ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the role of the provost, and explores the major constituent groups the provost will interact with during a crisis. It examines what a given group needs from the provost and, where applicable, what the provost might need from these groups in his or her role. The president will rely heavily on the provost and other senior leaders for timely and accurate information and counsel to be the face and voice of the institution. Depending on the size and scope of the crisis, the provost may share this role with the president. Academic deans will look to the provost for guidance on their role in response and recovery, and what leadership they are to provide to academic faculty and staff. Based on the experiences at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, several key components of preparedness emerge as essential to enable the institution to respond effectively and make the best decisions it can.
