Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. With the California governor’s seat open, control of Congress at stake, and several propositions, local races, and a runoff for Los Angeles mayor on the ballot, this is an opportunity to shape government at all levels. UCLA is providing information and support to help the campus community cast ballots.
On-campus Vote Centers (Oct. 31–Nov. 3): check here for hours of operation.
• De Neve Plaza, Rooms P352 and P353 • Ackerman Union, 2nd floor Bruin Reception Room
• Ackerman 2nd floor Grand Ballroom is open only on Nov. 2 (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). • Hammer Museum, Annenberg Terrace
As midterm elections approach, UCLA experts delve into some of the factors influencing voter behavior. Aliza Luft, a sociologist and interim director of the UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute, explores how political threats, polarization, and hate impact decision-making among ordinary Americans. She discusses the ways these dynamics could shape the electoral landscape this year.
Assemblymembers Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) and Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) hosted a press conference at UCLA to highlight the creation of the University of California Climate Change Research and Policy Institute. The state investment of $38.2 million will support a permanent, dedicated hub for climate research and policy engagement across the UC system, leveraging California’s world-class public research universities to help the state meet its climate goals.
On October 20, the California Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies and the Assembly Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure convened an informational hearing at UCLA to discuss the state’s commitment to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Representatives from the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission provided an update on zero-emission vehicle progress, new regulatory efforts and incentives available to help first time buyers transition to a zero-emissions vehicle. Ann Carlson, faculty director of the UCLA School of Law Emmett Institute, presented legal research on the power of indirect source rules and innovative policy strategies to reduce pollution, while responding to inquiries from
legislators. One piece of data highlighted during the hearing: Californians purchased 80,392 new zero-emission vehicles last quarter, representing nearly 20% of new car sales.
UCLA ranks among The Princeton Review’s 2027 Best Value Colleges and is recognized among the top public schools for career placement. The ranking evaluates academics, affordability, and career outcomes using more than 40 data points, including graduation rates, student debt, and alumni earnings. UCLA also stands out for having one of the strongest alumni networks among public universities.
Of UCLA’s 2025-26 graduating class, 73% had no student loan debt (the remaining 27% had an average debt of about $19,000). Thanks to the UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, California residents whose family income is less than $100,000 are guaranteed grants (institutional, federal, and state) that fully cover UC tuition and fees. Nearly 32% of undergraduates receive a Federal Pell Grant.
Jennie Brand, UCLA professor of sociology with an appointment in statistics and data science, studies the long-term effects of job loss and how AI is reshaping worker mobility. Brand and her team found that workers in declining occupations face a mobility trap, with far weaker prospects for upward moves than those in growing fields. The risk is highest for workers in jobs that are both highly AI-exposed, meaning AI could cut task time by at least half, and projected to shrink, such as payroll, bookkeeping, data-entry, and medical transcription roles. Many of these workers possess few AI-related skills, with less than 1% of payroll and bookkeeping clerks listing generative AI skills on LinkedIn profiles. The research warns that occupational change alone does not guarantee better outcomes,
and it serves as a reminder that limited pathways into expanding fields can leave workers stuck in weaker career trajectories.
The UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT) celebrated its students, faculty, staff, alumni and industry partners at its second annual convocation on September 23. Held at the Freud Playhouse, the ceremony brought together members of the TFT community to recognize the school’s contributions to the arts and to celebrate its place among the nation’s leading institutions for theater, film and television education.
TFT Dean Celine Parreñas Shimizu shared her vision for the new academic year and recognized several TFT advocates. The event also featured remarks from California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan and representatives from several local, state and federal elected officials.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a design grant for a stormwater management project at UCLA. Funded by Measure W (a stormwater management tax), this joint effort between UCLA and L.A. Metro will benefit the campus and surrounding community by enhancing water capture, reducing flooding, and promoting active transportation. Construction at the campus gateway is projected to start in late 2028 and will transform grassy lawns into native gardens and wide pavements into permeable surfaces.
Health economist Susan Ettner, physician-scientist Donald Kohn, and cancer researcher Dennis Slamon from UCLA have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine along with 97 other esteemed professionals globally. This election recognizes their significant contributions to medical science and public health. The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970, provides independent analysis and advice to the nation on critical issues related to science, medicine, and policy.
A UCLA Health clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of intensive telerehabilitation for stroke survivors, focusing on patients aged 18-85 who experienced a stroke three to nine months prior. This Phase 3 study includes 70-minute in-home therapy sessions, six days a week with licensed therapists. The trial employs exercises and interactive computer games to enhance arm movement and overall functionality. Initial results show that 40% of participants registered measurable improvement on the disability scale after six weeks of therapy.
Supporting communities: UCLA's impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles throughUCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
TheEntrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)consortium offers cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to veterans who served on active duty post-September 2001. Managed by the UCLA Anderson School of Management, the EBV program involves three phases: online training, a nine-day residency and ongoing technical support and mentorship.
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