The Urban Planning Program at UCLA, established in 1969, initiated a democratic form of governance, unique to the university system, which involves the active participation of faculty, staff, and students in the various administrative and programmatic functions of the school including admissions, financial aid, and staffing.   Working Groups for each of these concerns, chaired by ladder faculty, meet regularly throughout the school year to discuss relevant issues and to make proposals and/or designate action.   The Working Groups derive their mission and authority from the Assembly of Working Groups (a variation on the "town meeting" which meets at least once every quarter) both for ensuring a common information base within the program and to hear the proposals for changes in policy and/or degree requirements.   The Assembly is open to the entire Urban Planning community with each member given voting privileges. The Working Group system has endured as a progressive approach to program development.

Outline of Working Group Responsibilities:

Working Group membership is by voluntary sign-up with the exception of Staffing, which is by faculty nomination and subsequent election.

Staffing Working Group:

Because of the confidential nature of the personnel matters addressed by this working group, its members are nominated and elected. This group makes recommendation for permanent ladder faculty appointments, tenure reviews and promotions. Recommendations are submitted to the Urban Planning faculty for a vote. Final decisions on faculty hiring are made by the Chancellor's Office. The group reviews ladder faculty for within rank merit increases, and reviews and makes recommendations for the re-appointment of long-term lecturers. It meets regularly throughout the academic year.

Ph.D. Program/Curriculum

This working group was established to discuss general issues relating to the structure and functioning of the Ph.D. program. Student participation in the Working Group is limited to those in the Ph.D. program, and the Working Group meets once a quarter or more often if necessary.