As UCLA navigates budget reductions and operational change, managers are essential to sustaining excellence by prioritizing what matters most, stewarding resources responsibly, and leading with empathy and focus.

Effective leadership extends beyond managing direct reports; it also encompasses the ability to cultivate strong relationships with senior leaders. "Managing up" can significantly contribute to a more collaborative and successful workplace.

At the heart of any thriving community is a commitment to creating an environment where every individual feels seen, supported and empowered. One of the most powerful — and often overlooked — ways to foster that spirit is through volunteering.

For the seventh consecutive year, UCLA has claimed the top spot on Niche.com’s list of Best College Food in America, a title the university has earned nine out of the past 10 years. The rankings are primarily based on student surveys, with meal plan affordability also factored into the score. 

At a time when departments across UCLA are being asked to do more with less, it’s never been more important to find ways to work smarter, not just harder. The Lean Scene, a new recurring feature, highlights lean management and continuous process improvement.  Try out a tool, apply a concept, or share what you’re already doing for possible future articles.

Last fall, Bruins submitted project ideas exploring how AI could enhance education, streamline operations and improve campus life. Roughly 70 proposals were approved for development, including those from Dr. W. Scott Comulada, Nicole Lim and undergrad Wanxin Xiao. Lessons learned are helping to inform UCLA’s campus AI strategy.

Bonny Bentzin, Raquel Lopez and Emily Tunteri were honored for their work and commitment to embodying the values that define our campus community. Do you know an eligible UCLA Administration employee who exemplifies True Bruin Values? Nominations for the next round of awards close Sept. 30. 

Program aligns mid-level leadership development with future organizational strategy and direction, focusing on the core skills of self-awareness, business insight, people orientation and business results. Members participate in learning sessions, personal assessments and presentations from UCLA Administration units.

Teams in UCLA Administration are busy putting the finishing touches on several educational campaigns geared to students, faculty and staff that will be rolled out this fall. Among them are Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which kicks off with a campus tabling event on Oct. 1, and Sustainable Transportation Month, which features pop-up events on Oct. 6, 7 and 8. 

UCLA employees have access to a wide range of exclusive benefits. Delivered by departments that comprise UCLA Administration, they include free LinkedIn Learning accounts, a free four-part course on artificial intelligence, discounts on events, entertainment and transportation, and an exclusive offer on leisure stays at UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge. 

Envisioned as an employee recruitment and retention incentive for UCLA's essential workers, this transit pass subsidy is based on salary. Modeled after health insurance coverage priced by income level, the Tier 1 program offers a free quarterly pass to employees earning up to $68,000.

In times when some are casting doubt on the value of higher education, it is critical to remember that our mission is a powerful force for good in the world. What we discover and create at UCLA leads to medical breakthroughs, economic advancement, improved national security and greater global competitiveness. 

UCLA is navigating a period of financial pressure that calls for thoughtful and strategic action. The plans outlined in our 2023–28 Strategic Plan recognize the need to transform how we deliver services to better support our mission of education. Goal 5 — strengthening institutional effectiveness — remains a cornerstone of our future.

A preliminary planning budget to explore developing 901 Levering Ave has been approved. $8.75 million from housing reserves to support schematic design, environmental review and early planning efforts for a high-rise residential complex that, if approved, will add accommodations for 1,130 undergraduate students.

When faced with dynamic and ongoing challenges, leaders must effectively navigate and guide during these complex situations. This includes managing change and building resistance.

Public service is a powerful way to reconnect with others and with your purpose. Getting started is easier than you think. 

Understanding the language behind community engagement helps foster deeper connections and more meaningful participation. Here are key terms:

Community engagement and service are at the heart of fulfilling UCLA’s mission of bettering global society. Here are just a few ways to get involved.

This curated list of upcoming events and observances highlights key moments that celebrate inclusion, promote equity and encourage dialogue across differences. 

Thriving communities create environments where individuals feel seen, supported and empowered. One way to foster that spirit is through volunteering.

Developing skills and fostering growth are essential to maintaining productivity and high engagement. Various certificates and professional development opportunities are available through Campus Human Resources.

