Navigating UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide to Family Resources
UCLA recognizes that a supportive and informed family plays a vital role in a student's academic journey and overall success. To foster this partnership, the university offers a wealth of resources designed to engage and empower parents and families throughout their student's experience. This guide provides an overview of the key family resources available at UCLA.
Parent & Family Association (PFA): Your First Stop
The Parent & Family Association (PFA) serves as the primary point of contact for families of current UCLA undergraduate students. The PFA is committed to helping parents and families participate in their student’s experience at UCLA. They assist with answering questions directly and connecting callers to the appropriate department on campus. The PFA understands that an informed and supportive family plays an integral role in a student’s educational success. The Parent & Family Association collaborates to help you understand the student experience, support student learning, and empower your students to take personal responsibility for their social and academic choices.
Stay Informed with Bruin Family Connect
Bruin Family Connect, formerly known as Bruinlink, is the PFA's digital newsletter. Published five times per year, this newsletter keeps parents informed about university trends, campus resources, and their role in supporting their college student. It's a valuable tool for staying connected and up-to-date on important information.
Bruin Family Insights: Knowledge at Your Fingertips
UCLA's Parent & Family Association hosts Bruin Family Insights to equip families with knowledge to get to know UCLA better, and encourage your student to thrive during their time at UCLA and beyond. The Bruin Family Insights podcast concluded its fourth season in summer 2024. After a brief hiatus, Bruin Family Insights returned in spring 2025 with a new, hybrid format! First, a topic is introduced in a Q&A article with insights from experts within the UCLA community. After, families can attend a subsequent live discussion with said experts, which will then be shared out as a podcast episode. Before there was a podcast…there was a YouTube Live series! Looking to learn more about how to navigate the University and its resources?
Essential Guides for Parents and Families
UCLA provides several guides to help parents and families navigate the university and support their students:
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Parent & Family Guide: This comprehensive guide thoroughly outlines important topic areas that parents and families of college students should be aware of including communicating with your student and the University, academics, finances, growing independence, campus safety, personal wellness and much more.
Parent & Family Association Digital Brochure: This brochure summarizes the UCLA Parent & Family Association (PFA) and its major resources and programs for parents and families.
CollegiateParent Insider Guide: This insider guide includes UCLA specific information, as well as articles that will help to support you and your student throughout your time at UCLA.
Get Involved: Opportunities for Participation
There are many ways to participate at UCLA. Parents and families can attend events on campus and in your region.
Parents' Council: Consider applying to become a member of the Parents' Council! This is a great opportunity to create your own Bruin experience. Applications to join the 2025-26 Parents' Council are closed and will reopen for the 2026-27 academic year in April 2026.
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Bruin Family Socials: Bruin Family Socials are informal gatherings held regionally and hosted by current UCLA parents/family members on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Resources for Students with Dependents
The Students with Dependents (SwD) Program within the Bruin Resource Center offers support to UCLA undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who have taken on the role of parent, guardian, or caregiver and have continued their academic careers. Through partnerships with parenting student organizations at UCLA, the SwD Program can direct students with dependents to organizations and resources that would support scholars and their families throughout their educational journey. Schedule an appointment to meet with our staff and follow us on Instagram for the most up-to-date resources and events to benefit you! Looking to have our team present or table at your event? Submit a request to bring resources, information, and support to your community. The Students with Dependents Program at UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands).
UCLA Alumni Association: A Lifelong Connection
As a Bruin, your student is a member of the UCLA Alumni Association. There is no need to wait until after graduation to benefit from the global network of over 600,000 living UCLA alumni. Students and families alike can access a plethora of resources to support any stage of development. From learning about and celebrating UCLA traditions to building out a professional network, the Alumni Association has you and your student covered.
Health and Well-being: Sound Body Sound Mind
UCLA Health Sound Body Sound Mind is dedicated to supporting physical education in a hands-on, holistic approach. Physical education provides a unique opportunity for children and adolescents to develop healthy behaviors necessary for human development. Regular exercise can help prevent illnesses and diseases, reduce stress, anxiety and depression and improve academic outcomes. PE teaches much more than how to throw and catch a ball. It teaches social and team building skills, conflict resolution, self-regulation, builds confidence and self-esteem and best of all, its fun!
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