Summer 2005
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Summer 2005 |
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Strategies for conducting difficult personnel conversations and how to work effectively with the chief academic officer were two of the topics of greatest interest at the 2005 CIC Department and Division Chair Workshops. Experts on legal and personnel issues, as well as an experienced chief academic officer, led participants through discussions and case studies on the theory and practice of conflict resolution, support for personnel in stressful circumstances, preventive law, and legal issues in hiring, non-renewal of contracts, and firing. More than 200 department/division chairs, representing 96 colleges and universities, participated in the fourth annual series of regional workshops this spring that focused on Effective Personnel Practices. The workshops were held in San Francisco, CA (April 1-2); Atlanta, GA (May 24-26); Pittsburgh, PA (June 1-3); and Chicago, IL (June 7-9). Participants said the workshops offered “very clear, practical suggestions” on a variety of topics, including “critical legal problems to be aware of,” “dealing with a difficult conversation,” “leadership and people management skills,” and “working with the dean.” In one of the most well-received sessions in the Chicago workshop, “Working with the Chief Academic Officer,” Carl H. Caldwell, vice president for academic affairs and dean of Anderson University (IN) since 1996, discussed what CAOs expect of department chairs, and the dos and don’ts for department/division chairs in creating an effective working relationship with the CAO. Of the session, participants said, “it’s very helpful to know what CAOs can do for us”; Caldwell offered a “ton of useful information that…I will share with other department chairs, the development director, and CAO”; and “I was able to apply it to my position and what I can expect and do for those who report to me.” In a series of sessions at the Chicago workshop on conflict resolution and personnel issues, Jane Jakoubek, a clinical psychologist and long-serving vice president and dean of academic affairs at Hanover College (IN), led participants through exercises that provided practical tips and insights into handling difficult situations with colleagues and students. One participant said Jakoubek’s session on supporting personnel in stressful circumstances offered “excellent suggestions and concrete actions and steps I can use and think about in dealing with crisis and planning change.” The Atlanta workshop session on preventive law led by Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, principal of CG2 Consulting, was also highly rated by participants, one of whom said, “Her kind of expertise is rare—her experience is great and would be extremely helpful to everyone.” Many participants said the workshops provided valuable time to be with and learn from their colleagues at similar institutions. Among the most helpful aspects of the workshops, participants said, were “sharing issues and strategies with colleagues,” “hearing what others are experiencing,” “listening to solutions at other institutions,” “networking,” and receiving “practical advice from people who have been department/division chairs for a long time.” Independent |
