On September 25, more than 300 human resources (HR) professionals gathered in the Ackerman Grand Ballroom for UCLA’s inaugural HR Summit. The event brought together colleagues, some of whom had collaborated for years without meeting in person, while creating opportunities to build new connections. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the day reflected a shared commitment to strengthening UCLA’s HR community.

Connected HR: One HR Community

Envisioned by Vice Chancellor, Campus Human Resources and Chief People Officer (VC/CPO) Christine Lovely, the HR Summit centered on the theme of Connection as a way of working together. VC Lovely emphasized that we are one HR community and are stronger when we work together. At one point, the room collectively shouted, “We are UCLA HR!” reflecting the unity, pride, and connection that defined the gathering. VC Lovely also highlighted the Connected HR initiative, which brings together HR professionals across campus to strengthen collaboration, share expertise, address common challenges, and create a more consistent HR experience. The initiative was shaped by more than six months of listening sessions, which also informed the development of the Connected HR Principles and HR Communities of Practice.

HR Communities of Practice (HR CofP)

Launched in May 2026, the HR Communities of Practice bring together more than 90 professionals from departmental HR teams and Campus Human Resources (CHR) to collaboratively develop campus-wide solutions across seven HR focus areas. In just four months, these groups have developed tools and resources designed to simplify processes and improve the HR experience. Several of these efforts, along with services and offerings from the Central Resource Unit (CRU) and UC Police Department (UCPD) were showcased at the event’s Poster Walk. 

Knowledge Sharing and Bruin Wisdom

Event host Ashley Tone guided attendees through a day of learning, engagement, and connection. Keynote speaker Steven Van Cohen encouraged attendees to be intentional about building connections. He brought this message to life by inviting participants to recognize one another through live shoutouts, creating a memorable moment of appreciation and camaraderie.

During the interactive “Bear Facts and Bruin Wisdom” segment, CHR leaders Dr. Anne Dela Cruz, Rejeana Mathis, Michael Yates, Oletha Brown, Anthony Solana, Emily Tunteri, Brittany Jones, and Angela DiBlasi addressed common HR misconceptions through lively true-or-false questions.

Attendees also had opportunities to explore important HR topics through different breakout sessions: AI in HR, led by Astik Sarkisyan and Jessica Doty; Navigating Workplace Conflict Through an HR Lens, led by Lola Ivy; and Connection Before Correction: Coaching Supervisors Through Accountability, Discipline, and Just Cause, led by Cristina Hidalgo and Jamaal Gulledge.

What’s Next

As Connected HR continues to evolve, HR professionals across campus are working toward clearer communication, greater consistency, stronger collaboration, and more effective tools and resources aligned with Effective UCLA. Across UCLA, these efforts mean a more connected and coordinated HR community, better equipped to provide guidance, address challenges, and support the campus. Managers and supervisors gain improved access to HR expertise, practical tools, and guidance to navigate workplace challenges, manage performance, promote accountability, and make informed decisions. By partnering with HR early, leaders can proactively address issues, reduce risk, and foster a positive, productive workplace aligned with UCLA’s mission and True Bruin Values.

Although the inaugural HR Summit lasted just one day, the connections, relationships strengthened, knowledge shared, and sense of purpose reinforced will continue to shape how UCLA HR works together. This is Connected HR in action. We are one UCLA HR!
 

Connected HR Principles

See the Connected HR Principles below and their alignment to UCLA’s True Bruin Values.

One UCLA Experience (How we work)

• Partner across campus to deliver a consistent, high-quality employee experience.
• Align on shared standards while balancing the unique needs of our campus communities.
• Advance UCLA’s mission by focusing our work on institutional priorities.

People-Centered (How we lead)

• Lead with integrity by demonstrating respect, courage, and accountability.
• Foster belonging by seeking to understand, embracing diverse perspectives, and making equitable, human-centered decisions.
• Build trust as HR professionals through expertise, sound judgment, transparent communication, and follow-through.

Performance-Oriented (How we deliver)

• Cultivate HR excellence through curiosity, intentional development, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Create lasting impact by delivering meaningful results and celebrating the people and progress that make them possible.
• Partner early to develop practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen decisions and reduce risk.

Interested in reviewing prior months’ topics? Visit our Monthly Management Tips website.

Do you have feedback, questions or a suggested topic you would like to learn more about? Please email: managementtips@ucla.edu.

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