Chief Academic Officer or Provost) [201.00] Senior administrative official responsible
for the direction of the academic program of the institution. Responsible for teaching and
research, extension, admissions, registrar, and library activities. Reports to the Chief
Executive Officer.
Reports To: President
Areas of Responsibility: Academic Schools, Colleges and Departments, the Library,
Sponsored Research and Grants Administration, Continuing Education, Non-Degree
Programs, Information Services, Academic & Counseling Services, Academic Outreach,
Institutional Research, and Academic Affairs Office.
Directly Supervises: Deans of all Schools and Colleges, Academic Program Program
Director not reporting to a dean, Dean of Information/Library Services, staff of the Office
of Academic Affairs.
Functional relationships: Works closely with the President, Academic Deans/Academic
Program Directors, Division Chairs, the Vice President for Administration, Executive
Director of Human Resources, and other departments as necessary and maintains regular
contact with appropriate System Office personnel.
Position statement: The Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for the
academic curriculum of the institution, providing leadership to the faculty and managing
the processes through which teaching is conducted and administered. The Vice President
insures that the curriculum appropriately reflects the mission of the campus and that it is
as current as possible in terms of disciplines and delivery.
Major duties (Essential Functions):
 Serve as chief administrative officer in the absence of the President as instructed;
 Supervise all matters relating to curriculum and instruction in the University,
including outreach, evening and summer courses, scheduling and overloads;
 Oversee faculty and academic staff recruitment and development activities;
 Provide advisory recommendations to the President on all academic
appointments, tenure and promotion matters and ensure that such processes
comply with the terms of faculty bargaining agreements;
 Oversee development and implementation of academic strategic planning;
 Establish priorities and plans for program development, faculty recruitment and
development;
 Provide academic input to institutional enrollment management efforts;
 Coordinate periodic academic program review, accreditation, and work with
Deans and Division Chairs in the review, study, and development of curriculum
and in the improvement of instruction;
 Initiate and direct divisional reviews and to serve as ex-officio member of
division groups in matters pertaining to curriculum and instruction;
 Works in close cooperation with the academic senate, and other faculty
governance bodies.
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Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
Budget Responsibilities: Responsible for development and adherence to academic
affairs budget and oversight responsibility for all academic and information
management/library and research areas.
Campus/University Service: To chair and serve on a variety of appropriate campus and
system committees and groups such as President’s Cabinet, Chairs Academic Affairs
Council, etc.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Demonstrated academic leadership, excellent
communication and interpersonal skills and good judgment. Ability to formulate and
articulate sound policies and demonstrated ability to identify, resolve, and consult on a
wide range of administrative and personnel issues with a clear sense of institutional needs
and priorities. Strong organizational and management skills.
Qualifications: Master’s degree in a related field required; earned doctorate preferred
and a record of teaching excellence, service, and scholarship commensurate with that of a
tenured professor.
Significant experience at the level of Dean or above including experience in the
development and administration of curriculum, budget, personnel, strategic planning, and
the use of technology in higher education. A commitment to affirmative action principles.
Administrative experience in a collective bargaining environment highly desirable.
---------------Second Job Description:
Provost/Chief Academic Officer
Summary of Qualifications
An executive level position, the Provost & Chief Academic Officer reports to and
advises the President on matters regarding academic policy, planning and
developing, and serves on the President’s council. The Provost will work in
conjunction with the President, Deans and other University Leadership to develop
and implement a comprehensive online academic program for faculty and learners
and innovation and collaboration of online instruction and learning.
The Provost is responsible for online academic programs, budget and strategic
planning, as well as representing the University to external bodies. It is essential
that the Provost have a comprehensive understating of regulatory standards in
keeping with The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools; The Department of Education (DOE); Federal Financial
Aid Programs including, but not limited to The Family Education Loan Program,
Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and
other Title IV programs.
