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 here in Inside Higher Ed.
• The Campus Climate Survey and conversations with lecturer 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.

• Participants will get a set of skills and strategies that help them to become more informed and effective leaders. 
• Participants will gain a deeper understanding of department, college/school, and university policies, practices, and resources and the ability to identify approaches to lead their departments more effectively. 
• Participants will develop relationships with each other (including across schools), which they can draw upon as they approach their work in their departments.

• 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.

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 taking a look at 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.

All academic leaders are welcome, including those who are not chairs but have responsibilities for faculty or academic units, and faculty who will assume leadership roles (including chair). Experienced and new chairs are welcome. Because the sessions are interactive and case-based, there is always more to learn from peers and new scenarios. All materials and tools are available on Camino to all chairs, whether or not they participate in sessions. And we do not use the same case twice.

Yes, probably: new colleagues, tools,  activities, cases.  Most importantly there will again be lots of  interaction with peers--which participants appreciate as a primary aspect of the program. 

• Eileen Elrod, Associate Provost, Faculty Development
• Lisa Chang, Program Manager, Faculty Development
• Kitty Murphy, Associate Provost, Faculty Policy and Personnel
• Patti Simone, Professor and former chair, Psychology, current program director, neuroscience, and Faculty Associate with the Collaborative for Teaching Innovation/Faculty Development
• Mike Whalen, Professor, Chair, Communication 

Past topics include:

• Reflective Leadership: Setting Goals & Planning. Building Community. Allocating Department Service
• Managing Faculty Evaluation Processes: Transparency, Fairness, Consistency
• AY Planning and its Discontents
• Sharing Information, Making Decisions, Leading Meetings
• Values & Leadership Styles: yours, others’ 
• Conflict and Difficulty, Supporting Students, Staff,  &  Faculty of all Appointment Types
• Workflow, Time Management, and When to Lower your Standards