UCLA Luskin

Coffee for 12 Strangers
2025-11-18 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 5th Floor Atrium Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Looking to connect with other Luskin students outside of your department? Coffee for 12 Strangers brings together a cross-disciplinary group of Luskin students to meet and build community. Complimentary craft coffee beverages will be provided.
Each quarter, the program brings together:

3 MPP students
3 SW students
3 UP students
3 Seniors from Luskin’s BA in Public Affairs

Social Welfare MSW Virtual Admissions Information Session
2025-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
REGISTER HERE
Thinking about pursuing your Master of Social Welfare at UCLA Luskin? Join us online for our MSW Admissions Information Session on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This interactive session is a great opportunity to learn everything you need to know about the program — from admissions requirements and application deadlines to curriculum highlights and the practicum experience. We’ll also talk about tuition, funding options, and the wide range of career opportunities available to MSW graduates. Whether you’re just starting to explore graduate school or already preparing your application, this session will give you valuable insight into what makes UCLA Luskin’s MSW program unique.

Virtual MPP Open House
2025-11-18 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a complete look inside the Master in Public Policy (MPP) program! This live event will feature a detailed program overview, a breakdown of admissions requirements, and dedicated sessions to meet faculty, alumni, and current students. Get all your questions answered and discover how the MPP can shape your future in policy.
See here to register for the event.

Luskin Day at City Hall Info Session
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Since 2004, select Luskin graduate students visit Los Angeles City Hall every spring to meet with local government officials, nonprofit leaders, and business executives to explore careers in local government and discuss pressing policy issues affecting Los Angeles residents. Previous topics include: LA wildfires, housing and homelessness, green technology, first/last mile investments, the digital divide, impacts of a football stadium in Los Angeles, and the privatization of the LA Zoo.
This year’s Luskin Day at City Hall will take place Friday, January 23. Interested in participating? Please consider attending this information session for an overview of this year’s City Hall Day program and application.
Grad students: register via CareerHub
Information on last year’s City Hall Day can be found here: https://luskin.ucla.edu/a-view-from-the-top

Coffee & Carbs Resource Fair
2025-11-20 12:30 - 13:30 | 3383 Public Affairs 3rd Floor Commons Rooftop, 337 Charles E Young Drive East - Public Affairs Building 3383 Rooftop, Los Angeles, 90095, United States
The resource fair aims to provide valuable information, services, and opportunities to the Luskin student body. Having access to the support services will enhance your academic journey and overall well-being. Your participation will be greatly appreciated. This event will be in conjunction with our popular “Coffee & Carbs” brunch. Registration is required.

Master of Real Estate Development Webinar
2025-11-24 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Get acquainted with the advantages of a Master of Real Estate Development degree, learn about our triple-bottom line and our “by the industry, for the industry” approach to the development field.
You will learn about:
• The field of Real Estate Development and what sets UCLA apart
• MRED curriculum
• Our Industry Partners
• Capstone projects
• The Application Process
• Funding Opportunities
Register here!

Demystifying the Statement of Purpose
2025-11-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Demystify your MSW Statement of Purpose with Kathy & Princess! Join our virtual workshop for tips, insight & support.
Welcome to the Demystifying the Statement of Purpose event!
Join us on November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM (Pacific Time) to uncover the secrets behind crafting a compelling statement of purpose.
Whether you’re applying for college or a job, this event will provide you with valuable insights and tips to stand out from the crowd. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to showcase your unique qualities and experiences effectively. See you there!

Social Welfare MSW Admissions Information Session
2025-11-25 18:00 - 20:00 | 2343 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
REGISTER HERE
Thinking about pursuing your Master of Social Welfare at UCLA Luskin? Join us for our MSW Admissions Information Session on Tuesday, November 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This interactive session is a great opportunity to learn everything you need to know about the program — from admissions requirements and application deadlines to curriculum highlights and the practicum experience. We’ll also talk about tuition, funding options, and the wide range of career opportunities available to MSW graduates. Whether you’re just starting to explore graduate school or already preparing your application, this session will give you valuable insight into what makes UCLA Luskin’s MSW program unique.
Feel free to bring your own food and drink.

