Dear University Community,
We're preparing to enter the final stretch of a fast-paced fall semester at UNLV, which in many ways feels like it began just yesterday. I've had the privilege of attending numerous campus events this fall celebrating research and community successes, marking milestone anniversaries in the health sciences, and participating in signature activities like the annual homecoming festival and Art Walk that bring thousands to our campus.
It is great to see how passionate our staff, faculty, and students are about their programs and our university. It is also energizing to witness the pride that our alumni and supporters have for UNLV and the excitement they have for our future success.
We strive to make UNLV a safe and welcoming place to work, study, live, and play. That focus has driven many of our Rebel Recovery efforts over the past year, and it will continue to guide us as we move forward.
The 83rd Nevada Legislative Session begins in February, and enhancing campus security and safety will be front and center for UNLV as we collaborate with NSHE and state legislators to advance this pressing priority. Based on feedback from the university community – and in consultation with University Police and Facilities Management – we're seeking approximately $38 million in facilities upgrades, equipment, and personnel this session. This includes:
- Nearly $11 million to increase the number of police officers and dispatch, video surveillance, and community officer positions;
- An investment of $11 million to supplement existing work to improve access controls in campus buildings and classrooms, and enhance emergency power and interior and outdoor lighting; and
- More than $16 million to modernize UPD infrastructure, including campuswide video surveillance, computer-aided dispatch technology, and emergency response and preparedness equipment.
I look forward to continuing to partner with state leaders on these and other priorities during the upcoming legislative session, and I'm incredibly grateful to our state and local elected officials – and to our federal delegation – for all they've done to support our university over the past year.
Additional Rebel Recovery Updates
- On Dec. 6, we will be hosting a gathering on campus to remember and reflect on the lives lost and forever impacted on that tragic day one year ago, and to commemorate the resilience and strength of our UNLV family. I’m grateful to our Board of Regents and Chancellor Charlton for shifting the dates of the December Board of Regents meeting at UNLV (now scheduled for Dec. 4 and 5) to allow our campus – and our community – a chance to come together. The remembrance event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Alumni Amphitheatre.
- The December 6 Memorial Committee is hosting visioning sessions Nov. 12 and 13 for the campus community as part of its ongoing effort to develop a permanent memorial and healing garden to honor the victims of the Dec. 6 tragedy. Information shared during these sessions will help the committee create a space reflective of the collective voice of all who have been impacted. Visit the UNLV Strong events calendar for event details.
- There's still time to submit claims through the Rebel Recovery Mental Health Reimbursement Program. The program reimburses employees up to $1,500 for qualifying payments for mental health services, including deductibles, direct payments, co-insurance, and copays. The deadline for reimbursement claims is Jan. 1, 2025. Visit the program webpage for more details and to submit a reimbursement claim.
- UPD will offer its next Active Assailant training session on Nov. 13 at the University Gateway Building. These sessions offer helpful tips you can use to protect yourself and others in the event of an emergency, and it is a chance to learn about the training our officers undergo. Visit the UNLV Strong calendar entry for more details or to sign up. Campus units can also reach out to UPD directly to schedule small group sessions.
As I've shared many times throughout the year, we're all in different phases of recovery – and that's okay. The one-year mark may bring a range of emotions for all of us who were impacted, and it's a good time to check in on a colleague, friend, or classmate to see how they're doing. Also, remember that we have mental health and wellness support for those who need it, and a host of mindfulness and wellness activities scheduled throughout the remainder of the semester.
I've learned over the past year that the challenges we face should not be endured alone and that there's a collective power and healing that comes from sharing our joys, pains, triumphs, and struggles. I appreciate the immense contributions of so many on campus and beyond to our continuing recovery, and I'm so grateful to lead this university and to be a part of the UNLV family.
Warm Regards,
Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President