UNLV Rebels are gearing up to display their scarlet and gray pride as the fall semester kicks off Aug. 23. 

More than 30,000 new and returning students — including nearly 4,000 freshmen — are expected to converge on campus and online. Nearly 85% of first-year enrollees hail from Nevada, with students from California and Hawaii, respectively, comprising the next two largest populations. In light of a capacity redesign to add single rooms to accommodate pandemic precautions, dorms are expected to be full as UNLV welcomes more than 1,300 residents and unveils a new Fine Arts College-themed academic floor. 

After more than a year of mostly online and remote coursework, a majority of students will return to campus. The university will host several in-person events, including the traditional UNLV Premier celebration and a season opening football game at the new Allegiant Stadium.

Read on for information about several in-person events that are planned to mark the return to classes, as well as tips for navigating campus grounds and resources.

• In-person events: For a complete list, please visit the UNLV Welcome Weeks page or general UNLV calendar.
  • On Aug. 20, 23, and 24, volunteers will man AskMe! booths stationed around campus to answer student questions. 
  • Premier UNLV, an annual tradition featuring fireworks and the formation of a giant illuminated “UNLV” created by hundreds of students and alumni with flashlights, is set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Intramural Field.  
  • An Involvement Fair, where students can learn about hundreds of registered student organizations and Southern Nevada community groups, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 1
  • UNLV Football's first home game of the season kicks off at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 against Eastern Washington. 
• Cool classes: UNLV will kick off the new academic year with a host of new graduate programs, including an innovative master’s in intercollegiate and professional sport management to capture the energy of Southern Nevada’s sports surge; a highly anticipated new master’s in cybersecurity to address massive workforce needs; and a unique dual MBA/MD degree for incoming medical students that will give them a leg up in health care leadership.
• COVID precautions: In light of the ongoing pandemic, university administrators have moved about 40% of classes to remote instruction. CDC- and NSHE-mandated precautionary measures, such as a mandatory requirement to wear face coverings while inside buildings, are in place for the 60% of courses that will be offered in person. The university has added four dedicated staff members to offer COVID prevention education for residence hall occupants, and measures such as hand sanitizer stations, plexiglass barriers, and signage incorporated last year remain in place.
• Parking: Despite reduced on-campus capacity, returning after the pandemic hiatus might add to parking stresses for students, staff, and faculty who commute. This link offers tips for wielding your way through UNLV's maze of lots and garages and avoiding tickets, as well as provides updates on new parking construction.