Demystifying the Personal Statement
2025-11-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Demystify your MSW Personal Statement with Kathy & Princess! Join our virtual workshop for tips, insight & support.
Welcome to Demystifying the Personal Statement!
🎉 Are you struggling to write a compelling personal statement for your graduate school application?
Join us on November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM (Pacific Time) to learn tips and tricks to make your personal statement shine! Whether you’re a wordsmith or writing isn’t your forte, this event is perfect for anyone looking to craft a standout personal statement. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your application game! See you there!

Crafting your Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement
2025-12-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
Meet MRED’s Director of Student Services, Kevin Franco! Stop guessing and start writing! Join us for a step-by-step session where we break down the purpose, structure, and content of both the Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement. Learn how to craft a powerful, coherent narrative that effectively tells your passion story and clearly connects your past experience to your future in our MRED program.
Register here!

Conversation with MRED Executive Director Greg Morrow
2025-12-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Meet MRED Director, Greg Morrow! In an engaging, conversational, Greg will discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the real estate industry and answer questions from prospective applicants. Participants will gain insight into the skills and perspectives required to succeed in today’s evolving landscape and how the MRED program will advance your career.
Register here!

MRED: Student Recruitment and Networking Event
2026-01-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Hudson Pacific Properties, 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90025, United States
Meet MRED Leadership and Staff, industry leaders, current MRED Students, and fellow prospective UCLA MRED applicants! Attendees will gain insight into the MRED curriculum, career pathways, and the role industry partnerships play in shaping the learning experience. Light food and refreshments will be provided as guests network, ask questions, and explore whether the MRED program aligns with their goals. This is an ideal opportunity to build connections, learn from practitioners shaping the built environment, and envision your future in real estate development.
Agenda:
6:00 PM – Event Begins
6:30 PM – MRED Informational Presentation
7:15 PM – Networking over Food & Drinks
Register here!

Sober-Curious Paint & Sip
2026-01-13 12:15 - 13:15 | Room 4357 Public Affairs Building, 337 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Relax, unwind, and connect with your Luskin Family at our Sober Curious Paint and Sip event! Join us for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community-building on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. This event is perfect for those who want to enjoy the creative process in a relaxed, alcohol-free environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to have fun, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know others from all Luskin departments, decompress, and build connections in a friendly, sober setting. No artistic experience is required—bring your enthusiasm and an open mind!
Why Attend?

Meet and mingle with fellow Luskin community members across all departments.
Decompress and enjoy a creative, alcohol-free environment.
Perfect for anyone interested in the sober-curious lifestyle or looking for a fun, relaxing afternoon.

We can’t wait to see you there for a fun and relaxing time! Paint, sip, and build connections with your Luskin Family in a supportive, sober-curious space!

Screening of award-winning short documentary Dukakis: A Recipe for Democracy
2026-01-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Royce Hall, Room 314, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles, 90095, United States
Screening of award-winning short documentary Dukakis: A Recipe for Democracy directed by Erin Trahan and Jeff Schmidt followed by Q&A with Erin Trahan, Co-director
Presented by the UCLA SNF Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture and the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
Sponsored by the Aris Anagnos Family in Hellenic Studies Chair
January 13, 2026
4:00 P.M.
314 Royce Hall, UCLA Campus
Reception to follow
RSVP Here
Upon accepting the Democratic nomination for president in 1988, Michael Dukakis tells his fellow citizens that when they see an image of the White House, he wants them to feel pride. He pledges to serve in a White House that “sets high standards not just for the American people, but high standards for itself.” “Dukakis” catches up with the unflappable three-term Massachusetts governor three decades later. On a snowy afternoon, in the same Brookline, Massachusetts duplex he bought with his wife Kitty more than 50 years ago, he pulls a frozen turkey carcass from the freezer and starts chopping onions.
While soup broth simmers, “Dukakis” takes viewers on a journey along his long arc of leadership, reflecting on his formative years as the son of Greek immigrants up to the present. At age 85, he mentors budding public servants as a college professor. He also chairs a commission to connect Boston’s North and South rail stations – a project he has backed since the 1970s. Meanwhile a crop of new leaders – including Northeastern University undergraduate Juan Gallego, also a son of immigrants – carries Dukakis’ legacy forward all the way to the governor’s office.
“Democracy is a work in progress,” says Dukakis as he fills a bowl with steaming soup. “A precious gift that needs constant nurturing.” Amidst unprecedented uncertainty in American politics, “Dukakis” offers a reason to pause, take stock in the past, and look forward with renewed faith in what’s possible when people believe in democracy, and each other.
VIEW FILM WEBSITE
PLAY TRAILER
Parking details will be provided. For questions, please contact hellenic@humnet.ucla.edu