Organizational Effectiveness and Development (OED) has officially launched its Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt course—a cornerstone of UCLA’s Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) program. Designed for staff and faculty, the course equips participants with practical tools to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen decision-making across the university.

At UCLA, education extends beyond the classroom — it includes fostering sustainable habits among students, faculty, and staff. In celebration of Earth Day this April, the Zero Waste team from Facilities Management hosted an outreach event at Wilson Plaza to promote proper waste sorting and support UCLA’s goal of diverting waste from landfills through recycling and composting.

Bruins were recently encouraged to attend one or more educational demonstrations, workshops and other events designed to further create a stronger culture of campus safety and well-being. All events were organized by UCLA Environment, Health and Safety and were free and open to UCLA students, faculty and staff. 

UCLA staff and technologists recently gathered at Royce Hall for the 2025 BruinTech Spring Conference, an energizing day of connection, reflection and shared purpose centered around the theme “Becoming a More Effective Institution,” one of UCLA’s key strategic goals. Interested in joining the BruinTech community? Learn more and get involved.

With the increased use—and occasional misuse—of personal scooters on the UCLA campus, UCLA Transportation and the UCLA Office of Campus and Community Safety have launched a new, hard-hitting ad campaign. Highlighting the potential consequences of irresponsible riding, the campaign aims to build a culture of respect, awareness and accountability among scooter users.

Chansoth Hill has been named senior director of the Olympic and Paralympic Village through 2028. In addition to overseeing 12 sub-committees, a key focus of her role will be ensuring UCLA meets its commitments for the Village while minimizing disruptions to campus operations. During this period, Bill Sweeney will serve as acting director of the UCLA Events Office.

Five outstanding UCLA employees were recently honored by the UCLA Administrative Management Group at its annual Excellence Awards ceremony. Among them was Samantha Hamman, senior project manager lead, UCLA Digital and Technology Solutions, who received the Rising Star Award.

Mental health resources in the workplace are crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. They ensure that all employees, regardless of their background, have access to the support they need to maintain their well-being and productivity. UCLA has a variety of resources for employees to access, if, and when, needed. 

The launch of Digital and Technology Solutions is a first-of-its-kind undertaking. In addition to strengthening the foundation of campus technology and advancing UCLA’s five-year strategic plan, the establishment of this department will help reduce operational complexity, strengthen collaboration and empower innovation with technology.

With the arrival of our new chancellor and recent shifts in federal education policy, UCLA Administration has taken a fresh look at our Campus Strategic Plan, particularly Goal 5. To stay effective and sustainable, we’re strengthening our core operations inhuman resources, finance and technology and looking to expand shared services.

As a manager, your role in supporting new supervisors is not just helpful—it’s essential. Here's how you can create a powerful foundation for leadership growth.

Mental health is key to overall well-being. Small daily habits—like getting enough sleep, moving your body, setting manageable goals, staying connected, practicing mindfulness and seeking professional help—can build resilience and improve mood. These steps, though simple, create lasting positive momentum for maintaining and enhancing your mental health over time.

In addition to UCLA resources, free mental health tools are available from NAMI, MHA, Active Minds and The Trevor Project. LinkedIn Learning and TED Talks offer expert-led courses and talks on stress, resilience and mental wellness. These resources support personal growth, awareness and inclusive mental health conversations for all.

Using inclusive language helps reduce the stigma around mental health. Avoid using clinical terms like “OCD” or “depressed” to describe everyday moods, as this minimizes real conditions. People-first language—such as “a person with ADHD”—respects individuals’ identities and promotes a more supportive, understanding and welcoming environment for everyone.

Spring and summer in Los Angeles bring vibrant celebrations and cultural events—from Mental Health Awareness Month and Pride festivals to Juneteenth and the LA County Fair. Explore art, music, food and wellness activities across the city, honoring vibrant communities and embracing the season’s energy, creativity and connection.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, spotlighting the importance of mental well-being and early intervention. With 1 in 7 Californians experiencing mental illness, UCLA offers vital support through the Faculty and Staff Counseling Center and behavioral health benefits. These resources ensure accessible, confidential care for all employees, promoting a healthier workplace.

