Thomas E. Lifka

Biography

Associate Vice Chancellor (Retired)
UCLA Student Academic Services

Tom Lifka came to UCLA as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Academic Services (SAS), in 1982. Over the next 29 years, he put his stamp on every area of student service provided by SAS. One project he directed to imporve upon was undergraduate recruitment, admission, and enrollment, which has seen UCLA rise to the position of one of the most highly competitive and most sought-after institutions in the country. He was also a key contributor to UCLA’s efforts to increase the numbers of enrolled African American students. Tom had been a leader in the steadily increasing use of computer technology in the processing of registration and enrollment. From the “olden days” when the waiting times at Registrar’s service windows rivaled those of popular rides at Disneyland, nearly all facets of the process can be completed remotely. Mainframe technology developed under Tom’s leadership and now serves as the foundation for student services including the financial aid system, the degree audit/counseling system, the undergraduate admissions system, and the Student Records System.