UCLA Campus Operations: A History of Closures, Curtailments, and Adaptations
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), like many institutions of higher education, has a history of campus closures and operational adjustments in response to various factors, ranging from budgetary concerns and energy conservation to natural disasters and public health crises. This article explores the instances of UCLA campus closures, examining the reasons behind them, their impact on the university community, and the measures taken to ensure continuity of critical services.
Winter Curtailments and Energy Conservation
One of the most consistent reasons for UCLA campus closures has been the pursuit of energy savings during the winter break. The annual winter closures have allowed UCLA to achieve energy savings and continue to be a highly effective approach to power conservation for a specific period of time. These closures typically span from late December to early January, coinciding with the university's winter break.
For example, the UCLA campus closed from Saturday, December 23, 2023, through Tuesday, January 2, 2024, and again from Friday, December 23, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023, and will be closed for winter break from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. These closures generally include four university-paid holidays (December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1). However, several days during this period are not paid holidays, requiring staff members to use vacation days or compensatory time.
While these curtailments aim to reduce operating costs, they have sometimes raised concerns among employees. Some staffers under the Staff and Academic Reduction in Time (START) Program felt they were shortchanged, as they were compelled to use vacation time. Despite these concerns, the university has maintained that the winter closures are a highly effective approach to power conservation.
During these periods, most administrative, business, and finance operations and support services in the Administrative Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor/Chief Financial Officer organizations are typically closed. However, operational curtailments do not impact hospitals or clinics, which remain open as usual. The University of California Police Department maintains emergency response capabilities throughout the curtailment period, providing 24-hour patrols, taking police reports, and responding to emergency medical service (EMS) calls. Most campus buildings are closed, but parking at campus pay stations continues to operate normally, with all campus parking structures and lots remaining open to permit holders.
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Closures Due to External Events and Emergencies
UCLA has also experienced closures and operational adjustments due to external events and emergencies, such as wildfires and public health crises.
In January, the university curtailed campus operations, canceled undergraduate classes, and moved graduate courses to remote instruction due to expected changes in wind patterns that were likely to worsen air quality in Westwood. While there was no immediate fire danger to the campus, the decision was made to protect students, faculty, and staff. UCLA Health facilities remained open and fully operational to continue treating patients during this time.
The COVID-19 pandemic also led to significant changes in campus operations. In January 2022, winter quarter instruction began remotely to reduce the risk of a rise in new COVID-19 cases at UCLA due to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.
Impacts on Campus Services and Operations
Campus closures and curtailments have a wide-ranging impact on various services and operations. BruinBus, UCLA SafeRide, and BruinAccess paratransit services typically do not operate during curtailment. The Registrar's Office has also been closed on various occasions for staff events, with services available online and through the Message Center.
Despite these disruptions, UCLA has taken steps to ensure continuity of critical services and support for its community. For example, during the January 2019 wildfires, the university made available vacant units in faculty housing facilities and at UCLA South Bay for employees who had been impacted. UCLA Health hospitals and clinics continued treating patients around the clock, and the Luskin Conference Center housed evacuees.
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Academic Program Adjustments
In addition to campus closures, UCLA has also made adjustments to its academic programs, including renaming departments and degrees, and establishing new programs to meet evolving student and industry needs.
For example, effective fall 2025, the Computational and Systems Biology major was renamed Computational Biology, and the Music department was changed to Music Performance, Education, and Composition. In fall 2024, the self-supporting MPH for Health Professionals was renamed Master of Public Health in Community Health, Health Promotion and Education, and the Molecular Toxicology interdepartmental program and PhD degree names were changed to Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.
UCLA has also introduced new degree programs, such as the Master of Applied Chemical Sciences (MACS) degree in fall 2021, MS and PhD degrees in planetary sciences in fall 2021, and a Master of Quantum Science and Technology (MQST) degree in fall 2021. New minors have also been established, including an Iranian Music minor in winter 2022, an Information and Media Literacy minor in winter 2022, and a Social Data Science minor in fall 2021.
Addressing Social and Political Issues
UCLA has also faced closures and disruptions due to social and political issues. In April 2024, an occupation protest began at UCLA to protest the administration's investments in Israel amid the Gaza war. As part of the pro-Palestinian protests, students set up encampments on UCLA grounds. This led to counter-protests and clashes, resulting in injuries and a lawsuit against UCLA alleging that the university played a role in preventing Jewish students from accessing the campus freely during protests.
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