The happiest place on Earth won’t be anywhere near Anaheim on Saturday, April 15. On that day, all the tears of joy, rousing cheers and endless cellphone snaps will be emanating from a lounge in UCLA’s John Wooden Recreation Center.
That’s where high school seniors who have been admitted to UCLA and have decided to become proud members of the Bruin class of 2021 will be officially announcing their intent to register as freshmen this fall. Celebrating this life-changing moment will be their happy parents and family members, UCLA mascots Joe and Josie Bruin, and scores of UCLA students and staff, who will be saluting the Bruins-to-be with a spirited eight-clap.
That will be the culminating moment for some newly admitted students attending Bruin Day 2017, a one-day event enabling them to sample the best of UCLA: its world-class academic programs and inspiring teachers; the myriad opportunities to explore arts, sciences and cultures from around the world; the 1,000-plus student organizations and clubs that reflect the broad range of interests, backgrounds and activities on campus; and the amenities on the Hill that will help them have a successful, fulfilling college experience.
“We’ll showcase the university’s top-ranked academic programs and rich, diverse campus life as our visitors experience the spirit of true Bruin optimism,” noted Chancellor Gene Block in a letter to the campus community on April 10. He and other campus leaders, along with the UCLA Bruin Marching Band, will be on hand at the University Welcome to kick off the festivities.
This year, around 16,000 admitted students and their family members are expected to visit the campus on Bruin Day, packed with more than 40 presentations, three information fairs, dozens of campus tours and open houses, and musical and dance performances by students — all put together by a cross-campus collaboration of faculty, staff, students and alumni.
“I continue to be inspired and amazed by the achievement of our admitted students,” said Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, vice provost of enrollment management. “Their academic accomplishments combined with their extraordinary leadership and commitment to service should give us all hope that the future in bright. Bruin Day celebrates who they are and recognizes what they can achieve with a UCLA education.”
Visitors will be able to hear lectures by professors who are at the top of their respective fields, including chemistry and biochemistry’s Neil Garg, recipient of the U.S. Professor of the Year award; Kathleen Bawn, vice chair for graduate studies in political science; and two winners of UCLA’s highest honor for teaching, Robert Watson of English and Jay Phelan of life sciences.
There will be opportunities to learn about financial aid and housing options. For the first time, attendees who are going to be the first in their families to go to college will be able to attend a presentation geared especially for them, “First-Generation College Student Resources,” designed to help them achieve academic success, join a supportive community and take advantage of networking opportunities.
The day’s activities will also feature special activities sponsored by the UCLA Academic Advancement Program in support of families who reflect the broad diversity of the student population; an overnight experience for admitted, out-of-state students; and other programs hosted by student organizations and groups.
This year, Bruin Day for transfer students will be held on May 13.