Chapter 2 – The Administration
2.10.10 Channel of Authority between the University and the Board of Trustees. The normal channel of authority from the URI Board of Trustees to the faculty, administration and staff of the University shall be through the President. All faculty members and administrative and other officers shall be responsible, through appropriate channels, to the President and only through the President to the URI Board of Trustees. #21-22-6 #January 27, 2022 Informational Report #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.11 Administrative Staff of the University shall comprise all full-time employees who are neither in the state classified service nor members of the faculty. This does not include those persons whose appointments are “for one year only” or “to complete current year only.” #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.12 Officers of the University. The officers of the University shall be the President, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, and the Vice President and General Counsel. Administrative Report September 2015 #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.20 The President is the chief executive officer of the University and in addition to any powers granted by law or regulation, the President shall have full power and authority to manage the institution in a manner consistent with its mission, Strategic Plan, and policies established by the Board of Trustees. The President shall report to the Board of Trustees. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.20.21 Succession. In the case of death, termination, resignation, or disability of the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs shall serve as Interim President until another interim or permanent replacement is appointed by the Board of Trustees. #January 27, 2022 Informational Report #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.30 The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the University and is responsible for academic programs and faculty actions. The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs shall have primary responsibility for academic planning, budget development and management, and promotion and tenure procedures for faculty members. They shall act as chairperson of the Council of Deans (Deans’ Council, see 5.12.10-5.12.11) and respond to faculty needs for appeals beyond the Deans’ level. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.31 The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs shall report to the President and serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council. They shall act as Chief Executive Officer of the University in the absence of the President. The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs shall serve as the primary University liaison to the Academic Affairs and Research Committee of the URI Board of Trustees. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.40 The Vice President for Research & Economic Development shall serve as the Chief Research Officer of the University with overall supervision for the research and economic development missions of the University. They are responsible for facilitating ongoing academic research opportunities, strengthening research infrastructure, nurturing research ideas and initiatives, promoting diversity in the University’s research enterprises, and providing a compelling voice for the University’s research activities to both internal and external constituencies. They shall oversee the University’s intellectual property, technology transfer, and serve as an ex officio member of the URI Research Foundation’s Board of Directors. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.41 The Vice President for Research and Economic Development shall report to the President and the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council, and act as Chief Executive Officer of the University in the absence of both the President and the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. They shall serve as University liaison to the Academic Affairs and Research Committee of the URI Board of Trustees. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.50 The Vice President for Administration and Finance is the chief financial officer of the University and is responsible for financial and business affairs and the physical and technological infrastructure. They shall report to the President, be a member of the President’s Executive Council, and shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the University in the absence of the President, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. The Vice President shall serve as the primary University liaison to the Finance and Facilities Committee and the Institutional Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.60 The Vice President and General Counsel is the chief legal officer of the University and advises the URI Board of Trustees and the University President about the laws, rules and regulations affecting the University. They shall provide legal services to the President and their staff, represent the President and the University before boards, commissions, and courts as necessary, and such other duties as the President may assign. They shall report to the President, be a member of the President’s Executive Council, and serve as the primary University liaison to the Governance Committee of the URI Board of Trustees. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.70 President’s Executive Council: The President’s Executive Council shall advise the President on the operations of the University and fulfillment of the University’s mission. It shall consist of the University officers and of the following:
