Academic Excellence
Academic excellence defines what matters most at WesternU, and it is achieved together. The Office of the Provost supports and coordinates university-wide academic priorities, working in close partnership with deans, colleges, departments, faculty, and staff to guide decision-making, investments, and responsible use of resources.
These shared priorities reflect our collective commitment to:
- Disciplinary excellence and innovation within each college, providing high-quality, future-ready education
- Graduates prepared for meaningful, resilient careers, grounded in professional identity and service
- Data-informed decision-making that strengthens transparency, trust, and shared accountability
- Responsible growth and long-term sustainability that supports both institutional strength and local impact
Through collaboration, clear priorities, and continuous assessment, strategy becomes lived practice. The academic community sustains excellence through its shared responsibility for the health professions faculty, staff, and students, now and for life.
Academic Excellence Resource Links
Academic Policies & Procedures
Grounded in our shared values of academic, research, and professional excellence, the Office of the Provost is committed to principled policies and transparent decision-making regarding faculty standards and reviews. Our goal is to promote and protect the faculty’s ability to teach, conduct research, and serve patients and the community with humanism, integrity, and excellence. Designated staff in the Provost’s Office assist the Senate and its subcommittees by providing essential logistical coordination and ensuring prompt central archiving of records and correspondence.
Central to our mission is coordinating the policies, processes, review structures, and enterprise software systems that govern all academic appointments, including faculty promotion and tenure. The Office of the Provost supports academic policies and encourages regular updates, including the faculty handbooks at both the university and college levels. This work is done in collaboration with the University Academic Senate, its subcommittees, college faculty assemblies, their handbook committees, deans, and other institutional stakeholders. Additionally, the Office of the Provost contributes directly to the development of new and existing university policies by participating in the Policy Review Core Team (PRCT).
Central to our mission is coordinating the policies, processes, review structures, and enterprise software systems that govern all academic appointments, including faculty promotion and tenure. The Office of the Provost supports academic policies and encourages regular updates, including the faculty handbooks at both the university and college levels. This work is done in collaboration with the University Academic Senate, its subcommittees, college faculty assemblies, their handbook committees, deans, and other institutional stakeholders. Additionally, the Office of the Provost contributes directly to the development of new and existing university policies by participating in the Policy Review Core Team (PRCT).
Academic Innovation
The Office of the Provost supports the development, review, and continuous improvement of academic programs across the University, working in partnership with colleges and academic leaders to ensure programs remain strong, relevant, and responsive. New program proposals, program enhancements, and evolving educational pathways are reviewed through a clear and transparent process grounded in mission alignment, workforce needs, academic quality, and long-term sustainability.
Educational innovation advances new programs and delivery models that expand opportunity and enrich learning while preserving rigor, accreditation expectations, and enduring institutional strength. This ensures we continue to optimize the learning environment for our students, preparing them for their future healthcare practice.
Educational innovation advances new programs and delivery models that expand opportunity and enrich learning while preserving rigor, accreditation expectations, and enduring institutional strength. This ensures we continue to optimize the learning environment for our students, preparing them for their future healthcare practice.