Notes that the question of whether English departments had a future was asked 17 years ago when the author first became a department chair as it is asked now upon her retirement. Discusses things about the profession that have changed, for good or ill. Suggests that the profession's penchant for self-examination has not changed. (RS)

Describes the author's own perceptions and experiences as a woman chair, claiming that having a feminist chair (male or female) makes a positive difference in a department, for both women and men. (JK)

Discusses ways to seek financial resources for a department. Outlines ways to obtain the assistance of faculty, students, entrepreneurial divisions of the school, and other departments. (PRA)

Suggests that the technical and professional writing concentration in the English department at Eastern Michigan University serves as an example of the way Master of Arts (MA) programs often reflect the economy of a particular region. Discusses the MA program at Eastern Michigan University. (RS)

Describes the characteristics that many "comprehensive" universities share, and some of the things that set them apart from one another. Cautions potential applicants that comprehensive institutions expect a balance of teaching and research different from that at graduate institutions. Advises that in interviewing, applicants should be…

Urges that PhD-granting departments consider shrinking their graduate programs, thus reducing overproduction of PhDs and, by reducing the number of sections taught by graduate assistants, perhaps providing new tenure-track positions. Urges also that PhD-granting departments examine staffing practices in lower-level offerings and commit to engaging…

Discusses the psychological impact of chairing an English department in a time of shrinking resources. Provides advice for department heads faced with budget cuts. (HB)