The Department Chairs Community of Practice is an opportunity for department chairs and academic center directors to connect with each other around academic leadership topics. Each gathering includes lunch (unless noted otherwise below) and starts with 15 minutes of networking before facilitators and presenters lead the group in meaningful conversation.
2023-2024 Program
September 8, 2023, 3 p.m. at Memorial Union Terrace
“Welcome Back Gathering”
- Join us to connect with other department chairs as we begin another year of engaged leadership together. To meet up with our group, find a staff member near a large sunburst chair holding an umbrella. We will wear our name tags. We will move indoors to Der Rathskeller in case of inclement weather. Snacks will be provided. Bring a beverage or purchase one from the Union.
- No registration required
September 19, 2023, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Developing a Shared Vision”
- Successful visions are co-created and shared. In this gathering we will discuss how to work with departmental colleagues to develop a vision and goals for the department while also supporting school/college and institutional goals.
- Register by September 13, 2023
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
October 23, 2023, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Flourishing”
- Chancellor Mnookin has named “flourishing” as a priority for faculty, staff, and students. In this gathering we will discuss a definition of flourishing, how flourishing can be fostered, and the chair’s responsibility for helping people to flourish.
- Register by October 8, 2023
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
November 28, 2023, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Discovery Building
“Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging”
- The Diversity Forum is the university’s premier all-campus and community conference to discuss, share, and learn about contemporary issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). After attending the Diversity Forum or watching the recordings posted online, at this gathering we’ll discuss your key takeaways, what ideas you found challenging, and how to implement your findings into your department’s work on EDIB. You are welcome to attend this gathering without attending the Diversity Forum.
- Register by November 13, 2023
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
December 14, 2023, 8:30–9:45 a.m. at the Discovery Building
“Coffee Hour”
- As the semester winds down, let’s use this time to connect with each other on the issues of the day. Bring a beverage or purchase one from Aldo’s Cafe and meet in the open court (large open space by Johnson St.) for informal discussion.
- No registration required.
January 26, 2024, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. via Zoom
“Coaching Circles”
- Register by January 23, 2024
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
February 19, 2024, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Mediating Conflict”
- Register by February 4, 2024
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
March 7, 2024, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
Topic TBD based on chairs’ feedback
- Register by February 21, 2024
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
April 17, 2024, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Special Chairs’ Gathering with the Chancellor and Provost”
- This is an informal opportunity to interact with the chancellor and provost and discuss issues facing your departments and the university. Chancellor Mnookin will make some brief remarks, and then she and Provost Isbell will be available for questions and discussion.
- Register by April 2, 2024
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event
May 2, 2024, 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 and examine our successes, failures, regrets, what we enjoyed, and what we need to do more or less of during the next academic year. There will be time for both individual reflection and group discussion.
- Register by April 17, 2024
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event