The Provost and Dean of Faculties has a dual role. As Dean of Faculties the role entails being the academic leader of the University’s six schools and their faculties and, subject to the direction of the President, is responsible for the academic leadership of the faculty and the administration of all University academic activities.
As Provost the position reports directly to the President and, together with the Executive Vice President, comprises the Office of the President. The Provost advises the President concerning the appointment and reappointment, promotion, and tenure of faculty. After reviewing recommendations of the deans and/or department chairpersons, the Provost makes decisions on sabbatical leaves, University research grants, salaries, and other contractual arrangements. The Provost is the ordinary channel of communication on academic matters between the President and the various deans and faculty and, when official dealings with individual faculty members arise, the Provost works through the dean of the appropriate school. The Provost, working through the deans of the schools, the University Librarian, and the Dean of Enrollment Management, has the overall responsibility for the academic direction of Boston College.