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Department Chair Academy

The Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) developed the Department Chair Academy in response to an overwhelming demand from department chairs for additional support. The DC Academy is a 60-hour program designed to support department chairs throughout their first year in the role as they lead the department in achieving student success. The Academy supports new chairs by assisting them in locating and using the tools and resources necessary to complete department chair tasks and offering development opportunities to enhance leadership skills and key competencies.

Working with a cohort model, the DC Academy offers support in many forms, including reading materials, videos, lib guides, guest speakers, and the chance to meet once a week with other new chairs. College-wide DC Gatherings with all department chairs are designed around continued professional development and guest speakers. In addition, DC Boot Camps offer new department chairs timely exposure to ACC’s software and systems necessary to complete the job. Upon completion, department chairs receive recognition from the College and a $1200 stipend.

Key Dates:

  • DC Academy Collegewide Kickoff: Friday, May 31, 2024, 9 am to 12:15 pm
  • Boot Camp I for New Department Chairs: Friday, May 31, 2024, 1 pm to 3:30 pm
  • Collegewide DC Extended Meeting: Friday, September 27, 2024, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
  • Collegewide DC Gathering: Friday, October 18th, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Collegewide DC Gathering: Friday, February 28, 9:00 am – Noon (date subject to change based on college events)
  • Boot Camp II for New Department Chairs: April 11th, 9:00 am – Noon

*Current DCs are welcome to attend Boot Camp trainings on an ‘as-needed’ basis.

For any questions, please contact Catherine Solaas (csolaas@uastincc.edu) and Gale Spear (gales@austincc.edu).