UNLV's campus is one that's always evolving and changing. Thanks to a federal grant, Student Counseling and Psychological Services will be able to increase its staff in an effort to meet the growing demand of students in need of mental health services.

In another effort to improve campus wellness, the UNLV campus has become smoke-free. Meanwhile, sport fans will be able to view even more Rebels' sporting events thanks to the launch of a new network.

Below, read more about these changes that took place on campus in 2022.

Growing Demand for Mental Wellness Services

With increased demand for mental health services, Student Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is expanding its staff by nearly 65% this year.

"We have known for some time that demand for mental health care was outpacing or staffing levels, said Shauna Landis, CAPS director. "There's less stigma associated with seeking our services, and we've also increased our outreach and education, so several factors are driving the need."

Student wait times for non-crisis, first-time appointments stretched to two to three weeks during the busiest points in the semester, Landis said.

When fully staffed, CAPS will employ 21 counselors, two psychiatrists, two behavioral heath providers, two psychiatric nurses, and two wellness educators. Two counselors are now embedded in the residence halls and a satellite location will open at the Shadow Lane campus next summer.

Tune In to Rebel Sports

UNLV Athletics has a new home on television with FOX5’s launching of the Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network (SSSEN).

More than 100 Rebel contests across multiple sports program will be televised on the network during the 2022-23 season. The network is available over the air in Las Vegas on broadcast channel 5.2 as well as Cox channel 125 on cable. The selected telecasts that will be carried on SSSEN will be Mountain West Network broadcasts, originating from UNLV.

This partnership is the first of its kind between UNLV and a local station.

The partnership will further put a spotlight on UNLV Athletics, expanding the accessibility of its sports programs that have not traditionally received exposure on broadcast television.

Tobacco Use Goes Up in Smoke

UNLV's campuses, like a growing number around the country, are now officially smoke- and tobacco-free.

"It's no secret that smoking, vaping, and using tobacco have negative health impacts," said Shawn Gerstenberger, dean of the School of Public Health. "With 99% of smokers starting before the age of 27, college campuses are an important environment where we can educate students and prevent these behaviors before they begin."

The policy applies to students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and it prohibits all forms of smoking and use of electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and smokeless tobacco and cannabis products.