1.2 Administrative Organization

1.2.1 The President

The Board of Visitors elects the President of the University, who serves at its pleasure. The President is the chief executive officer of the University and reports to the Rector and Board of Visitors. As chief executive officer, the President is charged with carrying out the policies of the Board and providing leadership of the University's faculty, staff, and students in achieving major objectives. Within guidelines established by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Board of Visitors, the President is in charge of day-to-day administration and operation of the University.

1.2.2 The Provost

The Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (hereafter abbreviated as Provost) is the principal academic officer of the University and is responsible for all educational matters. The Provost is appointed by the President and serves at the President's pleasure.

1.2.3 Other Members of the Central Administration

The central administration of the University includes administrative vice presidents, administrative deans, their associates and assistants and other members of their staffs. Administrative vice presidents and administrative deans are appointed by the President and serve at the President's pleasure. Other members of the central administration are appointed by the vice presidents for whom they serve; they may be appointed and reappointed to fixed terms of one, two, or three years, or they may serve at the pleasure of the vice presidents by whom they are appointed.

1.2.4 Academic Deans as Members of the Central Administration

Collegiate or school deans function in a dual capacity: they are the principal representatives of the organizational units and faculties within their charge, but they are also members of the central administration. As members of the central administration, they are appointed by the President, serve at the President's pleasure, and report to the Provost.

1.2.5 Faculty Participation in the Selection of Certain Members of the Central Administration

The Board of Visitors provides for the participation of faculty peer-elected by the General Faculty on presidential search committees. The search and selection process includes opportunities for the General Faculty to meet with finalist-candidates for the presidency.

Faculty peer-elected by the General Faculty also serve on search committees for a new Provost. Here, too, the process includes opportunities for the General Faculty to meet with finalist-candidates.

The appointment of collegiate or school deans is likewise preceded by a search and selection process in which peer-elected faculty of the college or school participate. The process includes opportunities for the collegiate or school faculty to meet with finalist-candidates.