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UCLA Removed Classroom Computers This Quarter

The university shifted to a bring-your-own-device policy for instructors across 22 campus buildings.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Distance Learning

Gouache-painted illustration of a single USB-C cable on a wooden lectern, representing modern academic classroom connectivity.
UCLA has shifted to a bring-your-own-device policy for faculty in 22 campus buildings, citing fiscal constraints and aging hardware efficiency. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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UCLA eliminated dozens of classroom computers this quarter as part of a new policy requiring faculty and teaching assistants to provide their own devices. The change affects general assignment classrooms across 22 campus buildings.

Why it matters

The university implemented the policy to address fiscal constraints and mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with the aging hardware. Last year, only about 20% of the available classroom computers were actively used by instructors.

UCLA reported a $58 million year-end budget deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year, following internal reports of larger projected shortfalls. The university also laid off 27 Digital and Technology Solutions employees in late June.

The players

UCLA

This public research university in Los Angeles is the primary institution implementing the new technology policy.

Stephen Agostini

He is the former CFO of UCLA who raised concerns about the university's financial reporting and budget deficits in early 2026.

Chancellor Frenk

He serves as the leader of the university and is responsible for disclosing the institution's official fiscal results.

The details

Instructors are now expected to bring their own laptops to teach in general assignment classrooms, with the option to loan computers from the UCLA Library Campus Library Instructional Computing Commons if needed. The university plans to install USB-C cords in these rooms to facilitate device connectivity.

Timeline

  1. February 2026: Former CFO Stephen Agostini alleged a $425 million projected budget deficit.

  2. Late June 2026: UCLA laid off 27 Digital and Technology Solutions staff members.

  3. September 24, 2026: Chancellor Frenk announced the official $58 million year-end deficit.

  4. September 25, 2026: A union representing 7,000 faculty members criticized the policy on Instagram.

  5. Current quarter: The university officially eliminated classroom computers.

Culture Shift

This move reflects a broader trend of universities offloading infrastructure costs onto individual staff members amidst ongoing fiscal tightening. By transitioning to a bring-your-own-device model, the institution is shifting away from the traditional campus standard of providing universal hardware for instructional spaces.

Faculty and TAs must now ensure they have reliable personal devices prepared for every class session. Students may experience potential delays if instructors need to troubleshoot personal device connectivity during lectures.

The takeaway

Faculty should prioritize ensuring their personal hardware is compatible with standard USB-C display connections before arriving on campus. This change emphasizes the need for instructors to maintain their own portable technology for classroom use.

Further reading

For more on evolving instructional technology, visit the Distance Learning section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Bruin.

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Do you trust that shifting to staff-provided technology in public classrooms is a fair policy?