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Author: Jacqueline Mary Skubal Publisher: ISBN: Category : College department heads Languages : en Pages : 338
Book Description
The purpose of the dissertation was threefold: (1) to provide a framework for viewing and understand the position of academic department chairperson and the role of unit administrator; (2) to synthesize information concerning the department chairperson as unit administrator from existing literature and from interviews with central academic administrators, deans, and chairpersons; and (3) to discuss the implications of the analysis in providing for the administrative support needs of chairpersons. Three sources of information were used in this analysis: (1) existing literature about academic department chairpersons, orientation and experiences for chairpersons and other academic administrators; (2) a theoretical framework drawn from role theory and the formal application of role theory to formal organizations; and (3) interviews with central academic administrators and department chairpersons. Using the concept of role theory, the study focused not only on the position within the organization, but also on the role or activities expected from the person in the position, and the self, the individual occupying the position. The framework helped to focus both the analysis of the literature and the analysis of the interview data on (1) the role expectations for the chairperson; (2) some aspects of role behavior or performance; and (3) the role skills necessary to the position. Based on the analysis of the literature within the conceptual framework, nine propositions were formulated to focus the analysis of the interview data. The synthesis of the literature and the interview data resulted in five conclusions regarding the need for orientation or inservice education for chairpersons. Although the results of the interviews are not generalizable beyond the individuals and environment, the concepts could have relevance to other universities. Based on the analysis, the following conclusions appear warranted: (1) In defining the position of chairperson a balance should be found between defining the position too narrowly and no direction at all. A clear definition of power, authority and accountability would help to strengthen the position. This includes expectations about research, scholarship and teaching. However, too detailed a description of administrative duties may destroy the incentive for creative management. (2) A clearer definition of the chairperson position will provide a basis for performance evaluation, an activity which is growing under the pressure for accountability. (3) As the bridge between the administration and faculty the position of chairperson is a position of potential conflict. Faculty members who agree to assume the position should be made aware of this fact. However, much of the frustration of adapting to the role could be alleviated by a program to provide chairpersons with a university perspective, to discuss the adjustments a chairperson is likely to encounter, and to present the rudiments of the processes the chairperson must deal with. (4) The issue of orientation and in-service education for chairpersons is more complex than might be expected. The fact that the administrators see a need for it and chairpersons do not necessarily agree creates a problem of even getting chairpersons to attend such sessions. The difference in perspective suggests the need for the involvement of chairpersons in the development of any orientation or in-service programs for them. (5) In attempting to provide any form of orientation or in-service for chairpersons those responsible will need to find a way to account for different levels of skills among chairpersons and to schedule such programs so they occur when the chairperson most needs the assistance. For instance, a component on budgeting would be most useful a few weeks before the process begins rather than six months before.
Author: Jacqueline Mary Skubal Publisher: ISBN: Category : College department heads Languages : en Pages : 338
Book Description
The purpose of the dissertation was threefold: (1) to provide a framework for viewing and understand the position of academic department chairperson and the role of unit administrator; (2) to synthesize information concerning the department chairperson as unit administrator from existing literature and from interviews with central academic administrators, deans, and chairpersons; and (3) to discuss the implications of the analysis in providing for the administrative support needs of chairpersons. Three sources of information were used in this analysis: (1) existing literature about academic department chairpersons, orientation and experiences for chairpersons and other academic administrators; (2) a theoretical framework drawn from role theory and the formal application of role theory to formal organizations; and (3) interviews with central academic administrators and department chairpersons. Using the concept of role theory, the study focused not only on the position within the organization, but also on the role or activities expected from the person in the position, and the self, the individual occupying the position. The framework helped to focus both the analysis of the literature and the analysis of the interview data on (1) the role expectations for the chairperson; (2) some aspects of role behavior or performance; and (3) the role skills necessary to the position. Based on the analysis of the literature within the conceptual framework, nine propositions were formulated to focus the analysis of the interview data. The synthesis of the literature and the interview data resulted in five conclusions regarding the need for orientation or inservice education for chairpersons. Although the results of the interviews are not generalizable beyond the individuals and environment, the concepts could have relevance to other universities. Based on the analysis, the following conclusions appear warranted: (1) In defining the position of chairperson a balance should be found between defining the position too narrowly and no direction at all. A clear definition of power, authority and accountability would help to strengthen the position. This includes expectations about research, scholarship and teaching. However, too detailed a description of administrative duties may destroy the incentive for creative management. (2) A clearer definition of the chairperson position will provide a basis for performance evaluation, an activity which is growing under the pressure for accountability. (3) As the bridge between the administration and faculty the position of chairperson is a position of potential conflict. Faculty members who agree to assume the position should be made aware of this fact. However, much of the frustration of adapting to the role could be alleviated by a program to provide chairpersons with a university perspective, to discuss the adjustments a chairperson is likely to encounter, and to present the rudiments of the processes the chairperson must deal with. (4) The issue of orientation and in-service education for chairpersons is more complex than might be expected. The fact that the administrators see a need for it and chairpersons do not necessarily agree creates a problem of even getting chairpersons to attend such sessions. The difference in perspective suggests the need for the involvement of chairpersons in the development of any orientation or in-service programs for them. (5) In attempting to provide any form of orientation or in-service for chairpersons those responsible will need to find a way to account for different levels of skills among chairpersons and to schedule such programs so they occur when the chairperson most needs the assistance. For instance, a component on budgeting would be most useful a few weeks before the process begins rather than six months before.