Responsibilities
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Provides leadership and oversight of online academic operations, policy,
curricula, and teaching, assessment and learning to implement continuous
improvement efforts, formulate measurable goals and objectives, and
evaluate ongoing performance;
Operates as both academic and business leader; collaborates effectively
and collegially with all departments in the University;
Provides support for faculty recruitment, evaluation, promotion, making
decisions regarding the allocation of resources to enhance academic
quality, and ensuring the quality of the curriculum, delivery of instruction,
and evaluation of students;
The Provost will partner with our faculty and staff to continue to draw
talented individuals to the University;
The Provost is the chief academic administrator of the University
responsible for online academic programs, academic policy, budget and
strategic planning, representing the University to external bodies, and
academic planning;
As key counsel to the President, this position will serve as a liaison in
resolving academic concerns and issues; and
Provides overall day-to-day onsite leadership with integrity, commitment
and concern for staff, faculty, administrators, and above all for the
individual student and the student’s academic progress and success
Job Requirements
Responsibilities
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Provides leadership and oversight of online academic operations, policy,
curricula, and teaching, assessment and learning to implement continuous
improvement efforts, formulate measurable goals and objectives, and
evaluate ongoing performance;
Operates as both academic and business leader; collaborates effectively
and collegially with all departments in the University;
Provides support for faculty recruitment, evaluation, promotion, making
decisions regarding the allocation of resources to enhance academic
quality, and ensuring the quality of the curriculum, delivery of instruction,
and evaluation of students;
The VPAA will partner with our faculty and staff to continue to draw
talented individuals to the University;
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The Vice President is the chief academic administrator of the University
responsible for online academic programs, academic policy, budget and
strategic planning, representing the University to external bodies, and
academic planning;
As key counsel to the President, this position will serve as a liaison in
resolving academic concerns and issues; and
Provides overall day-to-day onsite leadership with integrity, commitment
and concern for staff, faculty, administrators, and above all for the
individual student and the student’s academic progress and success
Expectations
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Has a career goal that is to be the chief academic officer in an online, forprofit university;
Contributes to the retention of faculty, staff and, most importantly, the
student through managing Deans, Instructor, and Student Services to
maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), course registration
and re-registration (enrollment), aggregate student achievement
(graduation), and the retention percentages that are among the best in the
online education sector;
Maintains courses and refreshes on a continual basis to adhere to
accreditation and regulatory policies; and the
Ability to successfully communicate and interact with regulatory officials
at all levels of the government and accrediting bodies to work effectively
with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
-----------------Third Job Description:
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
The University of xxx invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost
and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The Provost leads the division of academic
affairs, and as chief academic officer, oversees all departments among our four colleges.
The Provost reports to the Chancellor and sits on the Chancellor’s executive team.
We seek a dynamic leader to help us achieve our vision of becoming the premier
undergraduate learning community in the upper xxx. Our Provost will have a
collaborative, inclusive, and collegial leadership style; personal integrity; intellectual
curiosity; compassion; superior communication skills; resilience; energy; and a sense of
humor. We are especially interested in candidates who bring diverse cultural or ethnic
perspectives and the ability to successfully promote our values of equity, diversity, and
inclusivity.
Applicants must have credentials sufficient to secure the respect of the academic
community and warrant tenure at senior rank, a record of successful initiatives and
accomplishments in higher education administration, and a dedication to student learning.
Applicants must be committed to teaching, learning, and student success; undergraduate
and graduate research, scholarship, and creative activity; the evaluation of academic
programs to ensure continuous quality improvement; faculty mentoring of students;
equity; cultural and global awareness of students, faculty, and staff; recruitment,
retention, and mentoring of quality faculty; shared governance; and collaboration with
students, faculty, and academic staff.
Consistently ranked among the top regional public universities, this institution combines
distinctive liberal education with outstanding professional programs. Our 10,900 students
— supported by 1,400 faculty and staff — can select from more than 80 undergraduate
programs in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Sciences,
and Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as 13 master’s degree programs. The institution
promotes collaboration among students and faculty in research projects across the
curriculum, providing undergraduate students with experiences that often are available
only to graduate students. The University is known for its international education
programs and its commitment to service-learning. The University plays a key role in the
life of the state and the region, and its students are highly engaged in and outside of the
classroom.
Position Description
The Provost and Vice Chancellor is the university’s chief academic officer, serving as the
leader and administrator of the university’s division of academic affairs. The Provost and
Vice Chancellor plays a central role in fulfilling the university’s mission and vision. This
individual will lead efforts to accomplish the goals of the strategic plan which include
becoming an inclusive university community that promotes equity for students and
employees, a place where collaboration and innovation within the division and across
campus is valued and rewarded, and a campus where student success is our highest
priority. The Provost and Vice Chancellor:
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Provides leadership: direction, coordination, and supervision for
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Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Dean of Graduate Studies
Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Dean of Undergraduate Studies
The colleges and their respective deans
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs
Records and Registration
Admissions
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Advises the Chancellor and others in division matters, including
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Student needs
Administrative organization
Planning, budget and development
Personnel policy
Community service
Communication
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Develops and administers the academic budget in consultation with the
Chancellor.
