Mission Statement: Northwestern is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research, and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.

The Office of the Provost contributes to Northwestern University's mission in various ways. The Provost's Office formulates general University policy and academic priorities. The office oversees school and unit administration and the allocation of resources, monitors faculty personnel decisions, and encourages and coordinates initiatives in undergraduate and graduate education.

The Provost is the chief academic officer of the University. An ex officio member of the faculty of each of Northwestern's Schools, the Provost: supervises and studies the educational policies and work of the University; is the acting chief executive officer in the absence of the President; leads discussion in preparation of an annual budget; and acts on faculty appointments and promotions.

A number of people with a wide range of responsibilities report to the Provost and tend to fall into three categories: deans of academic units; heads of units whose missions are to support all schools; and selected heads of units whose activities cross school boundaries.