Academic Affairs

Samuel Merritt University Academic Affairs serves students, faculty, and the community-at-large by providing outstanding undergraduate and graduate health science education programs. We offer student-centered services and faculty support and resources that promote best-practices in student learning, teaching, and educational performance evaluation—including many of the resources found on this page.

The division consists of our academic programs and supporting departments.

Our Academic Programs

We are united in the education of health care practitioners who will improve health and wellbeing in our communities. As educators, we engage in exemplary teaching, scholarship, service, and practice. As learners, we engage in authentic experiences that empower us for success. Our collective drive for excellence is characterized by a commitment to never stop asking, “How can we improve?”

Our success is founded on the contributions of everyone at Samuel Merritt University, our alumni, members of our local communities, and people throughout the health care system.  What we achieve together creates a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thus, we are accountable to create and sustain a culture in which people experience:

  • Robust interprofessional collaboration
  • Respect for the value diversity brings to us and appreciation for the ways that inclusivity enriches our communities
  • Respect for each person’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs
  • Encouragement and support that empowers us to develop our personal talents and interests while providing the necessary resources for success
  • Intentional preservation of time and space for creativity and innovation
  • Encouragement and opportunities to embrace change, confront daunting challenges, and celebrate experiences of learning
  • Timely, clear, and open communication
  • A mutual commitment to earning each others’ trust

Within this culture, we are all responsible for ensuring that our work aligns with a collective effort to achieve our vision.

Brian Clocksin, PhD
Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs
510.879.0784
bclocksin@samuelmerritt.edu

Amy Anderson
Assistant Provost for Strategy
510.879.9200 Ext. 7342  
aanderson@samuelmerritt.edu

Jamie Hirota
Assistant to the Academic Vice President 
510.879.9200 Ext. 7374
jhirota@samuelmerritt.edu

Veronica Paniagua
Executive Administrative Assistant 
510.879.9200 Ext. 7373
vpaniagua@samuelmerritt.edu

 

 

Attendees in Bechtel Room Event

Academic & Instructional Innovation

We work with faculty, staff, and students to support teaching and learning, faculty development, and professional growth.

Explore A&II Services
MARC building with student using running machine

Motion Analysis Research Center

One of the best-equipped research and teaching labs in Northern California, the MARC is committed to advancing the study of human movement by measuring three-dimensional forces, pressures, balance, and muscle function.

Check Out the MARC
Classroom Environment

Center for Innovation & Excellence in Education

CIEL promotes faculty and staff learning about health care teaching practices and supports scholarly development.

Explore CIEL
Students on campus

Educational Assessment

Our goal for assessing educational effectiveness is to facilitate a cycle of continuous improvement of teaching and learning. 

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Students at graduation 2023

Commencement

Commencement ceremonies take place twice a year in December and May and are coordinated by the Office of Academic Affairs.

I'm Ready to Graduate
Community outreach Allen Temple health fair

Accreditation

SMU is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools—Western Association of Schools and Colleges. All programs, departments, and schools within the University also hold specialty accreditation. The specialty accreditation agencies are all recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation.

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