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[rockprof]

Our chair moved up to be a Dean after an abrupt retirement so I was "elected" (I was told to run and the other candidate was "none of the above"!) department chair a couple of weeks ago.  For the past week, I've had to get up to speed on budget problems, lab construction problems, whiny faculty problems, you name it.  Oh yeah, I also still have a full teaching load even though I should have massive release time (too late to hire an adjunct since classes start next week).

Any other brand new department chairs for fall who feel overwhelmed already?

[gennimom]

No, but, geez. I'm sorry! Please keep coming here to gripe and get over the stress!

[wxdude]

I'm not a new chair but the same appointment "process" happened to me. It will be an interesting year with quite the learning curve, but you'll survive. As GM says, post your issues here; I received sage advice from forumites on several occasions.

Good luck!

[growedup]

Yep.

I'm new.  But I've just moved to a new position cross country -- so I don't have the mass of obligations you face...  yet...  instead I'm still figuring out where the grocery store is and which box has my shaver.

I've just started and the passionate flood of requests from faculty and administrative assistants has been intense and difficult because I know so little. 

I am proof that administrators don't know anything.

[licaone]

Yes, I just got a new chair. Luxurious, high quality leather, quite confortable.

Sorry, I could not resist.

[anthroid]

Yes, I just got a new chair. Luxurious, high quality leather, quite confortable.

Sorry, I could not resist.

Frankly, when I started out as a bright and shiny brand-new chair, I did in fact get myself a comfy desk chair.  Best $100 I ever spent.

OK, the department paid for it, but I have a relaxed heinie, so it's worth it.

[nottooinlovewacademe]

The first year is, to say the least, brutal. It is sort like the experience of coming into a first year as tenure track faculty. There is a lot to deal with, plenty of information, emergencies, deadlines that are not only a few days or hours away but also deadlines that have passed, etc. It is also a time in which one hear all kind of things you may not want to know. The relationship with your dean is crucial and keep your door open, delegate, bring coffee to whoever provides administrative support. It is tough, no matter the place or the circumstances. You will also find ways of saying no and people will somehow understand. Remember though, you will be back to be a faculty. But you may also decide that becoming dean or some other administrator is your passion. It can go either way. Something no one told me is that Summer are a lot of work when one is chair! It is brutal but it is really an interesting opportunity to get things done.

[losemygrip]

That lack of release time is outrageous.  Demand they do something, or you'll quit the chair job.  Seriously. 

You probably won't feel like you're really getting a grip on it until the second year.  In my experience.  By the third year you'll be in full swing, able to make things happen.