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Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Janina Montero has been at UCLA since July and has made a conc

After nearly three months as the new vice chancellor of student affairs, Janina Montero is continuing to formulate ideas for improving student life at UCLA as she familiarizes herself with her new surroundings.

Montero has outlined rough sketches of her goals for UCLA, though she has not yet created specific plans for achieving these goals.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to talk to people here – having them describe the university and its issues,” Montero said.

Montero, who held similar positions at Brown and Princeton universities, said she is focusing on several key issues, including budget cuts and student support.

She added that her office has been working to compile information on student fee hikes.

“We’re working … to find where pressure points are for students,” she said, but would not comment further on the situation.

Montero also emphasized the importance of creating connections between students and faculty members, herself included.

“We’re looking to renew a sense of responsiveness to our main constituency,” Montero said.

Members of the Undergraduate Students Association Council – UCLA’s undergraduate student government – agree that Montero has made an effort to connect with them.

During the summer, Montero attended a few USAC meetings, and General Representative Josh Lawson said she came to the meetings, introduced herself, and stayed, rather than making an appearance just for show.

“I’m glad she’s taking an interest in what our issues are,” he said.

Lawson said he has had limited contact with Montero, but believes she will be willing to work with students, especially USAC and other student leaders.

Internal Vice President Allende Palma/Saracho said Montero has already scheduled to meet with USAC regularly this year.

“She’s very receptive to being involved with the decisions of students,” Palma/Saracho said, adding that Montero seems “very much well-informed.”

Montero said she also attended an Office of Residential Life staff training session during which she spoke to the staff and extended an invitation to meet with her throughout the year. 

In an April interview, Montero said she hoped to develop long-term relationships with students on campus, despite the large size of the university.

As part of that effort, Montero said she hopes to continue meeting with campus leaders as part of an effort to reach out to students.

Despite UCLA’s large student population compared to her last employer, Brown – a difference of more than 30,000 students – Montero is optimistic she will find ways to connect with many students.

“You look for opportunities where you can connect with as many people as possible,” Montero said.

She added that USAC and other leadership groups are “very valuable” for making such connections.

Montero explained that she has spent much of her time at UCLA absorbing information, and is currently “putting (issues) on the table” so that students and faculty can help her come up with strategies for approaching these issues.

Though Montero has many challenges to face as she eases into her new position at UCLA, she maintains that she enjoys being on campus.

“It’s a pleasure to see what public education can be – the quality of education at UCLA is spectacular,” Montero said.