Volume 139 | October 17, 2025

Business Affairs Bulletin

October 17, 2025

The inside scoop on the people and projects that support UNLV

In This Issue.....

  • October 29 Is Sustainability Day
  • Spotlight on Service
  • UNLV Students Take on a Hidden Bird Killer — Here’s What They Did
  • New Facilities Management Tool Makes Big Jobs Easier
  • Digital Badges Give UNLV Employees a New Way to Shine
  • Submit Notes of Gratitude to Recognize a Business Affairs Colleague
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • Costumes / Halloween reminder
  • Dates to Remember

October 29 Is Sustainability Day

Meepian Graphic

World Sustainability Day reminds us that even small actions can make a big difference. Observed each year on the last Wednesday of October, it’s a chance to reflect on how we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and create more sustainable workplaces and communities.


At UNLV, faculty, staff, and students can take simple steps to help our campus stay green and support sustainability:


  • Share the ride. Use the Carpool Connect app to find fellow Rebels with similar commutes.
  • Go electric. Try Vay short-term rental cars for quick, eco-friendly trips on and off campus.
  • Refill and repeat. Participate in Rebels Refill by using reusable water bottles and scanning refills to support clean water projects worldwide.
  • Recycle right. Follow updated office recycling guidelines to keep bins clean and contamination-free.
  • Stay engaged. Learn about UNLV’s role in the Carnegie Sustainability Classification pilot and how it helps shape long-term sustainability goals.


Read more on the UNLV News Center to see how you can take part in building a campus culture of sustainability.


Spotlight on Service

UNLV Values We Make It Happen. Out values guide our decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel Spirit. Access and Equity. Excellence and Integrity. Compassion and Inclusion. Collaboration and Stewardship.

In October 2024, we distributed our annual Business Affairs customer service survey. Many of our campus colleagues replied to the survey with notes of praise for our hard-working teams. See below for some highlights for Rebel Recycling and Sustainability.


“You can tell it's more than just a job for Tara. She cares and believes in what she is doing. Thank you for what you do for us and the future.”


“Rebel CAP is a gigantic step forward for the university... Keep it up!”


“Great crew that comes on Friday's, pulls all our containers and they are in and out with a smile and quick, “Hi!”

UNLV Students Take on a Hidden Bird Killer — Here’s What They Did

KTNV

Our Facilities Management team, including Michael Bailey and Garrett Hedges, partnered with UNLV’s Birding and Conservation Club to install vinyl dot screens on campus buildings, helping reduce bird-window collisions and protect local wildlife. The project highlights our staff’s commitment to sustainability and support for student-led initiatives. Learn more on KTNV.

New Facilities Management Tool Makes Big Jobs Easier

Tall telehandler tool reaching over a UNLV building

Jimmer Drollinger

Facilities Management (FM) has a new go-to tool, and it’s already making a big difference. The telehandler, a versatile piece of heavy equipment that acts like a hybrid between a forklift and a crane, has given FM the ability to handle big jobs in-house that once required outside contractors. It has been used to lift large air-conditioning equipment, tools, and support systems onto rooftops and other hard-to-reach locations.


The machine makes the team’s work more efficient and safe. The HVAC team says that without it, they would be relying on expensive crane rentals or other services for these unique situations.


Beyond the big jobs, the telehandler has even helped with everyday logistics. FM now stores air-conditioning units on top of storage containers instead of on the ground, which frees up valuable yard space and reduces the likelihood of theft.


“This piece of equipment has quickly become invaluable to our operations,” said Don Johnson, assistant director of FM. “It saves time, money, and helps keep our team safe while improving what we can deliver for campus.”


It may not grab headlines like a new building, but for FM, the telehandler is a trusted teammate that helps them get the job done.

Digital Badges Give UNLV Employees a New Way to Shine

Visiting lecturer Natasha Mosby instructs a class of adult learners

Josh Hawkins/UNLV

Human Resources’ digital badge program empowers employees to showcase their skills and accomplishments.


Through opportunities like the Accessibility Ambassador Academy, where Business Affairs employees learn to create accessible digital content, faculty and staff can build new expertise and advance their careers.


Read more on the UNLV News Center to learn how these badges are supporting employee development.  

Submit Notes of Gratitude to Recognize a Business Affairs Colleague

UNLV students in front of the bookstore making heart hands and LV hands

Becca Schwartz\UNLV

November is National Gratitude Month and a great time to recognize our fellow Business Affairs team members. Submit notes of gratitude through Rebel Applause by 5 p.m. on Nov. 14 to let your colleagues know how much you appreciate them.


All recognitions submitted during this timeframe will be featured in the November 21 edition of the Business Affairs Bulletin and entered into a drawing for Business Affairs swag items.


Five winners will be selected at random. You can submit as many notes as you’d like. All UNLV employees have a Rebel Applause account and can access the system using their ACE ID.


Rebel Applause also offers an option for those on the go. You can download the Rebel Applause progressive web app to your phone. Visit the Awardco website to learn more. 


Email Heather Ortiz or Liz Davis with any questions. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2025

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October since 1985, is a global campaign to increase understanding of breast cancer, promote prevention, and emphasize the importance of early detection. The month is dedicated to educating the public about risk factors, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting those affected by the disease. 


It is also a time to recognize advancements in treatment and research, honor survivors, show support for those currently fighting, remember loved ones, and bring communities together through events, fundraisers, and acts of solidarity that inspire hope and progress toward a cure.


You can show support by participating in local walks and fundraisers, donating to research and awareness organizations, or showing solidarity by wearing pink. 


You can learn more and get involved through Susan G. Komen, the American Cancer Society, or Breastcancer.org.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

You deserve to feel safe. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A woman crying as she holds up a mask of her own face that looks happy.

Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, background, or circumstance. This month, UNLV reaffirms its commitment to supporting survivors and fostering a culture of safety and respect across our campus.


Faculty and staff can help by learning to recognize the signs of abuse, sharing available resources, and offering compassion to those who may be struggling.


If you or someone you know needs support, contact The Care Center at 702-895-0602 or visit The Care Center website.

Halloween Celebrations and Costumes

UNLV letters in front of a stack of pumpkins and shrouded in fake smoke

Becca Schwartz\UNLV

The spookiest time of year is almost here! Be sure to read the following information to help you prepare for department celebrations. 


Costume and Decorative Makeup Guidelines

While there are no formal UNLV policies about costumes or decorative makeup, departments should establish standards that promote safety and allow daily operations to continue. Guidelines include:


  • Masks that cover the entire face or head can impede vision and may cause a safety hazard, particularly in emergency situations. Safety should always be the top priority when celebrating a holiday.
  • Employees should check with their supervisor to make sure they have permission to wear costumes/makeup
  • Costumes should be comfortable and able to be changed in and out of quickly
  • Faux/replica weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited
  • Show respect for all cultures in costume choices 
  • No offensive language or symbols
  • Avoid costumes that allude to social, political, or religious issues as well as costumes that are too revealing


If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. 



Decor and Costume Photos

If your team is dressing up and / or decorating your workspace, please take pictures and send them to Jessie Devine.


We will include them in a future edition of the Business Affairs Bulletin.


Have a Happy and safe Halloween!

Dates to Remember

  • Oct. 31: Halloween / Nevada Day - enjoy your day off!