who we are
about us
frequently asked questions
about the UCLA alumni association
What is the UCLA Alumni Association?
The UCLA Alumni Association exists as a conduit, a resource and an advocate to advance the interests of UCLA and its nearly half-a-million living alumni. We serve as a vital partner in the success of the University through the significant engagement of alumni, students, parents and members. As a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization, the Association offers scholarships, career programming, lifelong learning opportunities and connects alumni with Bruin networks worldwide. Wherever you are in life or the world, we’re providing a bridge back to UCLA.
What is the difference between the Alumni Association, Alumni Affairs, UCLA Alumni?
Alumni Affairs and UCLA Alumni refers to the organization that works with and represents the UCLA alumni community. Alumni Association is the legal name of the volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is referenced for financial, governance and business purposes such as contracts.
Who is considered a UCLA alum?
Anyone who went to UCLA is considered an alum. Medical residents, UCLA Engineering, UCLA Extension and UCLA Anderson certificate holders are all considered alumni as well.
How does the Alumni Association support all Bruins across life stages?
Alumni Affairs has programming and resources from the moment a student is accepted into UCLA through their retirement years. This includes events like new bruin send-offs, interview with a bruin, career workshops for recent grads, alumni network events, 2nd act academy and more.
Is a membership needed to be part of the Alumni Association?
A membership is not needed to be part of the Alumni Association, as long as you have graduated from UCLA you are an automatic member. If you previously purchased a membership such as Blue, Gold and Life, your elevated member benefits have not changed.
alumni pathways & engagement opportunities
What opportunities help Bruins navigate career or life transitions?
Alumni Affairs hosts various programs that touch on this subject, including events with expert panelists as well as topical webinars hosted by a career coach. The 2nd act series also offers workshops for alumni 50 years and older. The UCLA ONE directory is a great resource to find Bruins who already have experience in the career or life stage you are transitioning into.
How can alumni build leadership, skills, and networks?
Volunteer for an alumni network, organizing events or serving as a board member. It’s a great way to make new bruin contacts and help shape the direction of the network.
How can alumni support students, families, and the UCLA community?
Get involved as an alumni volunteer for programs involving students such as the alumni mentor program, interview with a bruin or offer your help through UCLA ONE.
What opportunities exist for Bruins returning after time away?
Alumni Affairs offers events, volunteer opportunities to connect with other bruins, or give to worthy cause at UCLA such as alumni scholarships.
What resources help Bruins find community, mentorship, or affinity connections?
Alumni have formed communities based on shared location, identity, profession or UCLA experiences. Find an Alumni Network that meets your interests and get involved.
How can families, parents, and supporters engage with UCLA?
We offer several opportunities for family members to get involved and support their student and UCLA, from joining the Parents’ Council, volunteering, attending a bruin social and bruin family weekend, and reading the bruin family connect newsletter to stay informed.
events & community connection
How can I build community with fellow Bruins?
Alumni have formed communities based on shared location, identity, profession or UCLA experiences. Find an Alumni Network that meets your interests and get involved.
What types of events does the Alumni Association offer?
UCLA Alumni events are as diverse as the alumni who attend. From virtual career workshops to award ceremonies, from educational mixers to game watch parties, alumni events aim to enlighten, connect and inspire.
How do I find regional networks or clubs?
Explore Alumni Networks based on shared location, identity, profession or UCLA experiences.
How can I start receiving email/ mail in my area?
Update or verify your email and mailing information in the Alumni Portal.
What identity-based alumni communities exist?
American Indian, Asian Pacific Islanders, Black, Disabled, Latino, LGBTQ+, mixed race, Muslim, Pilipino and undocumented. Visit the Alumni Diversity Networks page to learn more.
Are events open to families and guests?
Most events are open to guests and families, although some events may be by invitation only or have age restrictions.
What travel programs or group trips does UCLA offer for alumni?
Explore the tours offered domestically and around the world by UCLA Alumni Travel.
career & professional development
What career resources are available to alumni?
UCLA ONE (Opportunity, Network, Experience) actively connects over 80,000 Bruins in 160 fields and industries through our free online professional community. You can network with professionals by industry or location, receive or offer mentorship, and reconnect with classmates and colleagues. Also, our career support page offers a curated list of resources and programs all aimed at empowering your success. Check out relevant professional development content including webinars, podcasts, and resources on our career & leadership development page. Our networks offer virtual networking opportunities, career panels and other events and programming to bring Bruins near you together, whether in person or virtually.
How can I access coaching, workshops, or professional tools?
Visit our career support page or of lifelong learning page dedicated to career and leadership development.
Do alumni have access to UCLA Career Center services?
Yes, after graduating, Bruins have three months of Career Center access to continue utilizing all services, including one-on-one appointments and drop-in sessions. This also includes three months of full access to 12twenty for Alumni, followed by an additional year of limited access. Once the free one-year subscription ends, you will have the opportunity to continue renewing your 12twenty account for $30 every 6 months. This renewal will only be a limited access version. Additional Career Center resources for alumni include career guides and toolkits, as well as professional headshots.
digital tools & staying connected
How do I update my contact or profile information?
You can update your info by registering and signing in to the Alumni Portal. If you’re having trouble, contact us at alumni@alumni.ucla.edu or 310-825-2586 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How can we access our digital membership card?
Your digital membership card can also be accessed by registering and signing in to the Alumni Portal. You can print it once you access your card.
