Dear University Community,

It seems hard to believe, but we’re now entering the final stretch of the spring semester. As we prepare for the end of the semester and of the academic year, we remain committed to advancing our Rebel Recovery process.

Earlier this month, the state’s Interim Finance Committee met and approved a transfer of $2.6 million in American Rescue Plan funds to NSHE to support supplemental security staffing at UNLV and other Southern Nevada institutions. What this means for us is that we’ll be able to continue the services of our private security staff throughout the remainder of the calendar year. These individuals, who are prominent throughout our campus seven days a week with their bright yellow jackets, have enhanced our security presence and I am grateful that they’ll continue.

I’m incredibly thankful to Gov. Lombardo, our state legislators, NSHE Chancellor Patricia Charlton, and of course University Police Services and Director Adam Garcia for making this possible and for their dedication to our university.

Beam Hall Security and Operations

University leadership is continuing efforts to enhance the safety and security of Beam Hall as we anticipate hosting classes in the building this fall. We have been working closely with the two deans whose units use that building, and we are getting input from department chairs, faculty, and staff and outlining what additional measures can be taken to elevate security measures in the building.

This includes adding electronic access controls to elevators and requiring key cards to access floors three through five; limiting stairwell access so those doors can only be used as exits; installing additional security cameras in public areas of the first floor; and posting a security officer in the atrium of the building throughout the fall semester.

These initial efforts will be completed before Beam Hall would open again to the public and serve as a pilot for future enhancements to other campus buildings. As we continue our discussions with faculty, staff, and student leaders about the eventual reopening of Beam Hall for classes as soon as this fall, I want to make it clear that we’re doing so with care and concern for the physical and emotional needs of everyone who works in or visits the building.

These are difficult choices, and I am committed to ensuring that all voices are heard regarding this and all topics that are a part of our Rebel Recovery.

Next “All-Hands” Meeting on April 15

With that in mind, we’ll be hosting our next “all-hands” meeting for faculty and staff at 9 a.m. on April 15 in the Student Union Ballroom. Please note that this date has changed since my last message, and I encourage everyone to attend or view the event livestream. The discussion will be focused primarily on Rebel Recovery updates. Supervisors are asked to keep this time frame free of other meetings and commitments and, if possible, allow everyone who is interested to attend.

I continue to be impressed by the resiliency of our UNLV community. Throughout this spring semester, you’ve shown grace and compassion to one another. You’ve exhibited an understanding in your interactions with colleagues and students that we’re all at different stages of the recovery process – and that we’re all in this together. You show every day what it means to be UNLV Strong, and I truly thank you.

Warm regards,
President Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.