GENERAL:

An Assistant Chair at West Liberty University is appointed to a ten-month contract on an annual basis by the President of the University with the assistance and recommendations of the Department Chair, College/School Dean, and Provost. Faculty evaluations of an incumbent Assistant Chair are also factored into the appointment process.

Assistant Chairs serve at the will and pleasure of the President and report directly to their Department Chair. Assistant Chairs must undergo annual evaluation by the Department Faculty, Chair, and Dean, and are reviewed by the Provost. Should an Assistant Chair position be vacated for any reason before completion of the appointed annual term, the President, in conjunction with the Chair, Dean, and Provost, may appoint an Interim Assistant Chair. There is no limit to the number of sequential appointments a person may hold as an Assistant Chair.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A candidate for the position of Assistant Chair must hold full-time faculty status and at least the rank of assistant professor at the time of appointment. He/she need not be tenured or tenure-track in order to hold this appointment. An Assistant Chair is expected to hold graduate degree(s) in, or closely related to, the program area(s) of the Department to be chaired. A minimum of five (5) years of professionally-related experience is required of a candidate for Assistant Chair. Exceptions to any of the qualifications for Assistant Chair may be granted only by the written approval of the Chair, Dean, Provost, and the President.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

An Assistant Chair is responsible for assisting with administrative functions for the Department to which he/she is appointed under the direction of the respective Department Chair. These duties may include, but are not limited to, assisting the Chair in the following functions:

1. Serve as a liaison among students of the Department, the faculty, and other administrators.
2. Assess and maintain physical facilities of the Department, including equipment, supplies, and space. Report, to the appropriate university official, facility maintenance or service required when necessary.
3. Develop, with Department faculty input, an annual budget request to be communicated to the Department Chair.
4. Coordinate Departmental budgeted expenditures.
5. Consult with Department faculty when writing position descriptions.
6. Coordinate the operation of Department search committees.
7. Generate and communicate to the Department Chair all Departmental recommendations for hiring, retention, promotion, tenure, evaluation, sabbatical leave, or discipline of Department faculty.
8. Establish Department teaching assignments and communicate Department course schedule(s) to the Department Chair.
9. Coordinate and communicate to the appropriate University officer(s) any accreditation, program review, or assessment(s) required of the Department.
10. Participate in due process required for faculty, students, or staff as described in current policies or procedures.
11. Facilitate recruitment of faculty and students for the programs within the Department.
12. Maintain accurate student and Department records.
13. Coordinate Department curriculum review, revision, and/or development.
14. Develop current and accurate university catalog description(s) of Department program(s).
15. Conduct regular Department meetings and provide for the formal minutes of these meetings.
16. Coordinate and evaluate academic advising of students of the Department.
17. Review, approve, and file course syllabi of the Department.
18. Review and approve any special course requirements of the Department.
19. Conduct periodic review and update of permanent faculty personnel files.
20. Enforce the University’s policies and procedures as well as policies and procedures of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
21. Perform duties as assigned by the Chair, Dean, Provost, or President of the University.