Provides vision, leadership and supervision for the department; builds substantial reputation for the quality of the department; creates a strong sense of collegiality within the department and of shared responsibility for the department’s goals; works with faculty on curriculum development, assessment activities and policy/procedure requirements and implementation, including course schedules and facility use; conducts classroom observations and annual faculty performance evaluations , as well as ensuring mentoring and faculty development opportunities; assists in hiring of faculty; makes decisions on student academic matters; assists in the recruitment of students, review of graduate student applications and placement of students in internships and careers; and oversees departmental budget. The department chair teaches courses, as determined by the number of contact hours listed in the employment agreement.
The chair maintains a visible onsite presence, oversees and guides the work of department faculty and staff, supports and mentors students, and collaborates with academic leaders, faculty and support staff across departments and university locations. The chair ensures that all services related to academic offerings of the department are planned and delivered at the highest quality and without any interruptions. The chair makes sure that university policies and procedures are administered without any exceptions.
The chair models academic and professional leadership and makes sure that all faculty and staff of the department work toward the achievement of the university mission, vision and values. Through day-to-day operational and long-term strategic actions, the department chair ensures the department’s intentional and measurable contribution to the university’s strategic plan and the 8Rs (responsibility, resources, recruitment, retention, recognition, revenue, research and results).