UCLA Athletics Listening Exercise

During the chancellor’s Listening Exercise with UCLA Athletics on February 25, 2025, attendees engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the future of the department and college athletics writ large.

Speakers expressed interest in understanding the chancellor’s vision for the university and how Athletics fits into that broader plan. Others inquired about the chancellor’s thinking on the current state of college athletics, including the impact of conference realignment, NIL, and the potential for revenue sharing with student-athletes.

The discussions also explored how UCLA Athletics could navigate the challenges facing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in today’s climate. UCLA Athletics was also framed as the “front porch” of the university, highlighting its visibility and potential to connect alums, students, and the broader community. Attendees also discussed the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2028 and the opportunities the games present for UCLA.

Themes

• UCLA Athletics as a “Front Porch” for the University: Discussions focused on the importance of athletics as a visible representation of the university, one that brings our community together and introduces new students and friends to UCLA. 
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI): There was discussion of the university’s core values, particularly those related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Speakers emphasized that athletics programs should be inclusive and welcoming to all students, regardless of their background.
• Student-Athlete Well-being: Discussion focused on the holistic development of student-athletes, and the importance of helping them balance both academic and athletic pursuits. 
• Changes in College Athletics: Discussions focused on the move to the Big Ten and conference realignment as well as the financial impact of NIL (name, image, and likeness) and the potential impact of revenue sharing with student-athletes.
• UCLA’s Role in Supporting Athletics: The university’s responsibility in providing resources and guidance to Athletics was discussed. 
• 2028 Summer Olympics: There was discussion regarding UCLA’s potential contributions and benefits to the LA 2028 Olympics.
• Competitive Environment: Speakers discussed the importance of maintaining a high level of competitiveness in athletics while upholding ethical standards.
• History and Tradition: The chancellor and other speakers acknowledged and celebrated UCLA’s legacy in athletics.
• Impact of Athletics on the University: The broader influence of athletics on the campus community and beyond was discussed.