welcome to UCLA

Congratulations to you and your student! What a proud moment to watch your new Bruin as they start their journey at UCLA. As parents of rising seniors at UCLA, we have experienced firsthand how exciting (and nerve-wracking) this transition period can be in a student’s and family’s life. Whether your student just finished up high school or is preparing to transfer from another college, we know you are keenly interested in supporting them as they continue their educational journey. We 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 our students began their time at UCLA, the University not only welcomed them, but also us as parents. This warm welcome was our happy introduction to a community that our students and I all now consider family. We are thrilled to now be the ones 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.
• Email Assistance – Connect with the PFA office via email at mybruinis@ucla.edu, available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. They are here to support you with any questions you may have, big or small.
• Frequently Asked Questions – The PFA has recently compiled their most commonly received parent inquiries and gathered the answers from key university offices and stakeholders. Check out the FAQ page for a good primer on all things UCLA!
• Social Media – The PFA team regularly shares information, opportunities, and updates through their official Facebook page and Instagram page, including important deadlines, upcoming parent involvement events and happenings around campus. Note: There are many unofficial parent and family Facebook groups and Instagram pages that share information that has not been verified by the Parent & Family Association. Please follow the official PFA pages and email PFA directly with questions to ensure you’re receiving the most accurate information.

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 provide community, connection and support for students and families of this great University. As the 2026-27 Parents’ Council Co-Chairs, we 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.

We love being actively involved on campus and we look forward to meeting you at Bruin Family Weekend, taking place Oct. 30-31, 2026. We wish you and your family harmony, health, and happiness on this new journey together.

Go Bruins!

Fadia Desmond ’94, Parent ’27
Amanda Jaggard, Parent ’27

2026-27 Parents’ Council Co-Chairs