Office of the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs

Dr. Mrinal Mugdh Varma

"We are committed to achieving excellence in teaching, learning, and public service.”

Learn more about Dr. Mrinal Mugdh Varma

Responsibilities

The AVPAA reports to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and in the absence of the Provost provides primary administrative supervision and guidance to all the academic leadership and administrative staff reporting to the Provost Office.  The AVPAA also acts as a liaison with the University of Houston System, chief academic officers of feeder community colleges, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  The AVPAA provides leadership and supervision for the Offices of Academic Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, International Initiatives, and Grant Support. The AVPAA works with the Associate Vice President of Student Services, the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, and the Associate Vice-President for Information Resources to enhance student success initiatives related to retention, enrollment growth, distance education and program development.

AVPAA Responsibilities

• Assist in the timely development of the annual instructional budget and serve as a liaison between the deans and the provost’s office related to financial issues and summer school;
• Assist and support as necessary the leadership and relevant committees and university organizations including Faculty Senate, Academic Council, Academic Associates Council, University Council and serves as an ad hoc member of various committees as requested by the Provost or President;
• Prepare and submit course, degree and program requests and reports and coordinates academic program reviews and accreditations;
• Act as a liaison between students and the schools, handle student academic appeals and complaints, guide students and the schools in complying with university guidelines, and coordinate academic and behavioral-based appeals with the Dean of Students;
• Work with the Provost office staff to develop the academic calendar, assist with academic publications such as but not limited to the university catalog and faculty handbook.