A season of gratitude
As the holiday season unfolds, Chancellor Frenk looks back on his first autumn at UCLA with appreciation— and ahead to the rest of the academic year with optimism. Featured in UCLA Magazine, Chancellor Frenk highlights the recent Nobel Prize wins affiliated with UCLA (one alum and one former faculty member) and notes the inspiring qualities of the incoming student class.
This fall, UCLA launched One UCLA, a unifying vision shaped by more than 6,300 Bruins, alumni, and community voices. The university now propels that vision forward through four flagship initiatives. UCLA Connects cultivates mutual respect and belonging via the
Office of Inclusive Excellence and the Initiative to Combat Antisemitism
. The Research and Innovation Blueprint transforms discoveries into real-world solutions, including with the new UCLA Research Park focused on immunology and quantum science. UCLA for Life broadens lifelong learning and enriches classroom experiences with emerging technologies. And the fourth initiative sharpens institutional effectiveness to ensure every dollar delivers maximum value back to society. Together, these actions reinforce UCLA’s commitment to student success and a bright future.
Did you know? UCLA has one of the most diverse, talented, and economically inclusive student bodies in the U.S.
► UCLA received 173,000+ applications for the freshman class -the most of any university in the country | UCLA Admissions data ► UCLA welcomes more transfer students than any other UC campus (90% are from California community colleges) | UCLA Enrollment Management ► 81% of undergrads are Californians, making UCLA an engine of opportunity for the state’s best and brightest| UCLA Admissions data ► Nearly half of UCLA undergraduates pay no tuition, ~30% are first-generation, ~1/3 receive Pell Grants, and 32% come from underrepresented backgrounds| UCLA Fast Facts
Letter from UC President James B. Milliken
Never in its 157-year history has the University of California faced the kind of fiscal uncertainty that it does today. UC President James B. Milliken was direct in his remarks to the UC Board of Regents in November about the serious and compounding financial pressures UC faces. But he also made clear that he and other UC leaders will do all they can to protect the University’s values and mission.
Your voice is our strength. Stand up for UCLA.
Threats to UCLA’s research, funding and future remain ongoing, unpredictable and very real. Your story can influence what happens next.
Please click here and take a moment to share what UCLA means to you.
Watch: Why aren’t life-changing medicines more affordable?
Osvaldo Gutierrez, who grew up herding goats on a ranch in Mexico, saw his mother die of cancer. Today, the UCLA professor of chemistry and biochemistry is working to make sure that lifesaving, disease-fighting drugs are available to everyone.
APLU honors UCLA for its initiatives in education, workforce development
UCLA received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Talent Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities for its exemplary initiatives in developing human capital. Chancellor Julio Frenk emphasized UCLA's commitment to lifelong education, while Eric Bullard, dean of UCLA Extension, highlighted the impact of these programs on meeting economic challenges. This national recognition builds on UCLA's earlier achievement of the IEP designation, which underscores th campus’ dedication to regional economic development. Above, Jennifer Poulakidas, associate vice chancellor of UCLA Government and Community Relations, receives the award on UCLA’s behalf from Ned Staebler, vice president of economic development at Wayne State University.
U.S. economy to slow through early 2026, while California navigates a two-speed recovery
The December 2025 UCLA Anderson Forecast highlights a mixed economic outlook for the U.S. and California, where strong investments in artificial intelligence drive growth in high-productivity sectors, but tariffs and a weak labor market hold back other areas like construction and hospitality. While the national economy faces rising unemployment and inflation, California’s jobs remain under pressure from deportations and rising costs, though venture capital investments support technology sectors. Overall, both economies are expected to experience a slowdown before rebounding in 2026.
901 Levering student housing project
UCLA plans to construct a new 19-story housing tower in Westwood to provide 1,150 beds for undergraduate students. This proposed project will replace five outdated buildings and support the university's commitment to offer four years of housing for first-year students and two years for transfer students. Located near the future Metro D Line subway station, the proposed housing complex will enhance student access to campus and nearby amenities. The proposed project is currently under environmental review. Construction is set to begin in summer 2026, with student occupancy targeted for Fall 2030.
What is the largest pedestrian plaza in the city of Los Angeles?
Broxton Plaza, bounded by three nearly century-old landmarks, is the focal point of a reimagined Westwood Village. The pedestrian thoroughfare features restaurants, a weekly farmers market, special events and more.
Going underground at UCLA
Chancellor Julio Frenk and Dr. Felicia Marie Knaul, associate of the chancellor, went on a guided tour of the oldest structure on the Westwood campus: the Arroyo Bridge. Led by Nurit Katz, UCLA’s chief sustainability officer, they explored the structure — from below. The bridge, completed in 1927 and modeled after Roman aqueducts, served as an important entry point for UCLA for 20 years before the arroyo was filled to create more usable space. Katz highlighted the significance of the site in understanding UCLA's history and the ongoing challenges related to aging infrastructure and maintenance.
UC Regents approve infrastructure funding request
The UC Board of Regents agreed to request state funding for infrastructure improvements at UCLA, concentrating on deferred maintenance. The package includes several renovation projects to update aging facilities and enhance earthquake safety. Along with addressing infrastructure needs, the board discussed changes to the Tuition Stability Plan and budget challenges resulting from funding cuts at both federal and state levels. UC's capital financial plan outlines ongoing projects that will upgrade facilities across the system.
