Sessions

(Separate sections for newer chairs and experienced chairs/deans) Department and division chairs occupy a pivotal role in the administrative structure of a college or university. The job often has been described as “leading from the middle.” How does the chair learn to lead? What are the potential challenges in the role of leader? How can […]

What are the strategies that experienced chairs employ to build and maintain an inclusive atmosphere within a department or division? What lessons have they learned about working with their colleagues, students, and staff members toward departmental goals? How can chairs encourage diverse points of view and respect for all department or division members?

Department and division chairs can prevent many issues from mushrooming into major problems through early intervention. Sometimes chairs delay difficult conversations with colleagues because they lack expertise to encourage change or to deliver bad news tactfully. How can the department or division chair understand better why a faculty member is less effective than expected? What […]

An attorney will lead a discussion of the chair’s role in faculty performance evaluation for reappointment, tenure, and promotion. Topics for discussion include the importance of adhering to effective procedures and institutional policies when documenting professional performance, the role of student evaluations of instruction, peer review of teaching, the evaluation of scholarly activities, and contributions […]