When employees retire, organizational leaders face a critical challenge. Proactive planning and strategic execution are essential to successfully navigating this transition.

The recent listening session with the chancellor and administration members addressed crucial issues facing our organization, including budget constraints, infrastructure, UCLA’s involvement in the 2028 Olympics, and more.  

Here are key strategies and resources to help you prepare your staff for future opportunities, ensuring they are ready to contribute meaningfully to both their career advancement and the organization's goals.

UCLA Administration is once again accepting nominations that recognize and celebrate individuals who provide exceptional Bruin experiences while contributing to our organization. Deadline is April 10. 

The UCLA Luskin Conference Center became a hub of support and community for those displaced by the Southern California fires in January, when the UCLA softball team came to distribute athletic apparel to evacuees.

Mark Silvestre joined UCLA Fire in 2023 and brings extensive fire prevention experience along with other diverse and valuable knowledge to the team. Silvestre was pinned by his wife, Gertie, and son, Gavin, during a special ceremony in December.

In a world where safety and security on university campuses are paramount, the Incident of Concern Committee (IOCC) serves as a central hub for sharing critical information and developing strategic responses and plans. 

UCLA is first school in the state to receive this honor, which recognizes UCLA’s efforts to improve human health and biodiversity by eliminating the use of pesticides on campus.

It’s not a qualification for working in customer relations at Facilities Management — but it doesn’t hurt that Ebony Moore is a certified transpersonal energy healer and taps into this hands-on, gentle approach when it comes to helping Bruins.

The Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) at UCLA, aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. To date, the program has successfully placed 30 individuals in various positions.

UCLA has once again been recognized for offering sustainable, affordable, convenient and accessible transportation choices, including free public transit passes to UCLA Administration employees earning less than $68,000 annually.

Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael J. Beck conveys gratitude and admiration for the extraordinary efforts and unwavering dedication demonstrated by our teams during the recent wildfire crisis.

When working with individuals with developmental disabilities, it's important to remember that everyone brings unique skills and abilities to their job. As a co-worker or supervisor, you can create a more supportive and welcoming work environment by focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, using clear communication, offering assistance when needed and engaging in regular conversations about common interests. Avoid dramatic reactions to their disabilities, as most individuals have adapted positively to their challenges. These practices help foster a team-oriented and respectful workplace.

Various learning materials are available to the UCLA community and linked in this article, including the book "Unmasking Autism" by Devon Price and "Spectrum Women" by Barb Cook & Dr. Michelle Garnett, which explore neurodiversity and personal experiences. UCLA employees also have free access to LinkedIn Learning courses on supporting workers with disabilities and understanding ADHD in the workplace. Additionally, you can enjoy a TEDxUCLA talk, where Russell Lehmann discusses his journey with autism.

The CDC defines developmental disabilities as conditions that impair physical, learning, language or behavior areas, often starting before birth but sometimes occurring after due to injury or infection. These disabilities, which typically last a lifetime, can affect daily functioning. Examples include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, Tourette syndrome, and epilepsy. Using people-first language, such as "person with a disability," acknowledges that a disability is part of a person's identity but not their entirety.

The Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) at UCLA, established in 2019, aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. Despite a temporary pause due to the pandemic, the program has successfully placed 30 individuals in various positions within UCLA and the local workforce, fostering independence and productivity. 

March and April feature several recognition months and days to honor the contributions of various community members. March includes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Women’s History Month and National Deaf History Month, along with specific days like International Women’s Day and World Down Syndrome Day. April highlights National Arab American Heritage Month, National Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, World Autism Awareness Day and the Festival of Ridvan, celebrated by Bahá'ís. These observances aim to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of different groups.

One of the key responsibilities of any leader is to identify and develop the next generation of supervisors. Here's how to determine who has the potential to be an effective leader and best prepare them for success.

This month's Management Tips provides guidance on completing a Transitional Return-to-Work (TRTW) Agreement to help UCLA staff and faculty with injuries or illnesses stay at or return to work.

Most managers have had to navigate tough conversations in their leadership journey. Radical candor empowers leaders to provide constructive feedback while building trust and fostering professional relationships.

