Department Chair Position Descriptions and Responsibilities

Chairs are administratively responsible for the management of their departments or programs. They oversee their unit’s budget; provide directions to faculty and staff and evaluate their performances; and ensure that their unit adheres to university, college, and departmental rules and regulations. The chair provides leadership to the faculty, staff, and students in the department to help them reach their potential for excellence in teaching and learning, research, and service. University leadership is inherently different than leadership at other types of institutions. Chairs cannot order faculty or students to do things, but must lead by building consensus and trust through collaborative decision-making. Administering the department should be a chair’s highest priority.

Portland State University Department Chair Handbook