A quarterly celebration of achievements and advances made by the dedicated team members who work in the departments that comprise UCLA Administration. With a commitment to delivering exceptional services, products and programs, UCLA Administration plays a crucial role in advancing UCLA's mission of education, research and service, and delivering exceptional Bruin experiences.
Care, commitment and collaboration shine in challenging times
I want to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the extraordinary efforts and unwavering dedication demonstrated by our teams during the recent wildfire crisis that directly or indirectly impacted many of our colleagues, family and friends in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena and Pasadena. Your commitment to the safety and well-being of our organization and community has been nothing short of inspiring.
From the moment the UCLA Emergency Operations Center was activated, through the 24-hour monitoring and the day-to-day work that kept UCLA running and our community members cared for, your tireless work ensured that we were able to respond swiftly and effectively to the evolving situation.
Members from Housing and Hospitality; Events and Transportation; Facilities Management; IT Services; Environment, Health and Safety, UCLA Fire; Campus Human Resources (CHR); and the Office of the Administrative Vice Chancellor played crucial roles as section chiefs, operations, direct support to victims and more.
The work and coordination of this emergency took on a different challenge, as some who were still working to serve the campus community while they themselves were in an evacuation zone and/or whose own homes and families were directly impacted by the fires.
It was astonishing and humbling to see how our teams came together to support each other and our campus community. Some examples include:
Campuswide collaboration to operationalize UCLA's evacuation plan for students on the Hill and Westwood properties, including rally points and transportation pickups. Coordinating with other institutions such as the University of Southern California, our sister Southern California UC campuses and CalState partners to identify off-campus staging sites and temporary housing options showcased the strength of our partnerships.
Readying the South Bay Campus for possible student, staff and faculty evacuation housing and the development of the Evacuation Transportation Plan ensured that we were prepared for any eventuality.
Development of the UCLA Evacuee Resources Master Inventory detailing essential resources for housing, food distribution, clothing and other donations. Contributions from APB, Housing, the Healthy Campus Initiative at UCLA, UCLA Development, Alumni Affairs, Student Affairs/Community Programs Office, Insurance and Risk Management Business Continuity, Legal and others were invaluable.
Establishment of the real time UCLA evacuee dashboard that geo mapped campus databases with the CalFire evacuation boundaries to identify staff, faculty, and students living within an evacuation zone, along with the generation of unit-level specific reports for senior leadership, allowed us to provide targeted outreach and support.
The coordination with CHR and APB to offer financial assistance and resources to Bruins who lost their homes was a vital lifeline for those affected. The Bruin Relief Fund was also established to support Bruins in need.
UCPD provided support to mutual aid partners at the Zuma Beach incident command post.
Collaboration among the Office of Emergency Management, Strategic Communications and subject-matter experts on time-sensitive BruinPosts and Bruins Safe Online updates, as well as curating content for UCLA's L.A. Fire microsite, ensured that our community remained informed and connected.
Creation of the wildfirerelief@ucla.edu inbox which streamlined all inquiries by staff, faculty and students to the Administrative Vice Chancellor’s Office.
Updating the algorithm for the UCLA AirQual dashboard and development of the Air Quality Assessment webpage clarified misinformation regarding air quality on campus.
Establishing the UCLA PPE Store and the re-launch of the UCLA Building Ventilation Assessment and filter replacement program further supported our air quality and mitigation efforts.
Mobilizing staff resources, administrative leave, catastrophic leave, grants and funding for those who lost their homes, along with the activation of the Disaster Relief Center at UCLA Research Park. The assistance provided by CHR Talent Acquisition to individuals experiencing job displacement was a critical support measure.
Coordination of multiple LA Fires Town Halls, the development of ITS Security Advisories, and the discounted rate offers to evacuees from hospitality properties highlighted our commitment to communication, safety, and support.
These incredible efforts have been acknowledged by campus leaders and partners, including by our new chancellor at our recent chancellor’s listening exercise session on March 17. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with chancellor Frenk, reflecting on the start of his tenure during the L.A. fires emergency and discussing key issues facing our organization, including budget constraints, deferred maintenance, UCLA’s role in the 2028 Olympics, campus culture, safety and emerging technologies.
