Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
July 9, 1984
M E M O R A N D U M AA 84-18
TO:
Deans of Schools
Department Chairs
FROM:
Gerald R. Stairs
Vice President for Academic Affairs
SUBJECT:
Responsibilities of Department Chairs. The policy on "Responsibilities of Department Chairs" was reviewed and approved by the Faculty Senate, President Wilson, and myself for implementation effective fall 1984. The list of responsibilities only covers those duties common to all department chairs and is not intended to include the myriad of unique, programmatic responsibilities that occur.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPARTMENT CHAIRS
1. ADMINISTRATION: Responsible administratively to the school dean. Administer university, school and department policies for professional duties such as class attendance, office hours, committee obligations, sick leave, final examinations, off-campus travel, reporting of course grades, commencement assignments, and field trips. Exercise signatory authority as assigned by the University for items such as faculty loads, approval of late adds/drops, change of grades, and major clearance forms.
2. LEADERSHIP: Provide department leadership in program and curriculum development and quality, effective teaching, budget, advising, staff relations, professional activity, research, extramural funding, student achievement, university outreach, university and community service, and harmonious working relations.
3. COURSE PROGRAMING: Oversee the timely planning of course schedules submitted in compliance with University policy and appropriate staffing for all courses offered by and through the department, including consultation with faculty prior to making faculty assignments. Oversee course offerings (regular, intersession, summer, extension) to assure curricular requirements of the department receive appropriate curriculum reviews at department and school levels.
4. PERSONNEL ACTIONS: Make independent evaluations and recommendations on matters of faculty retention, tenure, promotion and hiring; staff performance and reclassification; requests for leaves of absence; and faculty and staff appointments. Ensure that all hiring recommendations by the department conform to University hiring policies.
5. REPRESENTATION: Call and chair meetings of the department faculty; disseminate information transmitted to the department; and maintain records of the department. Represent the department at the school and university levels, and within the community; and represent the school and the university to the department.
6. BUDGET: Prepare and administer with faculty input the department's budget and the appropriate use and security of equipment and facilities assigned to the department.
7. STAFF SUPERVISION: Supervise clerical and technical staff assigned to the department.
8. PLANNING: Coordinate and guide department planning in the areas of academic programs, personnel, facilities, and equipment; and oversee the ongoing review of departmental plans for their relationship to school and university goals and plans.
9. COORDINATION: Coordinate the work of departmental committees, including student clubs, peer advising groups, and advisory bodies.
10. LIAISON: Provide liaison between students, faculty, administration and the community for discussion and informal resolution of issues arising from faculty, staff, or student concerns about the general functioning of the department, the department's curriculum, and/or the department's students.
11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION: To serve as the first point of discussion for issues arising within the department having to do with faculty, staff, and student grievances or complaints.
This document is the property of Academic Affairs and maintained by Curriculum Services.