The Academic Chair's Handbook [Hardcover]

Practically focused, easily accessible, this book is directly relevant to the academic environment in which department chairs operate. The authors—internationally known experts in academic administration—conducted interviews with department chairs and heads at 38 academic institutions from across the U.S. and Canada, public and private, two-year and four-year.

The extensive interviews resulted in four thematic patterns that covered the overarching issues department chairs face: quality, change, culture, and leadership. Each chapter is packed with practical advice and concludes with questions and resources to help chairs develop constructive responses to the myriad issues facing them.

About the Authors.

Foreword.

Preface.

Part I • Fifteen Strategies in the Building Process.

1. Difficulties in the Building Process.

The Context for Leadership.

Chairing the Department.

The Nature of the Department.

The Nature of Faculty Work.

A Self-Assessment.

2. Consider Your Own Development.

Learn About Your Role and Responsibilities in the Department and the Institution.

Create a Balance Between Your Professional and Personal Lives.

Prepare for Your Professional Future.

3. Reflect on Your Role as an Academic Leader.

Establish a Collective Departmental Vision or Focus.

Develop Faculty Ownership of the Vision.

Initiate Changes Carefully.

Allocate Resources of Time, Information, and Assignments to Implement the Vision and Departmental Goals.

Monitor Progress Toward Achieving the Vision and Goals.