UCLA-based Forests Task Force plays a key role at UN climate talks
World diplomats gathered in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, the annual United Nations climate summit, during a critical time in the fight against global warming. UCLA researchers played an important role through the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF Task Force)
, a coalition of governors from various countries dedicated to forest protection. Founded in 2008 by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other governors from Brazil and Indonesia, the Task Force expanded to include 45 jurisdictions, covering 60% of Mexican and Indonesian forests, 75% of the Bolivian Amazon, and all of the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon. The coalition empowers subnational governments in their battle against climate change and deforestation by providing training, research support, and strategic sessions, aiming to strengthen the capacity of civil servants and local partners who implement environmental programs.
Reducing outdoor vulnerability to extreme heat in Los Angeles
Climate change increases heat risks in cities like Los Angeles, leading to more heat-related illnesses, particularly in low-income communities. To combat these risks, cities must transform their environments by adding shade, green spaces, and cool roofs to combat extreme heat. Current regulations fail to adequately address this growing issue, prompting the need for proactive measures. A new UCLA policy brief by the School of Law’s Emmett Institute outlines strategies to redesign outdoor spaces, emphasizing the installation of street-level shade structures to protect vulnerable populations from rising temperatures.
Toxic sites in U.S. at risk of flooding because of sea-level rise
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health researchers warn that unchecked heat-trapping pollution will drive sea levels higher and flood more than 5,500 hazardous U.S. sites by 2100, including sewage plants and toxic-waste facilities that threaten public health. A University of California-led study shows that Florida, New Jersey, California, Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts, and Texas will account for nearly 80% of these vulnerable sites, disproportionately endangering low-income communities. The analysis emphasizes the urgent need for targeted disaster planning and mitigation strategies to address these threats while suggesting that moderate cuts to climate pollution could significantly reduce the number of at-risk sites.
Veterans Clinic collaborates to study post-wildfire displacement
UCLA School of Law’s Veterans Legal Clinic collaborated with community partners to produce a study assessing housing displacement risks for residents affected by the Eaton Fire in January 2025. The report focuses on the vulnerabilities of long-term residents, particularly Black Altadenans, and offers policy recommendations to local and state leaders to safeguard families and preserve the neighborhood's history. Law students conducted research with spatial data analysis, resident interviews, and collaboration with community organizations; they also staffed FEMA appeals clinics to help fire-affected families rebuild their lives.
How neighborhoods can address uptick in black bear encounters
UCLA researcher Wilson Sherman examines the surge in black bear encounters across Southern California communities. He attributes the sharp rise in sightings to prolonged drought and urban sprawl that push bears into human areas. During their intense late-summer hyperphagia phase, bears raid trash and other easy food sources, creating conflicts that strain under-resourced wildlife agencies, especially in Los Angeles. Sherman also explores how social media amplifies these incidents as residents post dramatic videos and photos of bears roaming suburban neighborhoods, making encounters seem more frequent.
Game changer for kidney transplant patients
A UCLA clinical trial, supported by a $6.7-million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, explores a stem cell-based therapy that retrains kidney transplant recipients' immune systems, reducing or eliminating the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. This therapy uses donor-derived blood stem cells and has shown success with closely matched sibling donors. The grant will expand the trial to include additional patients and investigate the biological mechanisms of immune tolerance, potentially benefiting a wider range of donor-recipient pairs and other organ transplants.
Bruin-led non-profits uplifting our communities
A new UCLA Alumni Affairs program is highlighting organizations founded or led by UCLA alumni with a clear mission: improve quality of life in communities. From breakthroughs in medical science to championing the arts, protecting the environment, and fighting for justice, these ventures showcase the lasting impact of a UCLA education.
From Capitol Hill to community partnerships, join our network of advocates driving change. Hit follow to get the latest on UCLA's impact and how you can get involved.
The science and politics of geoengineering Nate Hagen interviews professor Ted Parson about solar geoengineering, specifically stratospheric aerosol injection, as a potential response to severe climate risks.
UCLA Campus, Covel Commons
Wednesday, January 14
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. RSVP required
UCLA Health
Transforming patient care
UCLA Health has created the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics, the first of its kind in the U.S., to enhance patient care through advanced imaging and targeted therapies. This new department builds on more than ten years of innovation and expands clinical services, research opportunities, and collaborations. With state-of-the-art facilities, it will focus on developing cutting-edge imaging techniques and therapies that improve diagnosis and treatment for various diseases, including cancer. The department officially launches on January 1, 2026, and will make an important contribution to the future of personalized medicine.
Keep on Rising | UCLA Health From reporting the first AIDS cases to pioneering cancer therapies, UCLA Health continues to push the limits of what's possible in health care. Because lives depend on it.
Holiday tip: how to navigate the sweet stuff
From Halloween candy to pumpkin pie to Christmas cookies and celebratory cocktails, sugar is everywhere during the end-of-year holidays. And that’s not the best news for our health. Although added sugars don’t directly cause cancer, they contribute to conditions that may increase the risk of disease, said Deborah Hong, MS, RDN. Hong is a dietitian with the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, which provides free nutritional guidance and psychosocial support for people being treated for cancer at UCLA Health. Discover some healthier alternatives for this holiday season.
Supporting Communities: UCLA's Impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The Mathias Botanical Gardenpromotes botanical knowledge and appreciation of nature to the UCLA community and public at large. The Garden acts as a community gathering place for a wide variety of groups and promotes plant conservation, botanical research and horticulture.
