The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies oversees the University's graduate and research programs, faculty service efforts, off-campus instruction, and continuing education and public services. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, the Director of the Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs, the Director of the Office of Distance Learning, and the Director of the Southern Center for Continuing Education answer to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. The chief executive officer of each college is the dean. Each dean is an administrative member of the Faculty Senate and an ex-officio member of the faculty. Deans report to the Provost and are responsible for the development and coordination of the programs for their colleges.
Deans recommend appointment, reappointment, promotion, tenure, and dismissal of faculty members.
The University Librarian is an administrative member of the faculty and has charge of the administration of the Zach S. Henderson Library, its materials, and its programs. Professional members of the library's staff hold faculty rank and have representation in the Faculty Senate. With the recommendation of the Library Committee, the University Librarian appropriates budgets to departments and is responsible for the proper administration of those and all library allocations. Department Chairs, School Chairs, and School Directors. These three terms are used to describe the heads of units who have direct supervision over faculty.