Session B - 3 weeks
Monday July 13
Media Best Practices: Use Captioning to Create Accessible Media
Mon 7/13 • 2PM - 3PM PDT
Description: This session will introduce instructors and TAs to accessibility tools that are available in Bruin Learn. We will demonstrate the following:- How to use auto-generated captions- How to edit captions- How to select optimal tools and formats for posting your videos- Overview of the WCAG 2.1 AA compliance deadline for April, 2026By the end of this session, participants will be able to select and utilize tools to make their media more accessible in Bruin Learn. Audience: Faculty, TAs, Staff
Tuesday July 14
The Classroom – Class of 2026: Build Resume and Cover Letter With Clarity and Impact
Tue 7/14 • 12PM - 1PM PDT
Zoom
At UCLA, more than 145,000 students applied for admission. Fewer than 10% were selected. This course reminds our graduates what that means—and challenges them to live up to it. This 10-week experience prepares graduating seniors to transition from the classroom to the workplace with clarity, discipline, and confidence. Grounded in the philosophy of Coach John Wooden and his Pyramid of Success, students learn not only how to secure a job, but how to build a meaningful and enduring career.
Is New Quizzes Right for You?
Tue 7/14 • 3PM - 4PM PDT
Bruin Learn has two quiz engines available to instructors - Classic Quizzes (the original quiz tool) and New Quizzes. This session is aimed at faculty who would like to learn more about New Quizzes and its benefits, limitations, and upcoming features and enhancements. Audience: Faculty, TAs, Staff
San Diego Network: SD UCLA Alumni Network 2026 Open Board Meeting
Tue 7/14 • 6PM PDT
Civita Rec Center • San Diego CA
Join Us for an Open Board Meeting at 6pm on July 14th in Mission Valley. Meet fellow Bruins, discover what we're building, and find your place in our community. Dinner is provided. What to expect: \- Learn about the UCLA San Diego Alumni Network and our mission \- Hear about upcoming events and community initiatives \- Discover ways to get involved and make an impact \- Connect with board members and fellow alumni
South Bay Book Club - July
Tue 7/14 • 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! July: The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante. Please email bkronbeck@social.rr.com to be added to the waitlist for the South Bay Book Club.
Wednesday July 15
End-of-Term Grading in Bruin Learn & MyUCLA
Wed 7/15 • 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
Beyond the Algorithm: How to Get Noticed When Everyone Is Using AI With Armine Kulikyan
Wed 7/15 • 6PM PDT
Zoom
In an era where nearly every job seeker is using AI to help with job applications, many candidates worry that their applications aren’t being seen or that they sound just like everyone else. This workshop teaches UCLA alumni how to use AI strategically to stand out, not blend in. Participants will learn how employers use AI in hiring, how to avoid generic AI-generated language and how to enhance their unique professional voice through smarter prompting. We’ll walk through practical tools for tailoring applications, strengthening LinkedIn visibility and using AI to accelerate—not replace—the human elements that make a candidate memorable. Participants will leave with three actionable steps they can take in the next month to elevate their job search using AI.
Thursday July 16
Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania
Thu 7/16
Kenya, Tanzania •
On safari … it’s one of the most alluring phrases in all of travel, and Kenya and Tanzania count among the most alluring places to be on safari. As your small group, limited to 18 travelers, journeys from grasslands to highlands, enjoy intimate game drives, see stupendous landscapes, stay in top-rated accommodations, and meet gracious locals. The 16-day tour begins with highlights of Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi. Move on to Amboseli National Park in the shadow of snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro, known for its large elephant population, to view teeming wildlife on the wide plains and visit a Maasai village. Journey next to peaceful Lake Manyara National Park, whose incredibly varied ecosystem offers the essence of Tanzania’s safari experience. After a game drive here, set out for spectacular Ngorongoro, a UNESCO Conservation Area and site of immense Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. In this stunning setting, safari-goers have a unique chance to see all of Africa’s “Big Five.” Visit Olduvai Gorge, where anthropologist Mary Leakey made her revolutionary discovery. The adventure continues in the storied Serengeti, the Maasai’s 5,700-square-mile “endless plain” and one of the world’s last great wildlife refuges. Enjoy unmatched game viewing during a two-night sojourn, then fly to Masai Mara for three nights in Kenya’s premier game reserve, rich with animal life and homeland of the Maasai. The annual wildebeest migration should be in full swing during our tour, offering excellent game viewing and predator kills. Back in Nairobi, toast the safari adventure at a farewell dinner. Staying at the legendary Mount Kenya Safari Club, encounter more wildlife with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.
