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Chairs Academy

Overview

The Chairs Academy is a leadership development pathway through which three micro-credentials (WVU Badges) may be earned:

Chairs Academy - Level 1
Chairs Academy - Level 2
AdminLeadership-Level3
Admin Leadership Completion

Rationale

Department chairs and school directors have decision-making responsibilities that influence large numbers of students, faculty and staff. However, most administrators rising from the faculty have had no prior training in leadership, management or finance. Academic administrators often comment on feeling ill-prepared in many of these aspects upon beginning their first administrative post. Leaders are expected to set the tone and establish conditions under which their faculty and students thrive. The lack of a systematic approach to training, developing and coaching academic leaders leaves to change how they deliver these results. Poorly prepared leaders may at best slow the progress of their organization and at worst adversely affect productivity and morale. Most unit leaders remain in their role five or fewer years, necessitating ongoing training and development efforts for successive cohorts.

The purpose of Level 1 is to help new department chairs and school directors gain a relatively consistent understanding of their role and responsibilities and the foundational skills necessary for success. In Level 2, participants will refine core leadership skills relevant for the successful functioning of the academic units. Level 3 includes individual leadership coaching to department chairs and school directors designed to further advance their professional development, promote strategic initiatives and deepen our bench of candidates for future University leadership roles.

Enrollment Criteria

Participation is by invitation only. This pathway is for faculty who are serving as a department chair or school director.

Level 1: Newly appointed department chairs and school directors will be expected to participate in the sessions that constitute Level 1 of the Chairs Academy Pathway. Information and session dates will be included in their letter of appointment provided by their dean.

Level 2: Department chairs and school directors who have completed the Chairs Academy: Skills for Administrative Leadership Level 1 will be invited to enroll in Level 2. In most instances, participation in Level 2 will occur during the second year of the chair’s/director’s administrative appointment.

Level 3: Department chairs and school directors who have completed the Chairs Academy: Skills for Administrative Leadership Level 2 will be invited to enroll in Level 3. In most instances, participation in Level 3 will occur during the third year of the chair’s/director’s administrative appointment.

Contact

For more information and schedule of session dates please contact Associate Provost for Academic Personnel Tracy Morris at tracy.morris@mail.wvu.edu.