Dear Colleagues,

Last Friday, the Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve an 11% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in salaries for nearly all full-time academic and administrative faculty at NSHE institutions for Fiscal Year 2025, which will be implemented Oct. 1, 2024. The Board is scheduled to vote on a separate measure at a future date regarding academic faculty who work in the clinical practice of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine since the practice does not receive state funds. 

To finance the 11% COLA increase, the Board of Regents also voted to increase by 5% NSHE student registration fees, non-resident tuition, part-time non-resident tuition, and distance education tuition. Fifteen percent (15%) of the increased fees will be dedicated to student financial aid, consistent with Board policy, and the remainder will be used exclusively in support of the 11% salary increase. The Board also suspended merit increases for academic and administrative faculty in Fiscal Year 2025 due to the large COLA increase. 

I want to take this time to compliment the student leaders – and faculty – who participated in the public committee processes for their thoughtful insight in support of the COLA. Student leaders were clear in their message that great faculty matter and improve their overall college experience. While any registration increase is difficult, I know many students understand and appreciate the dedication of our faculty and staff, and their commitment to student success.  

I also want to thank the Board of Regents for its leadership related to the vote, and for recognizing the important contributions that our faculty and staff have made and continue to make to advance our university and our state. 

The 11% increase in Fiscal Year 2025 follows a 12% COLA increase in Fiscal Year 2024 for almost all professional employees. The Nevada State Legislature had previously approved a comparable COLA increase for Classified Staff last June.  

I remain thankful to faculty and staff for your steadfast commitment to UNLV and our mission. Let’s finish the semester strong, and I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season. 

Warm regards,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President