The cluster dean's primary responsibility is to lead, supervise, and evaluate the faculty and staff within the learning cluster. He also participates in long-range planning and formulating educational policy. This article examines the cluster dean's relationships with faculty and department chairmen, and identifies advantages of the cluster…

Discusses the multitude of tasks that community college academic deans perform and the evolution of the role of dean through the present. Looks at skills required in areas such as productivity and accountability, human relations, and budgeting. Examines current job descriptions and discusses some of the skills that are essential to the dean's…

According to research, only 28% of college presidents rely on the chief academic officer (CAO) as the primary confidant. But in order to operate synergistically for the good of the institution, the president and the CAO must work together with a singular voice. Asserts that the first step toward successful participatory management is forthright…

This chapter examines the different aspects of the dean's role as chief academic officer (CAO) in the community college, including curriculum development, community engagement, and instructional technology. Whether his or her title is dean or academic vice-president, the CAO has primary responsibility for coordinating curriculum development and…

Interpersonal conflict is a fact of daily life for the dean. Examines how conflict can be altered into a source of constructive change. Delineates three myths about conflicts. Describes sources of conflict in higher education between administrators and faculty and students and faculty. Describes new approaches to dealing with conflicts. (VWC)

The dean's role includes making daily decisions regarding students, faculty, and outside parties. Deans should acquire the habit of evaluating the ramifications of troublesome decisions to avoid legal and personnel problems. This chapter outlines five aspects that deans should consider when making sensitive, difficult decisions: problems, issues,…

Discusses deans' responsibilities in financial management, including budget development, budget management, broker of resources, program review, and fundraising. Describes what deans need to know: categories of income, local tax assessment, financing new construction, and key accounting terminology. Looks at key challenges for deans and offers a…

The academic dean carries a major responsibility for the teaching and learning outcomes of a community college. Focuses on the role of the dean in community colleges and the relationship of the dean to the faculty. Faculty evaluation, recognition, and development are all important functions to be performed. (Contains 12 references.) (VWC)