The Provost & Vice President (Academic) establishes performance goals on an annual basis. These goals reflect strategic priorities within the Provost’s area of responsibility in support of the University’s mission. These goals are established following discussion between the President and the Provost and are reviewed and formally approved by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Governors. A summary of the agreed performance goals will be provided to the Board of Governors on an annual basis and will then be published.

SUMMARY OF GOALS – JULY 1, 2020 to JUNE 30, 2021

• Work with colleagues across the institution to develop and advance pedagogical techniques and competency in the virtual environment, making use of technology to support and engage students and providing enhanced opportunities for active and engaged learning, problem-based pedagogical models and group experiences. Focus on interdisciplinary learning experiences and the development of programming involving one or more different Faculties.
• Ensure appropriate training, support and technology is available to support faculty and instructors as they navigate the virtual environment, including an enhanced suite of offerings available at the Faculty and University level via the MacPherson Institute. Oversee the Virtual Learning Task Force and planning for Winter 2021 and beyond.
• Focus and provide support on EDI across the institution, supporting the President and AVP (Equity and Inclusion) in advancing and implementing the EDI Strategy and Action Plan, including supporting and enabling the strategic targeted hiring of Black and Indigenous faculty and equitable and respectful hiring practices across the institution.
• Working with the Office of Community Engagement and others, continue to strengthen the University’s engagement and relationships with the local community, acting as an effective community partner and support in addressing the pandemic in Hamilton and the other communities we serve, and advancing initiatives to support access for students from equity-seeking groups and from across our local community.
• Continue to act upon McMaster’s obligations in response to the report of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and in support of Indigenous faculty, staff and students, including working to support initiatives recommended by the Indigenous Education Council and arising from the Indigenous Strategies, once finalized.

As part of the University’s commitment to good governance and transparency, summaries of individual business travel and hospitality expenses incurred by the President and Vice-Presidents, in undertaking their duties, are being made available.

The Provost and Vice-President (Academic) is the chief academic officer of McMaster University. Reporting to the President, the Provost leads academic, strategic, and financial planning. The Provost provides vision and leadership for all of McMaster’s academic activities, including faculty recruitment, retention, and promotion; attracting and retaining excellent students; enrolment management; graduate and undergraduate program development and assessment; student life; academic budget and space allocation; and strategic planning.

Summaries of the individual expenses incurred in undertaking this work will be posted on a quarterly basis, with effect from July 1. The reports detail a variety of business expenses including, travel, meals, accommodation, and hospitality. The University’s policy on Reimbursements to Individuals for University Business governs the approval and reimbursement process for such expenses.

The Provost is a member of the following university bodies:

• Administration/Student Consultation Committee
• Board of Governors
• Budget Committee (ex officio)
• Joint Faculty Association/Administration Committee
• Planning and Resource Committee
• President/Vice-Presidents Team (PVP)
• President/Vice-Presidents/Deans (PVPD)
• Research Leaves Committee
• Senate
• Senate Committee on Appointments
• Senate Executive
• Undergraduate Council (ex officio)
• University Planning Committee