Every October, UCLA Transportation promotes eco-friendly commuting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Programs, events and incentives encourage Bruins to use sustainable transportation, benefiting the environment and personal well-being.

UCLA Environment, Health and Safety shares holiday food safety tips: clean hands, separate raw/cooked foods, use a food thermometer, chill leftovers and cook dishes to safe temperatures to prevent foodborne illnesses.

UCLA ITS recently completed a 15-month project to improve the Fielding School's IT services, enhancing technology, data security and operations. The project involved significant infrastructure upgrades, enhancing security and community collaboration.

Nurit Katz, UCLA's chief sustainability officer and a UCLA doctoral student, deeply engages in bird studies and campus wildlife. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and promoting biodiversity through initiatives like the L.A. Raptor Study.

The UCLA Luskin Conference Center was recently named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the "20 Best College Town Hotels.” In addition, the team received the 2024 Kayak Travel Award and earned another TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award, recognizing exceptional hospitality and service.

The grant will be used to transition BruinBus fleet to 100% electric, expand service, and fund California’s first electric in-road charging system, enhancing sustainability and connectivity for the 2028 Olympics.

UCLA's Behavioral Intervention Team enhances campus safety by identifying and mitigating potential threats. This multidisciplinary team evaluates reported behaviors and collaborates with other campus partners to ensure a secure environment.

All UCLA employees are encouraged to enjoy free access to the more than 16,000 flexible, expert-led courses that support individual goals, enhance careers growth and deepen various professional and personal interests.

Gerrie Zvara, director of Organizational Effectiveness & Development, explains UCLA Administration’s three-year strategic plan and how it aligns with UCLA's campus strategic plan, focusing on data-driven decisions, technology optimization, sustainable practices and service excellence.

Julio Frenk toured UCLA’s residential community, learning about our acclaimed housing and dining operations. Frenk officially joins as the seventh chancellor on Jan. 1, 2025, bringing extensive public health and educational leadership experience.

UCLA is best public university in the nation for the 8th year in a row. UCLA Administration plays an important role in this success. Thank you to each of our 4,700+ team members across various departments for your commitment to creating exceptional Bruin experiences.

Language is crucial for fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Learn more about respectful language to use when speaking to and about people from North, Central and South America who identify as American Indian, Indian, Native American, Indigenous or Native. 

Learning about the lives of others and the ways we can help create stronger workplaces and communities as community-builders and allies is a year-round opportunity. Take advantage of your free LinkedIn Learning account, UCLA Library privileges and other community resources. 

Explore culture, expand your knowledge, enjoy yourself and meet new people. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up, including CicLAvia: the Valley, art and museum exhibits, and the Hollywood Pow Wow and LA Skins Fest sponsored by the UCLA American Indian Studies Center.

Native American knowledge and innovation have impacted many facets of life. Among them: traditional medicine’s influence on Western healthcare, the creation of kayaks, baby bottles, snow goggles, and other items, and the impact of Native American scholars in myriad professions and academic fields.

In today’s diverse and dynamic work environment, maintaining respect and civility is crucial, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Here are some key points and best practices to ensure a respectful and civil workplace.

This move further positions UCLA at the forefront of artificial intelligence advancements and brings focused innovative technology to UCLA and the UC system

Chris Mattmann joins UCLA following 24 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he most recently served as chief technology and innovation officer.

Drake Chang discusses the major threats to colleges and universities and how students, faculty and staff can guard against cybercriminals.

UCLA has acquired a newly built 62-unit apartment building in West Los Angeles, adding 142 beds to its graduate student inventory. 

UCLA IT Services (ITS) recently completed a monumental 15-month project designed to make the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health’s IT services better, safer and more efficient. The main goals, which involved moving some IT services from the David Geffen School of Medicine's IT department to ITS, included improving technology for current and future UCLA Fielding needs, boosting data security and streamlining IT operations to improve the experience for everyone.

Updated Interim Time, Place and Manner (TPM) Policies Now in Effect

Disability etiquette encompasses guidelines and practices that promote dignity, accessibility and inclusivity when interacting with people of all abilities. By fostering genuine respect and understanding, we can create environments where everyone feels valued and respected. Learn more about this important topic and take away some fantastic tips.

