APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

Departmental Leadership in the 21st Century

Neal B. AbrahamFive College Professor of Physics and

Executive Director Emeritus, Five Colleges, Incorporated

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PerspectivesDepartment chair Frequent external reviewerChief academic officer Project KaleidoscopeCouncil on Undergraduate ResearchNational Conferences on Undergraduate ResearchNRC: Committee on Undergraduate Science Education

Science Teaching ReconsideredNRC: CSMEEAAPT: The Physics MajorOSA: Committee on EducationPhysics Chairs Meeting – Case Study: “Mentoring the Whole Life…”

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

MantrasIf you don’t ask, the answer is NO.Adapt Not Adopt (Best Practices).

Equality is not EQUITY.Rules DO NOT necessarily lead to ORDER.Plan for the future; prepare for change.

No secrets stay secret.

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

Leadership in the DepartmentRoutine Business Getting Things DoneWorking with Colleagues Supporting StudentsManaging Staff Members Long Range PlanningCurriculum Enhancing TeachingResource Management Senior AdministratorsPerformance Assessments RecruitingAdministrator! Legacy for the Department

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesCulture of Encouragement & InclusivenessStay Within Your LimitsStudent SuccessInclusive GovernanceCommunication StrategiesAvoid SurprisesPerformance: Feedback and Reviews

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesCulture of Encouragement & Inclusiveness

Act now to recruit and encourage women and members of under-represented groups – 5%?

Set the rhetorical framework (T-shirts and jokes)Celebrate a range of accomplishmentsEschew competitions

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesStay Within Your Limits

So now you’re an administrator – keep good notes.Know the Rules – record, report and when to hand

things off (Title IX, harassment, discipline, retirement).

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesStudent Success

Encourage each studentMonitor student doubtsSupport diverse goals and pathsWatch the details – e.g., dynamics in labsProvide a gathering place for majors

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesInclusive Governance

Include others at all levelsDelegateAsk before you tellPlan for your future as a faculty colleague

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesCommunication Strategies

Respond promptlyKeep emails short, without tension

delay sending complicated or contentious onesMeet to discuss routine and difficult matters

keep notes, send follow-up, own the pen

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesAvoid Surprises

Prepare for each meeting through individual discussions

Encourage all to speak/contributeDon’t surprise your dean/provost

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

PrioritiesPerformance: Feedback and Reviews

Listen and observeProvide feedback more regularlyEncourage and supportFollow stated review protocolsBe specificClearly indicate improvements needed

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

Reflect RegularlyPause and Set Aside the To-Do ListThink about

OutcomesTime allocationRecordkeeping

APS-AAPT2018 Physics Department Chairs Conference

Leadership in the Department

PlanDo the Work

ReflectEnjoy