The Department Chairs Community of Practice is an opportunity for department chairs and academic program directors to connect with each other around academic leadership topics.
In-person gatherings start with lunch and 15 minutes of networking before facilitators and presenters lead the group in meaningful conversation. All meals include vegetarian and gluten-free options. Contact us at least two weeks in advance for other needs or requests.
2025-2026 Program
August 20, 2024, 3:45 p.m. at Memorial Union Terrace
“Welcome Back Gathering”
- Join us to meet and connect with new and continuing chairs, and to discuss challenges and opportunities happening in your department this year. This event will follow the final session of Leadership Essentials for NEW department chairs. Come to help welcome the new chairs into our community!
- Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. No registration required.
- To find our group, look for the table with a red, tall grass centerpiece and sign that says Chairs CoP. The event organizers will also wear our name tags so we’re easily identifiable. We will move indoors to Der Rathskeller in case of inclement weather.
September 15, 2025, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Trust”
- Trust is a building block of effective leadership. Together we’ll explore what trust is and isn’t; how to earn it and how to lose it’ the ripple effects when trust is present or absent; and how to open yourself to trusting others. We’ll also share an overview of the Community of Practice and what’s ahead for the year.
- Register by Sept. 2, 2025
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
October 17, 2025, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Communications”
- Effective communications can make or break trust with your various stakeholders. Together, with the Office of Strategic Communications, we’ll explore: how leaders communicate during times of change and uncertainty; strategies for understanding your audience and tailoring your message to them; real case studies to practice trust-building approaches; and how chairs can partner with Strategic Communications, both proactively and reactively.
- Register by Oct. 3, 2025
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
November 19, 2025, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Memorial Union
“Students”
- How does trust-building look from the perspective of undergraduate and graduate students? Together, with the Office of Student Affairs, we’ll discuss: coaching your faculty to build trust with students; navigating free speech and student activism; and lessons learned about caring for yourself while caring for others.
- Register by Nov. 5, 2025
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
December 8, 2025, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Instructional Workload Policy”
- How will UW–Madison implement the teaching workload requirements established in 2025 Wisconsin Act 15? And how will it impact your department? Join this conversation with the Office of the Provost to provide input into the UW–Madison policy being drafted and learn more about next steps. Background information about the policy is available online.
- Register by Nov. 24, 2025
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
January 28, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“State and Community Relations”
- In conversation with the offices of State Relations and Community Relations
- Register by Jan. 14, 2026
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
February 24, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Conversation with the Provost”
- This is our annual opportunity to have informal conversation with the provost. Bring your ideas and questions.
- Register by Feb. 10, 2026
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
March 25, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Strategic Planning and Goal Setting”
- In conversation with the Office of Strategic Consulting
- Register by March 11, 2026
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
April 30, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Reflecting on the Year”
- Reflection is a process that helps you make meaning out of your experiences. At this gathering, we’ll reflect on the academic year: our successes or failures, moments of joy or stress, who we were at the start of the year and who we are becoming, and what we need to hold on to or let go of in the next academic year. There will be time for both individual reflection and group discussion.
- Register by April 16, 2026
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event