Chairs provide leadership in planning, implementing and administering the work of a School, represent the opinions of Faculty to administration, communicate administrative decisions to Faculty and have reporting responsibilities to their respective Dean.
1. Eligibility
Faculty shall be eligible for the position of Chair if they
- have a master’s or doctoral degree.
- hold the rank of Assistant Professor or higher.
- have administrative and/or program development experience.
- have a minimum of five (5) years in higher education or relevant experience at the time of the election, inclusive of three (3) full years’ service in the relevant School. In the event of the amalgamation or restructuring of Schools, experience in any of the former units will be considered as equivalent.
Note: Faculty on contract must be eligible for a new contract; however, the term of office automatically ends at the expiration of the contract unless the contract is renewed.
2. Election Process
- Elections shall take place no later than the end of the spring semester of the calendar year in which the term of office of the Chair expires and shall be conducted by the Vice President (VP), Human Resources (HR) or designate.
- At least four (4) months prior to the election, the VP, HR, shall notify the School of the impending vacancy and call for nominations, with the consent of the nominees, and/or applications to be forwarded to the VP, HR.
- At least six (6) weeks prior to the election, candidates shall forward a résumé of their relevant background and experience as well as a statement of purpose regarding administering the affairs of the School to the VP, HR.
- At least one (1) month prior to the election, the VP. HR shall forward the list of candidates to Faculty in the relevant School, copied the Dean, and the candidates’ résumés and statements of purpose to the Faculty of the School for review.
- Under the supervision of the VP, HR (or designate), the School shall elect the Chair from the list of candidates.
- Voting shall be by secret ballot and shall be counted by HR and a representative at the meeting.
- Faculty shall have one (1) vote only; proxy votes shall be allowed; decisions shall be by majority vote.
- In the event of a tie, an immediate runoff shall be held.
- The election of the Chair shall be verified by the VP, HR in a letter addressed to the President and copied to the relevant Dean. The President shall notify the Board.
3. Term of Office
- The Chair shall be elected for an initial term of two (2) years, with eligibility for a one (1)-year extension.
- After three (3) years in office, the Chair shall not be eligible for re-election for another three (3) years.
4. Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, implement and evaluate goals and objectives of the School consistent with the mission and strategic plan of the Institute.
- Ensure the compliance of Faculty, staff and students with Institute policies.
- Supervise Faculty, staff and students.
- Plan and conduct monthly School meetings and circulate minutes to all Faculty, including Faculty on other campuses.
- Coordinate the design, development and delivery of new courses, programs. and/or projects.
- In collaboration with Heads of Departments, initiate, plan and implement course, project and program reviews.
- In consultation with Heads of Departments and/or Coordinators, prepare the schedule of courses and assign Faculty.
- Make recommendations for and give assistance in the selection, appointment and orientation of new Faculty and staff.
- Facilitate professional development of Faculty and staff.
- Conduct the performance assessment of Faculty and staff.
- Develop and implement guidelines and procedures for the efficient operation of the School and ensure that Faculty, staff and student records are maintained.
- Encourage communication and collegiality among Faculty, staff and students.
- Promote and maintain effective lines of communication with management, the Institute and external communities.
- Organize and monitor academic advising and also manage student complaints and discipline as per approved policies.
- Prepare annual budget estimates and manage allocated budgets and other resources.
- Represent the School on Institute/external boards and committees.
- Liaise with other Schools/ Departments/Units.
- Prepare and submit an annual end-of-year report to the Dean.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.
- Chairs may also be required to teach one (1) course per Academic Year.
5. Removal of Chair
- If eighty percent (80%) of the Faculty of the School deem that the Chair is not carrying out his/her duties in a satisfactory manner, the School may recommend in writing to the Dean that the Chair be recalled. The Dean shall advise the President and request the VP, HR to hold new elections. The Dean shall appoint an Acting Chair.