Department chairs play a critical role in the life of the University. Through discussions, frameworks, and tools that apply to real-world challenges, our workshops aim to support and empower NYU’s department chairs. The workshops also address key issues facing new and continuing department chairs as identified by the University Faculty Affairs Council (UFAC) and school members.
Two workshop series are offered: one for new department chairs and one for all chairs (both new and continuing).
Workshops for all department chairs
Stepping into a department chair role requires more than a simple handoff—it calls for situational awareness and a clear view of the department’s position. This session offers a practical framework to help incoming chairs see the big picture from day one and serves as a checklist for outgoing chairs. We’ll also explore how strategic delegation can support succession planning by developing others and preparing future leaders.
Bring your Five Paths to Leadership® self-assessment results so you can discover how your leadership style shifts under stress. This interactive session will help you better understand your instinctive responses, build greater self-awareness, and lead more effectively through complexity and change.
Top-down leadership isn’t as effective as creating collaborative spaces where all voices are heard and work gets done. You’ll learn how to apply the Five Paths to Leadership® to create engaging, productive meetings with your peers and faculty.
As a department chair, you set the tone for your community. This session will explore practical strategies for addressing harmful behaviors—such as incivility or bullying—while fostering trust, respect, and engagement across your faculty. Learn how to create an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work.
Mastering the art and science of feedback is essential for effective leadership in academia. This session introduces a proven four-step model that helps department chairs deliver clear, constructive, and actionable feedback to support growth and performance.
Gain insight into your natural approach to navigating conflict through a practical exploration of conflict management styles. This session will equip you with strategies to recognize and adapt your style to foster healthier dialogue, strengthen working relationships, and lead more constructively in moments of tension.
Even the most experienced department chairs encounter challenging faculty or staff dynamics that can disrupt morale and progress. This session offers practical strategies for addressing difficult behaviors with clarity and professionalism—while maintaining accountability, fairness, and a healthy departmental climate.
Navigating conflict as a department chair requires honesty delivered with care. In this session, you’ll explore the principles of Radical Candor—a framework that helps you challenge directly while showing genuine concern—so you can address tough issues, build trust, and lead with clarity and compassion.
You’ve learned about the Five Paths to Leadership® self-assessment. Now is your opportunity to grow your awareness of your leadership strengths. In this session, you’ll explore more of the nuances of your scores, including what happens under stress and how your scores blend in unique ways.
Effective conflict management starts with a clear plan tailored to your department’s unique dynamics. In this session, department chairs will develop a personalized conflict strategy map to proactively navigate challenges, promote collaboration, and maintain a positive working environment.
Stepping into a department chair role requires more than a simple handoff—it calls for situational awareness and a clear view of the department’s position. This session offers a practical framework to help incoming chairs see the big picture from day one and serves as a checklist for outgoing chairs. We’ll also explore how strategic delegation can support succession planning by developing others and preparing future leaders.
Leading change in higher education requires more than authority—it demands collaboration, trust, and shared ownership. This session equips department chairs with practical strategies to engage faculty and staff in the change process, ensuring that initiatives are both inclusive and sustainable. Participants will explore why collaborative leadership is essential for navigating complexity and fostering lasting impact within their departments.
Workshops for new department chairs
After completing the Five Paths to Leadership® self-assessment, you’ll have the opportunity to debrief your results to gain a clearer understanding of your leadership strengths and tendencies—and learn how to adapt more effectively under pressure and during times of change.
You’ve stepped into a new leadership role. This session will guide you through the primary responsibilities of a department chair and help you embrace your position while strategizing on how to lead your department effectively.
Top-down leadership isn’t as effective as creating collaborative spaces where all voices are heard and work gets done. You’ll learn how to apply the Five Paths to Leadership® to create engaging, productive meetings with your peers and faculty.
Conflict is a natural part of leadership, but it can be difficult to navigate. This session introduces a practical framework for understanding conflict, explores why it’s often hard to address, and teaches the S.T.A.T.E. technique to help new chairs engage in productive, solution-focused conversations.
Giving and receiving feedback is a core leadership competency. This session will equip new department chairs with tools and strategies to deliver clear, constructive, and actionable feedback that fosters growth and accountability.
As a new department chair, your ability to foster a trusting work environment starts with you. This session will guide you through an exercise to better understand your own propensity to trust and how it influences your ability to build and sustain trustworthy relationships in your department.
As a department chair, you set the tone for your community. This session will explore practical strategies for addressing harmful behaviors—such as incivility or bullying—while fostering trust, respect, and engagement across your faculty. Learn how to create an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work. Note: This workshop is open to continuing department chairs as well as new chairs.
REGISTRATION
All workshops are on Fridays from 9:30 to 11:00 am.
Workshops for
all chairs
Dates and registration for 2026–27 are forthcoming.
Workshops for
new chairs
Dates and registration for 2026–27 are forthcoming.