Bruin Undergraduate Policy Review

Bruin Undergraduate Policy Review (BUPR) is a nonpartisan undergraduate journal and policy institute at UCLA dedicated to promoting rigorous, evidence-based analysis of public policy. We are a student-run organization that empowers undergraduates to engage directly with pressing policy issues through research, writing, discussion, and professional development. BUPR provides a platform for students of all academic backgrounds and political perspectives to analyze public policy in depth, develop their voice as policy thinkers, and contribute to meaningful public dialogue. We believe that policy is at the heart of how society addresses its greatest challenges—whether it’s regulating artificial intelligence, reforming healthcare systems, reducing economic inequality, addressing climate change, or strengthening democratic institutions. Our mission is to help UCLA students not only understand these issues, but actively participate in the conversations that shape their outcomes. BUPR operates on three central pillars: 1. Publishing – Our online journal regularly publishes high-quality student-written articles and op-eds on a wide range of policy topics. Every article is edited collaboratively and held to high standards of evidence, clarity, and argumentation. Writers may choose to analyze existing legislation, examine the implications of a particular policy proposal, or compare different approaches to a societal challenge. We publish both analytical features and shorter, opinion-driven pieces—allowing students to explore a topic with depth or express a clear policy stance supported by research. 2. Legislative Newsletter – Each week, BUPR distributes a student-produced newsletter that highlights key legislative developments in various sectors, including technology, health, education, environment, and economic policy. Sector Leads track federal and state-level developments, summarize the core elements of proposed or passed bills, and offer brief context on their potential implications. The newsletter aims to help students stay informed about fast-moving policy landscapes in a concise, accessible format. 3. Speaker Events and Career Development – To connect academic inquiry with professional pathways, BUPR hosts speaker events featuring experts across the policy landscape. These include analysts from think tanks, government officials, attorneys, legislative staffers, nonprofit leaders, and others working at the intersection of policy and practice. Events are held either over Zoom or in person and are designed to expose students to a variety of career paths while creating opportunities to network with professionals in the field. We also plan resume-building workshops, internship panels, and career Q&As. Organizational Structure: BUPR is entirely student-led and structured to encourage collaboration and leadership development. The organization is overseen by an executive board consisting of the President, Vice President, Director of Publications, Treasurer, Director of Outreach, and a team of Sector Leads. Each Sector Lead manages a policy area (e.g., Economic Policy, Tech Policy, Health Policy), guides writers, and contributes to the weekly newsletter. Editors support writers through research help, feedback, and article development. We are proudly bipartisan and inclusive, providing space for a wide range of ideological perspectives—as long as arguments are grounded in evidence, respectful discourse, and a sincere interest in public policy. Our editorial standards prioritize analytical rigor, respectful debate, and intellectual humility. How to Get Involved: All UCLA undergraduate students are welcome to apply to join BUPR. We accept new members at the beginning of each quarter, though students may express interest at any time. Opportunities include becoming a: Staff Writer: Contribute 1–2 articles per quarter on topics of your choice, with support from Sector Leads and editors. Sector Lead: Manage a policy area, support writers, and compile weekly legislative updates. Editor: Work with writers to develop content and maintain publication quality. Outreach or Events Team Member: Help promote our work, recruit members, and organize speaker sessions We are especially excited to work with students who are passionate about policy but may not have formal writing experience—our editorial process is collaborative and designed to help students grow as thinkers and communicators.

elianabernstein@g.ucla.edu

Signatories: Eliana Bernstein, Micki Porcaro, and Henry Sowells

Advisor: Darwin Flores Agustin