Faculty bring a range of academic and professional talents to their departments. Because of this, many faculty carry heavy workloads, which can lead to high levels of burnout. Chairs are in the unique position to manage faculty workloads, and consequently, the long-term growth and development of faculty, as well. However, many chairs do not have […]
As you navigate more complex leadership roles, you will also navigate more contentious issues and conflicts. This makes the relationships you form with your colleagues not only “nice to have,” but essential: there is very little that cannot be accomplished when relationships are strong and built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. During […]
Time is a limited factor for all. As a department chair, you likely need to delegate tasks or responsibilities to others to ensure that your most important work gets done. However, as workloads have increased over time, you’re also careful not to overwhelm faculty and staff with unnecessary work. You know there’s a way to […]
Faculty mentoring programs provide benefits to all involved. They can help new faculty to acclimate to and engage in a new campus culture. They assist junior faculty in developing the necessary competencies to succeed at teaching, research, and service—all of which can expedite the promotion and tenure process. For senior faculty, the ability to give […]
In recent years, you may have noticed that it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to attract faculty talent to your campus. Many institutions are finding that the offer of tenure is not enough. The pandemic made people rethink their priorities. Generational differences are impacting what some people value in their workplace. The social and political climate […]
Most faculty development focuses on early-career faculty under the misguided assumption that mid-career faculty have “figured it out.” Yet mid-career faculty actually report the highest levels of dissatisfaction and are increasingly leaving higher education. Thus, institutions are noting the need to provide more comprehensive support to mid-career faculty but are unsure of how to engage […]
The increasingly competitive landscape within higher ed requires department chairs to be dynamic, not passive, in how they respond to challenges and opportunities. This requires you to make important decisions that may impact your department for years to come. As a new department chair, this can feel scary since you’re still learning how to do […]
Shifting your role from faculty to department chair also means shifting your mindset from individual contributor to department convener, collaborator, and champion. You are now responsible for your own success, as well as for facilitating the successes of others, including faculty, staff, and students. Your reach extends beyond your department, as well, as you’re now […]
As a department chair, you have more visibility and impact across the campus when compared to when you were simply an individual contributor as a faculty member. Given the complex and ever-changing landscape within higher ed, it’s more important than ever to demonstrate your executive presence. Executive presence is your ability to inspire confidence at […]
In part three of this discussion series, The Impact of Enhancing Customer Service in Higher Education, learn strategies and techniques that can be used to create a more caring culture on your campus and increase the quality of the student and employee experience.
