Contact Us & Stay Connected
Welcome to the Department of Economics Undergraduate Advising Office! We are here to help you with your major-related questions and concerns. If you are looking for guidance regarding non-major degree requirements, please contact your College counselor.
The Economics undergraduate advisors are available via virtual drop-in, Message Center, and virtual appointments. Please note, beginning Week 1 of Fall 2025, the Department is moving to a drop-in advising model. Therefore, students will be expected to use the drop-in feature or Message Center to connect with the advising team.
ECON-ALERT: The Economics Department sends out announcements via Econ-Alert about important departmental information that you will not hear about from anywhere else, such as policy changes, the Business Economics Application, and updates to course offerings. This is also the only place to access our Pre-Major and Economics Major Request Forms. Click the Econ-Alert icon below for more info and be sure to register.
*Please note that advising services are meant for current students. Prospective students should contact UCLA Undergraduate Admission.
Appointments via Zoom
Appointments are available only for continuing UCLA students Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., excluding University holidays.
Appointments are 15 minutes long and can be scheduled up to 3 days in advance.
*Please note that if you miss your appointment or cancel within two hours of the appointment, it may impact your ability to schedule an appointment in the future.
Incoming new students will have the opportunity to connect with the department during orientation.
Drop-In Advising via Zoom
New for Fall 2025:
Week 0:
- *Welcome Drop-In* in-person: Wednesday, September 24th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2263 Bunche Hall
- Zoom: Thursday, September 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Week 1 through Finals Week:
- Zoom: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Drop-in advising is offered at the following times beginning Week 1 of every Fall, Winter, and Spring quarter:
Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
**Please note, you must use your UCLA login credentials to join through the SSO UCLA Zoom logon. Drop-in hours may vary at times. No drop-in hours are held on University holidays.
Message Center
Questions can be submitted to Economics advisors electronically via the MyUCLA Message Center.
Students who need to submit a form or other document to the Economics undergraduate advisors should send it electronically via the MyUCLA Message Center.
To access the MyUCLA Message Center, logon to MyUCLA and click “Message Center” in the top right corner. Then, click “Ask a Question.” Under “Academic Counseling Unit,” enter “Economics.” Or, click the button below for a direct link.
If you do not have a UCLA logon ID, please submit your inquiry here.
Please allow the advisors at least 5 business days to respond to your message before sending a follow-up request.
Stay Connected with Econ-Alert
Econ-Alert is the best way for undergraduate students to stay informed on departmental and campus opportunities and changes. Econ-Alert is used to share information about policy changes, the Business Economics major application, course offerings, department scholarships, fellowships, and more!
To receive Econ-Alerts, join our Econ Counseling Bruin Learn site. Once you enroll in the “course,” you will receive Econ-Alerts via the course announcements.
Department of Economics Student Ambassadors
The Department of Economics is looking for current students to serve as Student Ambassadors! We are looking to recruit Econ and Bus Econ students (pre-majors can apply as well!) who are excited about connecting with peers and building community in the department.
Our ambassadors will have the opportunity to serve as representatives of the department at various events, work collaboratively with department staff, and lead the development of new programs! This program will also provide the opportunity for students to develop their skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and other transferable skills that you will carry into your future roles!
If you are interested in serving as a Student Ambassador, please fill out our Student Ambassador Interest Form. By completing this form, you will be included in future communication regarding opportunities to serve as a Student Ambassador and work with the leadership team.
If you would like to apply to be a part of the Student Ambassador Leadership Team for the 2025-2026 academic year, please complete the application here. This application is due on Monday, September 8th, 2025, at 11:59pm.
Meet the Undergraduate Advising Team
Lauren Burger, Director of Program Development / Undergraduate Advisor
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Minor in Education Studies at UCLA; Master of Education in Student Affairs at UCLA
About Me: Hi everyone! My name is Lauren, I’m a proud double Bruin from the Class of 2022 and 2023! I spent several years in undergrad and graduate school advising students from many different majors and backgrounds, and I’m so excited to continue this work with you all in the Economics Department! Outside of UCLA, I enjoy reading, exploring coffee shops, and all things Star Wars! I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
Shabira Jaffer, Director of Undergraduate Affairs / Undergraduate Advisor
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Economics/International Area Studies with a Concentration in Japan at UCLA
About Me: I have worked in marketing, real estate, and finance, but found that my passion for education drives me most. There is nothing I love more than making a positive impact in someone’s life. Advising students gives me the opportunity to help students along in their paths towards their goals. I have over 10 years of experience in this field and am a proud Bruin and graduate of this very Department. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends, and basketball is an absolute must in the Jaffer household.
Jalen Stevenson, Director of Communications / Undergraduate Advisor
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Minor in African American Studies at UCLA
About Me: Hi there! I’m a Sociology graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles. I have years of experience in academic advising and working in higher education spaces, with aspirations to pursue opportunities as a podcaster and cultural commentator. I’m looking forward to meeting you! 🙂
College Academic Mentor
Meet our College Academic Mentor (CAM)! CAMs are graduate students who advise undergraduate students in the College of Letters and Science. CAMs may spend a limited time supporting an academic department on campus, and we are fortunate to have a CAM supporting the Econ Department for the 2024-2025 academic year. Our Econ CAM is specially trained to advise students in the Economics and Business Economics majors.
Theresa Willmott-McMahon
College Academic Mentor
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Rhetoric and Bates College; Currently pursuing Master of Public Policy at UCLA
About Me: Hi! I am a Master of Public Policy student at the Luskin School of Public Affairs and I completed my undergraduate studies at Bates College in Maine, where I double majored in Political Science and Rhetoric and played on the women’s lacrosse team. Following graduation from Bates in 2021, I lived in New York City and worked in healthcare public relations.
In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, trying new restaurants and recipes, and often run as a way to de-stress. A couple of fun facts about me: I am a twin, I was on the grounds crew for the Washington Nationals baseball team and I completed a 1,000-mile bike trip in 2019 to raise money for affordable housing.
I look forward to meeting you and supporting you through your journey at UCLA!
