Without question, the routine and day-to-day encounters and challenges faced by a department head can seem at times to be daunting and time-consuming (over and above those things that arise unexpectedly). However, this situation is far outweighed by the enrichment that is realized from working toward enhancing the department's mission and objectives, and from establishing a vision for the program and its faculty. Moreover, one quickly realizes that effective academic leadership involves consensus building, fostering individual and group development, and nourishing and mentoring the students a department serves. Collectively such efforts offer similar rewards.
It is hoped that this guidebook will provide useful information for department heads new to their appointments and especially for those new to UTC and its campus culture. The intent of those involved with its compilation was to identify and outline the most typical components of a head's professional responsibilities. It should be noted, however, that this is only intended to be a summary of information, and you will be referred frequently to additional sources. The sources cited throughout can be very helpful supplementary source material. One specific source that is recommended reading for all department heads and should accompany this guidebook, is Tucker's Chairing the Academic Department (full citation appears below); particularly useful is his "case study" approach to typical situations and problems that a head might encounter. The book is available on campus at Grants and Program Review and the Grayson H. Walker Teaching Resource Center.
Supplemental Reading:
Tucker, A. (1993). Chairing the Academic Department.
Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press.