Session D - 3 weeks
Tuesday August 25
Pleasures of Provence
Tue 8/25
France •
Discover the irresistible allure of southeastern France during this quintessential seven-night Provençal experience. Unpack once and enjoy first-class accommodations in the heart of magical Aix-en-Provence. Walk in the footsteps of great painters, savor immersive cultural experiences and visit picturesque French villages. Stroll the storied Cours Mirabeau in Aix and relish a tour of Paul Cézanne’s atelier. Tour Avignon’s medieval Papal Palace and be awed by Pont du Gard, a Roman engineering feat. Behold Vincent van Gogh’s inspiration in the lush, perfumed valleys of Arles and Saint-Rémy. Explore France’s oldest city, Marseille, and cruise the steep-walled Calanques of Marseille. Witness the captivating French villages of Les Baux, Lourmarin and Cucuron. Visit a truffle and olive tree plantation to join the hunt and sample tastings with Champagne. Taste Rhone wines in the famed wine-making village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, savor fresh seafood in a Cassis fishing village and learn to play the local game of pétanque. This small-group itinerary features engaging lectures, a generous meal plan and no single supplement, limited availability.
End-of-Term Grading in Bruin Learn & MyUCLA
Tue 8/25 • 2PM - 3PM PDT
This training session will demonstrate how to finalize your Bruin Learn gradebook and transfer Bruin Learn grades to MyUCLA. Audience: Faculty, TAs, Staff
Wednesday August 26
Africa's Wildlife
Wed 8/26
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia •
Glimpse a world primeval on this singular 14-day journey that features exclusive safaris through some of Southern Africa’s great wildlife sanctuaries in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. Our small group size - limited to 24 travelers – assures us an intimate experience as we encounter these unspoiled natural refuges. The adventure begins with sightseeing in Johannesburg’s renowned Soweto district, and visits to Nelson Mandela’s and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s homes. Leaving urban life behind, spend three nights near Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. Experience the spectacular falls – among the world’s largest – up close on a guided walk and take a game drive in search of the elusive black rhino. A “Sundowner” Zambezi dinner cruise offers another opportunity to observe wildlife. For a window on local life, visit Victoria Falls town and a local grade school. Continuing on to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, which boasts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife, embark on sensational boat safaris and game drives with three nights here. Then take a privately chartered flight to Zambia for a small group tour highlight: unparalleled wildlife viewing at South Luangwa National Park, an untouched region of eastern Zambia along the meandering Luangwa River. During a relaxing three-night stay at the Mfuwe Lodge, enjoy a variety of activities, including open-vehicle game drives, walking safaris, a local school visit, and a visit to a borehole project which provides water for the local community. We transfer to Lusaka where we have hotel dayrooms before the flight home. Discover South Africa’s sparkling “Mother City,” Cape Town, with an optional 4-day/4-night post-tour extension, including a full-day Cape Peninsula tour and a full-day Cape Town and Winelands tour.
From Idea to Income: How to Validate Your Next Business Idea Before Investing More Time and Money
Wed 8/26 • 12PM PDT
Zoom
Most entrepreneurs don't fail because they lack passion. They fail because they build something customers don't actually want. In this interactive workshop, UCLA alumna and Business Strategist Sami Toussi '11 will introduce the Lean Canvas framework and walk through the key questions every founder should answer to build a stronger business. You'll learn how to identify your ideal customer, uncover unmet needs, evaluate growth opportunities, and strengthen your business model. Through guided exercises and real-world examples, you'll begin applying these concepts to your own business during the session. Whether you're exploring a side hustle, consulting practice, freelance business, startup, or new business idea, you'll leave with greater clarity, practical tools, and actionable next steps. You'll learn how to: • Define your ideal customer • Understand customer pain points and unmet needs • Clarify what makes your solution different • Evaluate your business idea and business model using the Lean Canvas framework • Identify opportunities to turn your skills, expertise, and ideas into income • Use AI as a tool while avoiding common founder blind spots
Thursday August 27
Transfer Orientation - Open House
Thu 8/27 • 1PM - 4:30PM PDT
Transfer Student Center (Kerckhoff 128)
Come visit the Transfer Student Center during your orientation session to learn about transfer services, events, and ask questions about the UCLA transfer experience.
Saturday August 29
New Bruin Send-off Celebration: Philadelphia
Sat 8/29 • 6:30AM PDT
Details TBD • United States
Join our New Bruin Send-off Celebration, where you will meet other incoming students, families and alumni. Send-offs are filled with Bruin pride and the beginning of lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Wherever you are, Send-offs are the perfect way to find your UCLA community before you begin your Bruin journey. Start building your network at the Send-off! For questions in advance of the event, contact the Future Bruin Initiatives at FutureBruin@alumni.ucla.edu. About New Bruin Send-off Celebrations: Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks each summer, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one common theme always emerges: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.
