New Bruin Family Connect 2025

Welcome to UCLA

Congratulations to you and your student! What a proud moment to watch your student start their journey at UCLA. As the parent of a rising senior at UCLA, I have experienced firsthand how exciting (and nerve-wracking) this transition period can be in a student’s and family’s life. Whether your new Bruin just finished up high school or is preparing to transfer from another college, I know you are keenly interested in supporting your student as they continue their educational journey. I would love to make some recommendations to you on how you can do that.

UCLA recognizes the important role families play in supporting our students and enabling them to thrive. When my daughter began her time at UCLA, the University not only welcomed her, but also me as a parent. This warm welcome was my happy introduction to a community that my daughter and I both now consider family. I am thrilled to now be the one to welcome you into the UCLA family as well! You will find that your students are not the only ones who will grow and learn while at UCLA; parents and family members can also gain so much from being involved. Enter the UCLA Parent & Family Association, which provides information and support, and opportunities for further involvement, if you so desire.

The UCLA Parent & Family Association (PFA) recognizes the changing dynamic of the student/parent relationship as your student becomes more independent and aims to provide you multiple channels to access important information and resources.

• Bruin Family Connect - A quarterly e-newsletter for families of undergraduate students to stay connected with the University and be aware of campus services, issues, opportunities, and a wealth of amazing campus events available to your student and you.
• Parent Helpline – Accessible via phone at 310-794-6737 or by email at mybruinis@ucla.edu, this helpline was created specifically for Bruin parents and families, and is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.
• Social Media - The PFA team regularly shares information and opportunities through their official Facebook page, including important deadlines, upcoming parent involvement events and happenings around campus. You can also find PFA on Instagram.

There are also great opportunities for parents and family members to become directly involved with the UCLA campus community. The UCLA Parents’ Council and the Parent & Family Association exist to and provide community, connection to and support for students and families of this great University. As the 2025-26 Parents’ Council Chair, I invite you to consider hosting a Bruin Family Social in your local area (a great opportunity to connect with UCLA families and alumni who live near you, and a chance to build a Bruin community at home) and perhaps applying for Parents’ Council next year (applications are open annually from mid-April to early July). Volunteering through either or both opportunities is a fun and easy way to personally experience the caring spirit, energy, and optimism embodied by the Bruin community.

I love being actively involved on campus and I look forward to meeting you at Bruin Family Weekend, taking place Nov. 7-8, 2025. I wish you and your family harmony, health, and happiness on this new journey together.

Go Bruins!

Jessica Eaves Mathews, Parent ‘26
Parents’ Council Chair, 2025-26