Invitation: Meet with Search Committee for Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division

December 16, 2010

UCLA Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

To: UCLA Faculty

Dear Colleagues:

As recently announced by Executive Vice Chancellor Waugh, a search committee has been charged with identifying candidates for the next Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division at UCLA.

I am pleased to serve as chair of this committee. Other members are:

Antonio E. Bernardo – professor of finance
Alessandro Duranti – professor of anthropology and dean, Division of Social Sciences
Carlos V. Grijalva – professor of psychology and associate dean, Graduate Division
Adrienne G. Lavine – professor and chair, department of mechanical and aerospace engineering
David E. Lopez – professor of sociology
M. Carrie Miceli – professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics
Janina Montero – vice chancellor, student affairs
Chon A. Noriega – professor of film, television and digital media; and director, Chicano Studies Research Center
Michael A. North – professor of English
Neil H. Parker – professor of medicine and senior associate dean, student affairs and graduate medical education
Gregory S. Payne – professor of biological chemistry
Marilyn N. Raphael – professor and chair, department of geography

As a critical part of the search process, we invite you to meet with the committee on Thursday, January 6, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. in 2121 Murphy Hall, to share information and insights regarding the search.

In preparation for this meeting, you may wish to gather your thoughts on ideal qualities and qualifications for the next vice provost/dean; insights on the position or on the Graduate Division that would inform the committee’s work; challenges and opportunities (or ‘critical needs’) that might set the agenda for the next vice provost/dean; and any other information or insight that will help guide the committee’s efforts.

So that we can plan adequate seating and refreshments, kindly reply with your attendance plans. If you wish to provide input to the committee but are unable to attend this meeting, please forward any comments to GradDeanSearch@conet.ucla.edu.

Following is the position announcement, as circulated last month. We expressly invite you to nominate any individuals you feel are exceptionally well-qualified and/or express your own interest in the position. Please forward inquiries, nominations and applications to GradDeanSearch@conet.ucla.edu.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Ronald J. Mellor
Chair, Search Committee for Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division
Distinguished Professor of History

UCLA
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division

On behalf of Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Scott L. Waugh, members of the search committee invite inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division at UCLA.

The Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division is the senior academic official responsible for the advancement and administration of graduate education at UCLA. In carrying out these responsibilities, the vice provost/dean collaborates closely with deans, department chairs, the academic senate and other academic leaders across campus and the University of California system to allocate and oversee graduate funding and ensure that standards of excellence, fairness and equity are maintained across all graduate programs. Reporting to the executive vice chancellor and provost, the vice provost/dean advises the executive vice chancellor and provost and the chancellor on a wide range of issues related to graduate education and postdoctoral research and serves on the chancellor’s executive committee and the council of deans. He/she also serves as an ex officio member of the Academic Senate’s graduate council.

The Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division also provides strategic vision for, and operational leadership of, the Graduate Division. The responsibilities of the Graduate Division currently include graduate admissions; allocation and regulatory oversight of graduate student support and special fellowship management; support, conflict resolution and problem-solving for faculty, students and administrators; appointment and management of postdoctoral and visiting scholars; liaison between UCLA Housing Services and UCLA’s graduate student population; contract bargaining for relevant employee groups; Academic Senate program review processes; and support for graduate student diversity. These responsibilities are exercised through a variety of internal offices overseen by the vice provost and dean. At present the Graduate Division, along with other organizations on campus, is undergoing review to identify potential administrative efficiencies. The new Vice Provost and Dean will be asked to assist in that process and – in consultation with the executive vice chancellor and provost, chancellor, and other campus leadership – to implement recommendations and initiate planning regarding further organizational changes and efficiencies, as appropriate.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished scholar with substantial administrative leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to, and involvement with, graduate education at UCLA. Primary qualifications for the position include a strong commitment to research, teaching, and university and public service; demonstrated leadership in fostering academic excellence in a research university; a distinguished record of scholarly achievement; general knowledge of the wide range of disciplines, interests and constituencies at UCLA; and demonstrated commitment to shared governance and diversity. Preference will be given to candidates from UCLA at the rank of full professor.

Confidential review of applications, nominations and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please forward a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to GradDeanSearch@conet.ucla.edu by January 10, 2011 (electronic files preferred). Address inquiries to Traci Considine, Manager of Executive Searches in the Office of the Chancellor (310-206-8003).

The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and seeks candidates committed to the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities and to a campus climate that supports equality and diversity.