The Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic) reports directly to the Vice-President and Principal, and is the senior academic officer at UTSC. The Dean consults with members of the campus on academic direction and policy, and is ultimately responsible to the Principal for all academic and administrative decisions within his/her jurisdiction and authority. The Dean has campus-wide responsibility, and also works closely with the University Provost to ensure that there is coordination and alignment of UTSC's academic activities within the broader context of the University of Toronto.
Academic programming is the key driving force in the overall development of UTSC and its campus. Accordingly, the Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic) is a key member of UTSC's executive team, and is actively involved not only in academic developments, but in the development of the campus itself.
Thirteen Academic Department Chairs and two Academic Centre Directors report to the Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic). In addition, the following report directly to the Dean: the Head Librarian, the Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, the Director of Arts and Science Co-op, the Director, Business Development and International Programs, and the Registrar and Director of Student Recruitment. Within the Office of the Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic), the Vice-Dean, Undergraduate, Vice-Dean, Graduate Education and Program Development, Associate Dean, Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning and the Assistant Dean also report directly to the Dean.
As the senior academic officer of one of the three campuses of the University of Toronto, the Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic) sits on several University boards and committees, meets regularly with Principals and Deans of other University faculties and campuses, and represents UTSC on the Tri-Campus Decanal Committee.
The Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic) provides leadership in academic programming and services, and ensures that the campus provides a positive and academically excellent environment that is responsive to change. Within the broader University community, the Dean represents the policies and points of view of UTSC, and makes independent judgments on University matters. Within UTSC, the Dean promotes the teaching, research and scholarship of the faculty, the career development of the administrative staff, and the over-all well-being of students. The current Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic) is Professor Rick Halpern.
The responsibilities of the Office of the Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic) include oversight of faculty appointments and career progression, development and administration of academic policies, and development and review of academic departments and programs. It is also responsible for management of the academic budget.
The Dean's Office resolves all matters related to possible academic offences through the Dean's Designate for the Administration of the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. Professor Eleanor Irwin is the current Dean's Designate for the Administration of the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters.