In his farewell, Atkinson noted that although UC diversity has increased from the sharp drop that followed the end of the old admissions system, the number of Hispanic and Black students at the top campuses remains below the old levels and the gap is widening between the diversity of the UC freshman class and that of the state's high school graduates.

Nationally, Atkinson's biggest legacy may be his challenge to the SAT and ACT college entry exams. In early 2001, he asked UC faculty to considering dropping the SAT, saying it was taking up too much of students' time and money and noting that it had been criticized as unfair to minorities. Officials at the College Board, which owns the SAT, agreed to revisions. The changes, to take effect in 2005, include adding an essay, dropping the analogy questions and making the math more advanced. The ACT also added an essay.

Atkinson hands over to incoming President Robert C. Dynes. UC has seen its budget cut by nearly half a billion so far and is anticipating more cuts next year. Atkinson, 74, whose last day was Oct. 1, has said he is retiring to see more of his grandchildren.

— Associated Press