Academic Excellence

The Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) (PVPA) is the chief academic officer of McGill University, and is responsible for the design and implementation of the University’s Strategic Academic Plan, which serves as the principal guiding document with respect to academic planning and budgetary decisions.

With support from the Deans, who have direct responsibility for the University’s twelve Faculties, the PVPA leads the academic operation of the University. Through the Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) and the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the PVPA also has executive oversight of undergraduate and graduate student support and success at McGill.

Through the Academic Personnel team, the Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) has oversight of all matters relating to the recruitment and appointment of academic staff, as well as career milestones including tenure and promotion, sabbatics, leaves of absence, and retirement. The OPVPA also oversees the award and administration of distinguished professorships, including the Canada Research Chairs, James McGill Professorships, William Dawson Scholar Awards, and others.

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) likewise administers an annual series of workshops, forums and other events designed to support the professional development of the University’s professoriate.

The Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) chairs the Academic Policy Committee (APC), responsible for the review of new academic programs and policies governing academic activity, recommending adoption by Senate.  The OPVPA also administered the cyclical unit reviews, whereby academic units participate in external review and self-assessment on a seven-year cycle.
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