Sunday July 19
Regal Baltic Shores
Sun 7/19
Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Denmark •
Begin your adventure in the heart of Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, then sail to Helsinki where you can explore an open-air market. In Kotka, visit the Maritime Centre Vellamo to learn about the region’s naval history. Travel back to medieval times in the picturesque towns of Tallinn and Visby, where you can explore enchanting streets and tour the hidden underground passageways of Tallinn. Bask in the magnificent art nouveau architecture of Riga. Stroll along the waterfront in Gdynia or relax on the sandy beach. Discover half-timbered houses and stunning coastal cliffs in Ronne, and in Warnemunde, enjoy the promenade running alongside the Baltic Sea. Before ending your journey in serene Copenhagen, stop in Aarhus and ride a vintage railway car through the wilderness or visit a fascinating Renaissance manor. _Featuring Dr. Susan Kresin, Department of Slavic, East European and Eurasian Languages_
Monday July 20
Accessibility in Action Workshop: Use Built-In Tools to Help Make Your Course Content Accessible
Mon 7/20 • 11AM - 11:45AM PDT
This interactive workshop provides the opportunity for Instructors and TAs to share their current Bruin Learn accessibility remediation tasks and learn how to use the UCLA-provided tools at their disposal to help remediate course content. We will review key features that support accessibility compliance and improve the usability of course content. By the end of the session, participants will have learned how to use the current accessibility tools in the Bruin Learn ecosystem to remediate issues relevant to their courses. Audience: Faculty, TAs, Staff
Tuesday July 21
Machu Picchu to the Galápagos
Tue 7/21
Peru, Ecuador •
Machu Picchu’s enigmatic ruins and the fascinating Galapagos Islands rank among South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour – limited to 20 guests – is the ideal way to experience both. Your 16-day journey begins with historic and contemporary highlights of the Peruvian capital, Lima. Stop at Cuzco’s important Incan site, Koricancha, before continuing on to the magnificent Sacred Valley for a two-night stay, visiting Ollantaytambo’s massive Incan ruins and indigenous villages where ancient traditions live on. After a scenic train ride, explore Machu Picchu’s astounding ruins on two separate days, overnighting at a hotel at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the beautiful Vilcanota River. Exploration of Cuzco – a UNESCO site and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city – follows, with a two-night stay that includes touring the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán. Travel to Quito, another UNESCO site boasting an Andean backdrop and abundant history, for two nights. Then fly to the Galapagos for four-nights; between day cruises on a privately chartered yacht to North Seymour and South Plaza islands, we lodge at a beautiful hotel on Santa Cruz Island. Accompanied by an expert Galapagos naturalist guide, learn about Darwin’s unique “living laboratory” up close while observing iconic giant Galapagos tortoises, iguanas, and other unique wild- and birdlife. Explore Santa Cruz’s lava tunnels, craters, and beach before returning to Quito for a final day of touring and relaxation. Discover the Amazon’s amazing flora, fauna, and villages on an exceptional 4-day/4-night optional pre-tour extension.
The Classroom – Class of 2026: Shape Your Digital Presence and Professional Brand
Tue 7/21 • 12PM - 1PM PDT
Zoom
At UCLA, more than 145,000 students applied for admission. Fewer than 10% were selected. This course reminds our graduates what that means—and challenges them to live up to it. This 10-week experience prepares graduating seniors to transition from the classroom to the workplace with clarity, discipline, and confidence. Grounded in the philosophy of Coach John Wooden and his Pyramid of Success, students learn not only how to secure a job, but how to build a meaningful and enduring career.
Thursday July 23
Europe’s Historic Rivers: Main, Rhine & Moselle
Thu 7/23
Germany •
Europe’s incomparable history and heritage are yours to discover on this handcrafted, nine-night cruise! Board your exclusively chartered, first-class ship in Passau, Germany, and sail away through the sculpted hills lands of the Main, Rhine and Moselle rivers. Daily excursions showcase ancient monuments and charming towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites and vine-laced slopes. Travel to romantic Regensburg to visit a Benedictine monastery and enjoy a brandy tasting in Miltenberg. You’ll stroll through Trier, Germany’s oldest city; cruise through the Rhine Gorge, a winding stretch renowned for its beauty; and stroll through lovely Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. In Cochem, admire half-timbered houses on cobblestone lanes and visit a stately castle high above town. Plus, in the ports of Nuremberg, Bamberg and Würzburg, choose included excursions that fit your interest, such as cultural experiences and culinary tours. Along the way, indulge in insights from experts, regional dishes and local wines. This heartwarming journey includes an ample meal plan, plus wine and beer with lunch and dinner. No single supplement for solo travelers, limited availability. _Featuring Professor Glen MacDonald, Distinguished Professor of Geography and Environment and Sustainability_
Real Talk for New Grads Summer Series: Navigating Post-Grad Life
Thu 7/23 • 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.
