Dear Campus Community,
As you are likely aware, an international Formula 1 (F1) racing event — the Las Vegas Grand Prix — is scheduled to run from Thursday, Nov. 16, through Saturday, Nov. 18.
This event is expected to significantly impact traffic and potentially disrupt our commuting routes to and from campus. Affected roads will begin a soft closure at 5 p.m. each of these days with a full closure from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. the next morning.
Guidance for Faculty Members and Instructors
We encourage faculty and instructors to continue holding daytime classes while exercising flexibility and demonstrating understanding toward students who may experience delays while traveling to campus. For those classes that meet after 3 p.m. on any of the race days, we suggest shifting classes to a virtual format or offering alternate assignments (e.g., a project or assignment related to the theme of the F1 event). Please communicate with your students as soon as possible and at least a week prior to the start of the F1 event to be sure they know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Note to Supervisors
Supervisors should allow Individuals to work remotely on race days (Nov. 16-18) if they can perform their job responsibilities or work assignments away from campus on those days. We also encourage supervisors to allow faculty and staff members to leave slightly earlier from their on-site duties, enabling them to complete their workdays remotely. If team members must be on-site for their work, please be understanding toward anyone who is late in arriving due to traffic congestion.
Although our guidance above is centered on the actual race days, it is possible that the entire week will present travel challenges for our students, faculty, and staff. Accordingly, we recommend a proactive and adaptable approach to ensure the continuity of our classes and campus operations throughout the week. Anticipating possible delays and considering alternative travel routes from the outset will minimize disruption.
Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate the local impacts of this major international event that will stimulate the economy and generate publicity for Las Vegas. Because the race will attract tens of thousands of visitors to our city and be broadcast on television, we hope it will also increase the visibility of UNLV.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your direct supervisor for additional guidance.
Warm regards,
Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
President
Chris L. Heavey, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President & Provost
Ericka Smith, Ph.D.
Vice President of Human Resources and Chief People Officer