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.
2026-2027 Program
August 19, 2026, 3:45 p.m. at Memorial Union Terrace
“Community of Practice Fall Kick Off”
- Join us to meet and connect with new and continuing department chairs and academic program directors, and to discuss what’s ahead for your department or program this year. This event will follow the final session of Leadership Essentials for New Department Chairs. Come to help welcome the new chairs and directors 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 9, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Running Productive and Efficient Meetings”
- Guests from The Discussion Project will join us to share strategies for planning and facilitating effective department/program meetings. During this interactive gathering, we will work together to refine your meeting agendas and facilitation plans so you leave fully prepared to nurture rich, productive discussion and efficient decision making in your department or program. Please bring a fully charged laptop and a draft meeting agenda to workshop during the session.
- Register in Workday by August 26, 2026.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.
October 5, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Managing Conflict”
- In this session, Human Resources experts will share practical strategies and tools for navigating workplace conflict. Together, we’ll explore:
- Informal versus formal approaches, and when to use which one;
- Templates, tools, resources, and support available to you;
- A case study of a real, challenging situation and how best to respond.
- There will also be time for Q&A to discuss challenges in your department.
- Register in Workday by September 21, 2026.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.
November 3, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Memorial Union
“Navigating Difficult Conversations”
- Navigating difficult conversations can be one of the hardest things chairs do. In this session, you’ll learn how two experienced chairs engage in proactive, open, and direct discussions about hard topics like performance, conduct, working with students, family emergencies, etc. You’ll leave with experience and insights to plan for your next difficult conversation with care and confidence.
- Register in Workday by October 20, 2026.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.
December 3, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Memorial Union
“Staff Professional Development”
- How can chairs support the staff in their departments to grow in their careers? How can chairs best work with staff they don’t formally supervise? We’ll address these questions and more in conversation with counselors from UW–Madison’s Employee Career Counseling Program. Career counseling is a free, confidential service focused on career development, management, and other work-related needs. It also offers a supportive space to help all employees navigate the complex world of work, enabling people to find their own solutions to a variety of job challenges.
- Register in Workday by November 19, 2026.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.
January 27, 2027, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Faculty Professional Development”
- Register in Workday by January 13, 2027.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.
February 23, 2027, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Union South
“Revising Departmental Policies and Procedures”
- Register in Workday by February 9, 2027.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.
April 1, 2027, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Memorial Union
“Conversation with Provost Zumbrunnen”
- This is our annual opportunity to have informal conversation with the provost. Bring your ideas and questions.
- Register in Workday by March 18, 2027.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.
April 26, 2027, 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 in Workday by April 12, 2027.
- Any related materials or handouts will be added to the Department Chair Community of Practice Box folder after the event.