Serves as chief personnel officer for faculty and academic staff.
Represents the university on division matters at UW System, with the media, and
in the community.
Communicates effectively with students, employees, and other stakeholders.
Promotes collaboration and innovation within the division and across campus.
Assists and acts in the place of the Chancellor when necessary.
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To Apply
To apply, submit (1) a letter of candidacy, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) three
professional references (describe your relationship with each reference). Written requests
for confidentiality will be honored except that names of finalists will be disclosed. A
criminal background check will be required prior to employment. All application and
nomination materials should be submitted electronically (PDF preferred) to
provostsearch@uwec.edu.
------------------Fourth job description:
Operating as the Chief Academic Officer, the Provost reports to the President and
works directly with the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees.
The Provost will be a visionary leader and distinguished scholar whose work fulfills
the university’s mission to advance learning through the integration of teaching,
research, and service to others. The Provost leads as well as collaborates in the
strategic planning and budgeting of academic programs and initiatives.
The institution has spent the last eighteen months in a strategic thinking and planning
process to guide our institutional goals for the coming decade. Our approach centers
on three primary areas:
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Investing in faculty and staff to be at the forefront of distinguished universities
Enhancing our distinctive student life and learning experience
Increasing research and graduate programs to respond to vital challenges
The Provost will play a central role in leading these efforts to ensure success. Central
to the vision is the ability to attract, recruit, and retain highly talented individuals to
the institution. The Provost will partner with our excellent faculty and staff to continue
to draw talented individuals. The Provost will be an effective leader in guiding the
deans and department heads in creating and building academic programs, research
capabilities and interdisciplinary initiatives that fulfill our strategic goals. The Provost
will help further integrate academic research and classroom instruction for students
throughout the university. The Provost will also be responsive to emerging issues and
trends.
As the Chief Academic Officer of the institution the Provost takes responsibility for
all academic matters and will be committed to promoting equity and community
among faculty, staff and students. Responsibilities include providing support for
faculty recruitment, evaluation, promotion, tenure and salary; making decisions
regarding the allocation of resources to enhance academic quality; and ensuring the
quality of the curriculum, delivery of instruction, and evaluation of students. The
Provost oversees student support including academic, social, experiential and medical.
Furthermore, the promotion of scholarship and research are an important part of the
Provost’s role and include support services for faculty teaching and research. The
Provost collaborates with a highly talented, full-time tenure-track faculty of 440 and
staff of 1,170 to accomplish his/her goals.
Reporting to the Provost are:
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Deans of the four colleges
Deputy Provost for Academic Affairs
Deputy Provost for Faculty Affairs
Vice President and Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Studies
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Vice Provost for Library and Technology Services
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid
Director of Institutional Research
Registrar
University Chaplain
University Press
Attributes
1. The Provost will be a visionary leader and distinguished scholar respected by the
faculty, students and staff.
2. The Provost will exemplify and uphold the core values of the institution:
 academic freedom
 collaboration
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commitment to excellence
equitable community
integrity and honesty
intellectual curiosity
leadership
respectful dialogue
3. The Provost will be dedicated to the institution, committed to serving the
university and excited about its commitment to world-class research and scholarly
activity, distinctive undergraduate and graduate education, and outstanding
teaching.
4. The Provost will work tirelessly on behalf of the faculty and have a strong and
collaborative working relationship with the president and entire senior leadership
team.
5. The Provost will have effective interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate
partnerships and to work with diverse groups of faculty, students and staff on
complex issues that divide opinion and cause conflict.
6. The Provost will be able to create consensus and unify university impetus around
key strategic interests.
7. The Provost will have a demonstrated commitment to creating and maintaining an
equitable community.
8. The Provost will be collegial and will need a sense of humor and perspective.
9. The Provost will be an effective communicator and an active listener.
10. The Provost will be strategic in developing and executing plans to enhance the
academic programs of the university.