One day after Radcliffe inaugurated a new year at its convocation, sources told The Crimson that the college will have to begin searching for a new vice president.

Barbara J. Nelson will step down from her post to assume a deanship at the University of California at Los Angeles on November 1, according to Florence C. Ladd, director of the Mary Ingraham Bunting Institute.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for her, and it's a loss for Radcliffe," Ladd said.

According to Ladd, Nelson, who could not be reached for comment, announced her decision to a group of Radcliffe administrators in individual meetings.

While Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson also could not be reached for comment, Fay House administrators denied the reports.

"We have no resignation," said Director of Communications Lyn Chamberlin. "Until that time, there's really nothing that the Radcliffe administration can comment on."

"She is on the payroll and is an active, participatory vice president, fulfilling all academic and administrative responsibilities," Chamberlin said.

Chamberlin said that Radcliffe staffers were notified during a routine staff meeting as to the possibility of Nelson's departure, amidst rumors that she was leaving.

But Chamberlin said she does not believe that Nelson has made a decision beyond those rumors.

"At this moment, all we've got is what people are saying," she said.

Students expressed sadness last night at the loss of Nelson.

"It's a loss to women at Harvard," said Kristen M. Bowes '98, a student in Nelson's Women's Studies 114, "Women and Politics" class last semester.

"I wish her the best at UCLA," said Megan L. Peimer '97, co-president of the Radcliffe Union of Students.

Nelson's departure is the latest in a series of personnel changes that began when Wilson announced the restructuring of Radcliffe College last November.

The position of Philippa A. Bovet, the dean of Radcliffe College, was eliminated as part of the restructuring.

Last week, college officials announced that Tamar March would become the new dean of Radcliffe Educational Programs and director of Radcliffe Undergraduate Programs next month.