Department Chairs

[Faculty Handbook Category #2]

A. The department chair is appointed for a three-year term by the President in consultation with the Dean of the College, who will have consulted with the Associate Dean of the relevant Faculty and members of the department involved.

B. The department chair has primary responsibility for the proper functioning of the individual department of instruction. All recommendations of the chair with regard to matters such as personnel, curriculum, or facilities shall be made to the Dean of the College before referral to the President or a faculty committee for final approval where this is required. The department chair shall consult with the Associate Dean of his or her Faculty for review and advice on department activities and on recommendations requiring administrative or faculty approval.

C. Specific Responsibilities

1. To guide the development of the total teaching program in the department, including the formulation of long-range department needs and curricular perspectives.

2. To prepare and supervise department budgets, student workers, secretarial staff, department activities, catalog copy, and teaching schedules.

3. To encourage research, creative and scholarly activity as a necessary source of enrichment for good teaching and to enhance the academic prestige of the individual teachers and of the department.

4. To locate new staff members, giving proper attention in their selection to demonstrated or potential teaching, research and creative abilities.

5. To recommend promotions, salary increments, and leaves of absence, and to evaluate teaching, research and creative competence appropriately in making these recommendations.

6. To work with instructors in developing appropriate requests for facilities, equipment, supplies, and the secretarial and clerical assistance required for effective teaching.

7. To make faculty assignments in a way that best utilizes the abilities of each department member.

8. To counsel instructors in the department on their teaching and to visit their classes when appropriate.

9. To coordinate efforts within the department concerning prospective students.