Initiatives

The Office of the Provost takes on a number of initiatives to ensure that the academic operations of the University are effectively contributing to the overall mission of the institution. The below task force reports are just a sample of these initiatives:

  • eLearning Task Force - The eLearning Task Force was created to increase the University’s technical and substantive capacity to deliver quality eLearning programs, courses and degrees.
  • Task Force on Celebrating Faculty Success – The focus of this Task Force was to ensure faculty members are recognized for their most notable accomplishments in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service.
  • Honors Education Task Force - The Honors Education Task Force was charged with developing a proposal that would outline suggestions about increasing the number of high ability students who choose to attend Florida Atlantic University because of its honors opportunities. The Taskforce was encouraged to think creatively about potential ideas and to study best practices at other institutions. Read the full report submitted in August 2011. Read the principle recommendations submitted in February 2012 
  • Jupiter Life Science Initiative
  • International Education Task Force – This group’s activities included a cross-College conversation with the Provost, culminating in the creation of a report entitled “Top Needs in International Education at Florida Atlantic University.”
  • Task Force on Student Success  - Our primary focus in the coming years will be implementing robust strategies for ongoing student success as measured by student retention and graduation rates, job placement, and acceptance in postgraduate or professional programs for those students who seek to continue their education beyond the baccalaureate degree. A major University-wide focused campaign, has been launched to address all issues associated with successful degree completion and these strategies will become part of the operational efficiency of FAU going forward.
  • Peace, Justice and Human Rights Initiative  - Building on FAU's success of the Peace Studies Program, which is generously funded by the Schmidt Family Foundation, and supported by the Lynn-Wold-Schmidt Peace Studies Endowment, this university-wide initiative seeks to bring together the various entities on our campuses invested in the themes of Human Rights, Peace and Social Justice, both locally and globally.
  • Community Engagement  - Engaged learning, research, and service are the hallmarks of all great universities that strive to better the communities that surround them – be they local, national or global. This engagement seeds the dynamic exchange of ideas between the institution and its stakeholders and gives birth to relationships that result in positive change far greater than each could achieve standing alone.
  • Mini-Terms  - are 5-and 8-week courses that run concurrently with the regular fall and spring semester. Intersession courses are 3-week online courses over winter break.
  • FAU Leadership and Professional Development Initiative (LPDI)  - seeks to provide easy access to professional development services that meet the unique needs of FAU faculty, leaders, and professional staff.

Academic Events 

As part of its commitment to fostering academic excellence and collaboration, the Office of the Provost hosts and supports a variety of academic events throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage with key initiatives, share research, and contribute to institutional planning and innovation.

The following events represent recent and ongoing efforts to support academic engagement and institutional initiatives:

  • Honors Convocation - The annual Honors Convocation celebrates the exceptional achievements of Florida Atlantic University’s students and faculty. Student recognitions include prestigious merit-based scholarships and a variety of academic awards. Faculty honors highlight excellence in research, scholarship, teaching, and advising, including the distinguished Researchers/Scholars of the Year awards. This signature event reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and achievement.
  • Soar-In-4 Scholars Graduation Celebration - Launched in 2017, the Soar-in-4 Scholars Program has played a vital role in strengthening the culture of academic achievement at Florida Atlantic University. This initiative celebrates students who commit to graduating in four years or less—demonstrating dedication, focus, and perseverance. Congratulations to our Soar-in-4 Scholars for honoring their commitment to both the university and themselves, and for successfully completing this significant milestone.
  • New Faculty Orientation - New Faculty Orientation is designed to welcome and support incoming faculty as they begin their journey at Florida Atlantic University. This annual event provides an overview of the University’s mission, resources, policies, and academic culture, while also fostering connections among new colleagues and academic leaders. The orientation equips faculty with the tools and information they need to succeed in teaching, research, and service from day one.
  • Freshman Convocation - Freshman Convocation is Florida Atlantic University’s official welcome for incoming freshmen, marking the start of their academic journey. This inspiring ceremony connects new students with faculty, staff, administrators, and each other, fostering a sense of belonging in the FAU community. From warm greetings by university leaders to words of wisdom from the Distinguished Teacher of the Year, Convocation sets the tone for a memorable and successful college experience.