SIGCSE 2006: Workshop for Department Chairs

The Workshop for Department Chairs is an opportunity for department chairs with limited experience to improve their ability to perform their duties. This day-long Wednesday workshop is a new SIGCSE activity.

When will the Workshop be held?

Wednesday, March 1, 2006 (the day before SIGCSE 2006 starts). The workshop will start at 9:00am and conclude around 5:00pm. Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided.

Who should participate in the Workshop?

Department chairs with three or fewer years experience in the job as well as those who will shortly become department chairs.

Who will lead the Workshop?

Three former department chairs will serve as facilitators, coordinators and discussion leaders: Sandra DeLoatch (Norfolk State University), Sue Fitzgerald (Metropolitan State University), and Frank Young (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology).

What will the Workshop cost?

There will be a charge of $65 for the workshop. This fee is similar to the fee for the technical workshops at SIGCSE. Note that this workshop includes two coffee breaks and lunch.

What will the Workshop format be?

Three experienced former department chairs will serve as resources for the group as the participants explore ways that department chairs can do their jobs efficiently and effectively. This will be a participatory workshop. Its success will be determined by how much each participant brings to and shares with the group. This is an opportunity for all participants to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions.

What topics will be discussed in the Workshop?

Among the topics discussed will be recruiting techniques, mentoring methods, management and leadership styles, effective communication, resolution of conflicts, setting of priorities, creating and maintaining a department vision and mission, assessment, and publicity issues. All participants will be asked to suggest additional topics prior to the workshop.

What will the participants do on Wednesday evening?

Some participants will want to attend a SIGCSE Workshop. All others are invited to a "pay your own way" dinner at a local restaurant. This will be an opportunity for the participants to socialize after a long day of hard work.

Are there any other things that will happen during the Workshop?

The Workshop participants will have lunch and coffee breaks with the Doctoral Consortium participants. This will be an opportunity for the participants in both activities to interact with each other.

How do I sign up for the Workshop?

To receive an application form for the Workshop, send a request to sigcse06-chairsworkshop@cs.rit.edu .

What if I have other questions about the Workshop?

Questions that are still unanswered may be emailed to sigcse06-chairsworkshop@cs.rit.edu . Good questions (and their answers) will probably be posted on this page.