We know engaging with FYE programs makes a big impact on student success. To reward your participation, we created the FYE Connection Award which provides $250 scholarships to 10 new-to-UNLV students each fall and spring semester. Eligible students can gain up to 10 entries for attending qualified FYE experiences throughout each semester.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the FYE Connection Award, you must meet the following criteria:

Contact fye@unlv.edu with any questions.

Qualifying FYE Experiences

Earn entries for the FYE Connection Award by participating in any of the experiences listed below. Be sure to use our FYE Connection Award Self Report Form to note your attendance and feedback.

To maximize your personalized FYE, we encourage you to choose one to two experiences in each of the five areas (connect, explore, grow, thrive, and believe). Note that some experiences may count in multiple areas.

Scheduled Events

  • Nov. 4, 2026 - 4:00pm - 5:00pm: Food for Thought: Cancel Culture

    Food for Thought is a series of meet-ups - approximately twice a month - for students to practice their dialogue skills over a shared meal.

    This event brings together diverse perspectives to engage in dialogue about complex topics by sharing viewpoints, listening openly, and working to understand one another. The goal is not consensus; it is shared learning.

  • Nov. 4, 2026 - 5:45pm - 8:30pm: Hula & Lei Making Workshop

    Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that expresses stories through graceful movements and chants. Join us to learn more about this celebration of nature, history, and spirit.

  • Nov. 5, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm: Between the Lines: Native American History Month

    Create, reflect, and reconnect with the world around you for American Indian and Alaska Native heritage month. Through nature-inspired crafts and activities (like aromatherapy, nature journaling, pressed-flower bookmarks, and more), explore nature, animals, and the human Impact on the planet while reflecting on our relationships with the land, our communities, and one another.

  • Nov. 10, 2026 - 1:00pm - 1:45pm: Money Talk: How to Start Investing

    Investing can feel intimidating, especially when you are balancing classes, work, and everyday college expenses. However, you do not need to be a finance expert or have thousands of dollars to get started. Join us for an approachable, jargon-free conversation with a financial professional about the basics of investing.

  • Nov. 12, 2026 - 7:00am - 9:00am: Turkey Trot 5k

    Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Turkey Trot! We will be giving away eight holiday baskets, and each participant will get a T-shirt. Come down and participate either by running, jogging, walking, or rolling your way through campus.

  • Nov. 18, 2026 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm: They Said What?! From Shock to Talk: A Courageous Dialogue Workshop

    Are you sometimes unsure what to say when someone else says something you disagree with?

    Come practice the skills and principles for engaging in impactful conversation when things get difficult.

    Free food provided and opportunity to win prizes! No previous experience necessary.

  • Nov. 20, 2026 - 9:00am - 3:00pm: Fall 2026 Undergraduate Symposium

    Co-sponsored by Dr. William W. Sullivan Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO) and the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Undergraduate Research Symposium provides students with the opportunity to present their research and research constructive feedback. Each spring and fall semester, undergraduate students share their work with the campus through poster presentations, oral presentations, and performances/exhibitions.

  • Nov. 24, 2026 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm: Journaling for Wellbeing: Design Your Journal, Design Your Wellbeing

    Take a break from the hustle of the semester and invest in your well-being through creativity and self-reflection. Join us to design and personalize your own journal while learning how journaling can support stress management, emotional well-being, goal setting, gratitude, and personal growth. Explore simple, evidence-informed journaling techniques through interactive prompts and leave with a personalized journal and practical strategies you can use long after the event.

    All supplies and snacks will be available while supplies last.

  • Nov. 30, 2026 - 10:00am - 4:00pm: Lofi Study Lounge

    Are you in search of the perfect ambiance to boost your focus during study week? Look no further! Join us at the Lied Library for a serene and productive study session at the Lofi Study Lounge.

    Study individually or with a group, all students welcome. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.

  • Nov. 30, 2026 - 5:00pm - 6:00pm: FYE- First 100 Days Celebration

    Join the UNLV community to celebrate and recognize our new students and the completion of their first 100 days at UNLV.

