UCLA Anderson Listening Exercise

Attendees at the UCLA Connects: Listening Exercise at UCLA Anderson expressed a variety of ideas, concerns and hopes for the future of UCLA. Chancellor Julio Frenk emphasized the importance of standing firm against divisive rhetoric and promoting diversity and inclusion. He stressed the need for transparency in university spending, particularly regarding indirect costs, and committed to advancing the HSI designation for UCLA. Anderson attendees expressed concerns about the impact of recent political attacks on marginalized communities, called for greater transparency in cost allocation and revenue allocation models like the Bruin Budget Model, and inquired about the university’s commitment to diversity in light of the current political climate. A longtime Anderson staff member asked Frenk to reflect on the contrasting approaches to the pandemic in Florida and California, highlighting the unique perspective Frenk brings from his previous role in Miami.

Themes

• Community Building and Engagement: Speakers discussed the university’s role in serving the broader community, focusing on the importance of outreach, engagement, and creating connections between communities and academia. The value of building strong and inclusive communities was emphasized.
• Political Climate: The impact of the current political climate on the university was a recurring theme, and concerns were raised about potential threats to diversity and inclusion.
• Campus Discourse: The importance of engaging in dialogue across difference and reasoned debate was highlighted as a way to counter divisive rhetoric.
• Civic Engagement: The importance of civic engagement and participation in the political process was highlighted.
• Multidimensionality: The idea that individuals have multiple identities and perspectives was an area of focus.
• Shared Campus Values: The importance of finding common ground and shared values was stressed.
• LGBTQ+ Community: The need to protect and support the LGBTQ+ community was emphasized, with concerns raised about potential threats to their safety and well-being.
• International Students: The experiences of international students were discussed, with some highlighting the challenges they may face in navigating a new culture and academic system.
• Global Citizenship: Speakers highlighted the need to develop global citizens who are aware of and responsive to local and global challenges through a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary approach.
• Student Success: The university’s commitment to student success was reaffirmed, with a focus on providing students with the resources and support they need to thrive.
• Diversity and Inclusion: There was a strong emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Some people have expressed concerns about the impact of recent political changes on these efforts. Chancellor Frenk spoke about the dangers of categorizing people and dehumanizing those who are different.
• HSI Designation: The university’s pursuit of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) was a key topic.
• Transparency in Finances: Attendees called for greater transparency in how the university allocates its funds, particularly regarding indirect costs. The term “indirect costs” or “overhead”  was discussed, as well as the need for clearer explanations and potentially alternative terminology.
• Leadership during the Pandemic: There was a comparison of how Florida and California handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
• State and Local Policies: The influence of state and local policies on the university’s ability to fulfill its mission was discussed.