Department Chair Resources

The responsibilities covered by departmental leaders cover the gamut of operations in the academic environment.

Strong academic unit leadership is vitally important to George Mason University. Department chairs and Local Academic Unit (LAU) heads set the tone for a supportive, inclusive, and productive climate for our faculty and staff success. This is integral to our mission of student retention and success. Chairs and LAU heads:  

• Oversee the quality of teaching, learning, mentoring, and advising  

• Steward the curricula, including degree programs, minors, and certificates 

• Initiate and oversee fair, inclusive and transparent faculty recruitment and hiring processes 

• Assure that faculty and staff receive appropriate mentoring and support  

• Manage faculty and staff performance evaluation processes 

• Promote faculty governance  

• Manage a variety of resources, including budgets  

• Connect local academic goals to broader college/school and institutional priorities  

• Provide input and suggestions to deans, directors, and the broader academic community  

George Mason acknowledges and values the commitment and hard work of our chairs and local academic unit leaders.