As we wrap up the winter quarter and step into the spring quarter, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your exceptional work during this challenging time. Your resilience, teamwork and unwavering dedication have made a profound difference in the lives of our community members.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
Administration True Bruin Values Awards are back
After a three-year hiatus, UCLA Administration is once again accepting nominations for the Administration True Bruin Value Awards, thanks to a team of participants in the Leadership 20XX program. This twice-annual awards program recognizes and celebrates individuals for exceptional service and contributions across our organization.
“The goal of this award is for our colleagues in Administration to nominate their peers who are creating exceptional Bruin experiences through their work,” said Robert Acha, the radiation safety officer in Environment, Health and Safety who served as team leader of a small group of dedicated individuals in the Leadership 2032 program to reimagine and reinstate this award. “Often, the tremendous efforts of the remarkable people within Administration are in the shadows or hidden and a lot of good work goes unnoticed by managers, supervisors and colleagues,” said Acha. “We want to ensure there is a way for leadership to show people across our entire division that they are seen and appreciated and that they add tremendous value to UCLA.”
Nominations for the next round of awards are open through April 18, 2025. Any UCLA Administration employee, including represented staff under collective bargain agreements, professional and support staff and management and senior professionals in good standing with at least one year of UCLA service is eligible.
Nominations must include information about the staff member and details about the exemplary performance achievements that meet the award’s robust criteria and have positively impacted team interactions, operations or productivity.
Award recipients will be invited to join Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck at a special breakfast and awards ceremony and be recognized in UCLA Administration-approved media and at the annual Leadership Forum. They will also receive an award certificate, a True Bruin Values jacket and two free tickets to a UCLA event as a token of appreciation for their exemplary service.
Chancellor’s listening exercise session addresses key issues in higher education
On March 17, 2025, members of our administration team participated in the chancellor’s Listening Exercise session. This important gathering focused on the pressing issues currently facing our organization and higher education. Key topics included state budget constraints, potential federal funding cuts, UCLA’s involvement in the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the urgent need to address aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance.
The session provided a valuable platform for us to address these critical issues and explore innovative solutions to ensure UCLA's continued success and growth. For a complete recap of the session and to learn more about the topics discussed, please visit the chancellor’s website.
UCLA remains a top workplace for commuters
UCLA has once again been named to the annual list of the Best Workplaces for Commuters, a national program managed by the Center for Urban Transportation Research, an internationally recognized transportation research, education and technology center. The honor for 2025 was achieved by offering the campus community sustainable, affordable, convenient and accessible transportation choices.
"This designation represents our commitment to supporting a diverse campus community coming here from different directions. We're proud to offer a variety of sustainable ways to reach campus," said Tony Lucas, executive director at UCLA Transportation.
Commuter benefits offered to Bruins that helped the university receive the designation include subsidized transit passes, bike programs, additional incentives for green commuting, such as access to shower and locker facilities on campus for cyclists, discounts at local bike shops and a guaranteed emergency ride home program. There are also electric vehicle charging stations in campus parking facilities, carpooling matching with reduced-priced carpool permits, and discounted daily parking.
During the 2024 academic year, a new convenient pass for all seven local and commuter transit agencies serving the campus was created for UCLA’s faculty and staff. The simplified Commuter All-Access Pass was priced lower than the previously available commuter line passes.
In addition, UCLA provides free public transit passes to UCLA Administration employees who earn less than $68,000 annually. Hundreds of individuals received the quarterly passes and have an alternative to driving to campus.
UCLA’s popular Earn-A-Bike program allows qualified university employees and graduate students to swap a parking permit for a free $900 bicycle package that includes a standard hybrid commuter bike.
These programs and services contribute to better health and well-being for UCLA’s critical workforce of educators, researchers, administrators, technicians, craftspeople, and other higher education professionals. UCLA, part of the University of California system, is one of the largest employers in the state.
Other personal benefits gained are financial savings associated with not driving a car and less commuting-related stress. The university’s sustainable transportation offerings also reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
According to the annual State of the Commute report from UCLA Transportation, reductions in daily vehicle trips to campus help bring down commuter greenhouse gas emissions by thousands of metric tons.
