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.

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.