What is a Provost?

The Office of the Provost, through its faculty, staff, and academic units, is dedicated to ensuring that students receive a university education of the highest quality possible, to advancing significant research and creative activities, and to fostering university outreach and services. In support of the university’s mission, philosophy and values, the Office provides leadership and service to achieve excellence in quality academic programs, in academic and student support areas, including extracurricular activities, in the teacher-scholar model, and in cooperative and collaborative academic ventures with other institutions and public agencies.

The Provost is the chief academic officer of the University and has responsibility for the University's academic and budgetary affairs. The Provost collaborates with the President in setting overall academic priorities for the University and allocates funds to carry these priorities forward.

Purpose

Promoting communication among academic units and other academic support areas of the university, the Office of the Provost serves as the primary voice on academic matters within the university. It is the central administrative office with responsibility for academic programming and policy implementation, support services for academic personnel and students, and academic fiscal management in keeping with the University’s Strategic Plan. It monitors state, regional and national developments related to higher education academic issues and anticipates those issues requiring attention by the university community. It articulates university standards and promulgates academic policies to ensure equity and consistency. It works with the Faculty Senate and Graduate Council to promote shared governance and address faculty issues. It provides assistance and support to academic units, academic service areas, and student support service units in their growth and management.