The resources on this page are intended to support Department Chairs in their work. To suggest additional content or resources, please contact Assistant Vice Provost Leesa Beck at leesa@ucsb.edu.

 

Navigating Challenging Faculty Personnel Issues and Potential Threats (Thursday, January 15, 2026, 12:00-1:00pm, Annenberg Room SSMS 4315)
Academics are exceptionally committed and passionate about their work. Scholarly differences can be exacerbated by differences in communication styles. The pressure to publish, teaching loads, and personal stressors can also result in imbalanced workloads and interpersonal conflict.  Learn techniques for defusing conflict and having difficult conversations. We will also discuss external resources to help address serious issues, including Threat Management and Abusive Conduct.  

David Rasch, PhD Psychology & Associate Ombuds, will moderate a panel of experienced past department chairs: Kathleen Moore, Carla D'Antonio and Kelly Bedard. June Betancourt, Director of Equal Opportunity and Policy Compliance in Academic Affairs, will also be available to answer questions.

Sign into your UCSB google account and register here: https://forms.gle/Qm2Jm1NWwmZLr3xq5

Introduction to Managing Staff (Thursday, February 12, 2026, 12:00-1:00pm, Annenberg Room SSMS 4315)
Academics depend on the staff to keep things running. When positions are filled and morale is high, the operation can be seamless. Absences, mistakes, misconduct, and interpersonal conflict can take steal a department’s precious time and resources. At this session, we will provide tips on hiring, setting expectations, evaluating, and discipline, within the context of HR policy, so that you can get back to doing your highest and best work.  

Caroline Adams, Ombuds, will moderate a panel of experienced departmental leaders and administrators, including past chairs Steven Buratto and Carla D'Antonio.

Sign into your UCSB google account and register here: https://forms.gle/ehY6pbpqrpceQD189
 

The Chairs Community of Practice (CoP) fosters connection and collaboration among Department Chairs by offering an informal, supportive forum for current and incoming Chairs to share their experiences, expertise, practices, ideas, challenges, and solutions. Quarterly luncheons and receptions give Chairs the opportunity to connect with peers, learn about emerging issues and initiatives, and discuss topics of common interest. To suggest topics for future CoP events, please contact Assistant Vice Provost Leesa Beck at leesa@ucsb.edu.

Upcoming Events

Chairs’ Community of Practice Winter Luncheon (Friday, February 13, 2026, 12:00pm-1:30pm, The Club)
Save the date for the Winter quarter Chairs' Community of Practice Luncheon! To RSVP or suggest a topic, please email Assistant Vice Provost Leesa Beck at leesa@ucsb.edu.
 

To allow Chairs to ask questions and share ideas with one another, all Chairs have access to a Google Space (group chat) that is accessible through your UCSB email account.

To use the group chat:

  • Log into your UCSB email in Gmail.
  • On the far left-hand side, click on the “Chat” option. This will take you to the chat screen.
  • On the bottom left of the chat screen, you will see a list of “Spaces” that you are a part of.  Select the “Chairs Community of Practice” Space to chat with your fellow chairs.

If you have questions or prefer not to be included in the group chat, please email Assistant Vice Provost Leesa Beck at leesa@ucsb.edu.