Who Are We?
Like you, we are each unique. Our distinctive life stories and personalities helped to shape us, and our passions, dreams and determination illuminate our paths forward. This is how each of us has chosen to identify ourselves. Learn more about us, our experiences and the multidimensional lives we lead, and see what faculty, staff and alumni have to say about belonging at UCLA.
Nearly ⅓ of undergraduates are first-generation college students
#12 in the nation for ethnic diversity
Be Inspired by an Abundance of Cultures, Backgrounds and Perspectives
The first in their family to go to college. Internationally born scholars. Multicultural upbringings. Our renowned yet relatable faculty’s eclectic backgrounds, valuable life experiences and distinctive points of view will enrich your education and inspire you to reach for the stars.
Experience the World Through
a Cultural Lens
From cultural history and traditions to public policy, social justice and societal inequities, our academic departments and institutes strive to bring our world into focus and give you the perspective you need to make a positive impact.
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This department explores the histories, cultures, politics and intellectual traditions of the African Diaspora, with a special focus on the continuing importance of social justice.
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Learn about and engage with the Indigenous peoples of California and beyond in this department, whose curriculum is designed by interdisciplinary faculty.
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Learn about and engage with the Indigenous peoples of California and beyond in this department, whose curriculum is designed by interdisciplinary faculty.
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The faculty in this interdisciplinary department offer innovative classes that focus on the study of diverse Asian American communities, diasporas and history in the U.S. and around the world.
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The faculty in this interdisciplinary center offer innovative classes that focus on the study of diverse Asian American communities, diasporas and history in the U.S. and around the world.
Explore Asian American Studies Center -
This center focuses on education development relevant to the lives and existence of African Americans. Many research initiatives are supported here, including the Center for the Study of Racism.
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The mission of this center is to champion the academic and professional development of low-income, first-generation, historically underrepresented students and ensure equity and parity in STEM fields.
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Home to innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship about Southeast Asia, this center hosts scholars and visitors, organizes talks and colloquia, and funds student research and language study.
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This internationally recognized center’s research focuses on gender, sexuality, women’s issues and developing tools for social justice feminism. It’s the first unit of its kind in the UC system.
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This department’s curriculum explores race, class, gender and sexuality paradigms as they have shaped the history of the field, as well as new directions in the study of Chicanas/os and Latinas/os.
Explore the César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o Studies and Central American Studies
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The research mission of this historic center is supported by distinct components that include collaborative research projects, public and academic programs and community-based partnerships.
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This groundbreaking department aims to challenge and change society’s attitudes toward disability and graduate leaders who will advocate for a world that celebrates the full range of human potential.
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Learn about the complex interaction of gender, race, class and sexuality in social relations, institutions and systems in this interdisciplinary department, which is deeply committed to social justice.
Like to Challenge Conventions?
You’ve Come to the Right Place.
Changing the game — it’s part of our DNA. From the very beginning, Bruins have forged new paths while striving for excellence, inclusion and equality. We’ve frequently been the first, and rarely the last. And we continue to evolve, both by embracing new ideas and, more often, giving birth to them.
The first Bruin to letter in four varsity sports in one year, Jackie Robinson ’41 went on to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Perhaps he drew inspiration from UCLA, where he played on the most racially integrated college football team at the time.
On April 27, 1965, a critical time in the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. captivated 5,000 faculty and students in Wilson Plaza with an inspiring 55-minute speech about ending segregation.
In 1969, the Institute of American Cultures and the four centers within — Bunche Center for African American Studies, American Indian Studies Center, Asian American Studies Center and Chicano Research Center — were formed to foster ethnic studies and promote awareness and advocacy at UCLA.
Juan Felipe Herrera ’72 spent his first six years in migrant worker camps in the San Joaquin Valley. A writer, performer, teacher and activist, he was the first Latino to be named U.S. Poet Laureate in 2015.
The Center for Diverse Leadership in Science, the nation’s first institute to focus on diversity in environmental science, helps to educate and empower underrepresented people of all ages.
In 1950, Ralph Bunche ’27 became the first African American to receive a Nobel Prize, awarded for his work mediating agreements that established a truce between Israel, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.
After spending time in internment camps as a child, George Takei ’60, M.A.’64 went on to become a groundbreaking actor, an author and a tireless activist for civil rights, gay rights and marriage equality.
The UCLA Black Male Institute helps to enrich educational experiences and life chances for Black youth. It was founded in 2009 by Dr. Tyrone Howard of the Center for the Transformation of Schools.
With the Lambda Alumni Association, the LGBTQ Studies Ph.D. Program and UCLA’s Queer Graduate Student Conference, UCLA has a long history of leading the way when it comes to the LGBTQ community and research.
Formed by forward-thinking women, two sororities were leaders at UCLA. In 1923, Delta Sigma Theta became the first Greek-letter organization on campus. In 1928, Japanese women joined forces to form Chi Delta Alpha, the first Asian-founded sorority on campus and in the nation.
Access Places and People That Help
You Connect
Bond with like-minded individuals. Gain perspective. Explore your culture and share it with others. Whatever you seek, our resources will help you find connection and compassion, open minds and open hearts.
Community-Building and Support Resources
Discover resources that will help you thrive as you build community and celebrate your identity.
Dialogue Across Difference Initiative
Master the skills to become a better listener so you can engage respectfully with others.
Living Learning Communities
Enjoy a supportive environment full of like-minded individuals by living in a curated residential community.
Make Meaningful Connections and Expand Your Horizons
Hoping to meet and connect with others who share your background, culture, interests and identity? Or maybe you’re eager to find new ways of looking at the world. By getting involved in student organizations, you’ll build communities that help you feel at home, develop lifelong connections and make a difference on issues that matter to you.