Projects & Initiatives

The Office of the Provost oversees and engages in a variety of efforts that support the University’s overall mission and vision.

Academic Transformation

Following a charge from President Gordon Gee in December 2020, the Office of the Provost began work to identify ways to strengthen and evolve WVU’s academic enterprise so that its programs remain competitive and relevant to students, employers and the region.

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Accreditation

WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which guarantees the quality of the University as a whole. The Provost’s Office plays an integral role in WVU’s accreditation process. Assistant Provost for Curriculum and Assessment Louis Slimak serves as the institution’s accreditation liaison officer.

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Benedum Distinguished Scholars Showcase

The Benedum Distinguished Scholar Awards recognize distinction in research, scholarship or creative activity. An annual showcase event features presentations by the selected scholars and an open question-and-answer discussion.

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Bridge Initiative

The WVU Bridge Initiative provides an interface between WVU's researchers and innovators and the policymakers shaping our government's priorities, decisions and regulations.

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COVID-19 Planning Groups

The sudden shift to remote teaching and the closure of campus in March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic led University administrators to establish COVID-19 Planning Groups to review, assess and plan for the University's next steps.

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Faculty and Leadership Development

In 2019, the Provost’s Office announced Melissa Latimer as the associate provost for faculty development and culture. This new position was created to ensure that WVU faculty have the adaptability and resiliency needed to ensure their individual career success and to prepare our students to be successful in a rapidly changing global economy.

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Honorary Degrees

Through conferral of honorary degrees, universities can recognize and celebrate the outstanding scholarly, creative or public service achievements of extraordinary individuals. Each fall, the University community is invited to nominate outstanding individuals for the Honorary Doctorate Degree at WVU. The Provost’s Office manages this effort.

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Long-Form Scholarship Celebration

Each spring, the Office of the Provost, in partnership with the WVU Libraries, WVU Humanities Center and the WVU Press, hosts an annual celebration of long-form scholarship and creative work produced by WVU faculty and staff.

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Most Valuable Player Awards 

In Spring 2020, the WVU Office of the Provost launched its Most Valuable Player awards to recognize outstanding teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to teaching, the awards program has expanded to honor outstanding research and service efforts that support our institution’s academic mission during this unprecedented time.

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Research Week

In 2019, the Provost’s Office and Research Office launched the annual Research Week celebration across WVU campuses. The week-long celebration recognizes the high volume and caliber of WVU research through events and networking and engagement opportunities.

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Strategic Transformation

In 2019, the Provost’s Office engaged with nearly 1,000 faculty, administrators and selected staff members across WVU to identify the University’s key strengths and points of differentiation. Through a series of facilitated visioning sessions, members of the Strategic Transformation team produced a collection vision for future growth and a guide to the University’s strategic direction.

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Transform This! Challenge Grants

The Office of the Provost provides financial support for faculty and staff to innovate and engage in strategic transformation activities at the University.

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University Mission Hires

In February 2020, the Office of the Provost launched a pilot program designed to hire and retain underrepresented faculty at West Virginia University.  The University Mission Hires initiative, Developed by the Diversity Hire Task Force met their initial recruitment goals.

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Women’s Leadership Initiative

The WVU Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) empowers and engages women on campus, helping them achiever their full professional potential and form a community within which the participants can initiate valuable new relationships.

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Textbook Affordability

The Textbook Affordability Committee has created  guidelines that help make educational expenses more affordable for WVU students. 

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