To: Members of the Los Angeles Division of the Academic Senate
Dear Senate Faculty:
I hope your Fall quarter is off to a good start! The Academic Senate is in full swing here at UCLA. Among other things, the Council on Research and the Council on Planning and Budget are working to ensure that UCLA’s Research Park (located in the former Westside Pavilion) moves forward with priorities firmly grounded in our academic mission, and with sufficient financial transparency to be accountable to those priorities. The Graduate and Undergraduate Councils developed guidance for instructors on maintaining instructional excellence in the face of potential disruptions, and have updated procedures to improve our ability to sustain in-person learning whenever possible. Systemwide, the Senate is working to elevate faculty voices in the search for a new President to succeed Michael Drake, who will retire at the end of this academic year, and also in preparation for UAW contract re-negotiation in 2025.
The Academic Senate continues to press for transparency and the primacy of the academic mission in all matters. Issues related to campus safety and free expression remain a top priority, along with academic freedom and faculty authority over instruction.
Last month, the Senate and the Office of the Chancellor co-sponsored a Town Hall. Faculty had the opportunity to ask Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt questions about campus climate, safety and freedom of expression. I would like to thank all of you who attended and asked questions, and also to thank Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt and the other administrators who attended for their presence and engagement. If you were unable to attend, Interim Chancellor Hunt’s presentation slides are available.
You can stay up-to-date on Senate activity via the Senate website. Guidance, updates and newsletters (like this one) are available on our news page. UCLA Senate decisions, as well as advisement to administration and systemwide entities, are available on the issues page.
If you’d like to be more involved in shared governance, please let us know about your interests by filling out our senate service volunteer form. Senate service is not only an important way to contribute to UCLA’s academic mission, it is also a great way to learn about how the university works, and to make friends and connections across campus.
With best wishes for a productive and rewarding quarter,
Kathy Bawn
Chair, Academic Senate
Academic Senate Updates
October 2024
In this issue:
- UC Systemwide Academic Senate Survey Request
- UCOP Info on 2025 Health Benefit Plans Changes
- Research Allowance Program (RAP)
- Your Academic Senate
UC Systemwide Academic Senate Survey Request
Reminder to complete the UC Systemwide Academic Senate survey about faculty and instructor experiences during the past academic year. This survey was sent to all Senate faculty and course instructors across the ten UC campuses. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and must be submitted by midnight on October 18, 2024. It is best to complete it in one sitting, as browser settings may prevent you from resuming if you exit midway. Take the survey.
Your participation is voluntary and all responses are anonymous. If you have any questions about the survey or how the data will be used, contact Michael LaBriola, Assistant Director of the Systemwide Academic Senate, at Michael.Labriola@ucop.edu.
UCOP Info on 2025 Health Benefit Plans Changes
We encourage you to review this information about changes to 2025 health benefit plans. The Academic Senate continues to advocate in opposition to premium increases that reduce faculty take-home pay.
Research Allowance Program (RAP)
2024–25 RAP grant recipients have until October 31, 2024, to request their transfer of funds. Please visit our website for current information on RAP.
The Academic Senate is only as strong as its engaged faculty. We uphold the principle of faculty governance in higher education only when faculty exercise their governing authority. We welcome you to volunteer, contact your Legislative Assembly representatives, reach out to your Faculty Executive Committee Chairs who serve on the Council of Faculty Chairs, visit the Academic Senate website, and follow us on X at @UCLASenate.
Download this BruinPost PDF here.
