Faculty and Staff Resources
As Faculty and Staff, you play an integral role in building the foundation for our Bruins to contribute towards a better society. These resources will allow you to integrate our mission of harnessing the power of storytelling in your classrooms and workplaces. By incorporating conversations about storytelling into academics and research, you can contribute to an overall UCLA experience that teaches students to value storytelling in their everyday lives.
For the Classroom
Engage your students and colleagues through the power of storytelling with our thematic discussion guide, designed to support meaningful conversations around Reservation Dogs and its broader cultural and societal themes.
Looking to go deeper? Our Episode Index offers breakdowns of key themes in every episode—perfect for integrating into courses, workshops, or discussion groups.
Host a Fiat Lux Seminar
Integrate the 2025–2026 Common Experience into a Fiat Lux Seminar and apply for up to $1,000 in funding to support course needs. Explore themes like identity, community, and storytelling—while fostering connection and critical dialogue for Bruins. Learn more about UCLA Fiat Lux Seminar Program. Need inspiration? Check out some of our partnerships recommendations!
Request a Workshop, Presentation, or Training
Part of a student organization or department? You can bring Reservation Dogs and the power of storytelling your communities with one of our workshop offerings. Explore more available workshops below and request one today!
Workshops
Introduction to Reservation Dogs
Join us for 60-minute deep dive into the groundbreaking FX series Reservations Dogs where you’ll have a chance to reflect on various themes including identity, representation, methodology, and more, through a guided discussion around carefully selected clips from the show. No prior knowledge of the show required!
Story Circles: Discover the Power of Storytelling
Stories shape who we are and help us understand each other. This interactive 60-minute workshop invites Bruins to participate in guided story circles where you’ll engage in small-group conversations, share personal narratives, practice empathetic listening, and discover the power of storytelling.
History of Indigenous People in the U.S.
The Common Experience invites Bruins to explore the history and ongoing presence of Indigenous communities in the U.S., Los Angeles basin, and Southern Channel Islands. Gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous presence, resilience, and contributions that shape our campus—past and present.
The Common Experience at UCLA
Whether you’re a student, staff member, faculty, or an alum, we welcome you to learn more about the history of the The Common Experience at UCLA and opportunities to participate and shape the program for the year ahead.
For Researchers
The UCLA Center for American Indian Studies brings together 27 affiliated faculty across disciplines, offering robust opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research. Undergraduates can engage in “Working in Tribal Communities” courses and complete a capstone project, while graduate students develop original research in close collaboration with faculty advisors.
Further Reading and Viewing
Explore more videos, articles, and resources designed to help you engage more deeply with the Common Experience!
To Read
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New York Times — "Teaching About the Native American Fight for Representation, Repatriation and Recognition"
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PBS — "How ‘Reservation Dogs’ became a breakthrough hit for Indigenous representation"
