Shine a Light - Spring 2024 Staff Newsletter

At-A-Glance

Check out our new Student Affairs website!
Keep tabs on important dates coming up for the summer and fall.
Make use of opportunities to get involved with our community.

Dear Student Affairs Educators,

I write today to share the Spring edition of our newsletter on the heels of a challenging year – perhaps one of the most challenging we have ever had at UCLA. As we approach the summer months, I want to acknowledge and extend my sincerest gratitude to every one of you – for your compassion, for your resilience, and for your dedication to our students and the UCLA community.

Though we have certainly experienced challenges, let us not forget the incredible impact we have had and continue to have in shaping future leaders and citizens, providing them with memorable experiences, opportunities, and skillsets that will serve them long after they depart Bruin Walk.

As we approach summer, leaving May gray and June gloom in our rearview mirrors, it is a fitting time to announce the launch of our new Student Affairs website – which showcases the incredible work we do in Student Affairs to ensure UCLA is a place where all Bruins shine.

In this newsletter you will also find features on Student Affairs educators and initiatives, information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, and other ways you can stay connected and engaged. Thank you again for all you do. Whether it is through time spent with loved ones, an exciting vacation, or engaging in meaningful team retreats, I wish you all a restorative and enjoyable summer.

Monroe Gorden, Jr.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

You Should Know...

Check your Distribution Lists!

If you or someone on your team hasn’t been receiving all-staff messages, make sure that they are added to your department or program’s distribution list. To add someone to a distribution list or create a new distribution list, department managers should send a request to Student Affairs IT at support@sait.ucla.edu.

People Management Series

Student Affairs managers, you asked, we answered. Join your colleagues for a year-long training series to develop leadership skills including conflict management, performance evaluation, leading change, and effective communication. The kick-off meeting will be on August 28.

UCLA Marina Aquatic Center

Take a dip at the Marina Aquatic Center this summer. The MAC features a variety of boating programs, equipment rentals, and more that you can take advantage of. This facility is open to the public and doesn’t require a Recreation membership, but UCLA staff and faculty get 20% off activities with the discount code MAC20OFF.

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✨ Spotlights

Check out these articles.

Veterans Resource Center: Advancing the Narrative

Learn the story of the program that serves the people who serve the country. The Veterans Resource Center and Director Emily Dahlem uplift the veteran and military-connected students at UCLA, ensuring their stories are told and supporting them from the rear.

Read more here

Be Well Bruin: A One-Stop Shop for Well-being

Well-being means much more than just medical care – for some students, it’s properly eating every day. For others, it’s having the space to relax after a stressful week. UCLA has something to offer for every area of well-being, but can students find what they need amid all the noise? That's where Be Well Bruin comes in.

Read more here

Carina Salazar: Educator Making an Impact

From her family’s village in Mexico to the bustle of Bruin Walk, Carina Salazar has paved her path to leadership with her passion, dreams, and ambition. Find out how this Student Affairs star fearlessly empowers and advocates for our students without giving up her identity in the process.

Read more here

Sustainability at UCLA

Learn more about our campus' dedication to sustainability and how you can be a part of the journey to a greener UCLA. The Sustainability Committee at UCLA shares different ways to get involved, whether it's serving on various committees or hosting environmentally friendly events.

Read more here

Kudos to...

🏅 Mick Deluca, Associate Vice Chancellor, Campus Life

Staff Assembly

Chancellor's Excellence in Service Award

Administrative Management Group (AMG)

Distinguished Career Award

🏅 Nadir Fouani, Resident Director of De Neve Towers

UCLA Healthy Campus Initiative

2024 Eudaimonia Award for Staff

🏅 Ashlie Dao, Bruin Resource Center in collaboration with SAIRO

"The Unseen Scholars: Understanding Challenges Among Caregiving Students in Higher Education"

UCLA Undergraduate Research Week

2024 Dean's Prize for Excellence in Research

Did someone in your department win an award? Tell us more on our feedback form!

📅 Important Dates

Student Leadership Academies

July - September 2024

Student Affairs senior leadership will engage with student cohorts to promote career readiness, develop leadership skills, and identify individual strengths.

New Student Orientations

July - September 2024

Orientations for first-year and transfer students will be happening throughout the summer, serving as an extensive introduction to academic and campus life at UCLA.

People Management Series Kick-off

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

This is the beginning of a year-long manager training series. Learn important leadership skills to succeed as a manager at UCLA. Watch out for more announcements in coming weeks.

University Housing Move-In

Saturday, September 14 - Saturday, September 21

Living on campus is a pivotal experience for many students. This week, you’ll see plenty of students lugging their belongings to their residential communities. Pro tip: Watch out for extra traffic around the Hill.

Graduate Student Orientation

Monday, September 16 - Friday, September 20

This week-long orientation hosted by the Graduate Student Resource Center provides graduate and professional school students an introduction to life at UCLA. Previous years have included online training sessions, in-person workshops, socials, and networking opportunities.

True Bruin Welcome

Sunday, September 22 - Sunday, September 29

True Bruin Welcome exposes students to new communities and new experiences. From Bruin Bash and UCLA Spirit Day to the Enormous Activities Fair and the first day of classes, there’s sure to be something for all students. Reach out to Abby Johnson to get involved as a staff member.

Volunteer Day

Saturday, September 28

This long-standing Bruin tradition is one of the university’s largest community service events. New freshman and transfer students join continuing students, staff, faculty, and community members to participate in over 45 partner sites and organizations.

☀️ Cool for the Summer

When the heat turns up, the LA community becomes even more vibrant. Check out this section for inspiration on things to do this summer, whether its for a group outing or on a solo adventure.

🍦 I Scream for Ice Cream

Bring the temperature down with an icy treat at some local ice cream parlors. Not sure what to get? Our editors have you covered with our favorite flavors.

Saffron & Rose Ice Cream

1387 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

A UCLA legend. It’s so close to campus, you could have an ice cream meeting with a colleague here. Some people swear by their florals, but for something both fragrant and nutty, try their best-selling Saffron Pistachio flavor.

Wanderlust Creamery

2105 Sawtelle Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Rachel recommends the Sticky Rice + Mango flavor (which is actually dairy-free), an ode to Thailand’s famous dessert. Make sure you try their limited edition options, which change on a monthly basis!

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

445 N Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

You can't go wrong with any of the creative flavor profiles at Jeni’s, but if you’re craving something refreshing, Ariel’s pick is the Frosé Sorbet for some fruity sangria goodness.

Ginger's Divine Ice Cream

8430 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048

For our floral-loving folks, Sofia says Ginger’s is creating a buzz with their Lavender Honeycomb flavor. This purple treat has small chunks of fresh honey embedded in it – equal parts delicious and photo-worthy.

Sweet Rose Creamery

225 26th Street, Suite 51, Santa Monica, CA 90402

You might do a double take when you notice a classic flavor listed as a seasonal menu item, but Rachel promises you this is the best strawberry ice cream she’s ever had. Better yet, it’s available all summer long.

Dine LA Restaurant Week

Save the date for July 12-26 because Dine LA is back for 2024. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, this event is a great chance to eat at restaurants you might not know about. Most participating restaurants have prefix menus, but you can usually order a la carte off of their regular menu as well.

Jazz at LACMA

Decompress after your work week with local musicians at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Most people recognize LACMA for its famous lamp exhibit, but did you know it also holds free concerts every Friday evening from May through October?

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