LAS VEGAS - August 19, 2009 - Fall semester kicks-off at UNLV on Aug. 24, and with it comes one of the busiest times on the UNLV campus. To ensure that students, faculty, staff and campus visitors arrive safely and efficiently, UNLV offers the following parking tips:

o Know before you go: Parking and shuttle route maps are available online at http://parking.unlv.edu.

o Arrive early: Plan to arrive well before class time, particularly during the first weeks of school when campus parking lots will be most crowded.

o Park smart: The greatest number of available parking spots will be found in the Thomas & Mack Center lots (access from Tropicana or Swenson), the north parking garage (access from Cottage Grove or Claymont) and the new Tropicana parking garage (in the Thomas & Mack Center lot near the Cox Pavilion), which scheduled to open Aug. 24. The best bet during busy times will be to proceed directly to these areas.

o Use "The Ride": UNLV's air-conditioned shuttle operates Monday - Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

o Be patient: There are enough parking spaces to accommodate the needs of all on campus. Patience and cooperation are appreciated as the campus begins the new semester.

Electronic message boards will be posted at major entry points to campus during the first week of school, and university staff will be present to assist with traffic flow, directions and pedestrian safety. For additional information, call UNLV Parking Services at 895-1300 or visit http://parking.unlv.edu .