What is a Provost?

pro-vost n [ME, fr. OE profost & OF provost , fr ML propositus , alter. of praepositus , fr L, one in charge, director, fr. pp. of praeponere to place at the head] 1: the chief dignitary of a collegiate or cathedral chapter 2: the chief magistrate of a Scottish burgh 3: the keeper of a prison 4: a high-ranking university administrative officer

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.

The following individuals report to the Provost: the Deans of the eighteen schools and colleges and the Division of Kinesiology and the Director of the University Library. Other direct reports include the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, the Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs, the Associate Vice President for Budget, Planning and Administration, the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs—Graduate Studies, the Director of the Institute for Social Research, the Associate Provost for Academic, Information and Instructional Technology Affairs, and the Vice Provost for International Affairs and Director of the International Institute.

Given the broad scope of Academic Affairs, numerous offices and entities are under the umbrella of the Provost's Office. These include, for example, the University Library and special libraries (such as the William L. Clements Library and the Bentley Historical Library), the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, the Museum of Art, the University Mentorship Program, Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar, Budget Administration, Budget and Planning, the Center for the Education of Women, and the Officer Education Programs.