1.5.B. Department Chairs

A candidate for chair of a department is identified by search or other procedure decided by the Dean, who recommends appointment to the Provost. The Provost, acting on behalf of the President and after appropriate consultation, reviews and approves the appointment. The President reports it to the Board of Trustees. Every department chair serves at the will of the President . The chair is the administrative head of the department, and is responsible to the Dean in matters concerning the administration of the department, including (but not limited to) the departmental operating budget, personnel actions and similar matters.

1. Terms of Office

a. Basic Science Departments

Appointment as department chair in basic science departments is normally for a term of five years. Although renewable for one additional term, the chair role is customarily rotated at the end of the initial term to allow the return to a primary commitment to faculty scholarship and teaching. To reiterate, at all times during a term, the chair serves at the will of the President.

b. Clinical Science Departments

Appointment as department chair in the clinical science departments is normally for a term of five years, with possible renewal for up to three additional terms (for a maximum total of up to twenty years). The performance expectations for each term will vary. For example, during the first five years, the chair will be expected to develop and begin to implement plans for the department, including recruitment for key positions. Performance review for renewal for a subsequent five-year term will be based on progress toward achievement of goals and benchmarks for the department, as well as on overall performance (including effectiveness as a member of the School's senior leadership). In order to assure opportunities for renewal for the chair as well as the department, school and university, the expectation is that, as a general proposition , clinical department chairs will serve for no more than a total of ten to fifteen years, barring extraordinary circumstances. To reiterate, at all times during a term, the chair serves at the will of the President.