University of Delaware Policy Guide For Department Chairs And Academic Program Directors Definition Of Chair And Academic Program Director The term "chair" is used throughout these documents to mean "chair" and/or "academic program director". A member of personnel class 210 who functions as the chief representative and administrator of a department or an academic program and who reports to an academic dean or to an appropriate administrative officer is designated a chair or academic program director. Appointments as chair or academic program director are separate from the academic appointment an individual holds; alteration in an administrative contract does not affect the academic contract held by that person. The "Handbook for Faculty" (page II-1) describes the position in additional detail.