New Department Head Institute Schedule for 2026-2027

The Office of Academic Affairs and Innovation offers a semester-long New Department Head Institute to equip new department heads and associate deans with resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities to foster effective leadership and promote faculty and student success. Participants will explore key university and academic policies and receive ongoing support from experienced mentors.

During fall 2026, we’ll meet Mondays from 3:30–5:00 p.m. in Anderson Hall 201, with Zoom available for Salina and Olathe colleagues. Sessions start with a 30-minute check-in for open discussion and support, followed by guest speaker presentations. The program kick-off will be in-person on August 17th.

Kick-Off (in-person): Monday, August 17, 2026, 12-4 p.m. Hale Library, Room 581

• 12:00-1:00 Academic Affairs and Innovation and Provost Welcome, Introductions, and Networking
• 1:00-1:50 Promotion & Tenure and Sabbatical Leave Requests - Schedule, Timing, and Tips
• 1:50-2:00 Break
• 2:00-2:50 Civil Rights and Title IX
• 3:00-3:30 Employee Relations and Engagement Team
• 3:30-4:00 Leadership Resources & Fall Schedule Overview

August 31

• Leadership in Context: Understanding Ourselves and Our Departments

September 7 - no session (University Holiday)

September 14

• Conflict of Interest / Conflict of Time
• Building a Successful Department Culture for Faculty and Students

September 21

• Academic Innovation Grants
• Academic Program Review

September 28

• Leading Your Department Through a Coaching Mindset

October 5

• Budget Model

October 12

• Data Management
• Faculty Recruitment

October 19

• The Department Head's Role in Promotion & Tenure Evaluations

October 26

• Supporting Student Success

November 2

• Reducing Risk in Higher Education
• Legal Issues
• Risk Management

November 9

• Managing Difficult Dialogues

November 16 & 23 - no sessions

November 30

• Managing Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment

December 7

• Reflections & Wrap Up