Department Chairs (or Program Directors) are essential to the effective functioning of the several colleges and special divisions of the University. They are looked upon as positions of educational leadership, important in recruitment and development of personnel, in building and vitalizing curricula, and in interpretation and activation of University and College policy and regulations.
Appointment and termination of a faculty member’s service as Chair of a department is at the discretion of the Dean. However, in order to ensure the development of long-range departmental leadership, changes at appropriate intervals should be regarded as University policy. It is the responsibility of the Dean to utilize the resource of such highly qualified persons as give special promise of achieving this stated objective.
Department Chairs are appointed for initial terms not to exceed five years. Beyond this, with due consideration to the value of change, they may be reconsidered for a term not to exceed five years and must be so informed in each case.