Contact Us & Stay Connected
Welcome to the Department of Economics Undergraduate Counseling 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 counselors are available via virtual appointments, virtual drop-in, and Message Center.
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 the Business Economics Application and updates to course offerings. Click the Econ-Alert icon below for more info and be sure to register.
*Please note that counseling services are meant for current students. Prospective students should contact UCLA Undergraduate Admission.
Appointments via Zoom
Appointments are available 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 72 hours 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.
Drop-In Advising via Zoom
Drop-in advising is currently offered at the following times:
Monday & Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Wednesday & Thursday from 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 and no drop-in hours are held during zero week, finals week, University holidays, student breaks, and in the summer.
Message Center
Questions can be submitted to Economics counselors electronically via the MyUCLA Message Center.
Students who need to submit a form or other document to the Economics undergraduate counselors 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 counselors 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. Econ-Alert is used to share information about 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.
Meet the Undergraduate Counseling Team
Lauren Burger, Undergraduate Counselor
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, Undergraduate Counselor
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. Counseling 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.
Julie Plotkin, Undergraduate Counselor
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; Master of Science in Counseling (College Student Services).
About me: After deciding against becoming a sportswriter and then working in a variety of fields, including in purchasing for a cruise line and public relations, I pursued graduate education in counseling so that I could help students to become aware of the many options that they have, academically and career-wise, and to help them to succeed. I have worked at both community colleges and at UCLA. Outside of UCLA, I enjoy college football (the Bruins, in particular), the outdoors, traveling, and exploring all that Los Angeles and Southern California has to offer.
Jalen Stevenson, Undergraduate Counselor
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! 🙂
