UCLA Alum Listening Exercise

UCLA Alums expressed keen interest in various aspects of the university, including its vision for the future, strategic planning, and efforts to ensure affordability for students and faculty. Discussions revolved around the impact of potential reductions in federal funding for research and the university’s approach to incorporating emerging technologies like AI into undergraduate programs. Alums also inquired about Chancellor Frenk‘s vision for UCLA Athletics in the context of the university’s transition to the Big 10 Conference.

The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at UCLA was a recurring theme, with alums seeking insights into how these efforts would evolve in light of national conversations and policy changes. Campus safety and free speech were also significant topics, with alums seeking assurances that UCLA would remain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Finally, alums were interested in learning more about Chancellor Frenk‘s background and what drew him to UCLA.

Themes

• Strategic Planning: There was a strong interest in understanding the chancellor’s vision for the university’s future and how it will evolve over the next decade.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Alums were eager to know how DEI initiatives will continue to develop at UCLA, especially in light of ongoing national conversations and policy changes.
• Campus Safety and Free Speech: Concerns were raised about ensuring a safe campus environment while upholding free speech and open dialogue.
• UCLA Athletics: Alums wanted to know how the university will support its athletics programs as they transition to the Big 10 Conference and continue to compete at a high level.
• Affordability: Questions were raised about the affordability of attending UCLA for both students and faculty/staff and what can be done to make it more accessible.
• Communication: Alums expressed a desire for improved communication from the university, including more frequent updates and information about campus events and initiatives.
• Educational Innovation: There was interest in how UCLA is incorporating AI and other emerging technologies into its undergraduate curriculum to prepare students for the future.
• First-Generation Students: The importance of supporting first-generation students was highlighted, and alums were interested in learning more about the university’s initiatives in this area.
• Research Funding: Concerns were raised about the potential impact of reduced federal funding for research on campus.
• Engagement: Alums expressed a desire to be more involved in the university community and to contribute to its success.
• Dialogue Across Difference: The importance of fostering dialogue and understanding across differences was emphasized, with alums interested in learning more about the university’s programs in this area.
• Chancellor’s Leadership: Alums sought to understand the chancellor’s leadership style and priorities for the university.
• Global Network: Alums living abroad expressed interest in learning about ways to connect with the university and contribute to its goals.
• Big 10 Transition: Alums wanted to know how the university is navigating the transition to the Big 10 Conference and what it means for UCLA Athletics.
• UCLA’s Strengths and Opportunities: Alums were interested in hearing about the university’s strengths and opportunities for growth in the coming years.