To provide firsthand knowledge of investigators and institutions for the evaluation of grants proposals, the Grants staff or Research Corporation visits hundreds of colleges and universities each year. Their finding reveal that department chairmen have a unique influence on the conduct of research and the motivation of students, as well as the total environment in which faculty and students work. Working sessions for heads from public and private institutions are reported. Each conference included 18 newly appointed chairmen, three highly successful resource people, and several additional special discussion leaders. Topics covered included: the chairman as administrator; responsibilities of the department leader; creating and sustaining an active department (e.g., recruiting new faculty members, faculty evaluation, stimulating creative activity); current departmental problems in chemistry, physics, and biology; managing money and obtaining support; heads' recruiting and advisory responsibilities to the students; and planning for the future. Appendices provide the Student Course Evaluation Form; Faculty Evaluation Form; foundation center regional collections; and typical life history of a Research Corporation application. (LBH)