Dear University Community,

The all too common news of mass shootings in schools – from K-12 to higher education institutions – rang true again last night as Michigan State University (MSU) was the latest setting of horrifying and senseless gun violence.

I am incredibly saddened and angered by these events, as I’m sure many of you are. And while many in our nation find inaction unacceptable in response to these crises, I remain hopeful that leadership will emerge that will implement functioning and sustainable solutions that can put an end to these pointless tragedies. 

I have been in contact with our University Police and I am reassured by their ongoing safety preparedness and continuous training. In the event of a campus emergency at UNLV, University Police will share timely text alerts with students and staff. I strongly encourage everyone to also download the RebelSAFE app, an additional resource that connects users directly with University Police and related campus safety services.  

UNLV stands in solidarity with the entire MSU community as we mourn the victims of this heartbreaking episode, and I extend my sincere condolences to everyone affected by this terrible act of violence. I also want to remind our students, staff, and faculty that UNLV has a number of resources available for all members of our university community feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or wanting to connect and talk. These resources can be accessed through UNLV’s online wellness portal. 

As we process this tragedy in the days and weeks to come, please look out for one another, ask a friend or colleague how they’re doing, and keep the MSU community in your thoughts. 

Warm regards,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President