Academic Administration, U.S.

Academic administrators are responsible for promoting academic quality within an institution. Those who comprise the academic side of administration in U.S. higher education include the provost or vice president for academic affairs, the assistant provost or assistant vice president for academic affairs, college deans, department chairs, and program coordinators. Also included are faculty leadership through faculty unions and faculty senates, as well as the role of support staff and students. This entry discusses the duties and responsibilities of those in academic administration in U.S. higher education, typical career paths of academic administrators, and key issues that those in such positions face.