How STEP is transforming lives and enhancing UCLA’s workplace culture
**This article was originally published in the Administration Equity Council newsletter.
The Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) at UCLA was established in May 2019 to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving various campus departments with oversight provided by Campus Human Resources.
Since its inception, STEP has successfully placed many individuals in positions within UCLA and the local workforce, helping participants gain relevant work experience and become independent and productive community members. This program supports the university's mission of inclusivity and public service and aligns with the goals of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities and federal compliance obligations.
STEP, which was temporarily paused in March 2020 due to the pandemic but resumed in June 2021, has demonstrated significant benefits for both participants and the UCLA community. Participants gain valuable work experience, a sense of purpose and the satisfaction of being part of a team. The program has placed 30 individuals with disabilities into various positions, with some transitioning to regular UCLA employment or finding jobs in the local Southern California workforce. For example, one participant, a UCLA graduate with a degree in biochemistry, was placed in his dream position in a laboratory research group. Another participant transitioned from temporary placements to regular employment in UCLA's dining operations. Similarly, Sasha Karlin moved into a permanent role within UCLA Recreation, where they continue to excel. These success stories highlight the program's effectiveness in providing long-term employment opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The presence of individuals with developmental disabilities on campus promotes natural disability awareness and inclusivity among students, staff and faculty. The program supports UCLA's compliance with federal and state regulations regarding the employment of individuals with disabilities, including the 7% utilization goal of the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs and the Americans with Disabilities Act. By including individuals with developmental disabilities in the workforce, UCLA reflects the demographics of the Los Angeles community and demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility.
Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck, a key supporter of STEP, recognizes the value of the program and its role in fostering a positive campus environment while strengthening UCLA’s commitment to equitable employment opportunities. Assistant Vice Chancellor Kelly Schmader adds that including persons with developmental disabilities in the university workforce aligns perfectly with UCLA's broader mission of social responsibility and respect and dignity for all.
STEP also benefits UCLA students by providing internship experience, employment opportunities and support. Students involved in the program gain firsthand knowledge of the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse conditions through direct interaction with members of the disability community. Five UCLA undergraduates have served as Student Interns with STEP, fulfilling requirements for their minor in disability studies. These internships have led to regular employment opportunities, with some students becoming direct job coaches for Premiere Living Services (PLS), the organization providing job placement services for STEP. The program has also provided letters of recommendation for students applying to medical school, graduate school and other professional programs.
Over the course of its operations, six UCLA departments have participated in hosting PLS staff members via STEP. Prior to the pandemic shutdown, PLS was in dialogue with five additional UCLA departments to expand STEP's reach across campus. The staff, faculty and students in these departments benefit from the natural disability awareness that derives from having developmentally disabled individuals present in their work environment.
To continue its positive impact, STEP requires ongoing funding. The program has already received substantial support, including a $100,000 appropriation for FY 2023; however, additional financial commitments are necessary to expand its reach and enhance the lives of more individuals with disabilities. By securing renewed funding, STEP can continue providing valuable job placement opportunities, supporting UCLA students through internships and employment, and furthering the university's inclusivity and social responsibility mission. If central funding is not available, it is recommended that individual departments work directly with PLS to provide the necessary funding for job placement opportunities.
The UCLA STEP program exemplifies the university's commitment to inclusivity, social responsibility and community engagement. By providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, the program enhances participants' lives, supports UCLA's compliance with federal and state regulations, and promotes a diverse and inclusive campus environment. With continued funding and support, STEP can expand its reach and continue positively impacting the UCLA community and beyond.
Solving Bruins’ problems is an ‘adrenaline rush’ for Ebony Moore
It’s not a qualification for working in customer relations at Facilities Management — but it doesn’t hurt that employee Ebony Moore has a therapeutic background. A certified transpersonal energy healer, Moore is adept at tapping into the therapy’s hands-on, gentle approach when it comes to helping Bruins in distress with a facilities issue.
Moore, who was recently featured in the UCLA Newsroom, is a customer relations agent with Facilities Management, a role she’s been in since 2009. And employment at UCLA is a family affair. Her mom works for the university, too, previously with Facilities Management’s Custodial Services and now at Housing & Hospitality.
“I grew up on the Westside, in Santa Monica, and a lot of friends went to school here, so I felt close to UCLA. When my mom started working here, she spoke so highly of it,” Moore said.
“She’s a great employee, gotten a lot of awards, and I liked how they treated her. I talked to other people in her field and her supervisors, so it was already a home to me.”
Moore has a daughter, a 9-year-old who wants to work in emergency medicine when she grows up. Grandma is already encouraging her granddaughter to join her and her mom at UCLA and enroll in the nursing degree program when that time comes.
In customer relations, Moore supports Bruins seeking Facilities Management’s help, assists the manager at Trouble Call, and tackles requests as a dispatcher, along with other duties. Dispatches come by phone, email and through the UCLA 311 app. Each initial “call” is not complete until the job is closed.
Every day is different. When she encounters a tough case, Moore’s specialized skill set is an asset.
“I think this may have to do with me being a certified therapist,” she said. “It helps to be aware of people’s feelings. I try to stay as calm as possible, break everything down, and explain the solution to help the person feel acknowledged. That is my favorite part – I love offering clarity and peace when someone is dealing with a problem. Hearing their tone change, from the beginning of the call to the end, makes me happy and means I’m doing my job.
“It’s an adrenaline rush, and it’s rewarding.”
While just a voice and not a face in these instances, Moore understands that the person on the other line is often juggling a lot, now with the added pressure of something not working or going wrong. She says you never know what someone may be going through or stressing about, and in these moments, Moore likes to make it as easy as possible to resolve their issue. And in some cases, she goes the extra mile.
During last year’s heavy rain season, when Facilities Management was short-staffed, Moore answered 43% of the calls that came in, which equated to 700 work orders. While acting as a dispatcher, she also trained another employee and handled other customer relations responsibilities.
Moore aims to continue employing her therapeutic touch in her work on campus, soothing Bruins coping with ceiling leaks, broken elevators, unlocked doors, flooding and other concerns. She is currently working on recording a short, guided meditation with breathwork and other positive affirmations — something she can perhaps recommend the next time she handles a dispatch at the Trouble Call Desk.
UCLA first California campus to earn Green Grounds Certification
UCLA recently became the first school in the state to receive the Green Grounds Certification from Re:wild Your Campus. The honor recognizes UCLA’s efforts to improve human health and biodiversity by eliminating the use of pesticides on campus.
At UCLA, more than 90% of campus grounds are managed sustainably, with the university employing ecologically friendly practices to maintain its green areas, including entirely discontinuing pesticide use in its landscaping.
UCLA earned a gold-level certification thanks to its long-standing efforts to transition turf spaces to drought-tolerant plants and recent projects focusing more on native plants. Over 30,000 square feet of turf was recently converted to California native, drought-tolerant plants.
“This certification reflects the hard work of so many at UCLA, especially our grounds staff from Facilities Management and the Landscape and Ecology Task Force,” Nurit Katz, UCLA’s chief sustainability officer, said. “The goal is setting an example with climate-resilient landscapes that also support human and ecological health that hopefully become standard way beyond our campus.”
The student-led Sustainability Action Research program at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability included an undergraduate team that worked with UCLA Facilities Management and Sustainability on a study on campus grounds to measure soil health by comparing synthetic fertilizers versus compost tea — an application made by steeping compost in water to extract nutrients and good microorganisms. Applied research projects like this contributed to the certification.
The UCLA Landscape Plan has a framework for more green outdoor spaces rich in climate-resilient plants with California origins. The landscape palette for the campus was informed by a list of plants and flowers provided by the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe, who are the traditional caretakers of the land where UCLA now resides. It incorporates their ecological knowledge and was a result of a formal agreement signed in 2022 that makes traditional ways of planting, harvesting and gathering part of campus landscaping and caretaking practices.
Facilities Management groundskeepers have already participated in a California Native Plant Landscaper Certification Program facilitated by the Theodore Payne Foundation. The training in the specialized maintenance of native plant life supports UCLA’s ongoing efforts to improve water conservation and mitigate the effects of statewide drought conditions on our campus.
