Bruin Day on Saturday will bring nearly 15,000 newly admitted students and their families to campus to experience UCLA in microcosm through tours, lectures, presentations, open houses and other activities. 

Much of what makes UCLA a world-renown institution, the most applied-to university in the country and a destination for extraordinary students from California, the nation and the world will be on display Saturday, April 19, at the fourth annual Bruin Day.

Nearly 15,000 admitted first-year students and their families will have an opportunity to sample abbreviated lectures from award-winning faculty in the sciences and humanities, UCLA’s vibrant campus life and top-notch recreational and residential facilities — all factors that make the campus the top college choice for some of the best students around. 

Students enjoy the day during Bruin Day 2013.

“I am convinced that once our newly admitted students have had a chance to experience the intellectual curiosity, spirit of optimism and dedication to public service that characterizes our campus, they too will be Bruin-bound,” said Youlonda Copland-Morgan, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. “Very few other universities in the world offer the academic rigor and opportunities for personal growth that UCLA does in the midst of one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the country.”

Copeland-Morgan said she expects many prospective freshmen to make their decision to enroll right on the spot. To make sure students and their families have all the information they need at their fingertips, Bruin Day features workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions about academic programs, financial aid, housing options and campus safety, among other topics.

For the second year in a row, students joining the Bruin family on the spot will get a special treat. Those who officially submit their statements of intent to register on Bruin Day will have an opportunity to ring the Victory Bell on campus. The 295-pound trophy is retained each year by the winner of the UCLA-USC football game.

Also a new feature of the Bruin Day website is the “Schedule Page” so that students and their families can make sure they won’t miss any important events. This feature enables users to search by topic, time and location of the day’s many activities and events.

"I can think of no better place than UCLA for students to prepare themselves for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities” said Patricia Turner, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education. "Located in a megacity on the Pacific Rim, UCLA students can explore an array of educational and research opportunities — not only in the classroom, but through service-learning opportunities and internship programs — that will take them into Los Angeles, Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and around the world.  Our staff members know how to help students put together a unique and challenging experience that still lets them graduate on time.”

Chancellor Gene Block will open Bruin Day with a welcome address at 9:15 a.m. at Pauley Pavilion. In an e-mail to the UCLA community earlier this week, he called on students, alumni, faculty and staff to do their part in order to make our newly admitted freshmen feel at home and to make Bruin Day a “huge success.”