ASUCLA, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for Student Affairs, ASUCLA, and Enrollment Management on March 10, 2025 engaged in a discussion about how best to support the student experience at UCLA, recent challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, and recent federal policy changes.

Attendees sought guidance on how UCLA could continue to support its students, staff, and faculty while upholding its commitment to inclusive excellence. The role of ASUCLA in supporting student jobs, training, and providing services without burdening UCLA’s financial system was also a topic of discussion.

Attendees praised the unique model of ASUCLA and sought insight into its future direction. Discussion also focused on the chancellor’s plans for addressing student well-being, given the increasing challenges students face with mental health, financial pressures, and academic stress. The importance of non-classroom spaces — such as study areas, dining facilities, and recreation areas — was highlighted, particularly given the significant increase in student enrollment over the past two decades. Attendees urged UCLA to plan for the expansion and improvement of these spaces to accommodate the growing student population.

Themes

• Affordability: One speaker discussed the rising cost of education and the need for more scholarships and financial aid to make UCLA more affordable.      
• Engagement and Visibility: A speaker was interested in how UCLA can leverage upcoming large events in Los Angeles to increase student engagement, community outreach, and global visibility.
• Student Outcomes: The importance of ASUCLA in preparing students for careers, leadership, civic engagement, and a meaningful life was emphasized. 
• Student Well-being: The increasing challenges students face with mental health, financial pressures, and academic stress were acknowledged, and one speaker encouraged UCLA to strengthen its student support systems.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): One speaker asked about the chancellor’s commitment to UCLA’s EDI values and inclusive excellence. Discussions also touched on navigating recent challenges brought on by federal policy changes. 
• Campus Growth and Infrastructure: A speaker raised concerns about the impact of increasing student enrollment on campus infrastructure, particularly the need for more study spaces, dining facilities, and recreational areas.   
• Student Experience: Discussion focused on how ASUCLA can better support the on-campus student experience, and how each unit can shape a positive and supportive student experience.