The university has also committed to ecosystem preservation and bolstering biodiversity through the global Nature Positive Universities alliance.
Understanding the IOCC's Role in Campus Safety
In a world where safety and security on university campuses are paramount, a little-known group often works tirelessly behind the scenes. Comprised of dedicated stakeholders from various campus response groups, the Incident of Concern Committee (IOCC), serves as a central hub for sharing critical information and developing strategic responses to and planning for incidents of concern.
Comprised of representatives from the Behavioral Intervention Team, Consultation & Response Team, Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Office of Emergency Management, Strategic Communications, UCLA Health Threat Assessment Team, UCPD Threat Management Unit, ASUCLA Security, Legal Affairs and the Office of the Administrative Vice Chancellor, the group facilitates streamlined information sharing across campus response groups, provides consistent messaging to the campus community and serves as a resource hub for effectively managing, escalating and responding to incidents of concern.
Incidents of concern encompass a wide range of activities or behaviors that could potentially disrupt normal campus operations. These incidents might involve threatening or concerning communications or acts directed at individuals, groups or facilities.
One of the key principles guiding the IOCC is collaboration. The group doesn't dictate action, but rather acts as a support system for campus response groups, enabling them to share strategies, resources and information. Through its efforts and charge, the IOCC also provides a shared platform for campus response groups to collaborate on cases that may affect various paradigms and thus require multi-disciplinary expertises to effectively resolve.
The IOCC does not replace the duties of campus response groups. Instead, it serves as a centralized information-sharing hub to foster information sharing and coordination between these groups. The IOCC chair plays a pivotal role as the point of contact for notifications from campus response groups, facilitating further coordination and action when required.
IOCC members, representing their campus response groups, play a crucial role in sharing relevant information with the IOCC. They act as conduits, providing insights and expertise from their respective groups, and aiding in formulating effective strategies and responses to incidents of concern.
The IOCC's strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering a collaborative environment geared towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the campus community. While it doesn't dictate actions, its role as a facilitator of information exchange and coordination is invaluable in addressing incidents swiftly and effectively.
Members of the campus community are encouraged to report concerning behavior that may potentially cause risk or harm to UCLA and or its students, faculty and staff. You are also encouraged to download the Bruins Safe app and BruinAlert campus notification system to stay informed of campus emergencies and advised of related safety instructions.
Bruins brings comfort, clothing to fire evacuated UCLA hotel guests
The UCLA Luskin Conference Center became a hub of support and community for those displaced by the Southern California fires in January. As reported by the UCLA Newsroom, the UCLA softball team, known for their NCAA success, distributed athletic apparel to evacuees, including more than two dozen boxes of T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants, many branded with "UCLA softball."
The team was only on the second day of practice for the season when the fires started in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7.
Displaced residents, including those who lost their homes and those still unable to return, found solace and community at the Luskin Conference Center while connecting with mutual aid law enforcement from UC Merced, members of UCLA Fire and the softball team.
Jordan Woolery, a third-year student and infielder, emphasized the pride in representing UCLA and the importance of showing support during such isolating times. The team, which relocated their practices due to the fires, found a renewed sense of gratitude and giving through this experience.
“I think as a team, we were able to develop an attitude of more gratitude and giving,” Woolery said. “Especially as (the) season nears, we often get caught up in tunnel vision of what’s ahead for us, but this gave us a chance to slow down and give back and help those who have been deeply impacted by the fires.”
UCLA welcomes new deputy fire marshal
UCLA Fire and Environment, Health & Safety recently celebrated the pinning and oath of Mark Silvestre as deputy fire marshal. Silvestre has been with UCLA Fire since 2023 and brings extensive fire prevention experience, in addition to other diverse and valuable knowledge, to the team.
His experience includes time with the Fox Fire Department as a safety standby for stunts and special effects, and ambulance experience as a first responder. He also worked as a pharmacy technician for 15 years, specializing in preparing medications for the operating room and emergency room.
Pinned by his wife, Gertie, and son, Gavin, during a special ceremony in December, Silvestre will be supporting Fire 1 operations and contributing to the Title 19 and Title 24 programs, enhancing the university’s fire safety capabilities.
