The Rebel Family
College is not only an exciting and transitional time in your student’s life – but in yours as well. As a family member, you are integral to your student’s experience and success here at UNLV. Visit our campus, join us for events, and welcome to the Rebel family.
We Are Here to Support Your Student’s Transition to College
Welcome to the Rebel Family! Whether you are a first-time or experienced college parent or family member, if you live across town, across the country, or around the globe, UNLV Family Programs is here for you.
As emerging adults, your student may look to you for advice and support, and you are not alone on this journey. We invite you to explore this page to learn more about programs, events, and campus resources that can assist your family during this period of transition.
Admitted Rebel Family Checklist
Before your newly admitted Rebel begins their UNLV journey, there are a few more items for you both to check off your to-do list.
Join the UNLV Family Network on Facebook
Through the Family Network, you’ll find resources, guidance, and encouragement. You’ll be able to connect with other families and the university through events, activities, and volunteer opportunities. Be sure to share your UNLV family photos, too!
Sign Up for the UNLV Family Hub
The UNLV Family Hub, created in partnership with CampusESP, is a platform designed to keep families informed, engaged, and connected like never before. It allows families to:
- Receive tailored updates via email, text, and the family portal. You can also sign up to receive our e-newsletter.
- Have a central hub for news, resources, and university updates.
- Get real-time notifications on important UNLV news through text message alerts.
- Connect and engage with other UNLV families through parent discussion boards
- Register, check in, and track campus events with ease.
Encourage Your Student to Review the First-Year Student Checklist
Help your student prepare for their first semester by reminding them to mark items off their checklist.
Programs and Events
Family Orientation
During Family Orientation, you will hear from inspiring speakers, learn about the resources available for your student, and receive information on how to help them prepare for a successful first semester. Our orientation team will also discuss how you and your student may be feeling about this new chapter in your student’s life.
UNLV Rebel Family Legacy Award
Celebrating families who embody the legacy, tradition, and spirit of UNLV.
The UNLV Rebel Family Legacy Award is a distinguished recognition presented by UNLV Family Programs to honor families whose extraordinary commitment, service, and engagement have made a lasting impact on the university and its community.
This award recognizes families who exemplify the highest ideals of the Rebel spirit through their continued dedication to UNLV. Honorees demonstrate a meaningful and enduring connection to the university and serve as outstanding ambassadors for the Rebel community.
Award recipients exemplify one or more of the following:
- Demonstrated a sustained and meaningful commitment to UNLV and its mission
- Has made contributions through service, volunteerism, or leadership
- Strengthened the UNLV community through meaningful partnerships and engagement
- Supported university programs, initiatives, traditions, and events
- Fostered connections between UNLV and the broader community
- Demonstrated exceptional Rebel pride and a commitment to celebrating and advancing the university
- Represented the values, traditions, and spirit that define what it means to be a Rebel
The UNLV Rebel Family Legacy Award is open to families with a meaningful connection to UNLV. This may include families with current students, alumni, parents, grandparents, or other family members who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the university.
More than an award, the Rebel Family Legacy Award celebrates the lasting influence families have on the UNLV community and recognizes those whose dedication continues to shape the university for generations to come.
Nominate your family or a family you know who exemplifies the Rebel spirit and has made a meaningful impact on UNLV.
Nominations close at the end of September.
Help us honor the families whose dedication, service, and Rebel spirit have left a lasting mark on UNLV.
UNLV Family Weekend 2026: A Weekend to Remember!
Family Weekend 2026 at UNLV was a tremendous success! From friendly competition and exciting game-day traditions to a memorable brunch, the UNLV Family Network brought families, students, and friends together for a weekend filled with connection, laughter, and Rebel pride.
UNLV Family Network Topgolf
We kicked off Family Weekend with our UNLV Family Network Topgolf event, welcoming more than 75 attendees for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship! Families enjoyed friendly golfing competition, made new friends, connected with other UNLV families, and indulged in delicious food and refreshing drinks.
For those taking a break from the golf bays, we had plenty of games and activities to enjoy, along with opportunities to win exciting prizes, including gift baskets, movie tickets, UNLV swag, and other special goodies. Whether guests were swinging for the perfect shot or cheering each other on, the evening was filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories. It was the perfect way to start an incredible Family Weekend!
UNLV Family Network Tailgate
The excitement continued Saturday with our UNLV Family Network Tailgate as the Rebels prepared to take on North Dakota State University! With hundreds gathered under one tent, our families and friends came together to celebrate their Rebel spirit and get energized for the big game.
The atmosphere was electric, featuring great music, excellent food, and even better company. Families enjoyed connecting with one another, sharing in the excitement of game day, and showing their support for UNLV. The tailgate was a wonderful reminder that being a Rebel is about more than the game, it's about the community, traditions, and connections that bring us all together!
UNLV Family Network Brunch
We wrapped up Family Weekend with a wonderful UNLV Family Network Brunch, providing students and their families with one final opportunity to connect before the start of a new week. Featuring a delicious meal prepared by the chef of Scarlet and Sage, the brunch offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families to relax, share a meal, and make the most of their remaining time together.
The fun continued with exciting bingo sessions and giveaways, including baskets filled with useful items, UNLV swag, and iPads! These special moments added even more excitement to an already memorable weekend. For many families, including those who traveled from out of state, the brunch was a meaningful opportunity to spend quality time with their students and say goodbye before heading home.
Thank You for an Amazing Family Weekend!
The UNLV Family Network extends a heartfelt thank-you to all the families, students, friends, and supporters who helped make Family Weekend 2026 such a success. Your enthusiasm, participation, and Rebel pride made this weekend truly special!
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for Spring Family Weekend 2027! Be sure to register early, as our events tend to sell out quickly.
Go Rebels!
UNLV Family Engagement Council – Stay Connected, Stay Involved
At UNLV, we believe family plays a crucial role in student success. The UNLV Family Engagement Council is your gateway to staying informed, connected, and actively involved in your student’s college journey. The council aims to:
- Build a supportive community for UNLV families
- Provide resources to help you guide your student’s success
- Organize events, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs
- Keep families informed through open communication and campus partnerships
Whether you want to connect with other Rebel families, volunteer at events, or simply stay engaged, we welcome you to be a part of our dynamic community! Applications will open back up in September.
UNLV Family Weekend
Spring Family Weekend 2026 was a huge success alongside UNLV Scarlet & Gray Days, bringing together over 70 parents and family members for a memorable afternoon hosted by UNLV Family Programs. Guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ, relaxed on the lawn with games and activities, and took home plenty of fun giveaways. The event also featured an exciting opportunity drawing that kept the energy high and families engaged throughout. It was a great way to celebrate the Rebel community and create lasting connections between families and campus life.
Get to Know UNLV: Webinars for Families and Students
UNLV Family Programs has put together a series of webinars designed for parents and families to give you valuable information about the many services available to support your student at UNLV.
These webinars have been pre recorded, so you can watch them at your convenience and view them as many times as you wish. Watch the series to gain in depth insights into these essential campus services and learn how to help your student make the most of everything UNLV has to offer.
Recordings
How to Support Your Student
Transitioning to college life can be daunting, and we encourage you to keep the lines of communication open with your student. As they gain independence and a new sense of self, it’s important to continue engaging in meaningful conversations. Your guidance can significantly impact their success and overall well-being.
It may be helpful to talk about your expectations of each other before the start of the semester. Consider discussing the following:
- How often should we touch base - daily, weekly, as needed?
- How do you prefer we communicate - texting, phone calls, video chats?
- How do you want me to be supportive of you throughout the year?
- Would you prefer heart-to-heart discussions or that I just listen?
- Are there particular types of decisions you may accept advice on?
- Should we set boundaries for specific topics?
During the year, checking in on your student’s health and well-being will also be important. Be sure to ask how they’re feeling. Are they excited and enjoying college, or are they anxious and concerned? Talk to them about seeking out resources if they’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed or even if they’re struggling with a particular course. The university has the support and resources they need to thrive.
Letters from Home
Write your student a letter from home! Your student will receive their letter sometime during their first semester. Let them know you're thinking of them and supporting them no matter where they are.
To participate, use our Letters from Home Stationery on your computer or mobile device. Save the file and email it to: parents@unlv.edu with your student's name and NSHE number.
Contact
Michael Pascua
Stephanie Cooper