Saturday July 25
Bay Area Bruins: Bruins Night at the 2026 California Clásico - San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
Sat 7/25 • 7PM PDT
Stanford Stadium • Stanford CA
Join the Bay Area Bruins for the annual California Clásico - soccer match featuring the San Jose Earthquakes vs Los Angeles Galaxy at the Stanford Stadium, Saturday evening, July 25. The event commences with pregame ceremonies featuring fly overs and a precision team of skydivers landing on the field and delivering the "game ball". After the game all fans will be entertained with a spectacular drone show. This event sells out every year with the average Section 216 ticket face value being $40. Ticket purchasing opportunities will be announced in upcoming newsletters. Early purchases (until July 1) will offer preferred seating closer to the field, opportunities to win prizes, and discounted pricing at $34 per ticket. Tickets purchased after June 30 will be $37 each. A portion of each ticket sale will go to the Bay Area Bruins scholarship fund specifically benefiting students from the Bay Area. _Each ticket provides admission to Stanford Stadium for the Clásico match, ceremonies, and the post game drone show._
Tuesday July 28
The Classroom – Class of 2026: Interview With Confidence and Preparation
Tue 7/28 • 12PM - 1PM PDT
Zoom
At UCLA, more than 145,000 students applied for admission. Fewer than 10% were selected. This course reminds our graduates what that means—and challenges them to live up to it. This 10-week experience prepares graduating seniors to transition from the classroom to the workplace with clarity, discipline, and confidence. Grounded in the philosophy of Coach John Wooden and his Pyramid of Success, students learn not only how to secure a job, but how to build a meaningful and enduring career.
Wednesday July 29
Visions of the Solar Eclipse
Wed 7/29
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, The United Kingdom, Iceland •
Embark on a 14-night journey aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina as we travel through the heart of Scandinavia and the North Atlantic, culminating in the breathtaking spectacle of the total solar eclipse. Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Copenhagen and set sail for Lysekil, where rugged coastlines meet serene waters. Enjoy fresh seafood in Oslo and take in the innovative architecture. In Mandal, explore wooden houses, then venture towards Edinburgh and take a leisurely stroll along the Water of Leith. Retrace the steps of ill-fated Scottish heroes at Culloden Battlefield near Invergordon. Learn about Scrabster Harbor’s Viking past and take a trip to the mysterious Faroe Islands to experience a unique blend of quirky local culture and modern-day cafes. Visit Eskifjordur and peruse artifacts from World War II in the Icelandic Wartime Museum. Surround yourself with Icelandic folk culture in Akureyri or take a boat trip around Isafjordur where you can fish along the bay. Experience the breathtaking total solar eclipse in Grundarfjordur, a true once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Against the backdrop of the Kirkjufell mountain, this celestial event will leave you in awe. Conclude your journey in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital.
Streamlining Courses Resources: Utilizing Free Library Reserves with Leganto
Wed 7/29 • 2PM - 3PM PDT
This training session will show you how to efficiently use Leganto (the "Course Reading List" tool) in Bruin Learn to request course reserves from UCLA Library. Please join us to learn how the Library can support your class by providing free access to required and recommended course texts to your students. Audience: Faculty, TAs
Thursday July 30
Sacramento Bruins: Sac Alumni Coalition Networking Night!
Thu 7/30 • 6PM PDT
UC Center Sacramento • Sacramento CA
Join fellow Bruins and alumni from many other schools for an evening of conversation and connection at the UC Center Sacramento right in downtown. Participating schools include: Notre Dame, Santa Clara, Stanford, Yale, Berkeley, Georgetown, Harvard & more! Light food and beverages will be provided. Hosted by UC Davis Cal Aggie Alumni Association in collaboration with Sac Bruins and participating alumni networks across the Greater Sacramento Area!