Suggestions for a new language department chair are presented. They include the following: assemble teams to help; be accessible; learn administrative details; make decisions; create a procedures manual; be chair of all the department; and be an individual. (LB)

The department chair's responsibilities for program planning and development are discussed, embracing three broad areas: conception and development of new projects, application and inclusion of projects in the department's course of study, and cultivation of agreement and support within the wider college community. (LB)

Examines the shift in the role of the college and university language department head from that of colleague and leader to manager, resulting from changing institutional and professional culture. Argues department chairs must read recent research on department leadership, learn about changes in higher education and the faculty's role, and…

Discusses the effect that human relations have on the administration of college foreign language departments. It is argued that department chairs need to be aware of their responsibilities to administrators and faculty, establishing a blend of positive interaction within the department and respect for their leadership position. (three references)…

Argues that two forms of leadership exist currently in college and university foreign language departments: the top publishing and public-speaking scholars; and the people who chair the departments, dealing with the daily business of staffing courses and working with faculty and administrators. Suggests the two types of leaders operate in…

Discusses how department chairs can adapt psychological research about decision making to help carve out a central place for departments in the changing and increasingly international campus, presenting five areas to explore: alliances with units on campus, alliances with the college of education, training of graduate students, opportunity for…

College language department heads are encouraged to become proactive in responding to change in higher education by: undertaking departmental planning; ensuring good teaching; emphasizing collegiality; thinking creatively; becoming part of any college restructuring process; identifying allies on campus; staying informed about institutional…

Fluctuations in the role of foreign language department chairs since 1958 are discussed, with focus on the "intellectual expansion" of language educators' roles in American education as a whole. The nature of leadership is considered. (one reference) (LB)

Discusses changes observed from the foreign language and literature deportment chair over the last decade that pose the greatest opportunity and risk for department leaders in the first decade of the new millennium. (Author/VWL)

Offers advice for the incoming foreign language department chair, emphasizing the importance of knowing the department and the institution, working with colleagues, being accessible and dependable, and not wasting time. (Author/VWL)

The role of department chair is not one of power or authority, but rather one of service to the community and one's colleagues. The chair must commit to work diligently and balance the often conflicting needs of students, staff, faculty, and administrators. (LB)

Reveals how a business model--based on the work of W. Edwards Deming--helped a foreign language department chair become a better leader. Outlines seven principles for department chairs: create constancy of purpose; change and improvement are ongoing; drive out fear; work with suppliers to continually improve the quality of incoming people,…

Ten rules that department chairs need for dealing with the dean are presented, including knowing the dean and the college mission, speaking the dean's language, knowing your numbers, making deadlines, making the department look good, and preventing any budget surprises. (LB)

It is argued that foreign language study has failed to secure a central place in the American curriculum partly because of a lack of articulation from elementary through university studies, possibly because of a lack of universally accepted methods for assessing language development. Department chairs are encouraged to recreate an articulated…

Identifies broad areas that will affect all department chairs when they deal with academic personnel matters. Discusses such issues as hiring and reappointment, faculty evaluation, sexual harassment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, email and Internet messages, And the Age Discrimination Employment Act. (Author/VWL)