The VPAA is the chief academic officer of the University. The vice president reports to the president and works closely with the chancellors and provosts of the Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield campuses in defining and shaping strategic academic priorities and directions for the University, providing advice on important academic policy and budgetary issues, and supporting key academic initiatives. The VPAA works to foster communication and collaboration on academic matters among the campuses of the University of Illinois system.
Units reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs include the Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA), the University of Illinois Press, University-wide Student Programs (USP), University Academic Programs and Services (UAPS), Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), and University Outreach and Public Service (UOPS).
The VPAA also has responsibility for the University's relations with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), University Academic Human Resources (UAHR), and academic matters associated with online education.