The 2024 Paralympics in Paris are here! Meet British swimmer, world finalist and British record holder Will Perry as he shares his story of success that challenges behaviors towards people with conditions of dwarfism. Also check out A Winning Mindset, the official podcast of the Paralympic Games, and stay up to date on all the action by bookmarking the official website of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

Language is a crucial tool for fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Learn more about respectful language to use when speaking to and about individuals living with disabilities. Terms are published in “The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication & Transformational Leadership” by Jackie Ferguson and Roxanne Bellamy. For more, see the Administration Equity Council's EDI Glossary of Terms.

Gather your friends and family for some fantastic free and low-cost activities in our local area. It’s an incredible location to explore culture, learn, have fun and connect with others. From museum days, exhibits and evenings of music, art, food, and drink, and events highlighting National Hispanic American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month, here are just a sample of things to look forward to.

The Paralympics shines a light on athletes with disabilities and builds excitement around competitive adaptive sports. UCLA Recreation’s Adaptive Program Coordinator Michael Garafola is working to expand the adaptive sports landscape on campus with various adaptive sports and recreational opportunities, including wheelchair basketball, which is open to all.

We answer some of the most common questions about AI, a rapidly evolving field that is transforming the way we do business here at UCLA and in our personal lives.

UCLA recently announced the creation of its unprecedented Unhoused Task Force. What is the purpose of this group and how is UCLA Administration involved?

When pursuing online guest reviews for the Luskin Hotel and Conference Center, it’s almost impossible to not notice Milton De León’s name again and again. The bell attendant has been impressing guests since he joined UCLA in May 2023.

To further support UCLA Administration’s efforts to become a more effective and efficient organization, the department has merged with Events & Transportation; Gerardo Galeano takes helm as director.

Central Ticket Office associate director started working in the department as an undergraduate economics student and recently retired following a successful 35-year career marked by innovation, leadership excellence and broad contributions to UCLA.

Hospitality executive and UCLA alumna Rona Kay’s career spans more than two decades with Disney operations, including 12 years as a hotel general manager in the hospitality division at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

Thanks to the work of thousands of bees and a few dozen Bruin Beekeepers, the Community Programs Office and supporters of the Bruin Beekeepers are abuzz following the recent harvesting of some campus-made honey.

In early 2024, a health campaign was in place as part of a student and staff collaboration designed to provide updated COVID-19 information and raise awareness of the continued impacts of COVID-19.

Every June, students moving out of our residential halls leave behind memories, as well as plenty of waste, furniture, and other items that would ordinarily go to a landfill. The inaugural Sustainable Move Out helped redirect items and give them new life.

UCLA Administration team members are encouraged to review survey results. Feedback will be used to strengthen and inform the way we engage with colleagues in our departments and across the division.

As we enjoy the summer months, it's an opportune time for us to reflect on the achievements of the past academic year and to look forward with anticipation to the impact we will continue to have on our community in the coming year.

UCLA Dining aims to shift half of its entrees to plant-based options over the next few years. The team aims to explore innovative ways to enrich the dining experience for Bruins to create that 'wow' factor.

Installing hundreds of all-gender restrooms, developing a campus map to easily find these facilities, aligning campus data systems with the Lived Name and Recognition Policy and developing education modules are some of the ways our teams are making a difference.

IT Services has launched UCLA’s Generative AI site, which includes a dedicated section on ethical and security guidance, as well as a curated selection of GenAI tools for our campus community, among other things.

As email remains the cornerstone of workplace communication, we explore the dos and don’ts of email in the workplace.

Learning about the issues facing people with lived experiences and social identities that many be different from our own is an important step in making connections, deepening relationships and better understanding those around us. Here are a few TEDTalks that share different perspectives from members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Los Angeles area is an incredible location to explore culture, learn, have fun and connect with others. Here is just a sample of what is happening.  

