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Dear Faculty Relations – I’m both excited and nervous about my new position as the Department Chair. What can I do to help myself and my department thrive? – New Academic Leader

Dear New Academic Leader – Any new challenge brings its share of jitters. Here are some recommendations from an experienced chair on what he would like to have known before he began his role as department chair. It’s valuable advice for new and current academic leaders.

1. Take advantage of the support and advice offered through Faculty Affairs - get guidance early on for potentially tricky situations.
2. Know the Faculty Professional Rights and Responsibilities Document – especially key points where faculty are most likely not to meet expectations.Ìý
3. Know key points of Regent Law – e.g., the delegated right to the faculty on how to teach their courses.
4. Know your unit’s bylaws – use them to your advantage.
5. Write emails as if they could be read by your colleagues, the Daily Camera, or in front of a jury.
6. Be deliberate in communicating the most sensitive or potentially contentious messages online or offline.
7. Send emails documenting important points made during meetings.
8. Communicate with all challenging individuals as if they were recording your conversations.
9. Treat your colleagues, staff, and students with empathy and respect – everyone is struggling with their challenges.
10. Listen to and prioritize students.
11. Stand up to the poor treatment of students, colleagues, and staff.
12. When in doubt, report to OIEC or other appropriate offices.
13. Value and reward good citizenship and those who contribute to your unit’s efforts and positive culture. Look for ways to encourage positive behavior.
14. Respect and take care of your staff – they can be incredible contributors.
15. Take annual evaluations seriously - reward behavior consistent with your unit’s goals.
16. Problems don’t start and stop with your term, do your due diligence to learn and document whether problems are part of a pattern or are pervasive.
17. Focus on your unit’s long-term objectives – think big and keep moving.
18. Be a great partner – look for and develop strategic partnerships and win-wins.
19. Be an example of the type of behavior you hope to see from your colleagues.
20. Maintain your scholarship – you’re still an academic (and will help keep you sane!)

Written by Charles Musgrave, Associate Dean of Graduate Education, Professor and Former Chair of Chemical & Biological Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Colorado, Â鶹ӰԺ, February 2022.