Vice-President Academic and Provost
François Houle was appointed Vice-President Academic and Provost in 2009.
Biography:
Professor of political science at the University of Ottawa, François Houle has held a variety of administrative positions at the University, first at the Faculty of Social Sciences and then as associate vice-president, academic, from 2001 to 2005. He was also dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences from 2005 to 2009. While holding these positions, he oversaw major restructuring of the University’s programs of study, was responsible for projects that contributed to the international experience of students, worked to strengthen research activities at the Faculty of Social Sciences and reinforced the University’s ties with the community.
François Houle completed his university studies at Université Laval in Québec City and at University of Kent in Great Britain. Professor Houle’s teaching and research focus on Canadian politics and contemporary political thought. His most recent publications have examined democratic citizenship and the connection between the theoretical concepts of pluralism in advanced societies and Canadian multiculturalism policies. Among other things, Houle has been active in the Canadian Political Science Association and was president of the Consortium des universités de la francophonie ontarienne.
Role:
The Vice-President Academic and Provost works closely with the deans to set the University's broad academic directions, to design and regularly evaluate programs, to recruit and retain professors, and to establish student-recruitment strategies.
The Vice-President Academic and Provost also oversees the University's ten faculties, their schools, departments and programs, and the library network. In addition to this academic-management role, the Vice-President's portfolio covers a number of academic units and services designed to help students make the most of their university experience or to guide professors in their academic pursuits. He is also responsible for all sectors that play a strategic role in the University's Francophone mission.
The Vice-President Academic and Provost is the highest ranking officer after the President and, as such, acts as President in this person’s absence or if the position is vacant.
