About the Workshops
May 18–20, 2026 · Sonesta Columbus Downtown Hotel · Columbus, OH
June 8–10, 2026 · Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport Hotel · Nashville, TN
Welcome to the 2026 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 two 2026 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. Programming 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.
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.
Workshop Speakers
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LeeRay Costa
Director of Faculty Development and Professor and Chair, Gender and Women’s Studies Program, Hollins University (VA)
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Susan Llewellyn Deniker
Attorney and Executive Committee Member, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
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Catharine E. O’Connell
Provost and Dean of the College, Illinois College
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Tracy S. Parkinson
Executive Vice President and Provost, Mars Hill University (NC)
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Monique Taylor
Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Champlain College (VT)
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Gregor Thuswaldner
Provost and Dean of the Faculty, La Roche University (PA)
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Tynisha D. Willingham
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Eastern Mennonite University (VA)
Hotel and Travel
Sonesta Columbus Downtown Hotel
33 East Nationwide Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 461-4100
Reservation deadline: Monday, April 13, 2026
Room Rate: $149 single/double
The Sonesta Columbus Downtown is two blocks away from Nationwide Arena, home to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and within minutes of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). The Downtown Columbus hotel offers easy, walkable access to the top attractions in Arch City like the Scioto Mile, North Market, the Ohio Theater, and the Columbus Museum of Art.
Reservations can be made online. Reservations made after Monday, April 13, cannot be guaranteed at the group rate and will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
Airport Transportation
John Glenn Columbus International Airport is located approximately six miles from the Sonesta Columbus Downtown Hotel. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available. After reserving your ride, go to the Arrivals Level (Level 1 of the terminal), cross the Arrivals drive to the Ground Transportation area, and stand between the columns to the right.
Taxis: Taxis are available on the ground transportation level near the rideshare pickup lane. A one-way flat rate fare to Sonesta Columbus Downtown is approximately $25. For more information, call (614) 239-8294.
Hotel Parking
Overnight Valet Parking $35/night for workshop participants.
Self-Parking: $32
- Scan the QR code in the entryway for self-parking
- Vehicles may remain until 4:00 p.m. the day of departure
Registration Information
Registration Fees
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| First Registrant | $680 | $875 |
| Additional Registrants | $580 | $710 |
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.
