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

Our Vision

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.

Contact Us

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

Carl Garrubba, DMSc, PA-CPA
Vice Provost for Academic and Student Affairs
510.879.9200 ext. 7975
cgarrubba@samuelmerritt.edu

Amy Anderson, MA
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

Academic & Instructional Innovation

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

Explore A&II Services

Educational Assessment

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

Learn More

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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