Coffee for 12 Strangers
2026-01-15 12:30 - 13:30 | Public Affairs 4371

The Future of Educational Equity: Alumni Panel Conversation
2026-01-22 12:15 - 14:00
Join us for a dynamic and thought-provoking alumni panel exploring The Future of Educational Equity. Together, we’ll dive into the challenges, innovations, and opportunities shaping K–12 and higher education today—highlighting the voices of UCLA Luskin alumni working at the forefront of policy, practice, and community impact.
This lunchtime gathering is a chance to:
Hear directly from alumni making meaningful contributions in the field
Engage in conversation about the next frontier of educational equity
Connect with students, faculty, and fellow alumni committed to transformative change
A light lunch will be provided to support conversation and connection.
We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and timely discussion.

Luskin Day at City Hall
2026-01-23 09:30 - 16:00 | Los Angeles City hall, Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Luskin Day at City Hall will take place Friday, January 23, 2026. This event is exclusively for Luskin graduate students in Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning programs. The goal of this event is to facilitate networking between Luskin graduate students and officials working in local government and to pipeline Luskin graduate students to jobs and internships in the City and County of Los Angeles.
To participant in this experience, lease apply via CareerHub November 19-December 7.

Reexamining the “Nation of Immigrants”: The Politics of ICE Enforcement
2026-02-05 17:00 - 19:30 | UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Join us for a keynote and panel exploring new data on immigration enforcement, stronger state protections, and fair, sustainable policy.

RSVP HERE

With the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) arrests and detentions surging, California’s legislative leadership offers critical lessons on safeguarding rights and rebuilding trust. Join us on February 5, 2026 for a keynote presentation followed by a panel of policymakers, researchers, and advocates who will discuss what the latest data reveal about enforcement patterns, how to strengthen state protections, and what’s next for fair and sustainable approaches to immigration.
Reception 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lecture and Panel 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration is free and required for all guests. We intentionally oversell tickets to ensure a full venue. Entry and seating are first come, first served and not guaranteed, even with a ticket. We recommend arriving early and join the pre-reception to maximize your chance of entry.

Attorney General Rob Bonta will be the keynote speaker.
Panelists include:

Miguel Santana, President and CEO, California Community Foundation (moderator)
Ahilan Arulanantham, Professor from Practice, UCLA Law; Faculty Co-Director, Center for Immigration Law & Policy
Paul Ong, Director, UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge
Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Luskin Senior Fellow

Learn more about the research from the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge and the Latino Policy & Politics Institute.

This event is part of the Luskin Lecture Series and co-hosted by the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, and the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.
View all of our upcoming events at luskin.ucla.edu/events

TONGVA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Luskin School of Public Affairs at UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). As a land grant institution, we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
PHOTO RELEASE
By attending this event, you will be entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. With your presence, you authorize UCLA Luskin and its licensees to photograph you, make sound and/or video recordings of you, and use the recordings for marketing, publicity and promotion of this event and UCLA Luskin generally. Please click on the link for the full UCLA Luskin Notice of Filming Release.
Attendance by a public official will constitute acceptance of a reportable gift.

