Dear UCLA Samueli Students,

Welcome to UCLA! I hope all of you enjoyed a fun and relaxing summer! 

Congratulations to our newly admitted first-year undergraduates, graduate students and transfer students! Your hard work has paid off and you are now joining one of the top engineering and computer science programs in the country. To our returning students, welcome back! We’ve missed seeing you and can’t wait to get the new quarter underway.

As I begin my third year as dean of UCLA Samueli, I continue to be energized by this vibrant and extraordinary community I’m fortunate to call home. Over the past couple of years, I have met brilliant students who are passionate about solving real-world challenges that improve lives. I have also witnessed the dedication of our faculty and staff who support student learning, research and overall success. At every event, I have been inspired by the enthusiasm of parents, alumni and industry partners who engage with our school in meaningful ways.

At UCLA Samueli, we take pride in our collective contributions to society and humanity. This fall, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the school’s founding and 25 years since its naming, milestones that reflect our strength, legacy and shared mission of inclusive excellence. The knowledge and skills you gain here will take you far, but most importantly, we encourage you to be compassionate, adaptive and thoughtful learners. You are the next generation of leaders and innovators who will engineer positive change and enrich the Bruin legacy through research, club activities and community service. To better support your learning and the school’s continued expansion to meet the growing demand from industry, we have nearly three dozen new faculty members with expertise spanning AI/machine learning, network systems, semiconductors, sustainable transportation, gene editing, genomics, autonomous robotics and beyond. With this added new talent, we are poised to reach new heights through engineering breakthroughs that transform lives.

I also want to acknowledge that this is a challenging time following the recent suspension of federal research grants. As Chancellor Frenk noted, UCLA is working closely with the UC Office of the President and the UC Regents to determine the best course of action. Since the news broke July 31, I have been in daily discussions with campus leadership and industry partners to explore ways to support students and minimize disruptions wherever possible. Each of our affected grants has been carefully reviewed to assess the impact and identify solutions. In times like this, it is important to reach out for support at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or by talking with your faculty and peers. Please also join our quarterly Pizza on the Patio, which is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, to connect with fellow Bruin engineers, faculty and staff in the UCLA Samueli community. You are not alone, and we are leaving no resources untapped to help ensure your research and degree progress will continue.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenge together. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to getting to know you and seeing all that you will accomplish this year. Have a successful new school year — and Go Bruins!

A.-H. “Alissa” Park
Ronald and Valerie Sugar Dean