The Life Cycle of a Department Chair New Directions for Higher Education, Number 126

by Gmelch, Walter H.; Schuh, John H.

• ISBN13: 9780787975890
• ISBN10: 0787975893
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-07-08
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

This monograph identifies, examines, and analyzes selected issues related to the career development of the department chair with a special focus on how colleges and universities can assist faculty in preparing themselves for this role, and how chairs can be supported during their term of service. Chapters examine how chairs can continue to develop their skills while serving in this leadership role, and how they can prepare themselves for academic life after they conclude their administrative duties as chair.This is the 126th issue of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Higher Education.

Table of Contents

EDITORS' NOTES	1	(2)
Walter H. Gmelch, John H. Schuh
1. Who Becomes a Chair?	3	(8)
James B. Carroll, Mimi Wolverton
Individuals in the position of department chair serve the interests of both the institutional administrative core and the faculty and discipline from which they come.
2. Socializing New Chairs	11	(16)
Jerry R. Thomas, John H. Schuh
A good chair must develop a joint vision with others-in this instance, the departmental faculty and staff.
3. The Professional Development of Department Chairs	27	(18)
Irene W.D. Hecht
Resources are available for learning the role of department chair and for learning the ropes.
4. The Interim Chair: Special Challenges and Opportunities	45	(10)
Anthony G. Rud Jr.
This chapter addresses the unique role of interim chair.
5. Measuring the Performance of the Chair	55	(14)
Judy Nichols Mitchell
Chairs are evaluated on a periodic basis, and this chapter identifies salient aspects of this process.
6. The Department Chair's Balancing Acts	69	(16)
Walter H. Gmelch
Whether it is in terms of frames, roles, responsibilities, models, or tasks, chairs need to understand the dimensions of their position.
7. The End of the Reign: Department Chair No More	85	(8)
Earl Smith
The willing exit from the department chair position can be a successful transition into a new phase of professional life.
INDEX	93