What is UCLA ONE and how do I use it?
UCLA ONE (Opportunity, Network, Experience) functions much like LinkedIn, except it’s exclusively for Bruins. It connects over 80,000 Bruins in hundreds of fields and industries through a free online professional community. You can network with professionals by industry or location, search and post jobs, receive or offer mentorship, and reconnect with classmates and colleagues. We also have a walk-through to sign up and navigate the platform here.
How do I subscribe to alumni communications?
UCLA alumni automatically receive communications from Alumni Affairs. If you are not receiving message, you may have accidentally unsubscribed from a previous email. You can receive communications again by contacting alumni@alumni.ucla.edu or 310-825-2586 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are not an alum of UCLA, you can still receive communications by donating to UCLA which requires an annual gift of $100 to the Alumni Association.
Where can I read Bruin stories or alumni news?
Bruin stories and alumni news can be found throughout our website, beginning on our homepage. More stories can be found on our Bruin Stories page, Articles page and Class Notes page.
How do I submit or view Class Notes?
UCLA degree-holders can share your message to our Class Notes team, classnotes@support.ucla.edu, who can highlight your achievement on our Class Notes page.
Does UCLA publish updates about Bruins making an impact?
Alumni who are doing amazing things or have an interesting story to tell are features regularly. Check out our bruin stories page to see the most recent spotlights.
volunteering & mentorship
How can I volunteer with the Alumni Association?
Visit the Volunteering page to find an opportunity might interest you. Then submit the interest form or click learn more to see how you can get involved in specific opportunities such as scholarship reading, hosting a dinner for 12 strangers or becoming a mentor for UCLA students.
What mentorship opportunities are available?
The alumni mentor program is offered annually in the fall and connect UCLA students with alumni mentors, typically based on background and experience. UCLA ONE also provides an opportunity for alumni to connect with any Bruin throughout the year to form a mentorship. Several alumni networks also provide mentorship opportunities within their communities.
Can I volunteer remotely?
Yes, some volunteer opportunities such as reviewing alumni scholarship applications or various network leadership positions can be done remotely.
giving, support & philanthropy
How can alumni give back to UCLA?
Alumni can give back to UCLA in several ways including financially, as a volunteer, or through advocating for UCLA in your day-to-day life. Nearly every area of campus accepts financial donations to help sustain their missions. Explore the various projects which you can direct your contributions at the UCLA Giving page.
What is the Alumni Support Fund?
The Alumni Support Fund finances the operational costs of Alumni Affairs and its programs. From supporting Alumni Networks and career programming to organizing UCLA traditions like Spring Sing and Dinners for 12 Strangers, these funds improve the lives of Bruins and keep them connected to UCLA and one another.
Can I contribute to scholarships or student support?
Yes, the alumni scholarships program award merit-based scholarships to nearly 200 incoming students annually, incentivizing the best and the brightest students to come to UCLA. These scholarship students automatically become part of the alumni scholars club where they are required to complete 40 service hours and create community through interclub activities.
business partnerships & sponsorships
How do businesses partner with the Alumni Association?
The UCLA Alumni Association offers local, regional, national and global businesses an opportunity to forge a partnership with UCLA Alumni by becoming a corporate partner. We offer marketing, advertising and event hosting assets to enhance your company’s brand and create demand for your products or services among our 700,000 members who represent every imaginable demographic. If you are interested in partnering with us, please email businessdevelopment@alumni.ucla.edu.
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
The Alumni Association holds many events and programs which offer a sponsorship opportunities for businesses. From Spring Sing to senior class communications, various forms of activation like a sponsor banner ad or onsite booth displays can be added to showcase a business’ product for the benefit of Bruins. Please visit our partners page to learn more.
How do corporate partnerships benefit Bruins and the campus?
From discounts to goods and services to giveaways and enhanced experiences, corporate partnerships benefit Bruins and contribute to the Alumni Support Fund, which elevates the Bruin experience through its programs.
using the UCLA alumni center (venue rental)
Can I rent the UCLA Alumni Center for an event?
Yes, the James West Alumni Center provides comfortable spaces in which to host corporate events or celebrate special occasions. Visit the Renting JWAC page to learn more.
What types of events does the venue support?
Its easily adaptable rooms and luxuriant outdoor patios are suitable for business conferences and meetings, workshops and trainings, reunions, formal celebrations and informal gatherings.
What amenities or services are included?
The two main conference rooms are equipped with wireless Internet connection, phone line, a white board and a sound system with up to six inputs. Outside is a large patio with lush trees and a fountain.
How do I check pricing and availability?
Visit the Renting JWAC page to see prices and complete the request form for availability.
leadership, strategy & impact
Who leads the UCLA Alumni Association?
The Alumni Association is led by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Affairs. The Alumni Association Board of Directors partners with the Alumni Association to advance its mission of engaging alumni and involving them in UCLA’s future. Board members serve as volunteer leaders who provide strategic guidance and leverage expertise, champion alumni programs and initiatives, and act as ambassadors at alumni events. Through collaboration and advocacy, the Board drives innovation, helps enhance alumni engagement and supports efforts that strengthen the Bruin community. Visit the Board of Directors page to see the current board.
How can alumni get involved in shaping the future of UCLA’s alumni community?
Give of your time (attend events), talent (volunteer your expertise) and treasure (support by giving to the UCLA Alumni Support Fund and Alumni Scholarships).