About the Workshops
April 8–10, 2025 · Wyndham Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center · Atlanta, GA
April 28–30, 2025 · Drury Plaza Hotel · Santa Fe, NM
May 12–13, 2025 · Virtual Workshop for International Members
June 9–11, 2025 · Warwick Rittenhouse Square · Philadelphia, PA
Welcome to the 2025 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 2025 Workshops for Department and Division Chairs (three in-person for US institutions and one virtual for international institutions) 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.
Workshop Speakers
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Chad Berry
Vice President for Alumni, Communications, and Philanthropy; Goode Professor of Appalachian Studies; Professor of History, Berea College (KY)
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Sarah Ferguson
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Texas Lutheran University
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Jeffrey Frick
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Washington & Jefferson College (PA)
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Gerald Griffin
Provost, Hope College (MI)
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Heather Moore Roberson
Dean of Inclusive Excellence, Allegheny College (PA)
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Leanne M. Neilson
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, California Lutheran University
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Kathleen A. Rinehart
Principal, Conflict Consultants Network
Hotel and Travel
Warwick Rittenhouse Square
220 S. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-6000
Reservation deadline: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Room Rate: $145 single
The Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel is adjacent to the iconic Rittenhouse Square Park and surrounded by premier dining, cultural attractions, high-end boutiques, and charming shops in Philadelphia’s distinguished Rittenhouse neighborhood. The hotel is a short walk from the theaters on the Avenue of the Arts and near the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Reservations can be made online. Reservations made after Thursday, May 15, will be based on availability at the hotel’s prevailing rates.
Airport Transportation
The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately 9 miles from the Warwick Rittenhouse Square. Uber and Lyft pick-up zones are located on the S. Commercial Road outside of each Baggage Claim. Exit through the doors onto the S. Commercial Rd. and continue to follow signs for Ride App/Zone 7.
Taxi stands are accessible in Zone 5 on the S. Commercial Roadway. Proceed through Baggage Claim and follow the Ground Transportation signs for Taxis/Zone 5. A one-way fare to the hotel is approximately $32 for one passenger plus $1.00 for each additional passenger.
Hotel Parking
Daily Rates: On-Site parking – $50; Valet parking – $59.
Registration Information
Registration Fees
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| First Registrant | $660 | $850 |
| Additional Registrants | $560 | $690 |
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 days prior to the workshop for which participants have registered. Refund requests received between five and ten days of the start of the workshop incur a charge equal to 25 percent of the total registration fee. Requests received fewer than five days prior to the start of the workshop are ineligible for a refund. Please send cancellation requests, in writing, to the attention of CIC Conferences by email to conferences@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.
