As Columbia's chief academic officer, the provost has the broad responsibility for ensuring that University programs and faculty are of the highest quality. The provost directs the development and implementation of its academic plans and policies, and supervises the work of its faculties, departments, institutes, and research centers.
With respect to academic personnel, the most important provostial responsibility is to decide, with the assistance of the Tenure Review Advisory Committee, who should be recommended to the president and trustees for tenure. The provost also authorizes, directly or through a representative, all academic appointments, salaries, and leaves, and reviews faculty grievances.
In cooperation with other senior administrative officers, the provost develops the University annual budget and long-term financial plans and oversees the creation of strong administrative services to support University academic activities. The provost also serves as the University's chief affirmative action officer.
Reporting Offices
Oversees academic programs, monitors educational partnerships with other universities and organizations, advances interdisciplinary programs, and manages University accreditation
Promote excellence in teaching and learning at Columbia and advance a culture of educational innovation.
The Office of Faculty Affairs manages the processes and policies for faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure.
Facilitates faculty development, diversity, and planning initiatives with an emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive climate at the University
Supports the administration and operation of many aspects of the University, including space planning, faculty housing, travel planning and emergency protocols, K-12 schooling, human resources, and financial management.
Provides the provost and other senior administrators with data-driven information that is used in managing the University and making decisions about its policies and goals.
Academic Units
List of undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Barnard College, Jewish Theological Seminary, Teachers College, and Union Theological seminary are independent affiliate institutions with their own boards of trustees, governance structures, policies, and academic processes.
View a list of Columbia's nearly 100 academic departments and degree-granting programs.
Columbia has more than 200 research centers and institutes, covering a wide range of interdisciplinary work and representing broad and ongoing investment in new and renovated facilities for research, teaching, and campus life.