Let's Talk UNLV

This episode featured a discussion on the Barbershop Talk initiative, which aims to engage men of color in higher education. The program, initiated by Imani Patterson, has expanded to a monthly series involving Nevada State University, College of Southern Nevada, and the City of Las Vegas. The initiative includes free haircuts, food, and discussions on topics like cultural capital. Kendall Sanders, Sarah Taylor, and Sean Tory shared their experiences with similar programs at their institutions, highlighting the importance of building trust and community. The panel emphasized the need for collaboration and resource pooling to support male students effectively.

Stephanie Cooper, Executive Director of Student Support and Advocacy at UNLV, discusses the creation of her office, which aims to provide a centralized resource for students facing crises or insecurities. Cooper, who has been at UNLV for 18 years, emphasizes the importance of compassion and collaboration in her role. She highlights common student issues like food and housing insecurities and the success of the "How Can We Help" form, which responds to student queries within 48 hours. Cooper also mentions initiatives like pop-up pantries in dorms and the development of a larger student lounge. She stresses the importance of listening to students and building relationships across campus.

Dr. Sammie Scales interviews Peter Gatto, Director for Housing and Residential Life at UNLV. Gatto details his 16-year career in student affairs, highlighting his recent positions at Lamar University and FIU. His vision for UNLV involves expanding housing capacity to 5,000 beds and constructing a new first-year residence hall within 3-5 years. Plans include implementing themed communities as living-learning environments, increasing faculty presence, and launching the "Rebel Learning Lounge." Additionally, Gatto emphasizes emergency preparedness, citing past incidents at UNR and Lamar, and the importance of rapid response to student needs.

Dr. Jake Thompson, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at UNLV, discussed the university's new microcredentials program. Microcredentials are bite-sized, skill-specific credentials that can be for or not for credit. Examples include podcasting, DNA analysis, and hospitality management. These credentials are designed to enhance students' employability by certifying specific skills. Thompson emphasized the program's ease of access, with automatic enrollment and awarding upon completion of courses with a grade better than C. He also highlighted the integration of industry partnerships and the potential for stacking microcredentials into larger qualifications.

Dr. Chris Heavey, the new interim president of UNLV, discussed his background, including his PhD from UCLA and his return to Las Vegas in 1992. He emphasized AI's impact on higher education, advocating for a "brace AI" approach to empower students. Heavey highlighted UNLV's priorities: student success, efficient resource management, and community support. He mentioned the need for a new business building and a housing complex for freshmen. He also stressed the importance of mental health support and engagement for students. Heavey plans to balance administrative duties with his academic interests, particularly in mental health research.

In the "Let's Talk UNLV" podcast episode from May 11, 2025, hosts Dr. Sammie Scales and guests Makaylen and Kyle Broyard discuss the benefits of living on campus versus commuting. Michael, the Housing Operations Coordinator, highlights the convenience, support services, and community aspects of on-campus living, including theme floors for diverse student groups. Kyle, the Housing Assignments Coordinator, emphasizes the ease of room changes and the amenities like mail lockers and 24/7 staff. They also discuss the First Year Experience housing requirement and the value of dining plans. Both guests share their personal experiences and advice for incoming students.

The UNLV cultural celebrations for student success are set to begin on May 6 with the Lavender Celebration for LGBT graduating students, followed by the Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Celebration on May 8 and the Latinx Celebration on May 11. The African Heritage Celebration will be held on May 16, coinciding with the post-baccalaureate graduation. Each event allows up to five guests per student, except for the African Heritage Celebration, which allows two. Special guests and performances are featured at each event, and volunteers are needed for setup and ushering. The celebrations are student-centered and aim to recognize and honor the achievements of historically marginalized students.

Srishti Avesti, a graduate assistant at UNLV's Wellness Center, discussed the university's comprehensive wellness programs. She highlighted the wellness wheel, which includes eight dimensions: occupational, spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, social, financial, and environmental wellness. UNLV offers various resources, such as the Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Wellness Zone, which provides free wellness supplies and training. Avesti emphasized the importance of Narcan for opioid overdose prevention, fentanyl test strips, and free menstrual products to address period poverty. She also mentioned the availability of free condoms and massage chairs for students.

Monesia Hobbs, co-chair of the African Heritage Affinity Graduation Celebration at UNLV, discussed the significance of the event, which honors students with African heritage. The celebration, now in its 38th year, has evolved from an awards ceremony to a graduation event, emphasizing cultural elements like African drumming and elements of the Black Church. Hobbs highlighted the importance of recognizing students' achievements and providing a supportive community. She also mentioned the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Outstanding Student Award and the Thomas Wilson Community Service Award, which honor academic and community service excellence. The event will take place on May 16, 2025, at the Strip View Pavilion, following the traditional commencement ceremony.

Lisamarie Tomassetti, Program Coordinator for Residential Education at UNLV, discussed the benefits of on-campus living, including convenience, access to resources, and community engagement. She highlighted the "Rebel Ready Week" for new students, free programming funded by housing fees, and the role of RAs in fostering student success. Theme floors, such as engineering and fine arts, enhance academic engagement. Dining options include mandatory meal plans with various options, and security measures ensure student safety. Lisa also mentioned upcoming events like a scooter raffle and a banquet for housing staff. She emphasized the importance of early student involvement and the modernization of housing facilities.