Dear Colleagues:
As we wrap up the academic year and celebrate our graduates, we look ahead to the summer term with renewed focus. Below are a few key initiatives currently underway across UCLA’s Digital & Technology Solutions, designed to improve services for students, faculty, and staff.
- Technology Asset Inventory and Security Enhancements: The Bruin Connect & Secure (BCS) team has completed the first phase of a campus-wide inventory to track and classify UCLA’s technology assets. We are now moving into the second phase, which focuses on automating data collection and launching a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) system, a platform designed to manage and secure devices across the university. We are currently gathering input from campus partners to align next steps with unit needs before finalizing the plan.
- Strengthening Cybersecurity Protections: As part of our ongoing efforts to protect UCLA’s digital environment, the BCS team successfully launched new security enforcement measures in early June, including requirements for Trellix and Duo Desktop. Since then, nearly 1,900 new security installations and over 7,700 device check-ins have occurred. Call volume has remained steady, and our service teams are continuing to support departments with installation and access needs.
- Improving Campus Network Services: The Network Unification team continues to plan for the implementation of a unified UCLA network. The project team completed the network design phase with input from the Design Review Board and Network Advisory Committee, while continuing to plan implementation activities to support a smooth transition towards a unified network across the campus.
- Financial Aid System Now Fully Operational: Our new Bruin Financial Aid system is operational and ready to support students for the upcoming Fall term. The system has already successfully disbursed over $20 million to over 5,000 students enrolled in Summer 2025. Bruin Financial Aid now handles the entire financial aid process, from receiving student records to awarding and distributing aid. We're actively working on enhancements and improvements to ensure a seamless experience for the full launch this Fall.
- Advancing AI: UCLA has completed the initial phase of the AI Innovation Initiative, with over 60 pilots. Several projects have been selected for presentation at national conferences, and others have received grant funding for continued development. As the initiative moves forward, DTS will highlight outcomes, support ongoing experimentation, and expand AI training, events, and tools to meet a broad range of campus needs.
- Enhancing Teaching Spaces Through Technology: The Classroom Modernization Pilot is a joint effort by UCLA’s Digital & Technology Solutions team, the Teaching and Learning Center, the Registrar’s Office, Facilities Management, and campus leadership to improve classroom spaces with updated technology and thoughtful design. The pilot includes 10 spaces, with demolition currently underway and expected to be completed by the end of this week. The designs for the upgraded spaces have been approved, and installation of the new technology and layouts is set to begin in early August.
I invite you to visit our Digital & Technology Solutions Newsroom to stay informed about recent updates and service offerings. In addition, you can explore the broader impact of our initiatives on the IT Executive Dashboard.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Best,
Lucy Avetisyan
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer
