UCLA
Consultation & Response

Welcome to the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) page

NOTICE: Due to high demand and limited staff capacity, ECRT communications and timelines will be delayed by at least 48 additional business hours until further notice.

The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) is a multidisciplinary group of campus partners dedicated to supporting UCLA students experiencing a financial crisis that impacts their well being and academic success at UCLA.

We provide enrolled UCLA students, in crisis, support with:

  • Emergency Short Term Loans
  • Emergency Grant and Basic Needs Grants
  • Emergency Meals
  • Emergency Housing
  • Case management support with navigating campus resources

All referrals are reviewed in collaboration with our Financial Aid & Scholarships partners. Students that have not exhausted all of their financial aid options (including loans) may not be legible for grant or meal swipes support from the ECR Team. The Team's priority is to respond to students in urgent need and crisis in a timely manner. To support us in that effort and minimize delays in responding, we encourage all students that have not reached out to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to contact them first by going to the the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships Office page, before submitting an assessment form to the ECR Team. Remember that ECR Team resources are intended as an option after all other resources have been exhausted. Students that have resources that have not been accepted or accessed will be referred back to the Financial Aid Office to review and explore those options.

If you are experiencing a crisis please complete the ECRT Self Assessment Intake Form. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THE SELF ASSESSMENT INTAKE FORM TO REQUEST EMERGENCY MEALS.

The Emergency Meal Program

SPRING 2025 NOTICES

SPRING 2025 Swipes Application will open on Monday March 31, 2025. Only swipes will be available at that time. ASUCLA meal tickets are scheduled to become available Week 10.

WINTER 2025 NOTICES

WINTER 2025 application is CLOSED.

ASUCLA Meals

  • ASUCLA meals are paper tickets that required pick-up at BN @ Strath (Strathmore Building Room 106, 555 Westwood Plaza).
  • Students who did not pick up their ASUCLA meals automatically forfeited their eligibility for the Winter 2025 term and are disqualified for Spring 2025.
  • Students who did not use at least one swipe of those issued for Winter 2025 are disqualified for Spring 2025.

ASUCLA Meal Tickets expire on the date marked on the ticket. No extensions or replacements will be made for unused tickets that have expired.

Emergency Meal Program Request

If you are experiencing food insecurity, please complete the Emergency Meal Program Request Form, for SPRING 2025. This program aims to support students with food insecurity who do not have access to regular and nutritious meals. All meal swipes are made available by a limited pool of student donations organized by UCLA Swipe Out Hunger. As with other ECRT resources, the emergency meal program should not be used as an alternative option to other available resources.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the Emergency Meal Program is as follows:

  1. Indicate food insecurity and lack of a regular source of sufficient nourishment
  2. Be registered and/or enrolled student at UCLA
  3. Not have an alternative source of meal options (i.e., dining hall meal plan) or financial aid options.
  4. Students living on the Hill with a meal plan are not eligible for the Emergency Meal Program

LIMITATIONS

  • students that are eligible (U.S citizens and permanent residents) to apply for the FAFSA can receive up to 7 meals per quarter up to a maximum of 3 quarters.
  • all other students are eligible to receive 14 meals per quarter up to a maximum of 3 quarters.
  • students who did not utilize at least 1 swipe of their emergency meal plan or pick up their ASUCLA meal tickets for the term will be disqualified of eligibility for the immediate next term

To request emergency meals, please complete the Emergency Meal Program Request Form. A notification will be sent to the student upon review of the request.

In an effort to provide holistic and long term solutions to students experiencing food insecurity all students will be limited up to a maximum of 3 quarters. After which, students are encouraged to submit the ECRT Self Assessment Intake Form for a holistic assessment of needs and resources that can provide more long term and sustainable solutions that the Emergency Meal Program cannot support.

Important

  • A Bruincard is required to redeem electronic swipes. If you do not have a Bruincard, you will need to access one first. Visit the Bruincard website to learn more.
  • Electronic Meals (on Bruincard) may be redeemed at any UCLA Dining Facility located on the hill during any meal period EXCEPT food trucks and EPIC at ACKERMAN. UCLA Dining hours
  • To verify meals on Bruincard, please visit the Meal Tracking Portal.
  • Paper ASUCLA Meal Tickets can be redeemed at ASUCLA restaurants only.

To learn more about Swipe Out Hunger's basic needs advocacy or how to get involved, please visit @uclaswipeouthunger on Instagram or at Swipe Out Hunger at UCLA.

