Collage of skylines from four workshop locations

2024 Workshop for Department and Division Chairs – Tacoma, WA

June 3–5, 2024 Hotel Murano

Program

Collage of skylines from four workshop locations

2024 Workshop for Department and Division Chairs – Tacoma, WA

Monday, June 3

Tuesday, June 4

Wednesday, June 5

About the Workshops

April 18–20, 2024 · Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza · St. Louis, MO
May 8–10, 2024 · Marriott Jacksonville Downtown · Jacksonville, FL
May 20–22, 2024 · Royal Sonesta Harbor Court · Baltimore, MD
June 3–5, 2024 · Hotel Murano · Tacoma, WA

Welcome to the 2024 Workshops for Department and Division Chairs! Department and division chairs are the bridges between department or division members and senior college administrators, and well-trained department and division chairs make a difference in academic affairs. Faculty members who take on the chair role need support to understand how to use the position to achieve both departmental and institutional goals. The four 2024 Workshops for Department and Division Chairs will focus on effective strategies to develop leadership skills and an institution-wide vision in the context of uncertainty and change. It will also support chairs to develop skills that build strong and inclusive departments.

Most chairs begin their positions with little or no training in the chair’s responsibilities and with incomplete knowledge of campus challenges. Effective chairs learn the value of developing an institution-wide perspective, communicating clearly, and collaborating with peers to promote greater institutional effectiveness. They must develop the ability to think strategically; plan actively for the future; and cooperate with both academic and administrative departments, including admissions, advancement, finance, and student affairs. At the same time, most chairs remain heavily invested in their faculty responsibilities of teaching, advising, service, and scholarship. How can chairs become campus leaders while they balance the competing priorities of their roles as faculty members, departmental advocates, and institutional planners? Participants will gain skills and perspectives useful to their roles and will meet colleagues who face comparable challenges at institutions similar to theirs.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Academic Search.

Who Should Participate?

The workshops are designed for chairs at all levels of experience. There are separate tracks based on experience levels and interests. Deans and those who work in teaching and learning centers (who work directly with chairs) are also welcome. Campuses are encouraged to send multiple participants. Each workshop can accommodate 100 participants. 

Hotel and Travel

Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway Plaza
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 238-8000

Reservation deadline: Friday, May 10, 2024
Room Rate: $164 single/double

Reservations can be made online. Reservations made after Friday, May 10, cannot be guaranteed at the group rate and will be accommodated on a space-available basis.

Centrally located in downtown Tacoma, Hotel Murano is poised within minutes of the city’s thriving museum district and nearby waterfront where picturesque views of the Puget Sound and waterfront dining give travelers a fresh taste of life and cuisine in the Pacific Northwest. Just beyond the hotel’s doorstep, visitors can explore world-class art collections on view at the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, Chihuly’s Bridge of Glass, and America’s Car Museum, all located within walking distance or a short rideshare away.

Airport Transportation

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 24.3 miles from Hotel Murano. Uber and Lyft services are available. The designated rideshare pickup area is on the third floor of the parking garage.

Taxi stands are located just outside of the baggage claim area on the lower level. A one-way fare to the hotel is approximately $45.

Hotel Parking

The hotel offers self-parking available at a discounted rate of $12 per day for participants. 

Registration Information

Registration Fees

CIC Member RateNonmember Rate
First Registrant$640$825
Additional Registrants$540$670

Dress Guidelines

Business casual clothing is appropriate throughout the workshop.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be made in full (less a $50 processing fee) for cancellations received more than ten business days prior to the workshop for which participants have registered. Refund requests received between five and ten business days of the start of the workshop incur a charge equal to 25 percent of the total registration fee. Requests received fewer than five business days prior to the start of the workshop are ineligible for a refund. Please send cancellation requests, in writing, to the attention of Siena McCabe, CIC conference coordinator, or by email to smccabe@cic.edu. Registrations are transferable within an institution.

Health and Safety

CIC is committed to the health and safety of workshop participants. Please review the current CIC Health and Safety Guidelines and Requirements before registering for a workshop.

Council of Independent Colleges