Advice for a New Chair

Remember that you are not in this alone. A good leader is able to delegate some of the work of managing the department, and this good practice gives potential future chairs vital experience. The Dean and Associate Deans are also very willing to work with you. Please contact us for help on any aspect of your work.

t's helpful to make sure you are able to log into all the systems you will use before you need them and that they recognize you as chair: Curriculog, FTCS, eBucs, Banner (Finance, ePrint), Timekeeper TRS, ProTenure, eJobs/Contracts.

You are likely to be in the office more than other faculty and are likely to be the point person that deals with emergencies.  Keep the Public Safety number pasted on your phone:  423 439-448.

You'll need to download the ETSU SAFE app to get emergency texts.

As a department chair, it is common to have multiple priorities vying for your attention at any given time. To effectively manage these competing demands, it can be helpful to utilize time management strategies such as prioritizing tasks, creating a schedule, and delegating responsibilities where appropriate. It can also be helpful to set clear goals and priorities for yourself and your department, and to communicate these to your team. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your own physical and mental well-being and to make time for rest and relaxation when needed. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your priorities can also help to ensure that you are effectively allocating your time and energy towards the most pressing tasks.

Interruptions aren't taking you away from your job—they are your job.  Or possibly 70% of your job.

As a department chair, it is important to prioritize the mental health and well-being of your students. Here are a few suggestions for how to effectively address student mental health:

• Make sure that your department is aware of and has access to resources for mental health support, such as counseling services and student health centers.
• Encourage open and honest communication about mental health issues and create a safe and supportive environment for students to talk about their concerns.
• Offer accommodations for students with mental health conditions, such as extra time on assignments or flexibility with attendance policies.
• Work with faculty members to identify and address any potential barriers to student success related to mental health.
• Regularly check in with students who may be struggling and offer support and guidance as needed.

The ETSU Dean of Students  is your one-stop spot for all things related to student support services: helping students in crisis, requesting help through submitting a CARE report, and even to request a laptop or hotspot

By taking a proactive and supportive approach to student mental health, you can help to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students in your department.

As a department chair, building consensus among your faculty and staff is an important part of effectively leading and managing your team. One way to do this is by clearly communicating the goals and objectives of your department and the reasoning behind them. This helps to create a shared understanding and a sense of common purpose among team members. Additionally, encouraging open and honest communication and actively listening to the perspectives and concerns of others is crucial for building consensus. It is also important to consider the needs and interests of all stakeholders and to strive to find solutions that meet the needs of the majority. Creating a collaborative and inclusive culture within your department, and using effective decision-making techniques such as seeking input from all relevant parties and weighing the pros and cons of various options, can also help to build consensus and unite your team behind a common vision.

Here are a few more specific techniques that a department chair can use to build consensus among their faculty and staff:

1. Brainstorming: Encourage team members to come up with as many ideas as possible, without evaluating or criticizing them, in order to generate a wide range of options.
2. Nominal group technique: This is a structured process for group decision-making that involves individuals working independently to generate ideas and then coming together to discuss and rank them.
3. Delphi method: This is a process that involves soliciting anonymous input from a group of experts and using their responses to come to a consensus decision.
4. Consensual decision-making: This is a process that involves seeking the agreement of all team members before making a decision.

As a department chair, one of the most important things you can do to make a positive difference is to be a strong and effective leader. This means setting clear goals and expectations for your department, and working with your team to ensure that everyone is working towards them. It also means being a good listener and being willing to consider different viewpoints and approaches. Additionally, you can make a positive difference by fostering a positive and collaborative culture within your department, and by being proactive in addressing any issues or concerns that arise. Finally, it's important to be a good communicator and to keep all members of your department informed about what's going on, as well as to seek feedback and input from them. By taking these steps, you can help to create a positive and productive working environment that makes a real difference for your department and the people in it.

Yo, department chairs, listen up! You've got the power to make your team's work experience way less boring and way more hype. Here's how you can do that:

• Be the office hype person. Encourage your team to celebrate their wins, no matter how small.
• Bring in some snacks. Who doesn't love a little something to munch on in the afternoon?
• Mix things up. Try hosting a team-building activity or a fun event to break up the grind of the work day.
• Get creative. Encourage your team to think outside the box and come up with fresh and innovative ideas.
• Don't take yourself too seriously. It's all good to have a little fun and show your personality. Your team will appreciate it!

Remember, as the department chair, you set the tone for the team. So don't be afraid to add a little bit of fun and positivity to your work day. It'll go a long way in creating a chill and productive work environment.

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