13
b. Duties
Department Chairs work with the Area Chairs and the Provost’s Office to ensure that the College
maintains and develops viable, forward-thinking academic programs. Specific responsibilities
include the following:
1.
Working with the Area Chairs, develop departmental class schedules and help coordinate
the College class schedule to reduce conflicts and ensure equitable distribution of
courses.
2.
Direct the development of budget proposals and serve as the initial level of approval and
responsibility for the expenditure of budgeted departmental funds.
3.
Direct the work of assessing the effectiveness of the academic program in each of their
departments and completing the annual Departmental Assessment Report. In doing this
work, they coordinate closely with the Area Chairs and the Vice President for
Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment.
4.
Provide recommendations for adjunct appointments to the Area Chairs and coordinate the
mentoring and support of adjuncts.
5.
Direct faculty searches within the department. Work with the Provost and the Promotion
and Tenure Committee to help ensure that the most qualified candidate available is hired.
6.
Write a departmental summary for faculty members undergoing second-year and fourth-
year review and on candidates who are being considered for tenure and promotion, as
well as write evaluations for staff who directly support the department, faculty on term
appointments, and adjuncts within their departments.
7.
Ensure that departmental catalog revisions are made as necessary.
8.
Assist new faculty members in becoming familiar with the College’s teaching, advising,
scholarship, and service expectations, as well as the College calendar and unit system.
They also work closely with the Provost’s Office and Area Chairs in the work of
mentoring new faculty colleagues.
9.
Participate in student recruitment through conversations with prospective students and
parents, assistance in preparation of public relations materials, etc.
10. Prepare and justify requests for work-study students. Arrange for monitoring of their
activities and approval of their time sheets.
11. Serve as the first formal contact for students who want to express concerns about
curriculum, course scheduling, teaching, and advising, and respond to a variety of student
requests.