UNLV rolled out the scarlet carpet to welcome a record-breaking 3,500 new Rebels during Rebel Ready Week, a weeklong extended orientation series designed to help first-year, transfer, graduate, and online students connect with campus life, make friends, and get ready to embark on their academic journey.

In its third year, Rebel Ready Week creates an unforgettable start for incoming students. It’s grown so much over the past few years that many in the UNLV community chose to come together to help make it an even bigger success this year.

More than 150 presenters and 100 staff volunteers gave their time and expertise by leading informational breakout sessions, organizing community outreach activities, and hosting fun and exciting events like the President's Welcome Day BBQ and UNLV Creates.

“Rebel Ready Week is a high-impact campus tradition that helps our first-year students launch their UNLV journey with confidence and connection,” said Kate Korgan, acting executive vice president and provost. “Through all the engaging activities, students make friends, build a sense of belonging, and familiarize themselves with campus and student resources. All of this helps make students' transition into college smoother and less stressful, and provides a strong foundation for student retention and success."

Informational Breakout Sessions

Nearly 450 breakout sessions took place, including college kickoffs, keynotes, tours, and passport experiences. 

“What I really like about Rebel Week is the variety of activities they offer,” said Miguel Signori, a first-year marketing student. "They teach you a lot about how the campus operates, as well as the different classes and majors available. There are multiple sessions for each topic, so if you miss one day, you can attend another. Overall, I love learning about what my experience will be like."

On average, each student attended 15 sessions, engaging on academic, wellness, and community-building topics. And with accessibility in mind, more than 50 hybrid sessions made the experience possible for the nearly 400 students unable to attend in person. 

"Rebel Ready week has been great and very eventful. I've made new friends and met new people,” said Emeriah Griffin, a first-year theater arts student. “This experience also prepares us for college with the breakout sessions and gives us opportunities to join clubs and organizations. I think it's a great opportunity!"

Connecting with Community Through Service

Among the highlights was Rebel Ready Week’s first campuswide service project. On Wednesday, students participated in one of four group service projects, pooling their energy and creativity to make a real difference. These projects encouraged new Rebels to strengthen bonds while contributing meaningfully to causes in our surrounding community.

Savannah Baltera, director of new student orientation, transition, and family programs, said, "Service to UNLV and the broader Las Vegas community is a core value of our university, and it’s important that new Rebels understand they are part of something bigger from the very beginning. Our students were eager to make a difference — not only for their peers and community members, but even for our four-legged friends!" 

Crafting Comfort: Dog-Toy Project for Local Animal Rescues

One project involved bringing a new uses for old T-shirts donated by faculty, staff, and students.  

"We're making dog toys by braiding old donated T-shirts for the local animal shelters and rescue organizations. It's a lot of fun meeting new people and working together. It's been a blast!" shared Julius Kuttner, who is studying business and commercial real estate. 

Collectively, the group handcrafted over 1,000 dog toys, destined for three local nonprofit organizations:

• Connor and Millie’s Dog Rescue, which promotes the value of senior dogs and specializes in medically complex rescues.
• Animal Network, dedicated to finding homes for homeless and abandoned animals while supporting spay/neuter and microchipping programs.
• Pawtastic Friends, which provides training and enrichment to help dogs confidently transition to their furever homes.

Drop-offs were arranged for early September, ensuring that the toys would quickly find their way into the hands (and paws) of those who needed them most.

Filling Hearts Through Notes of Encouragement

Another group project focused on emotional support. Students wrote encouraging notes for users of the UNLV Food Pantry, an essential on-campus resource offering both perishable and non-perishable items to anyone in need.

“This service project means a lot to me. I actually started in the spring, and I volunteered at the food pantry last semester,” said Mykala Brown, a first-year hospitality student. “Everyone came in there with great energy while getting their food. I know sometimes it can be hard to get food, so I think that's a very good resource. I used it myself, and I'm just glad we had that opportunity.” 

Brown’s experience highlights the UNLV Food Pantry's important role in fostering community and support among students, reminding us all of the importance of giving back.

Recognizing the challenges faced by the international student community, students took part in UNLV Global’s “You Belong Here” letter-writing initiative. Students crafted letters of support to international students and scholars, affirming solidarity during uncertain times and reinforcing UNLV’s commitment to inclusion and compassion.

The result? Incoming Rebels wrote more than 1,500 letters of encouragement for students visiting the Food Pantry, attending Take What You Need events, and for members of UNLV’s international student population.

Button-Making for Future Rebels

In collaboration with the Office of Government and Community Engagement, students prepared supplies for the President’s Holiday Village, which will support children and families in need this December. Rebels had the opportunity to design and personalize their own buttons, which will be given to children attending the Holiday Village event in December

These creatively crafted buttons will be distributed to children visiting the President's Holiday Village event in December. 

“We believe that every child who steps foot on our campus embodies the spirit of a ‘future rebel,’” said Engagement Events Coordinator Kristina Ramos. “We want them to know that a college education is within their reach.”

Rebel Ready Week’s Group Service Projects offered new Rebels a powerful way to connect and contribute. Whether by crafting toys and supplies, writing supportive notes, or lending their voices to students in solidarity, participants demonstrated that being at UNLV isn’t just about academics: It’s also about making a difference through compassion, giving, and community outreach.

Rebels Get Creative at Creates

Rebel Ready Week wrapped up with UNLV Creates, the university’s annual welcoming ceremony and academic convocation at the Cox Pavilion, and the President’s Welcome Day BBQ, featuring music, food, and activities. These traditions helped showcase the best of UNLV, leaving new Rebels prepared and excited to start their careers at UNLV with confidence.

Check out some other highlights from this year’s Rebel Ready Week and meet some of our new Rebels!