The Dean-Chair Dyad: Developing an Effective Relationship with your Dean

The department chairperson must effectively relate with their academic dean in order to successfully advocate for their department. Financial resources, human resources, facility prioritization, and curriculum decisions are all contingent on the dean’s approval. However, many chairpersons are unsure how to develop a trusting, collaborative relationship with their dean. This session will outline the distinctive roles of the chairperson and the academic dean and will present strategies for cultivating this important relationship. Ideas for resolving current conflicts as well as avoiding future tension will be discussed. The session will conclude with the review of common dean/chair scenarios for small-group discussion