observation is that are faculty are talented, respectful of student thoughts and opinions, and have designed coursework to engage students. Our faculty are passionate about what they do and truly caring about students. Our faculty are incredible teachers.

My third major observation is that hands on learning is pervasive in the classroom. Whether it was the debate on merit vs. need based financial aid in Dr. Pazargadi’s English 102 Nepantla cohort, blood typing in Professor Silva’s Biology 189 Lab (I’m A positive), or coming up with small group interventions in Professor Marshall’s class on the Psychology of Inequality to get more men to come to college and stay here, students are learning how to apply knowledge in very practical ways.

My final major observation is that the content of the coursework is very important to the professions that students are pursuing. In Dr. Navarette’s class on Introduction to Special Education, students learned from CCSD’s Dr. Scott on how the District addresses special needs populations with lots of questions from students. In Dr. Sprouse’s Class on Ethics in Interpreting, students learned about application of professional ethics standards in interpreting and further engaged in some spirited dialogue on those standards. In Professor Price’s Intro to Women’s Studies class, important information was shared about sexual assault and abuse, with students openly sharing experiences from their lives that highlight widespread issues that our society must correct. In Professor Nill’s class on Mental Health, nursing students considered proper treatment of patients with short term delirium and long term dementia, a subject dear to me with my father’s struggles with dementia and death last year from related causes.

It really is true that as challenging as it is to stay in college and finish a degree, I still look back on my college experiences as some of the best times in my life. This week brought a flood of memories about those college experiences that have stayed with me all of my life. Those memories center around the three most important things I observed this week: the bond I shared with my classmates, the teachers and staff that encouraged me and made me feel important, and the hands on learning experiences built into my studies. For our students, keep going. Enjoy the learning and engagement. Make lifelong friends. For our faculty and staff, keep doing what you are doing. You are making a difference, and the students will remember both what you are teaching, and how you made them feel. Thank you for letting me share a bit of the excitement!

A Senior’s Insights into Nevada State College’s Spirit Week by Serena Butler

For those who may not know, I am a senior, and this will unfortunately be my last Spirit Week as a student at Nevada State College. So as a student on my way out, can I let you in on a little secret? In no other school do you get the chance to bond with your fellow students and administration in such a manner. Spirit Week is your chance to break the monotony of hours-long lectures and get closer to the community around you. In years past I have used the week to get to know my fellow scorpions who I now consider great friends.

But, what if you don’t know which event to attend? Allow me to show you a few do-not-miss events!

Bowling with Bart 6pm to 8pm 9/17/18: There are a few things I love in life. I love free food, I love free drinks, and I love a good competition. At Bowling with Bart, hosted by our president Bart Patterson, the walls between administrative and student life are shattered by a friendly 10 frames. Previously, I have had the chance to beat an unnamed administration official (name withheld as not to embarrass them). Plus, free pizza? Count me in every time!

Space is limited, and registration is required. RSVP

Be Colorful Tie-Dye Station 10am to 12pm 9/20/18:  An amazing quality of this school is that NSC embraces creativity and individuality. In between some of your early classes you have the chance to get a bit creative and maybe even a little messy during this event. Plus, you don’t have to be the next Picasso to tie dye a free bandana!

Scorpion’s Calling 4:30pm to 9pm 9/20/18: Go out and let loose! Gather outside of a formal setting with your fellow scorpions and let loose with carnival games, music, and even a dunk tank. Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to dunk one of their more challenging professors? I know I wouldn’t!

Lastly, if you RSVP (at nsc.edu/spiritweek) to any of the events on the Spirit Week calendar you get to take home a free Spirit Week T-shirt*

Yay! Free stuff!

*Registration and event attendance required. Limit one t-shirt per person. While supplies last.