2.10.71 Vice President for Communications and Marketing shall oversee the Office of External Relations and Communications and provide strategic leadership for the development and implementation of the University’s comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that engage the URI’s many audiences and advance the University’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally. They shall oversee media relations, internal and external communications, crisis communications, marketing, branding, licensing, and digital strategy for the University. They shall report to the President and serve as the President’s chief communication advisor and as a member of the President’s Executive Council. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.72 Vice President for Community, Equity, and Diversity shall lead the University’s effort to develop and sustain a vibrant and diverse community of students, staff, and faculty throughout the University; ensure that community, equity, and diversity are integrated into the University’s core mission, vision, and strategies; advise and inform the President on all issues related to community, equity, and diversity. They shall oversee the Gender and Sexuality Center, the Multicultural Student Services Center, the Women’s Center, the Center for Military and Veteran Education, and the University Diversity Council. The Vice President shall report to the President and serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.73 Vice President for Advancement and CEO of the URI Foundation shall be responsible to the University President and the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and shall conduct the business of the Foundation, including development and endowment management operations. They shall serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.74 Vice President and Director of Athletics shall be responsible for the oversight of the University’s Division 1 intercollegiate athletics, including its varsity sports teams, full time coaches and staff, and student athletes. They shall report to the President and serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council. They shall serve as a University liaison to the Student Life and Athletics Committee of the URI Board of Trustees. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.75 Vice President for Human Resources is the principal steward of the human capital and workplace effectiveness at the University, providing strategic leadership and oversight of talent management, including recruitment, learning and development, compensation and classification, policy development and compliance, employee relations and engagement, Human Resources information systems and analytics, and benefits and rewards. The Vice President shall report to the President and serve as member of the President’s Executive Council. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.76 Vice President for Student Affairs shall be responsible for providing vision and leadership, strategic direction, policy development and administrative oversight of the Division of Student Affairs, including student services and auxiliary units, ensuring alignment with institutional strategic goals. The Vice President shall report to the President and serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council and as the primary University liaison to the Student Life and Athletics Committee of the URI Board of Trustees. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.10.77 President’s Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff shall be responsible for the overall management of the Office of the President. They shall report and provide executive level support to the President and serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council. They shall also serve as liaison for the President to other members of the President’s Executive Council, the URI Foundation, and the URI Board of Trustees, and shall have administrative oversight of the Office of the Ombuds. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.30.10 Office of the Provost: In carrying out their responsibilities, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be assisted by the following:
2.30.11 Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success shall report to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and oversee enrollment planning, recruitment, admission, new student transitions, academic support programs, and retention for the University’s undergraduate programs and collaborate with enrollment planning and strategy at the graduate level. They shall oversee the Office for Strategic Initiatives, Winter and J-Term, and URI Online, and in collaboration with Student Affairs, support student success programs and services. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.30.12 Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School shall report to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as the strategic leader and advocate for graduate education at the University. They oversee all aspects of the Graduate School’s operations and work closely with the colleges and schools on graduate enrollment and program development. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.30.13 Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Initiatives shall report to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and assist with all matters of academic administration, policy, planning, and initiatives. The Vice Provost is responsible for program review and accreditation, leading promotion and tenure, and serves as liaison between the University faculty and the Office of the Provost, including with the Faculty Senate. They shall oversee the Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and the Honors Program. They shall serve as the primary representative of the Office of the Provost in the absence of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Faculty Senate shall appoint at least one representative to the VPAFI search committee. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.30.14 Vice Provost for Academic Resource Management shall report to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and provide leadership and guidance with respect to strategic resource planning across the Division of Academic Affairs, including budget management, academic personnel and labor relations, and academic space allocation. They shall work in close coordination with the Office of Financial Strategy and Planning and with the colleges and schools. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.30.15 Vice Provost for Global Initiatives shall report to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serve as the university’s senior international officer. They shall be responsible for the University’s global education strategies, programs, and partnerships. They shall ensure compliance with all federal and state statutes pertaining to the university’s international engagement and with international risk management policies and procedures in collaboration with the University’s risk management office and Office of General Counsel.#25-26-Presidential-01
