UCLA Student Affairs

UCLA Student Affairs
Name	UCLA Student Affairs
Caption	Royce Hall, a central landmark on the University of California, Los Angeles campus.
Established	1919
Parent	University of California, Los Angeles
Key people	Monroe Gorden, Jr. (Vice Chancellor)
Location	Los Angeles, California, United States

UCLA Student Affairs. The division is a comprehensive administrative unit within the University of California, Los Angeles dedicated to supporting the holistic development, well-being, and success of its student population. Led by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, it encompasses a wide array of departments, services, and programs that extend beyond the academic curriculum. Its mission is to foster an inclusive campus community, promote student engagement, and provide essential resources that enhance the undergraduate and graduate experience.

Overview

The division operates as a cornerstone of the University of California, Los Angeles experience, interfacing with nearly every aspect of student life outside the classroom. Its origins are intertwined with the growth of the university itself, evolving from early Dean of Students offices to its current complex structure. The division reports directly to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost and works in close partnership with UCLA Academic Senate units and other administrative branches like UCLA Housing & Hospitality Services. Its strategic goals are aligned with the broader objectives outlined in the UCLA Strategic Plan, focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion, and student resilience.

Divisions and Departments

The organizational structure includes several major subdivisions, each led by an associate or assistant vice chancellor. Key units include the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars, which supports the global community, and the UCLA Career Center, which provides comprehensive professional development. The UCLA Community Programs Office (CPO) focuses on outreach and retention for underrepresented students, while the UCLA Center for Accessible Education (CAE) ensures disability accommodations. Other critical departments are the UCLA Dean of Students Office, the UCLA Residential Life team, and the UCLA Events and Transportation office, which manages major campus logistics.

Student Services and Programs

A vast portfolio of direct services is offered to address diverse student needs. The UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office administers federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including the Cal Grant and Pell Grant. The UCLA New Student & Transition Programs oversees Bruin Day, Orientation, and First Year Experience initiatives. Support for academic success is provided by units like the UCLA College Academic Counseling and the Graduate Student Resource Center. Cultural and identity-based support is centralized in facilities like the UCLA James West Alumni Center and community centers such as the UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center and the UCLA Bruin Resource Center.

Student Health and Wellness

Comprehensive health services are a critical pillar, primarily delivered through UCLA Student Health and the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center. This includes primary medical care, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and wellness promotion programs. The UCLA Recreation department manages extensive facilities like the John Wooden Center and the Drake Stadium, offering fitness, intramural sports, and outdoor adventures. Additional support comes from the UCLA Healthy Campus Initiative, the Rise Center for harm reduction, and nutrition services coordinated with UCLA Dining Services.

Campus Life and Student Organizations

The division cultivates a vibrant co-curricular environment through support for over 1,200 registered student organizations. Governance and major programming for undergraduate students are facilitated by the Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC), while graduate student interests are represented by the Graduate Students Association (GSA). Major campus traditions and events, such as Bruin Bash, Spring Sing, and Midnight Yell, are often produced in collaboration with these bodies. Facilities like the Ackerman Union, Kerckhoff Hall, and the Pauley Pavilion serve as central hubs for student activity, performances, and NCAA events.

Leadership and Governance

The division is led by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, a role held since 2015 by Monroe Gorden, Jr., who also serves as a professor in the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies. The vice chancellor oversees a senior leadership team and works under the purview of the University of California Board of Regents and UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block. Student input is institutionalized through advisory boards, representation on university committees like the Campus Programs Committee, and formal partnerships with USAC and the GSA. This governance model ensures student perspectives inform policy decisions on issues ranging from campus safety to sustainability initiatives.

Category:University of California, Los Angeles Category:Student affairs organizations in the United States