New Bruin Send-off Celebration: Washington, D.C.
Sat 8/29 • 7AM PDT
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center • Washington, D.C.
Join our New Bruin Send-off Celebration, where you will meet other incoming students, families and alumni. Send-offs are filled with Bruin pride and the beginning of lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Wherever you are, Send-offs are the perfect way to find your UCLA community before you begin your Bruin journey. Start building your network at the Send-off! For questions in advance of the event, contact the Future Bruin Initiatives at FutureBruin@alumni.ucla.edu. About New Bruin Send-off Celebrations: Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks each summer, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one common theme always emerges: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.
New Bruin Send-off Celebration: New York Tri-State
Sat 8/29 • 10AM PDT
The Laurels Cafe and Bar • New York NY
Join our New Bruin Send-off Celebration, where you will meet other incoming students, families and alumni. Send-offs are filled with Bruin pride and the beginning of lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Wherever you are, Send-offs are the perfect way to find your UCLA community before you begin your Bruin journey. Start building your network at the Send-off! For questions in advance of the event, contact the Future Bruin Initiatives at FutureBruin@alumni.ucla.edu. About New Bruin Send-off Celebrations: Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks each summer, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one common theme always emerges: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.
New Bruin Send-off Celebration: Davis
Sat 8/29 • 10AM PDT
Stonegate Country Club • Davis CA
Join our New Bruin Send-off Celebration, where you will meet other incoming students, families and alumni. Send-offs are filled with Bruin pride and the beginning of lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Wherever you are, Send-offs are the perfect way to find your UCLA community before you begin your Bruin journey. Start building your network at the Send-off! For questions in advance of the event, contact the Future Bruin Initiatives at FutureBruin@alumni.ucla.edu. About New Bruin Send-off Celebrations: Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks each summer, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one common theme always emerges: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.
New Bruin Send-off Celebration: Orange County
Sat 8/29 • 10AM PDT
William R. Mason Regional Park • Irvine
Join our New Bruin Send-off Celebration, where you will meet other incoming students, families and alumni. Send-offs are filled with Bruin pride and the beginning of lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Wherever you are, Send-offs are the perfect way to find your UCLA community before you begin your Bruin journey. Start building your network at the Send-off! For questions in advance of the event, contact the Future Bruin Initiatives at FutureBruin@alumni.ucla.edu. About New Bruin Send-off Celebrations: Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks each summer, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one common theme always emerges: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.
New Bruin Send-off Celebration: Santa Clarita Valley
Sat 8/29 • 10AM PDT
Richard Rioux Park • Stevenson Ranch
Join our New Bruin Send-off Celebration, where you will meet other incoming students, families and alumni. Send-offs are filled with Bruin pride and the beginning of lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Wherever you are, Send-offs are the perfect way to find your UCLA community before you begin your Bruin journey. Start building your network at the Send-off! For questions in advance of the event, contact the Future Bruin Initiatives at FutureBruin@alumni.ucla.edu. About New Bruin Send-off Celebrations: Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks each summer, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one common theme always emerges: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.
New Bruin Send-off Celebration: Asian Pacific Alumni of UCLA - Alameda
Sat 8/29 • 12PM PDT
423 Morrison Ln • Alameda CA
Join our New Bruin Send-off Celebration, where you will meet other incoming students, families and alumni. Send-offs are filled with Bruin pride and the beginning of lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Wherever you are, Send-offs are the perfect way to find your UCLA community before you begin your Bruin journey. Start building your network at the Send-off! For questions in advance of the event, contact the Future Bruin Initiatives at FutureBruin@alumni.ucla.edu. About New Bruin Send-off Celebrations: Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks each summer, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one common theme always emerges: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.
Sunday August 30
Italy's Magnificent Lake District
Sun 8/30
Italy •
Discover northern Italy’s lake district, where sparkling lakes mirror emerald hills and craggy Alpine slopes. From your base in Stresa by Lake Maggiore, spend indulgent days exploring beautiful islands and elegant shores dusted with sunlight. Witness a Romanesque basilica on Isola San Giulio, and stroll through charming Bellagio, where poets and writers from around the world have found inspiration. Cruise aboard a private boat to the Borromean Islands, home to a lavish island estate and a quaint fishermen’s islet. Glide across Lake Como, passing fairy-tale villas and colorful villages, and learn the secrets of northern Italian cuisine during a cooking lesson and an indulgent lunch. In Milan, feast your eyes on Leonardo’s “The Last Supper” and visit the legendary La Scala, Italy’s opulent opera house. Handcrafted for your enjoyment, this small-group journey features a first-class hotel, an extensive meal plan and a series of lectures to enhance your understanding of the region.
Monday August 31
BUS New Student Welcome!
