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,…

Outlines four characteristics essential to foreign language teachers and describes how they should be incorporated in teacher preparation, as both the field and students change. (Author/VWL)

Explores the implications of the "discount store" metaphor as it is commonly used and understood. Argues that "K-Mart U" would emphasize a predictable level of quality and convenience, and recognize and honor that few students are as dedicated to the life of the intellect as professors, and design course requirements and assignments to assure…

Reports on one college's efforts to bridge the gap that often exists between student and academic affairs. Reports on the development of a survey of recent graduates through the career development center (CDC) that involved the collaboration of many departments. Results indicate that the collaborative survey was an effective way to involve…

Asserts that if designed properly, individual program (rather than institutional) self-assessment could play an important role in the enhancement of quality assurance in South African higher education. Provides an in-depth discussion of formulating and implementing effective policy for program self-assessment. (EV)

Explores preparation and training of subject department heads in British secondary schools, based on interviews with 36 Welsh department heads. Heads of department valued learning about their role when working with previous heads (professional socialization) and different kinds of learning experienced when becoming heads (organizational…

Argues that both composition and literary studies have a common pedagogical vocation and that by harvesting some very general insights from two decades of cultural critique, English departments can develop curricula that will resolve a good deal of the conflict between literature and composition and improve instruction in both. (SC)

Discusses the art and ethos of chairing or governance and all of the duties and responsibilities in being a department chair. The chair develops multiple personalities as administrator, mediator, visionary, and entrepreneur. Eight important tools are identified that a chair has at hand to carry out the multifarious work and maintain an effective…

Gathers some of Sir Francis Bacon's educational ideas from his various writings and applies them to the five stages of undergraduate professional and technical writing program development: planning, implementation, mission, design and development, staffing, and administration. (SG)

Analyzed alumni survey data to examine the impact that academic departments have on student satisfaction and development. Controlling for individual characteristics, found that characteristics of departments such as faculty contact with students, research emphasis, and proportion of female undergraduates had a significant impact on satisfaction…

Forty-four chairpersons of departments judged by academic vice presidents at randomly selected institutions to be engaged in especially effective curriculum planning were interviewed about their roles. The interviews suggested seven leadership roles used in the curriculum development process; they varied by institutional type, department size, and…

Identifies broad areas affecting department chairs when they deal with academic personnel matters, including sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. Notes that the hiring and reappointment process is at the core of building and maintaining the highest quality faculty members, and that most federal and state courts defer to academic judgment…

Suggests that educators in two year colleges must find a space, in all the other work that they have, to do both the reading and writing that allows them to thrive professionally. Concludes that teaching will always matter, but it should not exclude the essential development that only a broader professional conversation can enable in the teacher.…

Notes that Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), located in Indonesia, obtained a grant from the World Bank's Quality of Undergraduate Education (QUE) fund to upgrade the qualifications of its Department of Communication to improve its curriculum and update facilities. Reports results of two weeks of intensive consultation and detailed planning. Shares…

Uses the term "shape shifting" to describe a set of evolving, institutionalized practices that are open to both dark and benign interpretations. Discusses ways to foster diversity. Presents a practical guide on how graduate programs can be more proactive in preparing students for positions that demand a diversity of specialization and skills. (SG)