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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Chad Berry
Vice President for Alumni, Communications, and Philanthropy; Goode Professor of Appalachian Studies; Professor of History, Berea College (KY)
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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 D. Griffin
Provost, Hope College (MI)
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Susan Larson
Provost and Dean of the College, Concordia College (MN)
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Michael W. Markowitz
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felician University (NJ)
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Alexandra Mitropoulos
Senior Counsel, Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
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Tarshia L. Stanley
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, St. Olaf College (MN)
Hotel and Travel
Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport Hotel
777 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 885-2200
Reservation deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026
Room Rate: $175 single/double
Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport offers comfortable accommodations, two on-site restaurants, a full-service fitness center, and both indoor and seasonal outdoor pools. Conveniently located near Nashville International Airport (BNA), the hotel provides complimentary shuttle service and is just 6–7 miles from downtown Nashville, within a 10-minute drive of the Grand Ole Opry and Nissan Stadium.
Reservations can be made online. Reservations made after Friday, May 1, cannot be guaranteed at the group rate and will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
Airport Transportation
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is located approximately three miles from the Sheraton Music City. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate from the Ground Transportation Center, located on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2. The base fare for a taxi is $9, with a rate of $2.50 per mile.
Shuttle: The Sheraton Music City provides complimentary round-trip transportation to Nashville International Airport (BNA) for guests daily between: 4:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. For arrivals, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2. Contact the hotel at (615) 885-2200 to request a pick-up.
Hotel Parking
The hotel offers on-site parking at a daily self-parking rate of $20 per night or a valet rate of $25 per night.
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.
