As the new academic year begins, I am pleased to share several important updates that highlight our ongoing progress in strengthening UCLA’s digital environment. Together with our campus partners, we continue to focus on initiatives that enhance teaching, research, service and the overall Bruin experience.
Advancing One IT
UCLA’s One IT initiative is advancing through the rationalization phase, which continues through June 2026. The majority of IT Unit Leads have been onboarded, with formal reporting lines to Digital Technology & Solutions (DTS) beginning September 8. In collaboration with IT Unit Leads, DTS is establishing a governance framework aligned with the Goal 5 Steering Committee, including a One IT Advisory Committee and focused workgroups. In parallel, a discovery process is underway to collect and review campuswide data on IT staffing, finances, products, services, security and compliance data. These findings will inform recommendations that will be reviewed and approved through the governance process for a unified IT organization and operating model that enhances equity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in advancing UCLA’s mission.
Elevating AI at UCLA
An upcoming BruinPost will announce that ChatGPT Edu will be available to UCLA faculty and staff at a deeply discounted rate. This offering provides secure, responsible access to advanced AI tools, enabling our community to explore how AI can support teaching, research and administration in practical and innovative ways.
Enhancing Teaching and Learning
This fall, BruinCast transitioned to Panopto as our new platform for lecture capture, offering automatic captioning, searchable media, AI-generated summaries and direct integration with Bruin Learn. In addition, the Classroom Modernization Pilot has been completed in partnership with the Teaching and Learning Center, Facilities Management, Administration and the Registrar. The upgraded classrooms feature modern AV systems, flexible layouts and improved accessibility, and they are now in a sustain phase to provide dedicated support and collect feedback from faculty and students.
Supporting Students
Enrollment Management, in partnership with Digital & Technology Solutions (DTS), has disbursed more than $329 million in aid across Summer and Fall terms using the new Bruin Financial Aid system. This system is on track to transition to ongoing operations later this year, ensuring students receive the financial support they need in a timely and reliable manner.
Safeguarding Our Technology Environment
The Asset team has reached the 50 percent data enrichment milestone toward UCOP compliance requirements, keeping the campus on track for the December 19 deadline. In partnership with campus units, we are continuing to improve how UCLA manages its devices. New tools are being introduced to make it easier to keep computers secure, helping protect university data and supporting a safer digital environment for everyone.
Building a Unified Network
The Bruin Connect and Secure program is moving forward with plans to unify UCLA’s more than 70 networks into a single, campuswide infrastructure. This month, the team secured essential equipment to begin building the new network and continues to progress with development of the operating model that will guide how services are delivered and supported. Engagement and training plans are being developed to ensure a smooth transition for the campus community.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to build a digital campus that is modern, secure and supportive of UCLA’s mission. I also encourage you to take part in upcoming opportunities to explore new AI tools, including the Google AI Campus Tour on October 8–9, which will demonstrate how tools already available through your UCLA email can enhance creativity and productivity.
Best,
Lucy Avetisyan
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer
