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.

Guide for Department Chair Role and Responsibilities

The information in this document is intended to serve as a general guide to the role and responsibilities of an academic department chair. It is by no means exhaustive, and some of the responsibilities listed here may not apply to all chairs, but it should provide a reasonable framework within which chairs can approach their work.

Chair and Business Officer Orientation (Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 9:00am, Loma Pelona)
This annual orientation is highly recommended for both new and returning chairs and business officers.

Academic Personnel Fall Kickoff (Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 10:00-11:30am, McCune Conference Room)
Chairs, business officers, and AP analysts are invited to attend the Academic Personnel Fall Kickoff, at which we will discuss recent and upcoming policy and system changes, this year's merit and recruitment cycles, and other AP-related issues of which departments should be aware.

To suggest a specific topic you would like to see addressed, please email Assistant Vice Provost Leesa Beck at leesa@ucsb.edu.

Chairs' Merit/Promotion Workshop (Thursday, May 27, 2027, 1:00-2:30pm, Zoom)
A discussion of the Department Chair's roles and responsibilities during the personnel review process, best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid. Register here.

Chairs’ Community of Practice Fall Luncheon (Friday, November 20, 2026, 12:00-1:30pm, The Club)
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.