Chairs and directors provide leadership for the academic unit through multiple roles that connect them to faculty, staff, administrators, students and numerous external constituencies. They are the most direct and influential link between the curriculum and the University's vision to become a premier learning community within the rapidly changing context of higher education. Effective communication, decision making and planning empower chairs and directors in their expanding responsibilities. The success of these leaders in constructing mutually beneficial relationships presents far-reaching opportunities for the academic unit within and beyond the University.

Successful chairs and directors establish their own best practices in conducting the daily operation of academic unit management. Sorting through the maze of responsibilities, they learn to set priorities, follow procedures and guidelines, meet deadlines, supervise faculty and staff, delegate responsibilities, and oversee facilities and equipment-to name just a few. Generally speaking, experienced chairs and directors know the who, what, when, where, why and how of academic administration.

External funding obtained through grants, contracts and planned giving will assure the continuation of innovative student initiatives and foster research and creative activities that enrich the community. Our success in securing that funding hinges on our ability to engage our faculty, staff and students in productive, collaborative relationships. Cultivating partnerships with sister institutions, as well as with schools, business and industry, government, and religious and social service agencies, increases the University's influence and impact as it addresses the needs of society.

Chairs and directors are increasingly responsible for managing the unit budget and facilities within the context of institutional and governing board policies and guidelines. Understanding the University's basic budget procedures, reports and forms facilitates effective budget oversight and accountability. However, it also provides a baseline for effective planning and resource development that fuels the unit's success.

Cultivating faculty success at all levels reinforces the University's commitment to build a premier learning community. Chairs and directors play a critical role in creating competitive and productive academic units in which expectations for faculty performance are clearly articulated and professional achievements are recognized and rewarded. From recruiting outstanding individuals, to mentoring new faculty across their probationary years, and in motivating senior faculty to continue meaningful scholarship and effective teaching, the leadership of chairs and directors drives the University.

The Academic Plan highlights BGSU's commitment to facilitating student access and integration into the University community by engaging students in meaningful learning activities beyond the classroom. Chairs and directors, through appropriate implementation of standard procedures and creation of innovative practices, are influential in student development, success and discipline. In tandem with their faculty members and services provided across the University, they address recruitment and retention, curricular innovation, advising, equity, diversity, privacy, student engagement, scholarships and award and career opportunities. They also face the challenges of classroom management, conflict mediation, counseling, problematic behavior and student grievances in building a learning environment that fosters student success.

As University administrators, chairs and directors are responsible for understanding and adhering to institutional policies and procedures as well as state and federal laws that regulate functions of the academic unit. Noncompliance has far-reaching implications for individuals, the academic unit and the University. Open communication between chairs and directors and college deans can avert misunderstanding and unnecessary litigation and grievances.

To maximize administrative effectiveness and assure continued professional fulfillment, chairs and directors learn to balance the often conflicting roles of academic-unit leader and faculty member. Collaborative relationships and open communication with University administrators and faculty members create an environment that fosters ongoing chair and director professional development and satisfaction. Underpinning their success is clear articulation of responsibilities, expectations, and rewards.