Workshops in a Box:
Preparing Department Chairs for Meaningful and Productive Work
ABOUT US
Workshops in a Box: Preparing Department Chairs for Meaningful and Productive Work provides tools for Deans, Faculty Development Directors, and others in higher education who seek to engage new department chairs across different disciplines through a series of targeted, interactive, and informative workshops. Each workshop is designed to take 45-minutes so they can be run in lunch-and-learn formats, regularly scheduled meetings, or virtually.
These materials were developed through an Associated Colleges of the South Working Group in Summer 2021. Members of the working group are faculty from colleges/universities including:
Dr. Stephanie Hansard, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Dr. MacKenzie Moon Ryan, Associate Professor of Art History
Dr. Anne Stone, Associate Professor of Communication
Dr. Mike Gesinski, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Valerie Renegar, Professor of Communication Studies
Dr. Jeff Carlson, Associate Professor of Marketing
Dr. Joanna Wares, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Building Community
We created four modules that could be used to facilitate conversation among department chairs about departmental culture and the importance of building community. Department chairs might also consider ways to use the materials in their own work with colleagues. We hope this helps create a culture invested in each other's success.
Developing a Foundation in Leadership
This module begins by defining leadership and addresses strategies for building a strong foundation and addressing accountability in departments. Three scenarios at the end of the module provide opportunities for conversation and application of strategies.
Creating a Supportive Climate
This module describes what it means to create and work in a supportive communication climate. Through a series of reflections and exercises, participants will consider ways to improve department culture.
Managing Conflict
This module provides an overview of conflict management styles and leadership styles to provide new department chairs some background in navigating challenging situations. Scenarios for exploring different approaches to managing conflict are offered as opportunities for discussion.
Mentoring
We created two modules that highlight strategies for building a culture of mentoring.
If you use the modules, please give us some feedback by filling out this short survey.