Author: Jeffrey L. Buller Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 1118123743 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 496
Book Description
THE ESSENTIAL DEPARTMENT CHAIR This second edition of the informative and influential The Essential Department Chair offers academic chairs and department heads the information they need to excel in their roles. This book is about the "how" of academic administration: for instance, how do you cultivate a potential donor for much-needed departmental resources? How do you persuade your department members to work together more harmoniously? How do you keep the people who report to you motivated and capable of seeing the big picture? Thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded, this classic resource covers a broad spectrum of timely topics and is now truly more than a guide it's a much-needed desk reference that tells you "everything you need to know to be a department chair." The Essential Department Chair contains information on topics such as essentials of creating a strategic plan, developing and overseeing a budget, key elements of fundraising, preparing for the role of chair, meeting the challenges of mentoring to increase productivity, and creating a more collegial atmosphere. The book also explores the chair's role in the search process, shows how to conduct a successful interview and what to do when it's time to let someone go. And the author includes suggestions for the best practices to adopt when doing an evaluation or assessment. The Essential Department Chair, Second Edition, contains a wealth of new, realistic case studies to equip leaders in this pivotal position to excel in departmental and institutional life.
Author: J. Douglas Toma Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 1118209559 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 175
Book Description
Synthesizes the research literature on legal issues that arise when school deans and department chairs perform their many duties. Pays particular attention to the judicial process, plus areas of employment, student affairs, and external regulation.
Author: Carolyn Allard Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 1118196732 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 108
Book Description
As a new department chair, you face many challenges?chief among them that you likely received little or no formal training in academic leadership. You may feel that you face these challenges alone, but in fact a wealth of information and time-tested techniques have been collected over the years from experienced academic administrators. For the first time, this booklet brings together some of the best guidance and strategies that have appeared in The Department Chair, resulting in a collection that is highly relevant to a new chair?s work. The advice contained in these pages can help you build the skills necessary to successfully lead your department. This booklet is full of practical advice that can be put to use immediately, and each article is concisely written so you won?t have to spend valuable time searching for a solution or technique. Whether you?re looking for information on how to work more effectively with your dean, how to better manage your time, how to conduct successful department meetings, or how to best facilitate change, this booklet will help?it covers all these topics and more, from the basics to the specifics. This booklet is structured to provide guidance in four critical areas: chair as leader, getting started, managing conflict, and helping faculty and students thrive. The articles were selected to provide you with timely, comprehensive information. They detail effective practice and represent the best, most innovative thinking on topics and situations you will regularly encounter. This essential resource will become your personal guide as you navigate the responsibilities of your new role as department chair.
