We are extremely excited about the start of the fall semester. This is a time of heightened expectations and possibilities for all members of our campus communities. 

For some, these are the first new and exciting days of being a student, faculty, or staff member. For those returning, this time of year signals a renewal of a personal and professional commitment to the transformative value of the work of our two great universities. 

We welcome all these experiences and wish to reaffirm our belief in the free, peaceful exchange of ideas that are at the heart of our institutional missions. We firmly believe that our universities — because of our people and their ability to show care, compassion, and understanding for one another — can provide a model of cooperation and collaboration during a time in our nation’s history that is not without great challenges. 

The start of the new academic year coincides with our country’s presidential election season, as well as ongoing war and conflicts throughout the world. As part of our system of democracy, guests may visit our public campuses and express their views and opinions and try to engage our students or other members of our university communities. 

Both of our universities need to be seen for what they are: places where constructive engagement is practiced; where reflection and civil discourse are valued; where there is a premium placed on dialogue that is not one-sided or threatening, but rather is rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Too often in our country today, there is no willingness to hear other perspectives and in the most extreme cases, protests turn violent. We do not want that to happen. 

It is imperative that our students, faculty, and staff – as well as visitors – feel safe whenever they are on our campus. We fully support freedom of speech on our campuses; however, we need to be mindful that not all free speech is absolute. Any speech that threatens or directs hate toward any individuals or groups of people is contrary to our institutional values. 

We have a busy semester ahead of us. We know that as we pursue the ideals of free and peaceful expression, there must be an ongoing effort by all of us to disseminate these values throughout our campuses. An environment where we are cognizant of our own beliefs as well as the beliefs of others makes us a stronger community. Be heard and listen to what others are trying to say. 

If you have not already, we also encourage you to register to vote. The ability to vote for our elected officials in free and fair elections is a founding principle of our country’s democracy and a standard bearer for other democracies. 

Let us have a productive and safe academic year. 

Go Rebels! Go Pack!

Keith E. Whitfield
President, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Brian Sandoval
President, University of Nevada, Reno