New Department Head Institute Schedule for 2025-2026

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 2025, 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 18th.

Kick-Off: Monday, August 18, 2025, 12-4 p.m. Student Union, Konza Room

  • 12:00 Welcome, introductions, networking exercise
  • 1:00 P&T and Sabbatical Leave Request —Schedules, Timing, and Tips
  • 2:00 Civil Rights and Title IX
  • 3:00 Workshop: Employee Relations and Engagement Team
  • 3:30 Resources & Fall Training Schedule Overview

September 8

  • Welcome from Provost
  • Meet the Mentors

September 15

  • Leadership in Context: Understanding Ourselves and Our Departments

September 22

  • Building a Successful Department Culture for Faculty and Students

September 29

  • Resource/Budget
  • Data Management

October 6

  • Faculty Recruitment

October 13

  • The Department Head’s Role in P&T Evaluations

October 20

  • Reducing Risk in Higher Education
    • Legal Issues
    • Risk Management
    • Conflict of Interest / Conflict of Time

October 27

  • Supporting Student Success

November 3-no session

  • Topic rescheduled for Dec. 1st to accommodate Faculty Senate Fall Open Forum

November 17

  • Managing Difficult Dialogues

December 1

  • Managing Student Learning Outcomes and Program Review

December 8

  • Reflections & Wrap Up