Introduction
The proper functioning of any large university depends directly upon those
chosen to serve as department chairpersons. At the most delicate and
important contact point between faculty and administration, their position is
crucial. Although not themselves members of the faculty bargaining unit, they
are expected to carry out many of the same duties as faculty members in
teaching, research, and service (if under somewhat reduced commitments of
time) while serving primarily in an administrative capacity. Hence, their
position may at times appear and feel ambiguous, but the ambiguity is not
necessarily a drawback. On the contrary, it can be a distinct advantage,
helping chairpersons to direct knowledge of most of our University's
operations. A chairperson's success may be measured in large part by the
success with which he or she understands this ambiguity and has learned to
capitalize on its special advantages.
This Chairperson's Supplement provides each department chair or director with
policy statements and other materials designed to assist in the performance of
certain key duties, such as promotion and tenure recommendations, recruitment,
and evaluation. Updated revisions of these documents will be issued from time
to time.
March 19, 1995