2.30.16 Provost’s Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff shall report and provide executive level support to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. They shall serve as liaison for the Provost to the Deans of the Colleges and Schools and shall be responsible for the overall management of the Office of the Provost. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.40.10 Academic Deans report to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and provide overall leadership for their respective college or school, including academic program excellence, and oversight of administration, budget and financial planning, personnel, and strategic planning. (see 3.20.10 – 3.20.11 for duties) The Academic Deans include:
- Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
- Dean, College of Business
- Dean, College of Education
- Dean, College of Engineering
- Dean, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
- Dean, College of Health Sciences
- Dean, College of Nursing
- Dean, College of Pharmacy
- Dean, Graduate School of Oceanography #25-26-Presidential-01
2.40.11 The University Librarian reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and is responsible for the overall leadership of the University libraries, including oversight of administration, budget and financial planning, personnel, and strategic planning, and ensuring the provision of services in support of the academic and research missions of the University and in support of faculty and students. (see 3.42.10) #25-26-Presidential-01
2.50.10 The Office of Institutional Research is responsible for the collection, organization, analysis and reporting of institutional and other data to support URI management, operations, strategic decision-making, and planning activities. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.60.10 Associate Vice President for Financial Strategy and Planning shall report jointly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Administration and Finance. The Associate Vice President is the leader of Financial Strategy and Planning and responsible for managing the University’s available financial resources efficiently and effectively, and for providing guidance to facilitate operational decision-making and long-term financial planning. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.60.11 Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President for Information Technology shall report jointly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Administration and Finance. The Chief Information Officer is the leader for technology across the University, responsible for planning, coordination, and leadership for the university information technology services and support, including Management Information Services, Technical and Operational Services, Information and Instructional Technology Services, Networking and Telecommunication Services. The Faculty Senate shall appoint at least one representative to the CIO/AVPIT search committee. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.70.10 Appointment of Administrative Officers: The President is appointed by the URI Board of Trustees. Whenever an administrative officer position becomes vacant, there will be a search conducted by the department or division. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.70.11 University Officers and Vice Presidents: Whenever a University Officer, other than the President, or vice president position becomes vacant, the President shall appoint a search committee of at least five members. In addition, the search committee shall include two faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate. The search committee shall assemble a suitable list of candidates from the applicant pool, screen the candidates by reviewing their qualifications, and make recommendations regarding the candidates to the President. Appointment shall be made by the President from the list of candidates put forward by the search committee. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.70.12 Vice Provosts, Associate and Assistant Vice Presidents, Associate and Assistant Vice Provosts: Whenever one of these positions becomes vacant, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs or Vice President who oversees the position shall appoint a search committee, which shall include a minimum of five members and shall include staff and faculty representation, and students where appropriate. The search committee shall assemble a suitable list of candidates from the applicant pool, screen the candidates by reviewing their qualifications, and make recommendations regarding the candidates to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs or Vice President. Appointment shall be made by the Provost or Vice President from the list of candidates put forward by the search committee. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.70.13 College or School Deans and University Librarian: Whenever one of these positions becomes vacant, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs shall appoint a search committee, which shall be chaired by the Provost or an academic dean and be comprised of at least five members who are representative of the faculty of the unit. Each search committee shall also include appropriate staff and student representation. The Faculty Senate shall appoint two members to the search committee. The search committee shall assemble a suitable list of candidates from the applicant pool, which shall include qualified internal candidates if they have applied, screen the candidates by reviewing their qualifications, and make recommendations regarding the candidates to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Appointment shall be made by the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs from the list of candidates put forward by the search committee. #25-26-Presidential-01
2.70.14 Associate Deans and Assistant Deans of Colleges or Schools: Whenever one of these positions becomes vacant, the Dean of the College shall appoint a search committee. The search committee shall be comprised of at least five members who are representative of the faculty of the College or School. Each search committee shall also include appropriate staff and student representation. The search committee shall assemble a suitable list of candidates from the applicant pool, which shall include qualified internal candidates if they have applied, screen the candidates by reviewing their qualifications, and make recommendations regarding the candidates to the Dean of the College or School. Appointment shall be made by the Dean from the list of candidates put forward by the search committee. #25-26-Presidential-01