The Office of Academic Affairs, through its senior vice president, has primary responsibility for setting the academic focus for the University of Utah and directing and enhancing its mission, both at the undergraduate and graduate/professional levels. The office guides academic and long-range institutional planning, with oversight of academic faculty and staff, budget planning, enrollment management, information resources, and student admissions and retention.
The senior vice president of academic affairs—a position known as a provost at other universities—reports directly to the president as a member of the executive leadership team and actively participates in setting the strategic direction while aligning academic and budget priorities.
Guiding Principles
STUDENT SUCCESS AND ACCESS
Education is a gateway to increased economic stability, improved quality of life, and enhanced civic engagement — but above all, it can be a conduit for pursuing one’s dreams. The Office of Academic Affairs is committed to pathways that allow seekers of education better access to the U. Through partnerships, scholarships and innovative solutions, we aim to bring qualified students of all backgrounds to the state’s flagship institution. We recognize that education often requires sacrifice and we embrace the responsibility of ensuring that students at the U receive the support and resources they need to be successful. We care for students, their futures, and their families. We are invested in student retention, completion, belonging and placement and will relentlessly pursue the success of every student.
Value of higher education Student Success Initiatives Student Success Research
EXCELLENCE, EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
As a member of the Association of American Universities, and one of America’s leading research institutions, the U is committed to building world-class research programs and attracting and retaining the best faculty from across the nation and throughout the world. We are equally committed to delivering outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional education that prepares students for leadership roles that will impact our community. As we seek to become a top-10 public university, we are driven by a common focus on excellence, efficiency and effectiveness in all we do. We honor operational excellence and look to nimbly adapt and improve in all opportunities, honoring the public trust and resources we are given.
RESPECT FOR ALL
The Office of Academic Affairs is dedicated to making the University of Utah a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff. We are a campus that welcomes everyone, across geography, ideology and identity. The things that make us different are a source of strength, central to furthering our mission to create new knowledge and prepare students for success. We believe in the power of a place where everyone belongs.
Projects
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Reimagining Support Services
During the 2024-2025 academic year, the College of Humanities, College of Science, College of Social and Behavioral Science, and School for Cultural and Social Transformation are participating in a project to improve how we deliver critical support services to faculty, staff, and students. This project is commissioned by the president and provost, with approval from the board of trustees, and executed by the Academic Excellence Taskforce, which is composed of deans and provides recommendations and feedback on strategic initiatives and change management aligned with the University of Utah strategic planning process, Impact 2030.