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The Office of Diversity is committed to building an inclusive campus where everyone is empowered to Appreciate, Celebrate, and Engage (ACE) across diverse cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences—both on campus and throughout our community. Through dynamic programs, authentic conversations, and meaningful partnerships, we foster belonging and strengthen connections among students, faculty, and staff.
LET'S ACE DIVERSITY — TOGETHER!
Land Acknowledgment
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The Numa, the Newe, the Nuwuvi, Wasi siw, and Pipa Aha Macav have lived in the Great Basin since time began. Please join us in expressing our deepest respect and gratitude to our five major Indigenous groups; the Northern Paiute, the Shoshone, the Southern Paiute, the Washoe and the Mojave- not just the original caretakers of the land we now call Nevada-but for their enduring stewardship and protection of our shared lands and waterways. Today, the College of Southern Nevada reaffirms its commitment to improve the quality of life for our 28 Tribal Nations, Bands, Colonies, and the 62,000-plus Urban Indians who choose to make Nevada their current home.
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Letter from Dr. Weekly
Executive Director, Governmental
Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer
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CSN Affinity Groups
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Student Success & Mentorship Programs
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Multicultural Centers
Multicultural Centers
The Multicultural Centers at CSN are vibrant, inclusive spaces where students from all backgrounds can connect, grow, and thrive. The centers offer educational programs, leadership opportunities, cultural events, and mentoring to support student success and build community. Whether you're looking for a place to study, meet new people, or get involved in campus life, the Multicultural Centers are here to celebrate diversity and help you reach your goals.
"Minority Serving Institution ›
Hispanic Serving Institution ›
Minority Serving Institution
The College of Southern Nevada is proud to be designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), a recognition given to colleges and universities that enroll a high percentage of students from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. This designation affirms CSN's commitment to advancing equity, access, and success for all students. CSN has held MSI status since 1998.
Professional Development
The Office of Diversity strives to be a resource to the campus community. Through various professional development courses, the Office of Diversity offers training on a variety of topics which include Bias, Microaggressions, Cultural Humility. Below is a list of courses offered by the department and/or Affinity Groups.
  • Diversity 101
  • Understanding Bias in the Workplace
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in the Classroom
  • Cultural Humility
  • SafeZone
  • UndocuAlly Training
Customized training is also available for units and departments. To schedule a meeting to discuss custom training needs, please email the Director of Diversity, Dr. Racquel Melson at racquel.melson@csn.edu.
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College of Southern Nevada Affinity
The College of Southern Nevada Affinity Groups serve to foster a sense of community and belonging among our diverse student body, faculty, and staff.

Comprising nine distinct groups—African American Heritage Community, Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Community, Gender & Sexuality Alliance, Global Engagement Community, Women's Alliance, Native American Alliance, Immigrant & UnDocuAlly Council, Latino Alliance, and Military & Veterans Alliance—these groups are led by dedicated CSN faculty and staff volunteers. They aim to support, celebrate, and advocate for the unique experiences and needs of their respective communities, while promoting inclusivity, understanding, and collaboration across the college.

Below you will find information about each of the faculty & staff affinity groups. We encourage you to review the mission of each group and find a community that aligns with your passions. Affinity groups are for everyone. For more information about any particular group, please email the affinity group chair or the Director of Diversity, Dr. Racquel Melson.

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Mission Statement
It is the mission of the African American Heritage Community (AAHC) to promote collaboration and broad participation within the college community by providing education, outreach programs, networking, and programming related to its members, community, and those who identify as African American or Black and the challenges they face that impact our diverse population at CSN.  
Affinity Community Leadership
Co-Chairs
Meoncle "Mimi" Cothron - email
Akheim "Pete" Peterson - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
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Mission Statement
The Asian American Pacific Islander Middle Eastern (AAPIME) Heritage Community, in conjunction with the CSN Office of Diversity, hosts cultural events; provides guidance and support for CSN's AAPIME Heritage Month Celebrations; collaborates with other CSN diversity groups and AAPIME organizations across the Las Vegas Valley; and promotes AAPIME Heritage Community's synergy and sustainability through network gatherings.
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Santhana Foster - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
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The GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) would like to welcome you to the College of Southern Nevada. We are here to support LGTBQA (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, Queer/Questioning, and Asexual/Aromantic) students, faculty, and staff.
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Dr. Joe Hassert - email
Safe Zone Coordinator
Toni McGraw - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
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Mission Statement
The Global Engagement Community seeks to align and integrate policies, programs, and initiatives to position CSN's students, staff and faculty as a globally—oriented and internationally—connected community.
Objectives
Supports the furthering of the college's student learning outcome of global awareness. The community aims to work toward achieving the following goals:
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Raven McKenzie - email
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Mission Statement
The Latino Alliance is a faculty and staff association with the purpose of creating a community and support network for all Latino/Hispanic faculty, staff, and students at the College of Southern Nevada.
The Latino Alliance meets once a month (in-person or virtually) to cultivate community, form relationships with one another, and coordinate opportunities that promote solidarity and advocacy for and within Latinx communities.
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Abraham Gomez - email
Secretary
Melissa Torres - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
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Mission Statement
TBD
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Vacant - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
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Mission Statement
TBD
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Dr. Sondra Cosgrove - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
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Mission Statement
TBD
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Brenda Romero - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
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Mission Statement
The Women's Alliance's mission is to achieve our mission by fostering collaboration and broad participation within the college community through outreach initiatives, networking, and programming related to women and gender issues that impact our diverse population at CSN
Affinity Community Leadership
Chair
Jennifer Basquiat-Jones - email
For information about upcoming events and resources click here
Office of Diversity Staff
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Phone: (702) 651-5412
Email: lawrence.weekly@csn.edu
Location: Charleston Campus
Dr. Lawrence Weekly
Executive Director, Government Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer (CDO)
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Phone: (702) 651-7581
Email: racquel.melson@csn.edu
Location: Charleston Campus
Dr. Racquel Melson
Director, Office of Diversity
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Phone: (702)-651-7808
Email: lorena.rodriguezrios@csn.edu
Location: Charleston Campus
Lorena Rodriguez-Rios
Program Manager, Multicultural Centers
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Phone: (702) 702-651- 4515
Email: brenda.romero@csn.edu
Location: North Las Vegas Campus
Brenda Romero
Coordinator, Student Success & Mentorship Programs
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Phone: (702)-651-7723
Email: gersom.abiva@csn.edu
Location: Charleston Campus
Gersom Abiva
Administrative Assistant III



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