UCLA Registered Student Organization Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for Registered Student Organization Leaders on May 9, 2025 shared several ideas and concerns. Housing availability was a key topic, with students asking about the university’s plans to ensure a four-year housing guarantee. Representatives from student organizations discussed how the administration could better support student organizations in navigating challenges and fostering a more inclusive environment.

Student leaders also sought guidance on addressing their peers’ anxieties in light of the current political climate and its potential impact on higher education. They asked about the chancellor’s plans to safeguard and strengthen support for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts. Students also emphasized the need for increased collaboration between departments and clubs to enhance graduate student belonging.

They asked questions about funding and venue access limitations for student organizations.

Themes

• Housing Availability: Discussion focused on ensuring adequate on-campus housing for all undergraduate students, especially given the projected increase in enrollment.
• Student Organization Funding: Students expressed a need for increased support and funding for student organizations, particularly those facing challenges in securing resources.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): The importance of safeguarding and strengthening EDI efforts on campus was emphasized, especially in light of potential political pressures.
• Representation of Minority Groups: Students from underrepresented groups expressed the need for their voices to be heard and for the university to create an inclusive environment.
• Support for International Students: Concerns were raised about the rising cost of tuition for international students and the need for more support services.
• Graduate Student Engagement: Graduate students expressed the desire to improve collaboration and to feel a stronger sense of connection to the full campus community. 
• Collaboration between Departments and Clubs: The need for greater collaboration and communication between different departments and student clubs was highlighted.
• Political Pressures on Higher Education: Students expressed anxieties about the impact of political pressures on higher education and the potential for cuts to funding and programs.
• Communication with Administration: Students discussed ways to increase communication with the administration on important issues.
• Venue Access for Student Organizations: Students discussed their concerns regarding access to venues for student organization events and activities.