What is a provost?
The Provost at the University of Notre Dame has responsibility, under the President, for the administration, coordination and development of all of the academic activities and functions of the University. The office has existed since 1970 and has been occupied by three persons: Rev. James Burtchaell, C.S.C., 1970-1977; Dr. Timothy O'Meara, 1978-1996, Dr. Nathan Hatch, 1996-2005; and currently, Dr. Thomas Burish.
The Office of the Provost is organized to provide service in the following principal areas:
- Interaction and coordination with the senior university and academic administrators for the purpose of advancing the academic priorities of the University.
- Interaction and coordination with the college deans and department chairs on all issues related to the effective planning and management of the university's colleges, academic departments, centers and institutes.
- Supporting the academic mission through effective interaction with deans and department chairs in the recruitment of new faculty, and in the appointment, promotion and tenure processes.
- Interaction and coordination with the major academic support functions, including Admissions, Registrar, Office of Information Technology, International Study Program, Institutional Research, and University Libraries, to assure effective support of the academic mission of the University.
- Ensuring that the budgeting process supports the academic mission and priorities of the University, and that resources are allocated effectively and appropriately in support of the mission.
- Ensuring that the academic infrastructure, including facilities and computing technology, provide the level of support necessary for the advance of the academic programs.