Mon 8/31 • 11AM - 1PM PDT RSVP
Student Activities Center (SAC) 1-3
Join us for the BUS New Scholar Welcome, an engaging and informative kickoff designed to introduce new admits to the Bruin Underground Scholars (BUS) community. This event is an opportunity to connect with BUS professional staff, current scholars, and alumni who are dedicated to supporting your transition and success at UCLA. During the welcome, you’ll learn more about the BUS program, its mission, and the many ways it supports students both academically and personally. Attendees will also be introduced to key campus resources that can help you navigate UCLA, build community, and thrive throughout your college experience. In addition to resource sharing, we’ll highlight upcoming plans, events, and opportunities for the fall, giving you a clear sense of how to get involved and stay connected. Whether you’re looking to build relationships, find support systems, or simply learn more about what BUS has to offer, this event is the perfect place to start. Come prepared to meet your community, ask questions, and take your first step into the BUS journey. We’re excited to welcome you!
Transfer Orientation - Open House
Mon 8/31 • 1PM - 4:30PM PDT
Transfer Student Center (Kerckhoff 128)
Come visit the Transfer Student Center during your orientation session to learn about transfer services, events, and ask questions about the UCLA transfer experience.
Tuesday September 1
Croatia & Cruising the Dalmatian Coast
Tue 9/1
Croatia •
This sensational 10-night journey reveals Croatia’s incredible bounty, including a seven-night Adriatic cruise. Spend three nights discovering vibrant Zagreb, home to extraordinary architecture and culture. Travel to the natural marvel of Plitvice Lakes National Park, then board your first-class ship to indulge in the treasured Dalmatian coast and its jewel-colored waters. Each day reveals sun-drenched islands, exquisite bays and new ports of call. Cruise to the enchanting islands of Rab, Hvar and Korčula, and discover the history and heritage of Split and Zadar. Explore the Ston salt pans along the Pelješac Peninsula and taste oysters fresh from the sea. Your adventure concludes in Dubrovnik, a medieval city with legendary ramparts and a proud old town. Along the way, traditional dishes and wines indulge your palate and expert lectures shed light on the region’s history. This program features an extensive meal plan. Join us and let Croatia steal your heart! _Featuring Professor Viktorija Lejko-Lacan, Department of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Languages and Cultures_
Avoiding Plagiarism Workshop
Tue 9/1 • 9AM - 10AM PDT
This workshop provides an overview on the various forms of academic dishonesty regarding plagiarism. Participants will learn when, where, and why it is important to cite properly. Students will also learn how to avoid plagiarism and the information presented will stress the need to attribute work to the original author and the potential outcomes for plagiarizing. Additionally, paraphrasing, and direct quoting will be discussed. ZOOM. Register through MyUCLA by going to Campus Life> Calendar> Event Reservations> Find Events.
Wednesday September 2
Bay Area Bruins: September Guided Meditation
Wed 9/2 • 12PM PDT
Zoom
Take 20 minutes in your day to enjoy much-needed relaxation and calm. When registering, please enter "UCLA" under "organization." Monthly meditation is led by Michal Rinkevich (MBA '14) who has been practicing healing arts and meditation since 1995 and teaching since 2006.
Transfer Orientation - Open House
Wed 9/2 • 1PM - 4:30PM PDT
Transfer Student Center (Kerckhoff 128)
Come visit the Transfer Student Center during your orientation session to learn about transfer services, events, and ask questions about the UCLA transfer experience.
Thursday September 3
UK Network: UCLA & Big Ten Alumni Social
Thu 9/3 • 10:30AM PDT
Kitty Hawk • London United Kingdom
Three years in, two sold-out nights and the 2026 annual social is almost here — this time, we're taking the summer. For the first time we're trading autumn for the last golden stretch of summer and as always we're going big — on Thursday 3rd September we're taking over the roof terrace and entire top floor of Kitty Hawk, perched above Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column as the backdrop. No long speeches, no rigid agenda. Just warm air, great views, school spirit and the energy that Dress code: Summer school spirit, wear your university colours. Last year's event sold out well in advance with 350 spots — this year we have just 220. Grab yours early.
Real Talk for New Grads Summer Series: Grad School & Career Pivots
Thu 9/3 • 2PM PDT
Zoom
Graduating is a big step- and what comes next can feel uncertain. The Real Talk for New Grads Summer Series offers open, discussion-based sessions for recent UCLA grads navigating life after college. These conversations are a space to connect with fellow Bruins, share your experiences, and gain insights from career professionals and peers alike. Whether you're job hunting, considering grad school, or exploring new paths, you're not alone. Join us for real talk, practical advice, and a supportive community.
