UCLA Campus Events Commission: A Hub of Diverse Programming and Community Engagement

Since 1965, the Campus Events Commission (CEC) at UCLA has stood as a cornerstone of undergraduate student life, curating and managing some of the university's most significant events. This student-run and student-funded organization is dedicated to providing a diverse range of events, showcasing talents from various fields including music, public relations, and media production. The CEC's commitment extends beyond the present, with a focus on preserving its rich history through an evolving archive of past events.

Preserving History and Celebrating Contributions

The CEC actively builds an archive of its rich legacy, with an emphasis on preserving the history of past events. Their engaging blog features highlights and memorable moments from events, celebrating the vibrant cultural contributions of artists and speakers who have visited UCLA over the years.

Addressing Challenges and Streamlining Processes

Managing some of the biggest campus events at UCLA comes with high expectations. The CEC faced challenges such as long lines, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and reducing friction for both attendees and student organizers. These challenges prompted the CEC to seek innovative solutions to enhance event accessibility, attendance, and management.

Partnering with Bounce to Enhance Event Management

Last year, UCLA’s Campus Events Commission (CEC) partnered with Bounce, setting out to make on-campus events more accessible, better attended, and easier to manage. One year later, Bounce has become a trusted part of the CEC toolkit. Now, as they head into year two, they take some time to reflect on the impact that Bounce has had on their campus programming and administrative workload.

Brooklyn Bush, CEC’s former Online Marketing & Sponsorship Director, highlighted the issue of information accessibility, noting that attendees often had numerous questions about events. The implementation of Bounce provided a solution by making event information readily available to students.

The Bounce Solution: Seamless Scanning and Enhanced Safety

Bounce’s event check-in tools and waiver system made an immediate difference to the CEC. Events became easier to manage, more secure, and less chaotic.

Bounce’s event check-in tools and waiver system made an immediate difference to the CEC. Events became easier to manage, more secure, and less chaotic. Brooklyn noted the efficiency of Bounce's scanning capabilities, which significantly reduced wait times and improved the overall entry process. The ability to track attendance and engagement for each event type through Bounce enables the CEC to offer programming that aligns with students’ interests and needs.

Positive Outcomes: Efficiency, Confidence, and Community Building

Bounce didn’t just streamline logistics; it created space for CEC to focus on what they do best: building experiences students love. The CEC saw an 107% increase in RSVP's to spring quarter events between 2024 and 2025., which included everything from the high-energy UltraBloom EDM Festival to the ShortTakes Film Festival and a live Q&A with Bob the Drag Queen.

The partnership with Bounce not only streamlined event logistics but also allowed the CEC to concentrate on creating engaging experiences for students. Brooklyn emphasized the support provided by Bounce, which extended beyond technical assistance, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared success.

Meeting Students Where They Are

As CEC continues to lead major programming on campus, they also see Bounce as a valuable tool for helping smaller orgs find their audience.

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Brooklyn suggested that even small clubs could benefit from using Bounce to reach a wider audience, complementing traditional promotional methods like Instagram and flyers. Whether you’re inviting students to come to your next club event or looking for new members to join the team, Bounce is the place to find your people.

Looking Ahead

As CEC prepares for a new school year, they’re focused on continuing to deliver standout events that engage students across the university, with Bounce by their side. Moving forward, tracking attendance and engagement for each event type through Bounce can help the CEC and other campus organizations offer programming that aligns with students’ interests and needs.

Community Service Commission: Fostering Social Change Through Service

In addition to the CEC, UCLA is home to the Community Service Commission (CSC), the community service-focused office of UCLA’s student government (USAC). The CSC serves as an umbrella organization for over 30 student-run service projects and as a center for the service efforts of the campus community.

Supporting Student-Led Initiatives

CSC projects work independently under our umbrella to address issues within the community, using both direct service and advocacy to affect social change. CSC staff members plan Alternative Break immersion trips, campus events such as Day of Service and Nonprofit Networking Night, and quarterly advocacy campaigns. They partner with other campus organizations and UCLA administration to co-program service events, and work directly with projects to help further their efforts.

The Genesis of the CSC

A political science graduate student, Tom Hoeber, was involved in a tutorial program in Venice. He felt that the university should do more to support student service projects, especially with regards to funding and transportation and that service groups needed representation in student government. This vision led to the establishment of the CSC, which has since become a vital component of UCLA's commitment to community engagement.

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Signature Programs and Initiatives

The Community Service Commission established the annual tradition of Day of Service, an event in which UCLA students can go out in the Los Angeles community for a day to volunteer and give back. Alternative Spring Break was started in an attempt to promote hands on community service within UCLA by immersing volunteers in an environment away from UCLA for the week of Spring Break.

Recognizing Leaders in Service

The John H. Sarvey & Robert S. Michaels Leadership in Service Award, formerly the USAC Community Service Scholarship, recognizes leaders of social change who have made an impact on underserved communities. This scholarship was named in honor of the late John Hoang Sarvey, former Community Service Commissioner, President of the Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC), and leader of social justice. More recently, the award name was also expanded to include Robert S. Michaels, former USAC President and key figure in the establishment of this award.

During USAC elections 2016, CSC partnered with SWC and CEC to bring this referendum to the ballot.

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