Through the work of the Gender Recognition Implementation Committee and team members in UCLA Administration, our campus is home to more than 300 gender-inclusive restrooms and has updated its data systems to recognize individuals by their lived names and accurate genders. Forms for requesting updates to personal information must be submitted by June 30, 2024. 

The journey toward equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) requires practice and the ability to face assumptions and insecurities. It's important to recognize that mistakes are part of the process, even for allies.

The resources available on UCLA’s Generative AI site will help our community explore and leverage the capabilities of AI in alignment with our institutional principles of integrity and scholarly excellence.

The HR IT Systems Optimization Program is a campus initiative that aims to modernize vital HR systems, streamline processes, and improve the overall experiences of HR clients, employees, and the campus community.

Before the pandemic, only 9% of ticket sales at UCLA’s Central Ticket Office (CTO) were delivered electronically and more than 90% were paper tickets. Today that number has flipped with more than 90% of campus tickets being delivered electronically. This shift has resulted in improved customer satisfaction and savings of more than $150,000 annually in printing, packaging, production, mailing and staffing costs.

A group of six team members in Housing & Hospitality (H&H) recently completed the department’s year-long Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and more than a dozen others have joined the latest cohort this winter.

Brighten your morning with this recipe from UCLA Conferences & Catering. Amaranth grains are cooked in cinnamon and spices, with sweet kabocha squash purée and cooked apples.

Environment Health & Safety (EH&S) recently hosted a series of Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) courses to help equip women working in UCLA field research with effective self-defense options. 

UCLA Fire offered a much-needed break to students and staff during fall mid-terms with “Cold Brew & Conversation,” an outdoor event designed to share connection, knowledge and the valuable practice handling fire extinguishers with the campus community.

UCLA’s Gayley Heights student residence and STUDIOS Architecture received an honorable mention at the 2023 Chicago Anthenaeum Awards. 

Organizational Effectiveness & Development (OED) is proud to announce the new cohort of UCLA Administration’s Leadership 20XX program, which aligns mid-level leadership development with future organizational strategy and direction. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of human resources at UCLA, the HR IT Systems Optimization (HRITSO) program is revolutionizing employee and client engagement within Campus Human Resources (CHR). And with three new HR systems set to fully launch in 2024, HRITSO will collectively shape a more streamlined and efficient HR ecosystem that will benefit users for years to come.

John Thomas, UCLA’s interim chief of police since December 2022, is now leading the university’s police department permanently after being selected from an experienced pool of candidates. His appointment was announced in the UCLA Newsroom in January.

CTO is an official Green Business, certified by the U.S. Green Building Council Los Angeles.

In 2014, just one year after joining UCLA as an extra hand for the Plumbing Shop, Rahsonn McGlothen became a permanent fixture at Facilities Management. He does a lot — from fixing toilets to repairing water heaters in campus buildings and at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center — all while mentoring apprentices, building a new generation of skilled professionals.

In a significant stride towards campus safety, the UCLA Office of Emergency Management (OEM) empowered nearly 500 student staff last fall by delivering the American College of Surgeons STOP THE BLEED (STB) training, a first of its kind at UCLA.

As many of you are aware, ITS is undergoing a transformative effort entitled Reimagine IT: Talent. ITS is excited to share that 21 of this key leadership positions have been filled to date, and while there are many positions to go, there have been several terrific success stories so far. Let’s meet some of our newly hired IT employees to hear about their journey into ITS and their vision for their work

Southern California is not usually the place for wild weather, but this was certainly true in early February when an atmospheric river brought a historic volume of rain and flash flooding to Los Angeles. The Washington Post and other outlets reported that a gauge located at UCLA logged 12.46 inches of rain in 24 hours, surpassing the 11.5-inch threshold required to qualify as a 1,000-year rain event. 

Administration Leadership Team member Lucy Avetisyan, associate vice chancellor and chief information officer, responds.

UCLA’s graduate and professional students had something extra to be thankful for this past November — renewal of the transit pass program that provides unlimited fare-free rides (for a small fee) on bus and rail lines across Los Angeles for the next 10 years, no longer requiring an election to approve each year. Bruin Grad Pass (BGP) is the result of work across multiple UCLA Transportation units: Commuter & Parking Services, Finance, Systems & Analytics, and Mobility Planning & Traffic Systems. 

