Management and Leadership Skills for Academic Department Chairs and Institute Directors

a one-day professional development course brought to your campus
"Chairing an academic department is problematic because it is akin to the way we treat child-rearing — an important job for which people aren't trained."     — John Hazer, Psychology Chair

Deans                                                                            
"Department chairs call for Leadership Training. Universities should bolster their guidance of chairs, faculty say."
Full Story in American Psychological Association Monitor Online.

    Have your department chairs had any training in leadership, management, and communication skills?

    Do they know the essential characteristics they should possess to be successful chairs?

    Do they know how to systematically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and those of their department in order to effect change?

    Have you been searching for a cost-effective, efficient way to provide fundamental leadership development for department chairs on your campus?

About the program

Hot Tips for New Chairs
Examples from more than 50 found in the course manual.

    Expect more from yourself. As chair lead by example. Be a role model.

    Listen and care. Be sensitive, caring, and compassionate. Be a servant. Listen. Empathize.

The business community long has acknowledged that management, administrative and supervisory skills can be learned and enhanced through workshops and interactive seminars. The specific needs of the academic community, however, often are not adequately addressed in business oriented workshops. This course takes a fresh approach in combining the best of the dynamic, nuts and bolts management training of the business world, with the seasoned experience and academic leadership of one of academia's own.

This workshop will provide an introduction to the interpersonal skills and tools needed to effectively and efficiently manage and lead in an academic setting. A succinct and easy-to-use set of accompanying course notes with an annotated bibliography of articles, books, and web sites on academic administration will serve as a continuing future source of information.

The program is brought to your campus, saving travel time and expense, and providing the advantage of networking with fellow chairs.    Full Course Description

Comments from past participants

"I was expecting more "management" language that doesn't mean much, but instead was pleasantly surprised by the quantity of concrete, practical information."

"I now have the vision of an ideal chairperson in my head that has never been so vivid in the past."

"I would certainly recommend such a session be offered for, and taken by, all new department chairs in the future."

"Excellent instructor—very personable and enthusiastic. Thanks for providing such a rewarding and stimulating experience."

"Well planned, well organized, and well executed in an atmosphere that was positive, constructive, and fun."

"Interacting with colleagues from other departments was particularly helpful."

Contact: Lee J. Suttner • Dept. of Geological Sciences, Indiana Univ., 1001 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47405 • (812) 855-4957 • E-Mail