UCLA Fast Facts
The UCLA Emeriti/Retirees Relations Center (ERRC) strives to bring together the individual, the institution and the lifespan of all UCLA retired staff and faculty. In collaboration with UCLA Alumni Affairs, we ran a report of our 18,500 retirees to gather data about those who identify are retired and alumni of the university. The goal of these findings was to apply to the concept of a university retiree who is also an alumnus. This intersectionality helps illustrate how different facets of their professional identity and alumni experiences come together.
Individual - Institution - Lifespan
Staff / Alumni Dynamic
The Individual - Identity and Experience Intersection
Retiree: As a retiree, this shift in status might affect their social connections, daily routines, and possibly their sense of purpose. Retirees might experience changes in how they are perceived by the university community and may need to navigate a new role as a former employee.
Alumnus: As an alumnus, they have a long-term connection with the university, shaped by their educational experiences. This might include nostalgia, a network of former classmates, or a sense of pride and belonging related to their alma mater.
The Institution - Social and Institutional Duality of Roles
The intersection of being a retiree and an alumnus can influence how they interact with the university. They have a unique dual perspective as both a former staff member and a former student. This dual identity can affect their involvement in alumni activities, their relationship with current employees, and their engagement with university affairs.
The Lifespan – Age-Friendly Campus Environment
Retiree: Their input might be valued differently and have different opportunities or limitations in engaging with the university.
Alumnus: Usually much more involved in alumni events or fundraising efforts and have a long-standing connection that influences their view of the institution.
The Staff & Alumni Dynamic
Educational Findings
41% matched as alumni, certificate holders of the university
2,058 degree holders - Showing educational program type data of UCLA retiree alumni with completed degrees
Top areas of study - Showing educational major data for UCLA retiree alumni
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Education
- History
Highest proportion of women among younger retirees
Diversity is growing
- Younger retirees are more diverse
Lifespan and Engagement
- Alumni In their 60s, 70s and 80s are more engaged
Our UCLA retirees are increasingly global, reflecting a trend toward greater mobility and connectivity in retirement. Many retirees choose to relocate to different countries and explore new cultures, driven by factors such as lifestyle preferences, cost of living, and the desire for new experiences.
This global perspective allows retirees to enrich their personal lives through multicultural experiences, and contribute to international communities in meaningful ways. As a result, the concept of retirement is evolving from a traditional, localized experience to one that embraces a broader, more interconnected world.
Our UCLA retirees are global!
Retirees staying local reflect a deep sense of community and continuity, choosing to maintain their established social networks, familiar surroundings, and local support systems. This choice often provides a sense of stability and belonging, allowing retirees to enjoy their retirement years while staying connected to the environment that has shaped their personal and professional identities.
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Data was extracted in 2023