Office of the Provost
Welcome to the Office of the Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
The Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is committed to promoting academic excellence at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Academic Affairs is led by the Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Yener Kandogan, who serves as the chief academic officer of the campus and provides leadership in the pursuit of campuswide academic excellence.
Message from the Provost
Dear UM-Flint Campus Community,
I would like to share how truly thrilled I am to be joining this incredible university.
It is a joy to return to Michigan, a place that has always been home even when I lived elsewhere, and become part of a campus rich in purpose, innovation, drive and heart. I am especially looking forward to getting to know the people who make UM-Flint such a special place: our dedicated faculty and staff, our inspiring students and our engaged community partners.
Over the coming months, my goal is to listen and learn about the remarkable work happening across campus. I’ve heard great things about the momentum at UM-Flint and I’m excited to work with you as we continue on this upward journey. Collaboration, curiosity and a shared sense of mission will guide my approach, as I am eager to support you in the work you do every day.
While the fall semester will bring more structured opportunities to connect, including visits to each department, I would also like to take the time this summer to begin getting to know you. Invitations will soon follow for some informal meet-and-greet gatherings and I hope you’ll stop by if you’re on campus.
Thank you for the warm welcome I’ve already received. I feel fortunate to be here and to begin this new chapter with you.
With enthusiasm,
Abby Parrill-Baker
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Potential Threats and Harassment of Faculty
At the University of Michigan-Flint, we firmly uphold the principles that empower the faculty to freely conduct research and teach, express their ideas, and engage in robust discourse without reprisal.
While performing such duties, the faculty may incur criticism from within or outside the university community. There is a critical difference between civil disagreement and harassment that makes the faculty feel unsafe or interfere with their duties.
The university offers various resources and support to the faculty experiencing threats and/or harassment.
Let’s Talk
The Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is committed to promoting open conversations with one another. Your input and feedback are invaluable, and they help and guide the Provost office in formulating solutions and developing policies in the face of changing higher education landscape.
We now offer weekly office hours with the days and times available for booking appointments listed here. Appointments are listed as in-person or virtual meetings as described. The calendar will be updated with available times for up to two months in advance.
You are also invited to join informal conversations over coffee scheduled this semester on March 12 and April 8. RSVP to participate in the Coffee with the Provost meeting.
With that in mind, we invite everyone to share their thoughts via email at [email protected] or by using the form to the right. While all responses submitted via the form will remain confidential, we encourage you to share your name and email address. Doing so will allow us to contact you for additional information and context, vital in understanding and improving our university.