The Common Experience at UCLA
Who We Are
Each year, our Common Experience at UCLA Selection Committee is made up of students, staff, faculty, and alumni who select a title for the Bruin community to read, listen or watch together centered around a common theme. Our mission is to ignite campus-wide discussions on compelling social issues and inspire action within the Bruin community. Explore this page to learn about this year's selection!
2025-2026 Selection: Reservation Dogs

Reservation Dogs (2021)
This year's title, Reservation Dogs, is a comedy series about four Native American teenagers growing up on a reservation in eastern Oklahoma. According to NPR, the show is the “first and only TV series where every writer, director, and series regular is Indigenous” (2022). The hit show features contemporary Indigenous experiences and stands as a symbol of how storytelling can bridge communities and propel representation of marginalized communities at micro and macro levels.
The Power of Storytelling
We’re inviting Bruins to share their stories. As part of this year’s social media campaign, we want to highlight voices from across campus that reflect the theme of storytelling. This year's we're highlighting the power of storytelling in fostering empathy, building community, and deepening our understanding of diverse backgrounds. By sharing personal experiences, storytelling breaks down barriers, allowing Bruins to find common ground and recognize the similarities that unite them.
Watch the Official Trailer
Insights from UCLA Faculty

Dr. Nikki Barry
Faculty-in-Residence and Assistant Professor of Environmental Justice Education
“Reservation Dogs is the first show I have ever seen that was created by Indigenous people, stars Native American people, and is rooted in Native American cultures. Many Native American people have long used humor as medicine, and this show strikes a balance between making real for viewers the gravity of tribulations many Native American people face while also showing our laughter, joy, love, and brilliance. As a diverse population often ignored and erased in the American imagination, Reservation Dogs demands viewers recognize that we are here, and despite on-going pressures of settler colonialism, we are thriving.”

Dr. Theresa Ambo
Faculty-in-Residence and Associate Professor of American Indian Studies
“Indigenous Peoples in the US have been intentionally erased with visibility, leaving our histories and lived experiences untold and unseen by the mainstream. As an Indigenous faculty member, much of my efforts in research and teaching are to re-educate students about our lived experiences. Students often feel betrayed by the education system, never learning the truth about Indigenous communities where they have lived. Reservation Dogs will offer students a peek into the beauty, resilience, culture, and challenges that Indigenous Peoples have faced over time, particularly today. The topics range from mental health to community care, history to education, and beyond, and the story is told by Indigenous writers, directors, and actors. There are a few better ways for UCLA students to learn about Indigenous Peoples. I am confident students will see themselves in one, if not more, of the characters; they will find parallels to their lived experiences and develop an appreciation and respect for the Indigenous Peoples.”
Learn more about the cast and creators of Reservation Dogs
Get Involved!
At UCLA, storytelling connects us. Whether you're a student, staff, or faculty member, your experiences shape our Bruin community. Discover opportunities to engage with campus organizations, explore fields research aligned with the Common Experience, participate in tailored workshops, and review curated discussion materials to that support storytelling in your networks.
Let's Talk About It
The 2025–2026 Common Experience offers a range of discussion materials designed to deepen engagement with Reservation Dogs and celebrate the power of storytelling—fueling meaningful conversations and fostering a more connected Bruin community.

Dive deeper into the power of storytelling and Reservation Dogs with our thematic discussion guide, designed to spark powerful conversations and connect the show’s themes to broader ideas and real-world issues.
Looking to go deeper? Our Episode Index offers breakdowns of key themes in every episode—perfect for integrating into courses, workshops, or discussion groups.
Co-curricular Opportunities

UCLA Fiat Lux When you are enrolling in classes, look for Fiat Lux (1 unit courses) that are connected to the Common Experience to dive deeper into the topics of storytelling with renown UCLA Faculty.
UCLA Film, Television, and Digital Media Studies Department provides professional and scholarly approaches to the study of media and helps students discover their powers as independent artists and communicators.
UCLA American Indian Student Association offers a robust and supportive community that nurtures all students including American Indian, Alaskan Native, and First Nation in their pursuits at UCLA.
UCLA American Indian Studies Center serves as a hub of activities for Indigenous Bruins and as a bridge between the academy and Indigenous peoples locally, nationally, and internationally.
UCLA American Indian Studies Department offers an undergraduate degree designed for students who wish to explore American Indian Studies from a broad viewpoint.
Stay Connected!
Contact Us
Reach out, we are excited to hear from you!
Email: FirstYearExperience@orl.ucla.edu
Instagram: @UCLAFirstYearExperience