    This event will include faculty and staff remarks, serve as the completion of the FYE Connection Award, offer words of congratulations from across campus, offer a preview for what's to come for the upcoming semester, and finish with a toast.

    We cannot wait to celebrate all new students as they reach this important milestone - see you there!

  • Nov 12: Turkey Trot 5k
    7:00am

    Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Turkey Trot! We will be giving away eight holiday baskets, and each participant will get a T-shirt. Come down and participate either by running, jogging, walking, or…

  • Nov 20: Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium
    9:00am

    Co-sponsored by Dr. William W. Sullivan Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO) and the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Undergraduate Research Symposium provides students with the opportunity to present…

  • Dec 03: Rebel Wonderland
    6:00pm

    Join REB for our annual Rebel Wonderland event! Come join us to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season continue this tradition at UNLV with free food, activities, and more.

  • Dec 07: College of Liberal Arts Fall Service Project
    8:00am

    The College of Liberal Arts (COLA) fall service project is an opportunity for all UNLV students to give back to the greater Las Vegas community. Working with the Just One Project, we help with their mission of making sure…

  • Nov 10: Money Talk: How to Start Investing
    1:00pm

    Investing can feel intimidating, especially when you are balancing classes, work, and everyday college expenses. However, you do not need to be a finance expert or have thousands of dollars to get started. Join us for an…

  • Nov 04: Hula & Lei Making Workshop
    5:45pm

    Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that expresses stories through graceful movements and chants. Join us to learn more about this celebration of nature, history, and spirit.

  • Nov 24: Journaling for Wellbeing: Design Your Journal, Design Your Wellbeing
    12:00pm

    Take a break from the hustle of the semester and invest in your well-being through creativity and self-reflection. Join us to design and personalize your own journal while learning how journaling can support stress…

  • Nov 30: Lofi Study Lounge
    10:00am

    Are you in search of the perfect ambiance to boost your focus during study week? Look no further! Join us at the Lied Library for a serene and productive study session at the Lofi Study Lounge. Study individually or with a…

  • Nov 30: FYE- First 100 Days Celebration
    5:00pm

    Join the UNLV community to celebrate and recognize our new students and the completion of their first 100 days at UNLV. This event will include faculty and staff remarks, serve as the completion of the FYE Connection Award,…

  • Dec 02: First- & Second-Year Seminar Symposium
    8:30am

    Join students from across UNLV as they showcase their research, creative work, and community-based projects, demonstrating how hands-on, high-impact learning shapes the first two years of college. Come get inspired, support…

Anytime Experiences

Anytime experiences are activities that you can complete according to your schedule or recurring university events that can count towards entries for the FYE Connection Award. Choose experiences that align with your goals and will support your success.

Attend a UNLV Athletics Event

Cheer on your fellow Rebels at a UNLV athletics event. Note that attendance at a UNLV Athletics event can only be used for one entry.

Attend an FYE Connection Award Experience (Virtual or In-Person) With Your Peer Mentor 

Connect with your Peer Mentor to identify an event you are both interested in.

Attend Office Hours For A Current Professor

Connect with your current professors for their office hour availability, which is listed on your course syllabus. Attending office hours is a great way to build a strong connection and relationship with your faculty members.

Meet With Your Academic Advisor to Discuss/Plan Classes

Connect with your advisor in your college/program. Contact FYE if you do not know who your advisor is.

Participate in a FYE Webcampus/Canvas Success Hub Discussion

Log into the FYE Webcampus/Canvas Success Hub and click on “Discussions” to contribute to ongoing conversations.

Participate in the Career Services Webcampus Module (Transfer Students Only)

The Career Services Webcampus module can be found in the FYE Webcampus Hub. You’re encouraged to connect with the Career Services team after you review the module for your next steps in transfer success in career readiness.

Visit the Academic Success Center

Connect with the FYE Team or Success Coaches in the Academic Success Center (ASC) for any questions or support during your first year at UNLV!  The ASC offers or refers students to programs and resources such as advising, career exploration, tutoring, and more.

