Planning for succession of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver
A message from Professor Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor, UBC.
In July next year, Professor Andrew Szeri, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver, will be finishing his term. I am very grateful to Professor Szeri for his continued dedication and leadership in advancing the academic mission of the university.
In early 2022, we will initiate a full international search for UBC’s next Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver, with the aim of appointing a new Provost in 2023. This process will involve the establishment of an inclusive, diverse search committee. I will also seek broad community input on the qualities you would wish to see reflected in this role.
In order to ensure a smooth transition, we are also preparing to appoint a Provost and Vice-President, Academic pro tem, for UBC Vancouver, to provide academic leadership in the interim. To assist me with this task, I have established an ad hoc advisory group with representation from the Board of Governors, our academic leadership, students, faculty and staff. I would also like to hear from you regarding the desired characteristics and qualities of the Provost pro tem.
The role of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic is broad and complex. It is responsible for:
- Providing academic leadership to the Faculties on the UBC Vancouver campus.
- Recruiting and retaining diverse world-class faculty members and the very best diverse undergraduate and graduate students.
- Maintaining the highest standards of excellence in delivering undergraduate, graduate and professional education.
- Leading institutional planning and ensuring the alignment of operating, capital, strategic and other operational resources to academic priorities.
- Ensuring equity, diversity and inclusive excellence in the implementation of UBC’s strategic plans including: Shaping UBC’s Next Century; the Indigenous Strategic Plan; Inclusion Action Plan; and Climate and Sustainability.
- Providing the systems, physical and organizational infrastructure necessary to support excellence in research and student learning.
In the context of the key responsibilities outlined above, I would like to hear from you about the characteristics and qualities that you think are important in identifying the Provost pro tem. If you wish to share your thoughts on these attributes, please send them to president.staff@ubc.ca.
I look forward to meeting with key stakeholder groups to continue these conversations.