Chancellor Gene Block outlined his vision for the university and a new department was created at Thursday’s meeting of the Academic Senate.
The Academic Senate, a legislative body comprised of university faculty who address academic and faculty issues, is made up of voting members from each academic department.
The legislature voted unanimously to change the women’s studies program from an interdepartmental program to its own department, though some members had questions about the financial implications of this change.
In response, Academic Senate Chairwoman Elizabeth Bjork said the costs of the new program would most likely be balanced out since it also costs money to loan faculty to other departments.
After passing the proposal, Block spoke to the Senate about his plans for the university.
The chancellor began his speech by saying that, in light of the recent vandalism of Professor Edythe London’s home by animal rights activists, the university community should be supporting those faculty members who are the victims of such attacks.
While he respects the right of people to protest peacefully and make their views known, he said the methods used by some animal rights groups, such as the vandalism of London’s home or attempted bombings, are inappropriate.
“We cannot and will not condone such actions,” Block said.
“Academic freedom is a bedrock of the research community,” he added.
He then moved on to discuss the three main points of his vision for UCLA: academic excellence, diversity and community outreach.
Block’s discussion of academic excellence focused on improving the quality of life for faculty members in order to attract and retain high-quality employees.
He said helping faculty purchase affordable housing near campus and find schooling and care for their children would be important steps towards bringing top-tier faculty to the university and improve the academics.
“We’ve got to find a way to making housing more affordable,” Block said.
“Child care is the same issue,” he added, “We’re continually expanding child care, but as soon as we expand it, there’s more demand.”
Since part of the chancellor’s job is raising money for the university, Block also mentioned how fundraising would help the university fund projects to enhance its academic reputation.
With funding from the state being limited, Block said increasing the university’s endowment was crucial and that he will be looking to the larger university and Los Angeles communities for support.
“Los Angeles is really the place to be, I think, for philanthropy,” he said.
In regards to increasing diversity, Block commended the university on its efforts so far, but called on the faculty to continue being proactive.
Block asked those present who sit on search committees to work on cultivating diversity among the faculty as well.
Ultimately, Block said, he recognizes that all his plans mean nothing without the support of the faculty, and he hopes they find him cooperative.
“I could talk all day but … it all takes your engagement and your enthusiasm to move the ball,” he said.