Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

28 The university’ s current organizational chart can be found on the Finance and Administration (FADM) webpages. Here is a simplified visual of the major components of the university: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS: BASIC STRUCTURE Academic Affairs i s the central administrative office, with responsibility for the institutional academic mission, programming and policy implementation, support programs for academic personnel and students, academic fiscal management, and collective bargaining with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-PSU Chapter), and the Portland State University Faculty Association (PSUFA). Academic Affairs is guided by the Provost who serves as Chief Academic Officer of the university. Working with deans and other administrators, the Provost collaborates with the campus and external communities to achieve the academic mission and vision of the University. Source: www.pdx.edu/academic-affairs/about-us, March 6, 2018, © Portland State University 2018. Most universities are comprised of several schools or colleges, which house specific majors and programs of study. The highest administrative position in a school or college is a dean, and all deans possess an academic and teaching or research background and nearly always a doctoral degree. There may also be various associate and assistant deans within a school or college, depending on its size. All faculty within a school/college report to the dean. All deans report to the provost of the university. The provost is normally the highest position within academic affairs and reports directly to the president. This general structure is typical of most colleges and universities within the American higher education system, though specific position names may vary according to the institution.