Other ways to get in touch:

ECR Team and other Campus Resources

For a full description of the ECR Team and other campus resources please review the information below. If you have any questions and would like to connect with us or learn more about our work, please reach out at ecr@saonet.ucla.edu

Bruin bear statue

The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) provides support and guidance to enrolled UCLA students who have self-identified, or are identified by UCLA faculty or staff, as experiencing a financial crisis that impacts their academic success at UCLA. We aim to efficiently, compassionately and discreetly:

  1. Provide a seamless and individualized response to UCLA students in extraordinary financial crisis.
  2. Develop proposals for actions to examine (and revise, when appropriate) university policies and office protocols in order to improve students' ability to manage their financial situations and avoid economic crisis.

Other Resources:

  • FAFSA: If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident you are eligible to apply for the FAFSA.
  • Dream Application: If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident but qualify for nonresident tuition waiver under AB-540, you are eligible to apply for the Dream Application.
  • Budget Increase: If you have expenses beyond your cost of education, you may be eligible for a budget increase by completing the budget add on for eligible expenses, or a housing adjustment for living expenses.
  • Financial Aid: For more information on financial aid options, please visit Financial Aid & Scholarships.
  • The UCLA Basic Needs Committee: Provides a variety of resources and services to ensure the UCLA community is food and basic needs secure.
  • The Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services: Can assist you in maximizing all of your resources to meet your food needs. Visit their website to determine the Social Services benefits for which you may qualify. If you are interested in applying for CalFresh, you can fill out the application at dpss.lacounty.gov. Please email the UCLA CalFresh Initiative at calfresh@cpo.ucla.edu if you have questions about the application and/or the CalFresh Program.

Academic

Mental Health and Wellness

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - CAPS provides short-term, high-quality mental health treatment including assessment, consultation and case management; group and individual therapy and psychiatry services. They can also assist in connecting to community referrals. To get started at CAPS, visit during their Brief Screen hours (Monday - Thursday 9AM - 4PM or Fridays 9AM - 3PM). If you need to speak with a counselor urgently 24/7, please call: 310-825-0768.
  • RISE Center Resilience In Your Student Experience Center - RISE is a new wellness center on-campus (Lu Valle Commons basement) which hosts various workshops and can be a great place to recharge.
  • Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) Program - CARE is committed to the eradication of sexual and gender-based violence through creating and sustaining a safe, healthy, and equitable community for all people. CARE strives to achieve this through provision of comprehensive prevention education, individual support and advocacy, and holistic healing programs for all members of the UCLA community.
  • Screening and Treatment for Anxiety and Depression (STAND) Program - Use the Mental Health Tracker, a 5-10 minute survey, to assess whether you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. After viewing your results, immediately register for a free treatment option that best fits your needs or continue to use the tracker as often as every two weeks.
  • Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) Free Drop-In Meditations - Check out MARC for mindful meditation drop-ins, events, and even a weekly guided meditation you can download and follow along with.

Peer to Peer Supports

  • WaZo Connect - WaZo Connect offers all students in need with a personal mentor for 6 weeks and 4 Wazo Wellness activities per quarter. All of their mentors are trained and hand-picked to help their mentees feel comforted and connected to campus life.

Health

  • Ashe Student Health Center - Students can schedule appointments online, in person, or by phone and can communicate with their primary care providers via secure electronic messaging. For more immediate concerns, our Same-Day Access Plan is available during business hours. AfterHours & Immediate Care Options, students can access our 24/7 Nurseline for advice and information by phone.
    • Main Line: 310-825-4073
    • After Hours Nurseline: (310) 825-4073, Option 2
  • UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP) - UC SHIP is a system-wide insurance plan providing enhanced health benefits to all enrolled students.
  • Student Health Education and Promotion (SHEP) - SHEP offers workshops by request on a variety of topics including: alcohol and other substances, body image, communication and relationships, nutrition, sexual health, stress, well-being, and more.
  • UCLA Recreation - Recreation offers programming that encompasses the competitive, passive, social, cultural, and instructional aspects of recreational activity.

Financial & Basic Needs

  • Financial Aid Office - The UCLA Financial Aid Office and website is the source for all your Financial Aid & Scholarship related questions and support.
  • Financial Wellness Program - The UCLA Financial Wellness Program aims to empower students to understand and navigate their finances effectively and with support.
  • Basic Needs Committee - The UCLA Basic Needs Committee has resources and support for those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
  • Emergency Loans - Interest-free short-term loans are available to students only through the Loan Services Office (A227 Murphy Hall). To qualify for a short-term loan, you must be a UCLA student, enrolled within the current quarter, have paid student services fees, and have no outstanding short-term loan.
  • Student Accounts - UCLA Student Accounts oversees billing and collections for all student and various non-student accounts for the campus. If you have a HOLD on your account, connect with this office.
  • Undergraduate Scholarship Resource Center - The UGSRC provides scholarship information, support, and other resources to the UCLA student population.

