Department Chair Position Description
Primary Function:
As part of the University’s shared governance system, the department
chair is the leader of the department/unit and has responsibility in areas of
personnel, department administration, curriculum, and guiding the vision
of the department in order to assure that the department can contribute to
the achievement of the university’s mission and goals. To meet these
responsibilities, the department chair will consult with the dean and
members of the department/unit.
Primary Functions of Department Chair
1.
2.
Personnel Management
a. In accord with policies of the university,
department/unit, and the principles of shared
governance:
 evaluate faculty and staff
 make recommendations for retention and
renewal
 make recommendations for salary
 assign workloads, including course
assignments
 complete the department chair role as defined
by policies in promotion, tenure, sabbatical
processes.
b. Coordinate the hiring process for new department
personnel.
c. Work with the search committee to recommend
hiring new department/unit members.
d. Address student and faculty personnel issues.
e. Guide the mentoring process of new department/
unit members.
f. Provide orientation information for new
faculty/staff in the department/unit and assist them
in preparing a professional development plan.
g. Support faculty/staff professional development.
Measurement
Evaluations are done on
time for all faculty.
Reduction in student
complaints.
Evaluation of new faculty
and feedback on
mentorship.
Objectives and plan are in
place.
Administration
a. Oversee the management of the department/unit
budget (as needed), scheduling of departmental
facilities, laboratories, and equipment.
b. Supervise all department/unit personnel as
assigned.
c. Serve as an advocate for the department/school.
d. Coordinate department/unit class schedules.
e. Schedule, coordinate the agenda, and chair
department/unit meetings.
Dept Chair Pos Desc
Approved 12-7-04
f. Coordinate with the program director and lead
faculty in the accreditation and certification
process.
g. Meet with the dean to review both the department
and individual faculty activities for the year.
h. Develop a department personnel profile based on
program and curriculum needs.
i. Share budget information with faculty.
3.
Curriculum
a. Collaborate with program directors and faculty on
regular review of courses to keep curriculum
current with pedagogical and scholarly advances in
the discipline.
b. Encourage faculty and staff to make optimal use of
technology.
c. Keep department/unit curriculum records current
including copies of course syllabi and textbook
lists. Oversee and coordinate department/unit
needs for textbooks ordered through Instructional
Resources.
d. Monitor quality of course delivery.
4.
Vision
a. Oversee development and implementation of a
strategic plan for the department/unit that is
aligned with the college and University mission
and goals and the University priorities.
b. Communicate the department’s vision and longrange plan.
5.
Support Learning Environment
a. Foster a student-centered learning environment.
b. Represent the department/unit at university
functions.
c. Encourage departmental/unit participation in and
contribution to the University planning forums.
d. Ensure that students have an opportunity to
evaluate program advisement and that their
feedback is utilized to improve the process that is
in place.
e. Be responsible for administration of the
department/ unit’s student evaluation of instruction
process, including maintenance of the records and
use of information gathered for performance
evaluation and improvement.
Department profile in
place.
Absence of course conflicts
Department curriculum
proposals and revisions are
sent to the CIC reflecting
ongoing activity.
Approved by Provost’s Council on 12/7/2004
Dept Chair Pos Desc
Approved 12-7-04