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Useful Resources for SCU Department Chairs
The University has a wide array of resources to support Department Chairs in their roles as managers, as they support faculty, and as they support students. Links to important resources are provided below.
Office of Equal Opportunity/Title IX
Office of General Counsel
Provost/Human Resources
Human Resources
Chairs Leadership Forum

The Chairs Leadership Forum provides a collaborative, cross-disciplinary space for Department Chairs to grow their skills as leaders and faculty developers. This generative environment is driven by our belief that strengthening relationships across departments and disciplines helps to facilitate creative and compassionate leadership. 

Learning Goals

  • Communicate leadership strengths and growth areas
  • Articulate the values, strengths, growth areas, and needs of the department
  • Articulate and apply particular leadership practices that fit individual style and align with a given department’s strengths and needs
  • Cultivate trust, respect, community, and collaboration with colleagues
  • Practice effective communication skills, particularly as those apply to 
    • handling difficult conversations with faculty, students, and staff
    • managing conflicts within the department
    • leading effective meetings
  • Recall or locate and communicate key faculty and student resources and policies (unionization, leaves, sabbaticals, hiring, evaluation, MPR, re/appointment, promotion, grade challenges, student complaints)
  • Plan for and model a commitment to stress management and self care (for self and colleagues, with special attention to newest colleagues)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A series of interactive, case-based sessions designed to support Chairs and other academic leaders as they develop leadership skills that reflect institutional values. Sessions are grounded in the kinds of questions and scenarios that chairs actually face, with a focus on context--what works for Santa Clara University, the department, and the individual. 

    As on-the-ground leaders who shape the day-to-day experiences of faculty, Department Chairs are integral to building a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability.

    In 2018-19 interviews and focus sessions Chairs overwhelmingly indicated that they did not feel prepared for or supported in this complex role, which is critical to the university’s mission. This feedback fits with national data, noted, for instance, in Colleen Flaherty's 2016 article, 'Forgotten Chairs', in Inside Higher Ed.

    Additionally, the Campus Climate Survey and conversations with faculty revealed difficulties within departments and classrooms. Chairs are situated to guide departments as they respond to challenges. The Chairs Leadership Forum provides chairs with relevant tools and strategies to help them respond.

    In Fall 2018 the Provost and Deans determined a need for a pilot program at the University level. After reviewing the literature on Chair development and assessing comparable programs at other universities, Faculty Development and an external consultant interviewed most incoming and outgoing Chairs, held focus groups, and consulted with Deans.

    With the support of the Provost’s Office and the Deans, we ran a pilot program in 2019-20, with an inaugural session with the Provost and President reflecting on Leadership & Ignatian Tradition. 47 Chairs participated at least once; 27 Chairs came to 6 or more sessions.  Assessment Report of the 2019-20 pilot.

    Participants will

    • Develop a set of skills and strategies to help them become more effective leaders 
    • Identify and apply a variety of evidence-based leadership approaches
    • Gain a deeper understanding of Department, College/School, and University policies, practices, and resources
    • Develop cross-disciplinary relationships and support networks to provide guidance and community while undertaking this leadership role

    Sessions are interactive, participatory, and case-based. Chairs learn and apply strategies that help them respond to scenarios they encounter (e.g., tactical, communication, and policy issues).

    Core practices are embedded within each session: self-care, Ignatian reflection, consultative leadership, and the cultivation of transparency and trust. Time is allotted in every session for peer-based problem solving and resource building in response to Chairs’ current challenges. Sessions include some facilitation by experienced Chairs, with the option of additional coaching.

    A Department 'Culture and Leadership' tool helps chairs promote transparent communication, stability, trust, and clarity around policies, procedures, and department culture.

    All academic leaders are welcome!

    We invite experienced, new, and incoming Chairs, as well as other campus leaders who have responsibility for faculty and/or academic units, to attend the Chairs Forum. 

    We encourage the continuous learning of all faculty, including campus leaders; since the sessions are interactive and case-based, there are always new peer perspectives to take into account, and, in our rapidly changing Higher Education environment, new scenarios to consider.

    All materials and tools used in the Forums are available to all Chairs on Camino regardless of whether they participate in sessions. 

    Absolutely: every academic session we will have new colleagues, tools, activities, cases. With the rise of AI, changes in political climate, and other impactful events, our leadership must remain conscientious, collaborative, and compassionate. By building community and pursuing a holistic environment of continuous learning through initiatives such as the Chairs Leadership Forum, we will remain leaders across the Higher Education sector for our justice-driven and evidence-based practices and policies.