With 18 years of service at UCLA, Gerrie Zvara is now assistant director for organizational effectiveness and development with UCLA Administration. In this role, she is leading the “continuous process improvement” effort to advance goal 5 of the UCLA Strategic Plan: Become a more effective institution.

Laura Fernandez shares the story behind UCLA's land acknowledgment statement

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness which can significantly impact their job performance. Here is how you can support an employee with mental health conditions.

Help change the trajectory of climate change with these low-carbon holiday alternatives to make new sustainable traditions.

Campus field researchers are bringing their expanding knowledge about rattlesnakes and heightened awareness of venomous animals and plants in California’s ecosystems into their work following a workshop offered through UCLA’s field research program.

In a significant step toward heightened campus safety and operational efficiency, the last irradiator was successfully removed from the UCLA campus in June, reducing radiological risk to the campus and completing a transition from Cesium irradiators (Cs-irradiators) to x-ray-based irradiators.

Former UCLA Fire Marshal and UCOP Chief of Fire and Life Safety Services Dana Johnson is enjoying retirement after a warm send-off held at the Luskin Conference Center. Johnson spent 38 years in the fire service, with nearly three decades dedicated to serving the UCLA community. Friends, family and colleagues gathered to celebrate his impact, leadership and dedication to UCLA.

When it comes to campus vehicle services, turning green is golden. UCLA Transportation has received a 2023 Green Fleet Award for excellence in environmental responsibility in vehicle operations from the National Association of Fleet Administrators.

For the fifth consecutive year, UCLA tops the niche.com list of Best College Food in America. This is the seventh time in the past 10 years that the campus dining program has been named No. 1 in the annual rankings, which are based almost entirely on student survey results. The second factor, meal plan cost, accounts for 15% of the formula.

Information Technology Services (ITS) has earned the UC Tech Silver Design Award for its efforts to advance UCLA’s third-party risk management (TPRM).

David Agudo, a steam operating engineer in Facilities Management, has been recognized by Plumbing and Mechanical magazine as part of the publication’s “Next Gen All-Star” program that honors young plumbing and mechanical engineering professionals driving the industry into the future.

The outstanding achievements of UCLA Police Department personnel along with the exemplary careers of three officers were recently celebrated at an awards ceremony held on campus.

Becoming a most efficient university transcends mere aspiration; it is a central pillar of UCLA's new strategic plan and will guide the work of our administrative and service units over the next five years. This journey is not a solo endeavor. It is a shared commitment that extends to the thousands of team members who work in UCLA Administration. 

How can Bruins enhance campus network and personal cybersecurity amidst rising cyber threats? Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer Lucy Avetisyan responds.

LinkedIn Learning (LiL) is now available to all staff in alignment with UCLA’s ongoing commitment to professional and career development. LiL is an award-winning industry leader in online training that enables participants to complete courses that advance organizational priorities, team goals, and individual growth. It provides more than 16,000 courses, with 300 learning paths, that address the needs of managers and individual contributors with varying work schedules and resources.

Two cohorts of the UCLA Administration Leadership Program recently celebrated their graduation with a ceremony at the Covel Commons Grand Horizon Room.

Groundskeepers in Housing & Hospitality started the fall quarter more knowledgeable after completing a four-day training program dedicated to teaching them about native plants, how to care for them and how to add more of these drought-tolerant, low-water plants to our surroundings. 

Throughout October, UCLA Transportation hosted Sustainable Transportation Month, an annual celebration that draws attention to a variety of programs and services available to all UCLA students and employees, including bike resources, free and subsidized public transit passes, and discounted carpool permits.

The holidays can bring extra stress for managers and employees alike. Holiday CPR focuses on three health and wellness tips to navigate the end of the year with more grace and ease.

Transportation rolled out two new programs, expanding access to all seven transit agencies serving the campus.

The UCLA Office of Emergency Management (OEM) helps prepare the campus for emergencies by providing communication tools and resources to keep the UCLA community informed.

