Nov 20, 2007 8:00 AM

Block: New ways to grow

Respectful working relationships between staff and faculty and increased civic engagement by the university community were among a wide range of topics addressed in a "conversation" with Chancellor Gene Block on Nov. 8. Nearly 400 staff members filled Ackerman Grand Ballroom to hear the chancellor in his first presentation to them since taking UCLA's helm on Aug. 1.

"The university wouldn't run for five minutes without the staff," Block said. "You play the critical roles that reach into every activity at this institution — managing the laboratories, taking care of the financial accounts, designing housing — and I'm greatly appreciative."

Commending the campus on its excellence in both academics and athletics, its physical beauty and its "enormous depth of talent," Block said that his initial efforts have been to listen to staff, faculty, students, alumni, parents and friends of the university.

"What are your aspirations — for UCLA and for yourself — and are they being met?" he asked.

One concern he has heard voiced, he said, is the need to "grow our new leaders from the inside" as many of those in top posts reach retirement.

"The best institution provides tremendous opportunities for people inside to advance their careers," he said, announcing plans to create new training and career enhancement programs. "It is very important for all of us to feel that if we do a good job, we have the opportunity to move up to positions that we aspire to."

He also spoke about the diverse, dynamic community that Los Angeles is. One of his priorities is strengthening UCLA's civic engagement. He would like to focus efforts and expertise from across the campus to tackle tough issues in the community, creating a problem-solving institute. He believes that through multidisciplinary efforts, UCLA can have greater impact.

Block also announced plans to increase participation by staff, faculty and students in such efforts as serving in L.A. schools to improve K-12 education. "I'm aware that many of you already play roles as volunteers [in the community]," he said.

The chancellor also addressed the importance of fostering positive working relationships among staff, faculty and administrators.

"I hope you'll work with me," he concluded, asking for a relationship with staff "that's respectful, that builds on one another's strengths and really makes this a great institution that we can all take advantage of."

Staff members in attendance liked what they heard. "He is well informed about our concerns after just four months in L.A.," said Joseph Chiu, network administrator for the Office of Instructional Development and vice president of programs for Staff Assembly. "His focus on growing leaders from within — that really was great."

Added Kyrie Bass, marketing manager for Transportation Services and Staff Assembly president-elect, "I like what he was saying about community engagement. For a lot of us who have been here for a while — I've been here almost 24 years — we are here for that public service mission. We believe in it and want to be a part of it."

Staff members are invited to e-mail concerns, questions and suggestions to chancellor@ucla.edu.

In addition, a regularly scheduled breakfast with the chancellor is being instituted. Stay tuned for details.

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