Back to school for UNR: Thousands have moved in to dorms; fall semester starts Monday

The University of Nevada, Reno said when school starts on Monday, on what is the start of the school's 150th anniversary, they expect nearly 20,000 students.

It mirrors last year's enrollment. But while enrollment for students from Nevada high schools is expected to drop, UNR said the number of out-of-state and international students has increased.

What you need to know

UNR launched interactive map : UNR now has an interactive map to help make navigating campus simpler. Users will have easy access to plot the fastest route to any location on campus. Users can find shortcuts to parking, dining options, emergency services and housing. The map can be found at map.unr.edu and can be accessed on smartphones and computers.

It's UNR's Sesquicentennial: Founded in 1874, UNR is celebrating its 150th year. The anniversary is officially Oct. 12, but UNR said events will be planned to celebrate throughout the school year. For more information on UNR's history and events go to www.unr.edu/celebrate150/timeline .

Freshmen have been on campus for a week : Thousands have already moved into one of UNR’s nine residence halls. While college courses don’t start until Monday, most of the freshmen class has been on campus all week. They are part of NevadaFit, a pre-college boot camp that helps students transition from high school to college.  UNR said it is one of only 30 universities across the country running a similar program. UNR said the program increases retention and GPA Returning students who have opted to live on campus move in on Aug. 23.

Free iPad : Every full-time first year or transfer student will receive an Apple iPad Air, Apple Pencil and Logitech Combo Keyboard Case through the Digital Wolf Pack Initiative.

New things to study

UNR said there are new programs starting this semester. They include:

The Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Minor in the Kinesiology Department in the School of Public Health offers student’s curriculum in outdoor leadership, recreation and stewardship. It positions graduates for careers in outdoor education and recreation economy. Courses include a range of field experiences and leadership opportunities in the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin and Lake Tahoe Region.

The Sustainability certificate provides students with an integrated, contemporary mastery of sustainability on the Lake Tahoe campus. Fall 2024 will focus on climate change and society impacts. Students will also take electives such as ocean geography, science communication, ethical theory and more.

UNR is now offering bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. programs in Industrial Engineering The focus of the degrees includes design, improvement and installation of integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment and energy.

Important dates

• Classes begin:  Monday, August 26
• Finals week begins:  Thursday, Dec. 12
• Classes end:  Wednesday, Dec. 18
• Winter Commencement:  Saturday, Dec. 7
• First Day of Spring semester: Tuesday, Jan. 21
• Spring Break: Saturday March 22 to Sunday March 30
• Spring Commencement: Thursday, May 15 to Saturday, May 17
• Spring Semester ends: Monday, May 19

The university is closed on these holidays

• Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day
• Friday, Oct. 25, Nevada Day
• Monday, Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day
• Thursday, Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day
• Friday, Nov 29, Family Day
• Wednesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day
• Wednesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day
• Monday, Jan 20, Martin Luther King Day
• Monday, Feb. 16 President’s Day

This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: Back to school for UNR: Thousands have moved in to dorms; fall semester starts Monday