Visit the Jean Nidetch Care Center

Connect with the Jean Nidetch Care Center to learn about the confidential support and resources available to students impacted by power-based violence. Whether you need emotional support, safety planning, or help navigating campus resources, their team is here for you. The Care Center also offers free resources like safer sex kits, period care products, a lactation space, and more. 

Activate Your UNLV Handshake Account

Visit the Handshake portal to activate your account with Career Services for job, internship searching and more!.

Attend an Academic Speaker Series Presentation In Any College On Campus

Keep an eye out on the UNLV Calendar to see when an academic speaker series presentation will be hosted by a UNLV college.

Attend a Makerspace Orientation (Located in the Lied Library 1st Floor)

The Makerspace is a multidisciplinary space dedicated to exploration supported by both emerging technology and traditional equipment. The orientation is an introduction to the space, equipment, and safety procedures of the Makerspace. In order to successfully complete the orientation and be eligible to use the Makerspace, a user agreement must be signed to have access to the space in the future. To schedule an orientation session, please click here.

Explore New Worlds in VR (Virtual Reality) at Dreamscape Learn

Experience the Dreamscape Learn Free Roam Pod and explore how immersive VR brings learning, adventure, and discovery to life. Check out Dreamscape Learn on the 2nd Floor of Lied Library.

Attend an It's Just Coffee Series

Hosted by Service Learning & Leadership, where once a month students practice their dialogue skills in a low-stakes environment. Each month will offer a different topic to explore together. The goal is to practice sharing their point of view, listening openly, and working to understand each other; the goal is not consensus, it is shared learning.

Participate During Careers Week!

From 09/21-09/24, at the BEH Interior Courtyard from 9 am-5 pm. Questions? Email: leecareers@unlv.edu.

Visit Career Services

Meet with a Career Coach to discuss all things career related, from writing resumes to mock interviews. Set up an appointment via Handshake!

Attend a Study Abroad Information Session

Explore what the Study Abroad process looks like for a UNLV student. Figure out funding/financial aid opportunities, how to find coursework for your major, and next steps. Attending an info session required for all students planning on studying abroad. Register for a session here!

Visit the UNLV Writing Center!

Stop by the Writing Center in the Campus Resource Center (CRC), Room 216, to learn more about how we can support you throughout your time at UNLV. Take a tour of our space, meet our friendly staff, learn about our different consultation modalities, peruse our handouts library, and check out our cool compact dictionary - you'll need a magnifying glass to read it!

Attend a Campus Recreational Services Group Fitness Class

Campus Recreational Services offers various free fitness classes. All you need is to be taking four (4) or more credits and your Rebel Card to enter. Classes included but are not limited to yoga, Zumba, strength and conditioning, cycling, boxing, barre, pilates, taekwondo, full-body cardio, hatha yoga, and more. Visit the Group Fitness Classes page for more information.

Attend a Campus Recreational Services Outdoor Adventure Trip

Outdoor Adventure Trips offer thrilling experiences, natural wonders, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping challenges or serene nature escapes, their trips cater to diverse interests and passions. Step outside your comfort zone, embrace the outdoors, and create lifelong memories. Visit the Outdoor Trips page for more information.

Create an Account on the YOU @ UNLV Wellness App

This app can assist you in achieving and supporting your Wellness and goals at UNLV! Visit the You @ UNLV page for more information.

Complete Course Registration For Next Semester

Once you’ve completed course registration for next semester, tag @fyeunlv on a fun social media post. Remember to not share your schedule publicly!

Visit the Rebel Learning Lounge

Looking for academic support in the evening? Stop by the Rebel Learning Lounge Sunday through Thursday from 5–8 p.m. for tutoring, success coaching, and peer mentoring—located on the first floor of the South Services Building.

For the most up-to-date listing of scholarship eligible FYE events/experiences, login to your RebelMail account and add the FYE Calendar to your Google Calendar.