To determine how English department chairmen perceive the role of the freshman English director, a study surveyed English department chairmen from 250 randomly selected medium/small to large universities nationwide, representing every state (with a 54% response rate). The questionnaire solicited data about the tasks and responsibilities of directing a freshman English program. Respondents rated 21 items on a four-point scale from "essential" to "not important," in addition to answering open-ended questions concerning qualities necessary for a program director. Results indicated that, collectively, chairs felt strongest about six key aspects of directing a freshman English program. The director should (1) remain accessible throughout the semester; (2) communicate regularly with the chair; (3) possess strong communication skills; (4) remain current with developments in the discipline; (5) train inexperienced staff; and (6) monitor the quality of the staff's teaching. Results revealed that chairs valued general administrative abilities over substantive policy-making or direct administrative control of the program, and many of the prose remarks indicated that the chairs perceived a major responsibility of the writing program administrator to be one of good public relations. Additional qualities noted, which were not listed on the questionnaire, included interpersonal skills and various personality traits, such as patience, common sense, and a sense of humor. (A sample questionnaire is included.) (MM)