Safety

  • 911
  • UCPD - Call (310) 825-1491; Anonymous Reporting Line: (310) 794-5824.
  • CSO - The Community Service Officer escorts are available free of charge to walk with students, faculty, staff or visitors 365 days a year from dusk until 1AM between campus buildings, local living areas, or Westwood Village. How it works: 15 minutes before you need to leave, call (310) 794-WALK (9255). For more information visit their website.
  • UCLA Safe Ride Service - This service provides a safe means of transportation around the campus during evening hours. It is free and available to all UCLA students, staff, faculty and visitors. All ride requests should be made using the TapRide app (available in GooglePlay or Apple App store). Users should install the app, select University of California Los Angeles and login using their UCLA Logon ID. Available Monday through Thursday from 7PM to midnight during Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.
  • Bruin Alert - UCLA has developed Bruin Alert to communicate official information during an emergency or crisis that disrupts the normal operation of the UCLA campus or threatens the health and safety of members of the campus community. Click on this link to learn more about this service.

Reporting & Consultation

  • BIT - UCLA is committed to providing a safe work environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors - one that is free of violent behavior and threats of harm. The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is a multidisciplinary team consisting of representatives from Campus Legal Counsel, Staff & Faculty Counseling, Insurance & Risk Management, UCLA Police Department, and Employee & Labor Relations. Please go here to report a concern about a UCLA employee or an affiliate.
  • Title IX - If you believe you are experiencing sexual harassment or gender discrimination, you may contact the Title IX Director for consultation, advice, or file a report. Under the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Reporting, employees are obligatedto report sexual harassment and sexual violence to the Title IX Director.
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office (EDI)- If you've experienced or witnessed acts of discrimination, contact EDI at WeListen@equity.ucla.edu or call at (310) 825-3935. You can also use this Incident of BIAS form.
  • Office of Student Conduct - There are a number of UCLA and University of California Policies which apply to students. The Code of Conduct include policies about behavioral expectations, due process, student rights, confidentiality and participation in governance. If you have been referred to the Office of Student Conduct, check out their FAQ Page.

Other Student Services

  • Student Legal Services - Provides confidential legal counseling and assistance regarding a wide range of legal issues to all currently registered and enrolled UCLA students. They can help with a variety of concerns including: landlord / tenant relations, accident and injury problems, domestic violence and harassment, criminal matters, immigration, divorces or other family law, automobile purchases, credit, collections, and financial issues, employment matters, health care and consumer problems.
  • Office of the Dean of Students - The Mission of the Dean of Students Office is to serve as a portal to understanding the UCLA experience. The Dean of Students Office is committed to the personal and intellectual growth and development of our students.
  • First Year Experience - The First Year Experience office, located up on the "Hill" among the residence halls, is available as your guide in your first year as a Bruin. They can connect you to campus resources, which will help you succeed at UCLA beyond just your first year.
  • Bruin Resource Center - The UCLA Bruin Resource Center (BRC) can enrich your experience by providing valuable resources, services and learning opportunities and by promoting a supportive and inclusive campus community. The BRC serves all UCLA students, with a particular focus on current and former foster youth, students with dependents, students in recovery, and undocumented students. BRC is located in Student Activities Center B44.
  • LGBTQ Campus Resource Center - The UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center has proudly been serving the UCLA community for 20 years. The center provides a comprehensive range of education and advocacy services supporting intersectional identity development as well as fostering unity, wellness, and an open, safe, and inclusive environment for UCLA’s LGBTQ community
  • Black Bruin Resource Center - The Black Bruin Resource Center (BBRC) is a space dedicated to accommodating and supporting Black students and their needs and organizations. BBRC is located in Kerckhoff Hall. Visit their instagram to sign up for their newsletter and be up to date about their events.
  • Office of the Ombuds Services - The Office of Ombuds Services is a place where members of the UCLA community–students, faculty, staff and administrators–can go for assistance in resolving conflicts, disputes or complaints on an informal basis. In order to afford visitors the greatest freedom in using its services, the Office is independent, neutral and confidential.
  • Dashew Center - UCLA is home to more than 12,000 international students and scholars. The Dashew Center serves the international community at UCLA. They provide resources, support and advocacy for international students and scholar.
  • Career Center - The UCLA Career Center offers services and resources to help UCLA students, UC graduates and employers reach their goals. As a UCLA student, from the first day you arrive, we can introduce you to an array of career possibilities and internships and help you explore the link between your major and career choices.
  • Transfer Student Center - The Transfer Student Center is committed to serving the diverse population of transfer students at UCLA and the needs particular to this community. We help students hit the ground running by connecting them to the university system and offering support and the tools they need to achieve their desired goals at UCLA and beyond
  • Veteran Resource Center - The Veteran Resource Center (VRC) provides caring and personalized support for undergraduate and graduate student veterans in their transition from military service to civilian and college life. They help student veterans navigate UCLA and provide them with a welcoming space, mentoring from other student veterans, guidance on educational benefits, and tools to succeed academically and personally.
  • Red Folder