UCLA Academic Senate Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise with the Academic Senate on April 18, 2025 expressed a variety of concerns and hopes for the future of the university and relationship between Senate and administration.

Discussion focused on the university’s role in research and innovation, and on ways to support and promote these endeavors. Questions were raised about how the university would engage with the federal government, particularly when funding is withheld.

Speakers also discussed the need for greater transparency in the current environment, and how to balance that with the need for confidentiality. Conversation also focused on the challenges faced by department chairs, particularly those overseeing both undergraduate and professional master’s programs. Speakers highlighted the importance of addressing incidents of discrimination on campus, referencing last spring’s events.

Themes

• Research and Innovation: UCLA’s role as a research leader and the need to promote innovation were highlighted. 
• Antisemitism: Concerns were raised about antisemitism on campus and the need for preventative measures. Discussion focused on the value of  Dialogue across Difference as a starting point for healing, following the events of last spring. 
• Chancellor’s Leadership: Speakers expressed appreciation for the chancellor’s leadership and initiatives.
• Budget Concerns: Questions were raised about the university’s budget and federal funding. There was also discussion about budget deficits and how staff and faculty can participate in budget planning decisions.
• Financial Transparency: The balance between confidentiality and financial transparency in university operations was discussed.
• Faculty Development Concerns: One speaker shared concerns about issues facing full-time faculty in terms of professional development. 
• Academic Programs: Discussion focused on the quality and development of academic programs, including professional master’s programs.
• Collaboration and Interdisciplinarity: The value of collaboration across departments and schools was emphasized, as was the importance of interprofessional and multidisciplinary research.
• Federal Government Engagement: Speakers asked about the chancellor’s approach to engaging with the federal government on funding and policy issues.
• Campus Climate: The overall atmosphere and well-being of the campus community were discussed.
• Communication and Feedback: Speakers valued the opportunity to share their perspectives and receive feedback from the chancellor, and look forward to continued discussions and updates.