We have outlined the reporting procedures in the event of a work-related injury/illness, which applies to those who are injured at work or who develop a job-related illness as a result of their employment.

The UCLA Insurance & Risk Management - Ergonomics Program provides a variety of services to the campus as part of their mission to mitigate and prevent incidences of musculoskeletal disorders like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Helping new employees understand the organizational culture and figure out “how things are done” goes a long way toward successful integration into the organization.

As management, it is crucial to recognize and uplift the potential of each generation, including the youngest cohort, Generation Z. Here are insights into understanding Gen Z and practical strategies for fostering collaboration and synergy across generational differences.

For those choosing to close one chapter of life and begin the next, knowing where to begin the retirement process can be daunting. Here's helpful information about UC Retirement programs and benefits.

As a leader, lessons should be abundant and learning should be a never-ending process. To become a high-value leader, continuous growth is key to success for both the leader and their staff.

These tips for addressing implicit bias in the workplace can help create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone.

Managers and supervisors have an obligation to address and report abusive conduct and know what resources are available to staff members.

We will explore ways to identify future leaders, ways to think a little outside the box, and offer resources for helping your employees develop leadership skills.

UC Experience Conversations are one-on-one, broad-ranging conversations between managers and staff that help build constructive relationships with your employees.

In order for an organization to continue moving forward, management must have development and feedback discussions with individual employees regarding their interest in upward or lateral movement in their careers.

An important part of developing a strategic talent planning process is to assess the needs of the workforce as well as the department.

Here at UCLA, there are many different opportunities available to help yourself or a member of your staff develop professionally.

Here are ways to support your staff’s well-being and encourage a healthy work-life balance.

The idea of Emotional Intelligence has come forward as an essential tool for leaders in recent years. These five essential skills will help you develop your emotional intelligence.

With the increase in meetings from fully remote or hybrid work arrangements, here are best practices on how to make them effective and efficient.

All organizations risk experiencing losses at the hands of those with ill-intent or personal gain in mind. Here are best practices for ensuring that UCLA’s community members are responsible stewards to the public we serve.

Succession planning is critically important to your organization's future, but is often left on the backburner. Here's how to make sure you're prepared when the unexpected happens.

Have challenges from the pandemic affected employee morale? Here's how to establish a culture of belonging and appreciation within your organization.

Campus Human Resources recently sent a campus reminder that 2021’s performance evaluation season has begun and it is time to put in writing what you have been communicating to your team members this past year. We hope the following tips and recommendations will help you through this process.

A key component of employee engagement includes professional growth. If you have represented staff, here's how to develop them while still complying with the CBA.

UCLA is committed to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), but how can we as leaders exemplify this commitment on campus? Here are a few tips and tricks to take that step forward.

As managers, our most important responsibility is guiding the performance and professional growth of our direct reports and team members. Here's how to set performance goals with your staff and provide meaningful professional development opportunities for your direct reports.

Generally, what employees need to achieve their best and feel appreciated is to be recognized for their hard work. Here is a list of creative and effective recognition programs.

Here are tools, tips and resources to ensure an efficient and positive onboarding experience for both you and your new hire, and truly set them up for success at UCLA.

As hiring managers and interviewers remain remote or in hybrid workplace arrangements, here are tools, resources, and best practices to ensure an efficient, positive and equitable recruitment process.

We have scoured the UC webiverse and found some great, free resources available to all UCLA employees you may not know about.

This month we will focus on identifying team behaviors of concern, managing feelings, building trust amongst teams, and the role emotional intelligence plays in this area.

One of the most challenging tasks for people is having difficult conversations. Here is how to prepare for these conversations, what to do during these conversations and best practices for following up.

We would like to introduce you to a simple communication and collaboration tool that the campus has recently introduced: Slack.

COVID-19 has caused many changes to the way our teams communicate and operate. Here's how to build strong, open lines of communication with a remote or hybrid team.

Here are tips and recommendations that will help you through performance evaluation season.

Setting expectations is key to the success of any manager, but is particularly important when managing a remote workforce. Here's what that looks like.

Remote work has many benefits but has also exacerbated existing issues for underperforming employees. Here's what it looks like to create a culture of support and accountability.