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[sinatra]

Although I have seen threads on workshops and sessions for new deans, I haven't seen one on workshops for new chairs. My university does not offer orientations or sessions for new chairs, so I am left on my own to figure things out. I was looking into the department leadership workshops offered by ACE, but they are a bit out of my budget range given that my university won't pick up any part of the tab. I also looked at the CCAS seminars for deans and the CHE Leadership Forum, but those seem geared more for people higher on the university food chain. Are there any other reputable programs that I should look into or that you can recommend to help me pick up and/or sharpen the skills I need to serve my program well?

I should add that I am heading a humanities program, so seminars for chairs in business or science may or may not apply to my situation.

[systeme_d_]

In my discipline, there are workshops for chairs at every annual meeting of our largest scholarly association.   These are crucial for professional development, since contacts are made there that serve chairs well (particularly when folks in the department go up for tenure -- see my other recent post on this topic here http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,59295.0.html).

You may want to look into that.  You may also wish to contact chairs in your discipline at other universities to set up a mentoring relationship.

Good luck!

[takapa]

The folks at Kansas State put on conference for chairs each year.  See this year's (last Feb.) here:

http://www.dce.k-state.edu/conf/academicchairpersons/index.shtml

[sinatra]

Thanks systeme_d. I know a few department chairs and have informally networked with them. I also read the different fora here. I was just hoping to get into a program or seminar or workshop that could help me make more networking connections with people in similar situations. The K State seminar looks like a good find for next year. So big thanks to takapa for that!

[nottooinlovewacademe]

The Kansas one that they have in Orlando every year is well organized with some great sessions and the ability to regain some sanity as one compares how things are done in different places and disciplines. This year, some of the workshops were better than the keynotes and some of the dialogues were very useful. You may even present too. 

[psychprof]

You do mention one problem with almost all of these workshops--they aren't cheap! I have been to the ACE dept chairs' workshop, and it is a good one, but sometimes a bit too theoretical and less practical. The Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences puts on a very good chair's workshop that is quite practical. Info here: http://www.ccas.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1, look under "meetings."

You probably aren't in education, but if you are, AACTE puts on a very good chairs' workshop coming up in June: http://www.aacte.org/index.php?/component/option,com_events/Itemid,28/agid,20/catids,9|35/day,28/month,06/task,view_detail/year,2009/

I second the earlier recommendation of the Kansas dept chairs' institute.

Hope this is helpful.

[sinatra]

Thanks, psychprof. I will look into the CCAS workshop, too.

[thundering_m]

Well, Sinatra, what do you hope to get out of such a workshop?

If administrative procedures, the staff development of your institution will make damn sure you know about writing reports, turning in schedules, and processing the endless paperwork for which you will now get the big bucks. *tries to keep straight face*

If faculty leadership, general advice is equal parts courtesy and common sense.
Is the department cohesive with a well-articulated mission? That''s your constitution and all decisions must be self-evidently aligned. Your contribution is to light the path to it.
Are there faculty with leadership history, e.g. unseated chairs or deposed deans? Pull out the MIL files once you figure out their dispositions towards a) you, and b) each other.  Your role is to inspire trust and affiliation.

FWIW, Ol Blue Eyes. You're still going to do it My Way.

[aandsdean]

I second/third/etc. the advice on the K-State program in Orlando.  It's excellent.

The CCAS conference is really aimed at deans (Motto:  "Helping Deans Dean"), but a great deal of the advice is spot-on for chairs, too.

In addition to the others mentioned, if you're at a private, the CIC (Council of Independent Colleges) has workshops for chairs as well--haven't been to one, but I hear they're good.

Good luck and at least try to enjoy.  Of all my jobs, chair of a biggish department was the best combination of clout and flexibility.

[sinatra]

Thanks, aandsdean. I always look forward to your posts. Thanks, too, to thundering. I am a department chair without the title, so I have no power in the hiring process and have no budget to oversee. Otherwise, I do most of the other functions: schedule courses, advise, work with faculty/staff, liberally use my "bang head here" sign on my office wall, etc. I am looking for some skills/knowledge in areas like legal issues, working with academic budgets, conflict management, etc. I am also hoping to network with people who are chairs so that I could learn how to create a good vision and get some advice on applying for administrative jobs. Once I establish the program I am in charge of, I would like to become a "real" chair elsewhere in a much bigger department or begin scouting for assistant/associate dean jobs. So, I am looking for something that helps me short-term and sets me up for a much longer-term career pattern...if that makes sense.

[aandsdean]

Thanks, aandsdean. I always look forward to your posts. Thanks, too, to thundering. I am a department chair without the title, so I have no power in the hiring process and have no budget to oversee. Otherwise, I do most of the other functions: schedule courses, advise, work with faculty/staff, liberally use my "bang head here" sign on my office wall, etc. I am looking for some skills/knowledge in areas like legal issues, working with academic budgets, conflict management, etc. I am also hoping to network with people who are chairs so that I could learn how to create a good vision and get some advice on applying for administrative jobs. Once I establish the program I am in charge of, I would like to become a "real" chair elsewhere in a much bigger department or begin scouting for assistant/associate dean jobs. So, I am looking for something that helps me short-term and sets me up for a much longer-term career pattern...if that makes sense.

You're welcome and thanks.   Given the specs you've provided, the K-State workshop is the place to go, I think.  If you're in English or languages, the ADE/ADFL programs are also really good.

[anthroid]

I found the ACE programs relatively useful, actually, particularly in light of OP's interests in legal issues, "how to think like an administrator" workshops, and the like.  Maybe you can get to one if it's anywhere near your location, Sinatra?

[sinatra]

The price tag on ACE is really the problem, anthroid. I plan to attend the Anker online conference, the K-State conference, and a CCAS seminar for the same price that I would have paid for one ACE conference. But thanks for the suggestion!