Author: Allan Tucker Publisher: Greenwood ISBN: Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 584
Book Description
Third edition of a handbook for the academic administrator promoted from the faculty ranks with little administrative skill or know-how. Provides an depth examination of the typical duties and responsibilities of a department chair that covers an awful lot of ground: from curriculum management to co
Author: C. K. Gunsalus Publisher: Harvard University Press ISBN: 0674269187 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 305
Book Description
The book that every dean and department chair needs to survive—and thrive—in the twenty-first-century university. First released in 2006, The College Administrator’s Survival Guide has served as the bible for a generation of provosts, deans, department chairs, and program directors. Shrewd administrators have returned to the guide time and again for C. K. Gunsalus’s advice on handling complaints, negotiating disagreements, and dealing with difficult personalities. Now, in this revised and updated edition, Gunsalus guides rookie administrators and seasoned veterans through today’s most pressing higher-education challenges. These days academic leaders must respond to heightened demands for transparency and openness. These demands are intensified by social media, which increases the visibility of university conflicts and can foster widespread misinformation about campus affairs. Meanwhile, institutions have become flatter, with administrators expected to work more closely with faculty, students, and a range of professionals even as support staffs shrink. Between the ever-replenishing inbox, the integration of often-exasperating management systems into every dimension of academic life, and the new demands of remote learning, deans and department heads are juggling more balls than ever before. Tightening budgets have already forced administrators into more difficult choices and, in the wake of COVID-19, there will be no relief from financial constraints. From #MeToo to partisan battles over curricula and funding, college and university leaders need more savvy and greater sensitivity than ever. What hasn’t changed are the challenges of dealing with difficult people and the importance of creating and maintaining environments in which faculty, staff, and students have the support they need to do their best work. The College Administrator’s Survival Guide provides the tools to keep cool and get the job done.
Author: Don Chu Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 111807744X Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 130
Book Description
If higher education is to fulfill its vital social mission, new department leaders must be prepared for their positions and get up to speed on the basics quickly, educating themselves about the role and continuing to learn on the job. In this second edition of his classic resource, Don Chu outlines the proven ideas and strategies new department chairs need in order to do their jobs well. Thoroughly revised and updated, The Department Chair Primer contains information that addresses the current pressures and challenges in higher education and offers practical suggestions for responding to them. Filled with illustrative examples, the book gets straight to the heart of challenges and issues. Each chapter details a particular problem, includes a brief introduction to the topic, and provides tips on how to deal with the situation. Covering a wealth of topics, The Department Chair Primer Explores the chair's role as department leader Offers suggestions for handling stress and conflict Includes information on budgeting, resource management, and development Contains strategies for professional development, people management, and working with challenging personnel Presents ideas for handling department communications, student development, and strategic positioning Written in a concise and accessible manner, The Department Chair Primer is an ideal resource for the busy new department chair.
Author: Jeffrey L. Buller Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 1118762193 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 647
Book Description
The go-to reference for academic leaders seeking practical answers to everyday challenges The Essential Academic Dean or Provost explains the "how" of academic leadership, providing a practical, comprehensive, reality-based reference for almost any problem, challenge, or opportunity. This updated second edition includes new chapters on the difference between leadership and management in higher education, leadership in politically charged environments, effective strategies for making decisions, and working with associate deans or provosts, plus new case studies, new research, and ten additional chapters available on the companion website. Each topic deals concisely with the most important information deans and provosts need when faced with a particular situation, providing both a comprehensive guide to academic leadership as well as a ready reference to be consulted as needed. The role of a dean or provost at a modern university is extremely complex, involving budgeting, community relations, personnel decisions, management of a large enterprise, fundraising, and guiding a school, college, or entire institution toward a compelling vision of the future. The details academic leaders have to deal with are numerous and critical, and every little thing matters. This invaluable guide provides the answers you need when you need them, and gives you framework for successfully navigating your job's many competing demands. Build support for a shared vision of the future Interact effectively with different internal and external constituencies Learn decision-making techniques specific to the academic environment Set, supervise, and implement a budget that allows your programs to flourish Academic leaders need a handy, focused reference that provides authoritative answers to the many issues and questions that arise every day. With proven solutions to a multitude of challenges, The Essential Academic Dean or Provost shows academic leaders what they need to know in order to successfully guide their institutions into the future.
Author: Jacqueline Mary Skubal
Author: Jacqueline Mary Skubal
Author: Jeffrey L. Buller
Author: J. Douglas Toma
Author: Carolyn Allard
Author: 
Author: Allan Tucker
Author: C. K. Gunsalus
Author: Don Chu
Author: Jeffrey L. Buller
Author: Roderic R. Grubb