Chairs often assume their positions without any formal management training. In addition, chairs often experience some degree of isolation and being caught in the middle between deans, faculty, and students. In the interest of providing support and promoting effective leadership at URI, the Office of the Provost, in partnership with the NSF-ADVANCE program, Planning Services and Professional Development (PSPD), and the John Hazen White Center for Ethics and Public Service, will be offering a discussion series for department chairs. The discussion forums will include a meal, be facilitated by chairs or former chairs and may include presentations, case study discussions, as well as ample opportunity to network with fellow chairs.

Identify the challenges of a Department Chair and provide support

• Enhance mentoring and leadership development opportunities for Department Chairs, including new and aspiring Chairs
• Address issues relating to the challenges inherent in that role.
• Provide support and networking opportunities

• Managing Up and Down: Pressures of the Role of Chairperson – Allegiances, Authority, and Rights.
• Workshop evaluation and suggestions for future topics

• Ethics Workshop for Chairs

• Nuts & Bolts for New and Seasoned Chairs