Dear University Community,
 
We’re now more than a month into the Fall 2024 semester at UNLV. As I’ve been out and about on campus in recent weeks, I’ve seen great energy and a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism from our faculty, staff, and students about our university, the path we are on, and what we can accomplish together this academic year.
 
Every day, I continue to think about our Rebel Recovery process. I have been contrasting the vibrancy I witness on campus with the context of knowing we have more to do to recover. I know that what is moving us forward is a strong sense of shared purpose.
 
As I shared earlier this month during our all-hands meeting, the concept of recovery means something different to everyone, and we need to continue to be respectful of one another and where each person is in their recovery and healing. Collectively as a university, I believe we’re getting better every day, and I thank all of you for your resiliency, your support of your fellow Rebels, and your suggestions about how we can continue to improve our campus. I’ve learned that there’s no single playbook for how to do this, and it will require all of us working together and supporting one another to get where we want to be.
 
There is a collective power that comes from sharing our joys, pains, struggles and triumphs. That power was on full display during the all-hands meeting on Sept. 10 when Provost Heavey and I had the pleasure of welcoming economics professor Daraboth “Bot” Rith back to UNLV. Bot was shot and seriously injured on Dec. 6, and his story of resilience and strength in the face of adversity is incredibly inspiring. Bot is now back on campus teaching four classes this fall, and I invite you to read (and watch a short video) about Bot’s inspiring journey back to UNLV.
 
Additional Rebel Recovery Updates

• The Dec. 6 Memorial Committee is now accepting applications for artwork to honor our colleagues who were victims of the Dec. 6 tragedy. The artwork will be installed at the entrance of Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH) to support healing, reflection, and recovery. The application is open to UNLV students, faculty, staff, and alumni, with submissions due by Oct. 23. More details are available on the UNLV Strong site.

• University Police Services (UPD) will offer its next Active Assailant training session on Oct. 15. The session will include an overview of the extensive training our UPD officers undergo, and helpful tips you can use to protect yourself and others in these situations. 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.

• Our community partners from the Resiliency & Justice Center continue to offer a host of support groups, pop-up events, and related sessions. All sessions are listed on the UNLV Strong calendar. Also, a reminder that Student Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free and confidential counseling and psychiatry services to UNLV students. If you are interested in CAPS services, call 702-895-3627 to schedule an initial consultation.

• Thank you to everyone who has updated their contact information in Workday (for employees) or MyUNLV (for students) this fall. If you haven’t already, please also check your emergency contacts on file – which are in the same areas on both Workday and MyUNLV – and please be sure you have the latest version of the RebelSAFE app installed on your phone.

• The Committee on Campus Security and Safety recently shared an interim report with preliminary options for consideration based upon the committee’s discussions, meetings with university specialists, and related feedback. Members of my leadership team and I are reviewing the interim report and researching feasibility and costs associated with the options for consideration – including how they align with our planned funding requests during the upcoming Nevada Legislative Session. The committee will be refining its report over the coming months, and as part of this process they will be seeking feedback from the university community through focus groups and a survey. Visit the committee webpage to learn more about its charge and to view the interim report.

Finally, as we approach the one-year mark since the Dec. 6 tragedy on our campus, the university is in the initial planning stages of a remembrance event on campus to reflect on the past year, honor those we lost, and to recognize the resilience, strength, and spirit of the UNLV family and our large community of supporters. We will share more information about the event as details are finalized.
 
Over the past 10 months, our community has come together for one another – checking in on colleagues and classmates to see how they’re doing, offering services and support for those in need, and proving time and time again what it means to be UNLV Strong. This is a truly special place, and it’s because of each and every one of you. Thank you. 

Warm Regards, 

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President