The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Western Carolina University
General Description: The Provost functions as the chief academic officer of the university and oversees information technology and enrollment management. A critical component of the provost’s duties as CAO will be to take actions that significantly increase the academic quality of the institution in key areas that 1) draw enrollment of more academically-prepared students; and 2) address directly regional and state needs with regard to regional and economic development. In addition to these responsibilities, the provost serves as chief of operations for the university to assure that systems, operations, or issues that cut across divisional lines and affect the smooth functioning of the institution are being addressed effectively. The provost reports to the chancellor and serves as the chief executive in the event that the Chancellor is unavailable.
Specific Duties
Participate with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance in allocating the budget of the University
- Chair the institutional strategic planning committee
- Supervise the Information Technology Division. Chair the Information Technology Planning committee and make recommendations to the Chancellor regarding campus-wide information technology needs and plans.
- Chair the Enrollment Management Committee and take primary leadership responsibility for Enrollment Management. In this regard, the Provost has full authority to lead development of enrollment management operations—including recruitment and retention—across the divisions of the institution. Included in this area are key responsibilities to:
- Work with the Chancellor in setting enrollment targets that both meet institutional obligations as a “focused growth institution” and that are achievable.
- Assure that the marketing message and marketing approaches to enrollment are consistent with the direction and development of the institution
- Assure that there is effective coordination of recruitment activities and that recruitment processes at all levels and of all types represent “best practices.”
- Increasingly integrate Western’s programs with those of the region’s community colleges to assure that the region’s need for a “seamless web” of higher education can be met.
- Assure that all divisions are contributing effectively to enhancing student retention.
- Coordinate with the Office of Institutional Research to assure that effective and efficient data reporting and assessment processes are in place and bring to the Chancellor recommendations regarding improvements in data reporting methods when required.
- Lead development of the institution’s new Web presence and bring to Executive Council preliminary versions of the Web presence for review and final approval by the Chancellor. This responsibility includes working closely with the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Affairs on the design elements of the Web Page. However, the Provost retains the responsibility for oversight of the development of the software structure and key technical developments of the Home Page. It is expected that this activity will result in a continuously improved, “state-of-the-art” Web presence that integrates newest technologies in ways that reflect “high production values.”
- Through the Provost’s Office, lead the SACS re-accreditation process.
- On behalf of the Chancellor, lead the institution’s move to integrate “regional engagement” across the appropriate divisions of the institution.
- Coordinate preparation of an annual report on key activities associated with the strategic planning and enrollment processes. Included in this report will be measurable indicators of trends in key areas such as quality of students, retention rates, enrollment trends, grants and contracts, key publications/performances/exhibitions in nationally or internationally recognized venues. Also included will be a summary of demonstrably professional and significant engagement activities of the institution.
- Work closely with the Chancellor on developing the academic components of the Millennial Initiative including development of economic development-related academic programs and policies. The Provost has responsibility to assure that the University can provide appropriate academic support to businesses, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other entities that locate on the “Millennium Campus.”
- Work closely with the Chancellor and the Director of Technology Transfer in developing the institution’s capacities to “spin off” businesses and/or products. The Provost will take the lead in developing faculty capacity in this critical area.
- The Provost will take the lead in developing key relationships with Oak Ridge National Labs, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or other appropriate entities to create inter-institutional processes for gaining access to patents that might be commercialized.
- Serve with the Chancellor on appropriate advisory committees including the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Homeland Security, the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Teacher Supply and Demand, and other committees as requested.
- In event that the Chancellor is unavailable, act on behalf of the Chancellor to make key decisions that are time-sensitive. When possible, consult with the Chief of Staff before the final decision is announced.
- Participate with the Chancellor in annual division meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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