Academic Administration/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Record Group

Identifier: A4

A4 Administrative Positions, 1988-2007

Scope and Contents

The papers of the Office of the Dean for Academic Affairs consist of administrative records of the office including correspondence of the deans and department chairs, department reviews, subject files, reports of faculty committees, and revisions of the faculty handbook. Materials also include the official records for the Committee on Educational Policy (CEP), and the Faculty Resources Committee (formally the Faculty Research Committee). There are records regarding the process of establishment and termination of programs, formulation of policy, selection of faculty and staff, establishment of program and department goals, and reaccreditation. Prior to 1966, the records of the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, as well as the records of the Office of the President, provide a historical context on many faculty and curriculum issues.

Dates

Existence: 1966-

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research without restriction.

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish materials, contact:
Special Collections & Archives
Middlebury College
Phone: (802) 443-2387
Email: specialcollections@middlebury.edu

Biographical / Historical

Traditionally, the presidents and deans of Middlebury College were teaching members of the College. As the College grew, administrative functions became more numerous and the president delegated some governing duties to other administrators. In many cases, new positions were created to assist the president with the administration of the College. The 1956, a self-study report determined that the College was under-administered in several key areas. In 1961, the Committee for Academic Efficiency was established to address this problem. The committee reduced the number of faculty committees of executive and clerical functions, by increasing the administrative, secretarial and clerical staff. This allowed the committees to concentrate on educational policy. The position of Dean of the Faculty was created in 1966 by a vote of the Governing Boards. The mandate for the position included responsibility for coordinating with chairs of the various departments and committees, to set policy on curriculum and academic standards, as well as on matters relating to faculty recruitment, appointment, promotion or termination. Additionally, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty was charged with producing the faculty handbook, oversight of the College libraries and museums, along with the Breckinridge Public Affairs Center. The position of Dean of the Faculty was renamed the Dean for Academic Affairs as part of a college restructuring in 1991 following the appointment of President Robert H. Edwards.

Beginning in July 2023, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty positions were separated/held by separate individuals.