UCLA Social Sciences Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for the UCLA College’s Division of Social Sciences on February 25, 2025 expressed a variety of aspirations and challenges.

Speakers asked the administration to discuss the handling of last spring’s protests and the urgency of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Participants commented on the importance of maintaining academic freedom, noting this is a fundamental right for both students and faculty.

Other speakers focused on the challenges faced by the social sciences, including budget cuts despite increasing enrollment and the impact of changing federal policies on research and funding. Speakers emphasized the importance of undergraduate teaching and the need for increased resources to maintain teaching excellence.

Themes

• Academic Freedom: The importance of academic freedom for students and faculty was strongly emphasized. Concerns were raised about self-censorship in classrooms and the need to protect diverse viewpoints.
• Budget Concerns: Financial constraints and potential budget cuts were major concerns, especially given the increasing enrollment in undergraduate programs.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): The importance of EDI was highlighted, with speakers emphasizing the need to protect and support social science programs.
• Federal Policy: Speakers raised concerns about rapidly changing federal policies and pointed out that they are causing anxiety and uncertainty. 
• International Students: The value and contributions of international students were recognized, with speakers highlighting their academic achievements and the challenges they face.
• Immigration: A speaker emphasized that immigrant students are valuable members of the university community, and their well-being is a concern. 
• Trust Building: Speakers commented on the need to rebuild trust between the administration and faculty, particularly after last spring’s protests. Dialogue across Difference was specifically discussed.
• Undergraduate Teaching: The importance of undergraduate teaching was emphasized, with speakers discussing the role of the social sciences in shaping future generations. 
• Faculty and Staff: Speakers commented on the need to provide more support for faculty and staff, particularly in navigating current challenges and maintaining teaching excellence.