NERCHE is now accepting nominations for its Department Chairs Think Tank for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Although the professional needs of department chairs have changed dramatically in recent years, most faculty who take on this role do so without receiving training in the skills necessary to do the job. At the same time, institutions expect chairs to possess a complex array of "boundary-spanning" skills and abilities, intended to bridge the various institutional subcultures which exist at all colleges and universities. Nearly all colleges and universities are experiencing financial constraints, with limited funds available for ongoing professional development and travel. As heavier workloads are redistributed to both administrators and faculty, time available for attending conferences and other professional development meetings becomes increasingly limited. The professional development needs of chairs are unique and comprehensive. While national programs for chairs, such as those offered by the American Council on Education, are helpful, only a small number attend from among the thousands of new chairs appointed annually. NERCHE's Department Chairs Think Tank will aim to support chairs to become more effective leaders in carrying out important academic work and related responsibilities.

NERCHE Think Tanks are structured to provide academic professionals with ongoing and cost-effective professional development that involves time away from their campuses to reflect on their practice, share ideas and strategies, and solve problems in a community of peers. Think Tanks meet five times a year from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Discussion topics are selected by the members, and discussions are facilitated by members as well. NERCHE provides assistance with selecting readings that seek to link theory and practice, and with agenda development. Membership for this year's series will cost $625 annually.

Please consider nominating one or more individuals with at least one year of experience as chair of an academic department by completing an online nomination.  Nominations will be considered on an ongoing basis.

If you have any questions about this Think Tank, please contact Glenn Gabbard via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 617.287.7744.