Logo




Nevada GEAR UP Digest 
April 2020 

April 15, 2020

 
As we live through history this month, we are experiencing shocking changes to our routine. Work and classes have moved online, and students and staff are being forced to adapt to circumstances beyond their control. Fortunately, GEAR UP is helping to do everything we can to help our students overcome the challenges brought along by COVID-19, so that they can end the Spring 2020 semester with confidence and pride. 

In this issue of the GEAR UP Digest, we will address and provide resources meant to help inform students about the COVID-19 outbreak, discuss changes made to the grading system in light of these new circumstances, and highlight our current available College Coordinator position. 

As the quarantine continues, we would like to thank everyone for working hard to keep themselves and others healthy. We encourage you all to stay positive, and keep up the good work!
Addressing COVID-19 covid
Things have changed rapidly in the last month due to concerns over COVID-19.  With many of our institutions moving to online instruction, we understand that several students may experience trouble adapting to the switch. Over the past month, we have put a great deal of time and effort into ensuring our students have as many resources as possible available to them, so that their transition to online instruction can occur as smoothly as possible. As we move forward with the Spring semester, we strongly advise that students  contact their ambassadors  before making the decision to drop any of their classes, as well as if they have any concerns about accessing classes.
 
Links to each institution's information regarding COVID-19 as well as ambassador contact information can be found below:
 
Ambassador Morgan Fullmer: morgan.fullmer @unlv.edu | 702-774-8015
 
Ambassador Andrea Saavedra: andreasaavedra @unr.edu | 775-682-8944
 
GBC Pahrump Ambassador Elizabeth Dureya: elizabeth.duryea @gbcnv.edu | 775-727-2000
GBC Elko Ambassador Stephanie Contreras: stephanie.contreras @gbcnv.edu | 775-753-2299
 
Ambassador Lizbeth Vega: lizbeth.vega-santiago @nsc.edu | 702.992.2390
 
Ambassador Mari Jimenez-Ortiz: mjimenezortiz @tmcc.edu | 775-337-5601
 
Ambassador Morgan Haynes: morgan.haynes @csn.edu | 702-651-4271
 
Ambassador Tawnie Wentz: tawnie.wentz @wnc.edu | 775-445-3243

Updated NSHE Grading Policy grading
As of April 7, the NSHE Regents have decided to grant students the ability to opt for alternative S/U grading after receiving their final grades for the semester. 

According to the NSHE website: "Institutions are setting deadlines for student grade petitions and will advertise the deadlines widely so that students are aware of the option to change grades to S/U.  As part of this process, students will be advised of the ramifications of petitioning for a change to "S/U" grading before submitting such a request." 

For more information on the change, click here
Open College Coordinator Position coordinator
Currently, GEAR UP NV is seeking applications for the GEAR UP College Coordinator position in Las Vegas for the new 2019-2026 grant. 

About the position:
The GEAR UP College Coordinator is an NSHE position that will work closely with the GEAR UP Specialist and counselors in the school districts as well as the GEAR UP First-Year Advisors at each NSHE institution. This position will be part of the Division of Community Colleges and will be housed at the NSHE System Administration Office in Las Vegas. 
Applicants should have experience with and be knowledgeable about:
  • College and career readiness, college admissions, retention, and financial aid.
  • First-year experience and transition theory and practice
  • Grant programs, budgeting, data, and reporting.
  • Sources of engaging activities for grade levels 7-12 with a particular focus on STEM
  • Career exploration tools and alignment with educational programs and opportunities
  • Communications, content development for print and electronic media to include website, social media and publications.
  • Coordination: must be able to oversee multiple tasks involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Facilitation: must be able to plan and offer student outreach efforts.
  • Organization: must be well organized with a keen attention to detail and appropriate time management.
  • Communication: must have excellent written and oral communication skills to include preparing and giving polished and professional presentations to large and small groups.
  • Research: must be able to assist Director of Programming and Outreach in identifying useful, grant-related resources for dissemination to all GU Specialists and colleagues as needed.
  • Technology: must be well versed in the use of Microsoft Office, Adobe products, Google docs, video conferencing, WordPress, Constant Contact, and similar technologies.
  • Collaborate with various stakeholders to include GEAR UP staff, NSHE institutions, school districts, GEAR UP students, parents, and Nevada Department of Education personnel.
  • Create a college-going culture at each GEAR UP school
  • Manage time appropriately to meet established deadlines.
  • Plan programming within budget and solicit sources for match contributions.
  • Work with low income students and their families.
  • Work with first generation college students and their families.
  • Work with diverse populations.
To read more about the position and apply, click here
In This Issue
COVID-19 
New Grading Policy
College Coordinator
April Blog
UNLV GEAR UP Ambassador Stephanie Contreras is our featured blogger this month! Read her article here.
Upcoming Events
Mindfulness
April 15, GBC
GBC North is hosting a Mindfulness event today from 1:30-2:30 PM on Zoom. The event link can be found here, as well as on our social media @GEARUPNV. 
Stress Relief Yoga
April 24, GBC
GBC North will be hosting a yoga for stress relief event from 2-3 PM on April 24th. The zoom link and details for the event can be found here, as well as on our social media @GEARUPNV during the week of the event. 
Important Links
NV GEAR UP Directory
Coronavirus Information & Resources
FAFSA Application 
GEAR UP Business Network
DACA/Undocumented NSHE Contact List
Tips for Transfers
Annual NCCEP/GEAR UP Conference 2020
If not otherwise noted, questions regarding content in this Digest should be directed to: