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 Rebel Family Legacy Award
UNLV Family Weekend | October 9–11, 2026
UNLV FAMILY GOLF NIGHT | TOPGOLF
Friday, October 9 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Get ready to tee it up with UNLV Family Programs during Family Weekend! Join us at Topgolf at MGM Grand for an unforgettable evening filled with golf, food, games, prizes, exclusive UNLV swag, and plenty of Rebel spirit. Tickets are $40 per person and include golfing, food, exclusive swag, and access to fun games and activities in our private event space, with opportunities to win prizes throughout the evening. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or picking up a club for the first time, this is a great opportunity to relax, have fun, and connect with fellow Rebel families. Space is limited to just 50 participants, so don’t miss your chance to join us!
UNLV FAMILY WEEKEND TAILGATE PARTY
Saturday, October 10 | 1:00–3:30 PM
Allegiant Stadium | Lot C
Get Ready to Rebel!
Kick off Homecoming with a high-energy pregame celebration before the Rebels take on North Dakota State University! Join UNLV Family Programs at Allegiant Stadium’s Lot C for an afternoon featuring an all-you-can-eat spread, open bar, music, and your ticket to the Homecoming game. Ticket options range from $81.29 to $144.68 and include Endzone High, Endzone, Corner High, and Sideline Club 3 seating. Student tickets are also available for just $15. Parking is not included with any ticket. Ticket sales end October 2, so rally your family, grab your tickets, wear your scarlet and gray, and get ready to bring the energy as we send our Rebels into Homecoming!
Family Tickets Student Tickets
UNLV FAMILY WEEKEND BRUNCH
Sunday, October 11 | 10:00–11:30 AM
Scarlet Sage | Student Union, 1st Floor
End Family Weekend on a High Note!
Close out an unforgettable Family Weekend with a relaxing morning at Scarlet Sage! Join fellow Rebel families for a delicious brunch, meaningful time together, and one final opportunity to celebrate the UNLV family before heading home. Tickets are $20 per person and include exclusive UNLV swag. UNLV students may use Dining Dollars for admission. Space is limited to just 75 guests, so reserve your spot and join us for the perfect finale to Family Weekend!
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
Savannah Baltera