Friday September 4
Ramblas & Rivieras
Fri 9/4
Italy, Spain •
Lose yourself in the European wonder of this 9-night voyage promising a blend of cultural immersion, historic exploration, and local culinary delights aboard Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Allura. Your journey begins in beautiful Barcelona. Set sail for Marseille and venture to the pleasant Provencal countryside where fields of lavender and sunflowers are abundant. Try your hand at the famed Monte Carlo Casino. Take in Italian Renaissance masterpieces in Florence or taste an array of Tuscan wines as you relax in an ancient wine cellar in Livorno. In Ajaccio, explore the ancestral home of Napoleon Bonaparte, then make your way to Olbia and visit the Basilica of San Simplicio. As you reach Palermo, indulge in a gastronomic adventure, savoring the flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Cruise the terracotta cliff-lined waters of the Amalfi Coast and visit Valletta to see the celebrated St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Complete your journey in the iconic city of Rome, home to the iconic Colosseum.
Saturday September 5
Paris - featuring the African American Experience
Sat 9/5
France •
Walk in the footsteps of Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes and other African American luminaries on an active and immersive seven-night sojourn to Paris! During enriching excursions and talks, trace the journey of Black Americans who found acceptance and opportunities in the City of Light following World War I. Gain insight into why they moved to Paris and how they forever influenced French culture. On guided walks in Montmartre, the Latin Quarter and St-Germain-des-Prés, hear stories about the club owners and musicians that shaped Paris’ jazz fervor, and relish an evening of jazz at a local club. Stroll the Left Bank, where Black writers, intellectuals and artists of African descent flourished. View “Paris Noir,” and discuss the documentary with the filmmakers. Tour the premier cultural institution, Musée du Quai Branly. Plus, taste French specialties in the Champs-de-Mars and marvel at iconic Paris landmarks on a Seine cruise. Suited for active travelers, this small-group program features experienced guides, a first-class hotel and an extensive meal plan, including wine with dinner.
Sacramento: Sac Bruins Football Watch Party: UCLA vs Cal!
Sat 9/5 • 7PM PDT
University of Beer (East Sac) • Sacramento CA
Kickoff is confirmed for 7:30pm! Join Sac Bruins as we watch UCLA kickoff the Bob Chesney era by battling Berkeley for Cali bragging rights! We're so excited to do game watches again at UOB east sac aka the OFFICIAL UCLA SPORTS BAR in the Sacramento area!! It has been an incredible place to watch games from and we can't wait to invite you back out next season. Go Bruins!
Bay Area Bruins: UCLA Football at Cal
Sat 9/5 • 7:30PM PDT
California Memorial Stadium • Berkeley CA
UCLA Football is visiting Cal for the first time since 2022. Join Bay Area Bruins and other UCLA faithful at the game. Get your tickets now as this event is likely to sell out quickly! Use the RSVP link to choose your seat location and then share the link with friends and family so they can sit next to you. ($3/ticket will benefit Bay Area Bruins' scholarship endowment).
Monday September 7
Office Closed in Observance of Labor Day Holiday
Mon 9/7
A129 Murphy Hall
UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Tuesday September 8
South Bay Book Club - September
Tue 9/8 • 7PM PDT
Hybrid: In-person or via Zoom •
Come join Bruin Alumni and Friends for a fun and relaxing discussion of books. We try to curate a wide variety of genres (all recommended by our own members) to accommodate all tastes and to encourage each other to read something we wouldn't on our own. We would love to have you join us. All are welcome! September Book: TBD
Wednesday September 9
New Instructor Teaching Institute (NITI)
Wed 9/9 • 8:30AM - Thu 9/10 • 2:30PM PDT RSVP
The UCLA Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) welcomes all instructors new and relatively new to UCLA, regardless of their prior teaching experience, to the New Instructor Teaching Institute (NITI), a two-day professional development event on Wednesday and Thursday, September 9 and 10. Wednesday’s sessions (8:30am-5pm) will be held in person at the Luskin Conference Center, and NITI will continue fully online on Thursday (9am-2:30pm). Content will be distinct each day, and attendees are welcome to attend all or part of the Institute. The program will include interactive sessions, a resource fair, social hour, and opportunity drawings. Get oriented to campus, learn about key resources and services at the TLC, explore effective teaching practices, and connect with other new instructors, deans, and campus partners. For questions, please contact instructorsupport@teaching.ucla.edu.
Ensuring Your Professional Longevity
Wed 9/9 • 12PM - 1PM PDT
Zoom
There are many things that can derail our ability to advance in our careers while maintaining long-term sustainability and health. Join us as we discuss the 4 key factors that will help us thrive and enjoy our professional lives for years to come. Whether you're an early-career professional or already deep into your career journey, you’ll leave with practical strategies and inspiring ideas to chart your own individual path towards a healthy workplace lifestyle in the seasons ahead. Date: Wednesday, September 9 Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Location: Zoom