Chairs are typically appointed to terms of 4-5 years on an 11-month per year basis. The standard starting date for a Chair is typically July 1st, the first day of the new fiscal year. The dean of the college appoints chairs, and they serve at the pleasure of the dean.
Appointment offers for Chairs typically include: an administrative stipend (ADS, the size of which depends on the size and complexity of the department) paid monthly to the chair, an annual discretionary fund, a pledge to receive priority from the College at the time of one’s next sabbatical application, and a “reentry package,” i.e., a pledge of course release and/or a research-travel fund in the academic year following the end of one’s term as chair. The dean’s office commits to undertaking an equity review that could lead to a base salary increase at the time of the appointment, pending the provost’s approval.
In circumstances where a current chair is willing to consider serving for an additional term (of duration to be determined), and the Dean sees it as being in the best interest of the school or department and the college to consider that possibility, the College may modify the usual search process as follows. In the final year of a chair’s current term, ideally in Autumn Quarter, the Divisional Dean will conduct a survey of the faculty and staff to provide feedback on the department's current state and leadership. If the survey indicates that it is appropriate for the department chair to continue to serve in this role, the Dean and the chair shall work together to try to execute a successful appointment for a subsequent term. A decision to transition to a full Chair Search process following the survey does not preclude the current chair from potentially being reappointed after that process.
Based on demonstrated need, an offer letter may sometimes include support for lab-based research, course replacements in classes vital to a curriculum, or timeline modifications such as a delayed start date or a planned leave.
Please note that the College will not negotiate with prospective chairs as part of their appointment matters related to space allocations, faculty hiring, instructional budget, department staffing, and funding for administrative positions. These subjects are, however, appropriate areas for discussion regarding the future of the department once an appointment is made.