Abstract:

Department Chairs are not quite faculty, not completely administration, but fulfill duties in each and often feel the stress and pressures of both. Department Chairs typically come from the faculty, teach a small load, and often eventually return to the faculty. While serving as department head, however, they are responsible for such managerial tasks as negotiating class schedules, overseeing a budget, leading meetings, and addressing personnel issues. They must respond to a variety of stakeholders ranging from disgruntled students, parents, faculty, deans, and other administrators. This seminar will engage audience participation in an effort to acknowledge and identify the pressures faced in this unique role. Participants will explore ways to create a sense of team within a department, and techniques on facilitating the group decision-making process effectively. We will strategize on the most efficient ways to conduct administrative tasks such as managing email and running effective meetings. Finally, the session will explore recommended techniques for holding difficult conversations with students and colleagues, an important element in the role of a department chair, but one often overlooked in trainings. Attendees will leave with specific tips regarding the dynamic leadership style of department chair and how to best support adjunct, tenured, and tenure-track faculty.

Keywords:

Department chair, leadership, management.