Welcome

Welcome to the Office of the Provost website at the University of Michigan. We have designed this site as a resource for those who would like to learn more about academic and budgetary policies and activities at the University.

In 1879, University of Michigan President James B. Angell wrote that the University should make excellence in liberal education accessible to those “whose intellectual gifts entitle them to admission to the goodly fellowship of cultivated minds.” (Commencement Address, June 26, 1879) A century and a quarter later, this commitment to excellence and accessibility continues to be a foundation of the University of Michigan.

The Office of the Provost works to strengthen this foundation. Our role is to support research, teaching, and public service that pushes the frontiers of knowledge and enhances civil society. To do this, we work with UM President Mary Sue Coleman, the deans and faculty leaders of the academic units, and the larger faculty to set academic priorities and allocate funding to carry them forward. Our goal is to encourage and sustain an environment of creativity, rigor, support, and openness that aids faculty, students, and the wider community in their search for knowledge.

The provost’s office has responsibility for academic affairs and budgeting on the Ann Arbor campus. We focus on academic and research programs and initiatives, the quality of the educational experience of our undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff personnel concerns, budgeting, resource development, and University and faculty governance. Reports and other materials related to these efforts are available on this website.

Since its 1817 founding as the University of Michigania, the University has been a lively and productive intellectual community contributing to the common good. Today, we continue to recruit the finest students, faculty, and scholars to our campus and we welcome the learning opportunities this diverse community provides.

Thank you for your interest in the work of the provost’s office. Please contact us if we can assist you in learning more about the University of Michigan.

Sincerely,

Teresa A. Sullivan Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs