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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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