As we approach the close of the academic year, I am pleased to share the latest updates on UCLA’s digital initiatives. Across campus, our collective efforts continue to strengthen the university’s technology environment, enhance service delivery, and advance a shared vision for a more connected, inclusive, and innovative digital campus.
Advancing One IT
In addition to meetings with campus unit leaders and Academic Senate consultations, the One IT initiative continues its discovery phase. Campus units are actively participating in data collection on staffing, services, and technology systems, helping to build a shared, transparent understanding of UCLA’s IT landscape. The One IT governance framework is progressing, with plans to establish 12 working groups focused on constituent experience, campus capabilities, and technology capabilities.
Based on feedback from faculty and staff through surveys, listening sessions and direct conversations, the team is refining its approach to keep collaboration, local context and service quality at the forefront. Communication and engagement efforts will expand in December with an enhanced One IT website, a campus newsletter, and additional listening sessions. These next steps reflect our commitment to open dialogue and continuous improvement toward a unified, inclusive, and service-oriented IT operating model that aligns with UCLA’s mission.
Strengthening Financial Aid and Student Support
Work continues to stabilize and strengthen operations across the Bruin Financial Aid (BFA) system. Undergraduate and graduate financial aid processing remains strong, with the fall term seeing a significant disbursement of more than $331 million supporting 28,711 students.
Challenges affecting some graduate and professional students stem from historically distributed processes that require greater integration, shared practices, and coordinated support. In response, the Division of Graduate Education, Digital & Technology Solutions, and Financial Aid & Scholarships have worked in close partnership to resolve issues students are experiencing, realign responsibilities, strengthen communication and reinforce accountability.
Beginning in December, a series of training sessions will launch to further support graduate and professional program staff in preparation for the winter quarter. These sessions will focus on addressing identified gaps, promoting consistency and ensuring timely and accurate aid delivery for all students.
Elevating AI at UCLA
UCLA continues to advance its AI strategy with the launch of UCLA’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee in December. This committee will guide campuswide efforts around responsible, ethical and innovative AI use, serving as a central hub to help UCLA adapt to emerging technologies, opportunities and risks. We also remain closely connected with systemwide efforts and continue to coordinate through the UC Systemwide AI Council to ensure UCLA’s work is represented and aligned with emerging University of California priorities.
Safeguarding Our Technology Environment
The Asset team, in collaboration with campus partners, has made significant progress toward meeting UCOP compliance requirements ahead of the December 19 deadline, with several units completing activities early. Operational transition planning has begun to ensure ongoing maintenance is aligned with IT asset management practices. In parallel, the team is exploring opportunities to integrate cloud assets and to incorporate feedback from recent engagement sessions to strengthen campus readiness and alignment with compliance requirements.
Building a Unified Network
The Bruin Connect and Secure program continues to make progress toward implementing a modern, reliable and secure unified campus network. Current efforts are focused on the preliminary build of the new network, detailed planning for the future-state operating model that defines how network services will be delivered to campus units and stakeholder engagement to ensure a smooth transition during pilot and migration phases.
Advancing Campuswide Digital Accessibility
The Digital Accessibility initiative is underway to establish a comprehensive, inclusive digital environment aligned with UC and federal accessibility policy. Following the October 9 BruinPost, governance coordination continues to advance. The Steering Committee has been convened to provide strategic direction, define compliance requirements and identify and address constraints that may impact progress before April 2026.
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we build a technology foundation that supports UCLA’s mission of teaching, research, and service.
Best,
Lucy Avetisyan
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer
