AVC Patricia Mahaffey
Welcome to Student Life Tritons!
This is where the magic happens... when you get connected to a life beyond the classroom. By getting engaged on campus you'll make lifelong friendships, learn about the dynamics of leadership, find deep meaning in giving back to the community and become a part of this vibrant Triton life. We are home to over five hundred student organizations, a robust Sorority and Fraternity Life, an incredibly strong service learning program, and performance art you'll never experience anywhere else. And that is just a start. We also offer unique campus-wide events that include concerts, festivals, comedians, influencers, magicians, and even hypnotists.
We understand the world is increasingly complex, so here in Student Life, we walk the talk and care deeply about our community on and off campus. We work collaboratively with our student leaders and each other to continually shape a climate of inclusivity, mutual respect and shared trust. And we are serious about supporting our students, we've got your basic needs covered, we have free legal assistance and our advising and business offices are here to support you in all your endeavors. Are you interested in making positive change in the world? Then welcome home, UC San Diego is a Changemaker Campus and we are all about finding ways to make the world a better place in big ways and small ways.
What's your job? Your job is to dream big and be courageous. Tritons, this is your time to shine, to learn, to thrive and we can't wait to help you!
Patricia Mahaffey, Ed. D.
Assistant Vice Chancellor – Student Life
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Biography
Patricia Mahaffey, Ed. D (Patty) serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life at UC San Diego. Her portfolio includes the Center for Student Involvement (student organizations and fraternities / sororities), University Centers, University Events Office, Associated Students and Graduate Student Association, Student Legal Services and ArtPower.
Prior to this position Patricia served as Dean of Student Affairs at Muir College, one of seven undergraduate colleges at the University of California San Diego, where she had responsibilities for all aspects of student life at the college, including residential life, crisis and emergency management, student leadership programs, student activities, orientation programs and student conduct.
She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership through a joint doctoral program with UC San Diego and California State University, San Marcos. Her dissertation research focused on the area of academic integrity.
She currently co-teaches a graduate Student Affairs capstone course at San Diego State University in their Post-Secondary Educational Leadership Program and previously co-instructed an Advanced Study in Higher Education course for the China Scholarship Council through UC San Diego Extension.
Some highlights of her university work at UC San Diego include the establishment of a Basic Needs Committee and the campus's first Food Pantry, Basic Needs Coordinator and Basic Needs Hub directed at relieving and educating the campus regarding food and housing insecurity among all UC San Diego students. She co-developed the campus's first LGBTQ Identity Housing community. She assisted with establishing the campus's inaugural First Year Experience Course, advance campus awareness and support for international and out-of-state students, and established a Case Management team to support students with mental health and wellness issues at all seven undergraduate colleges. Additionally, she is the producer of a major annual musical production at UC San Diego, one of the longest running traditions on campus.
Other administrative positions Dr. Mahaffey has held include serving as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Muir College, the Coordinator of Student Activities at Muir College and the Coordinator of Student Development in the Department of Residential Life at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her passions include family, swimming, her dog, paddle boarding, cooking, reading, and anything that takes her outdoors!
Campus Announcements & News
- Return to Learn Q&A: Fall 2020 Student Life (September 10, 2020)
- Back to Basics: Securing Students’ Food, Housing and Financial Needs (May 21, 2020)
- In a Nation Divided, Civility is Essential (May 30, 2019)
- UCSD’s Newest Basic Needs Resource — The Hub — Holds Grand Opening (The Guardian; February 8, 2018)
- New Campus Dialogue Ambassadors to Help Students Engage in Conversations Around Difficult Topics (February 22, 2018)
- Triton Food Pantry Opens at UC San Diego (February 12, 2018)
- Appointment of Assistant Vice Chancellor – Student Life (Campus Notice; May 16, 2017)
Office of Student Life
Location: Price Center East, Fourth Floor (map)
Email: studentlife@ucsd.edu
Main office phone: (858) 822-5880
Student Life is a division of Student Affairs at UC San Diego