UCLA Luskin Alumni Regional Reception Sacramento
2026-02-09 18:00 | Cafeteria 15L, 1116 15th Street, Sacramento, 95814, United States
Please join us for the UCLA Luskin Alumni Regional Reception Sacramento on Monday, February 9, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Cafeteria 15L.
This special gathering is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected with the UCLA Luskin community and strengthen the relationships that make our School so vibrant. Alumni from our programs in Social Welfare, Public Policy, Urban Planning, and the Undergraduate Program in Public Affairs play an essential role in shaping our region and state. Coming together across disciplines not only enriches our shared experience but deepens the collective impact we create together.
We’re also delighted to welcome our Interim Dean Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris and faculty, who will be in Sacramento ahead of the annual Sacramento Briefing. In addition, a select group of current Luskin students traveling for the briefing will join us—they’re eager to learn from your journeys, connect with alumni, and build meaningful relationships with the leaders who inspire them.
To make the evening even more special, your ticket includes appetizers, a street tacos buffet, a drink of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and a scrumptious dessert.
Early-bird tickets will be available December 17–January 16 for $20. After that, tickets will be $40, so we encourage you to reserve yours early.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of conversation, community, and Bruin camaraderie.
We look forward to welcoming you!

2026 UCLA Luskin California Policy Briefing
2026-02-10 09:00 - 12:15 | UC Student and Policy Center, 1115 11th Street, Sacramento, 95814, United States
The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs will present its third annual Briefing at the UC Student and Policy Center in February 2026.

The annual UCLA Luskin California Policy Briefing in Sacramento convenes leading UCLA public policy, social welfare, and urban planning faculty and research centers to share evidence-based insights on the most urgent challenges facing our state. By translating rigorous research into practical policy solutions, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs strengthens the bridge between university expertise and public decision-making, advancing informed, equitable outcomes for all Californians.
The gathering will feature two panel discussions coordinated by esteemed UCLA Luskin faculty members and their affiliated research centers in collaboration with elected officials, government agencies and other policy experts. Networking opportunities are also planned.
Panel 1 – How Can the State Assist and Oversee Implementation of SB 79 and Local Zoning Plans?
Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
SB 79, California’s new statewide upzoning law, takes effect in phases beginning July 2026. To identify areas subject to the law, the Department of Housing and Community Development must develop zoning-capacity standards that will also inform upcoming 7th-cycle housing element updates. This session explores what policymakers need to create clear, effective standards — and how these standards can strengthen local planning and improve implementation of state housing law.
Panel 2 – What Will It Take to Ensure Fair Voting for All Californians?
Voting Rights Project
How can California advance more equitable and accessible elections? This session examines policy and legislative strategies to reduce bias in vote-by-mail signature rejections and to expand voting access for rural communities and residents with limited English proficiency. Panelists will explore practical reforms that strengthen fairness, inclusivity, and trust in the electoral process.
A list of speakers and specific details about timing and location will be announced as the date draws closer.

Land and Labor Acknowledgement
As a land grant institution, UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands) and are grateful to have the opportunity to work for the taraaxotam (Indigenous peoples) in this place. We pay our respects to Honuukvetam (Ancestors), elders, and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
We hold sacred the labor of enslaved Africans and immigrants, often exploited, indentured and underpaid, that built and continue to serve our institutions of higher education. We honor the labor and resistance of these ancestors, acknowledge that we benefit from this land and labor, and strive to work towards liberation for all.
UCLA Luskin Photo Release Language
By attending this event, you will be entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. With your presence, you authorize UCLA Luskin and its licensees to photograph you, make sound and/or video recordings of you, and use the recordings for marketing, publicity and promotion of this event and UCLA Luskin generally. Please click on the link for the full UCLA Luskin Notice of Filming Release.
Attendance by a public official will constitute acceptance of a reportable gift.
