SUBJECT:

Retirement Of Gary Ratcliff, Assistant Vice Chancellor-Student Life

Gary Ratcliff, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life has informed us of his decision to retire effective June 30, 2016, culminating an outstanding career spanning sixteen years at UC San Diego.

Dr. Ratcliff joined UC San Diego in 2000 as the Director of University Centers. In 2005 he assumed the duties of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Ratcliff has led several initiatives to promote a positive and inclusive student experience for thousands of Triton students. He oversaw the construction of the Price Center West, Student Center Phase II and the Student Services Center building and played an integral role in efforts to open The Loft, Student Veterans Resource Center, Intertribal Resource Center, and the One Button presentation studio. Additionally, Dr. Ratcliff hosted the Clinton Global Initiative in 2011 and fostered collaboration with the National Conflict Resolution Center to offer the Art of Inclusive Communication workshop for student leaders. He also formed a partnership between Jewish and Muslim students to propose a dining hall station offering Kosher and Halal meals, which HDH is currently constructing. In 2014 he was the recipient of a campus diversity award.

To build a sense of community among students and instill campus pride, Dr. Ratcliff directed efforts that led to the creation of the Triton Statue, UC San Diego Memory Wall, and the Black Legacy Mural. He launched traditions such as Triton Fest, All-Campus Graduation Celebration (ACGC), and the Spirit Week office decorating contest. Under his leadership student organizations doubled, resulting in over 600 student organizations to date. To better serve student organizations he spearheaded services such as the Student Organization One-Stop, Triton Activities Planner (TAP) and the Student Events Insider activity calendar.

Dr. Ratcliff is a true champion of students and exemplifies student-centered leadership. He is a passionate proponent in the areas of student learning and engagement outside of the classroom. He expanded services for students to engage in community service and social innovation and increased programs to develop students’ leadership and communication skills. He is also a keen steward of assessment and programmatic evaluation, which has consistently resulted in a better student experience for undergraduate and graduate students.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gary Ratcliff on an outstanding career and in wishing him well in his retirement. We are deeply grateful for his service and dedication to providing a rich experience for UC San Diego's students.

Sharon Van Bruggen, Director of University Centers has agreed to serve as Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor-Student Life beginning July 1. A national search for Dr. Ratcliff’s successor is underway.

Suresh Subramani Executive Vice Chancellor Juan C. González Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs