PETITION IN SUPPORT OF OUR DEPARTMENT CHAIRS

Whereas City College of San Francisco Department Chairs, being educators in the specialty of the Department are better able than a non-faculty Administrator to facilitate department hiring processes, implement emergency hiring procedures when needed, orient new faculty and classified staff, evaluate new faculty and staff, approve or consult on all instructionally-related assignments affecting the department, supervise the professional conduct of staff, supervise the evaluation of faculty and staff and monitor necessary improvements;

Whereas CCSF holds classes from 7 am to 10 pm Monday through Friday along with numerous weekend classes, and whereas Faculty also have families and other commitments, Department Chairs, being closer than a non-faculty Administrator to faculty and, as faculty themselves, are better prepared to make schedules that balance the commitment offered by Faculty to teach at varying times and in varying locations with the outside-of-work personal commitments and responsibilities of Faculty;

Whereas Department Chairs, being educators in the specialty of the Department are better able than a non-faculty Administrator to coordinate the preparation of course and curriculum proposals, coordinate the selection of instructional materials, coordinate program review activities, coordinate activities associated with accreditation, assist in preparing state and federal reports, coordinate course development and articulation of course offerings with other educational institutions;

Whereas Department Chairs being familiar with the fields of study and the faculty resources in the Department are better than a non-faculty Administrator equipped to oversee the staffing of department committees, keep faculty informed of policy changes, keep faculty informed of professional opportunities, help form appropriate institutional policies, obtain faculty sponsors for student activities; and

Whereas Department Chairs being familiar with the fields of study and faculty resources in the Department are better informed and thus better able than a non-faculty Administrator to represent the department to other components of the college, other educational institutions, and the general public within the area of departmental expertise, act as a resource person for all counselors, develop and maintain, when applicable, a close liaison with the industry or community served by each program;
 
Whereas Department Chairs are specialists in the Department they are better able than a non-faculty Administrator to manage the administration of the department including attendance rosters, purchase orders, grant development and oversight;
 
Whereas Department Chairs spend numerous hours every day actually in the Department they are much better equipped than a non-faculty Administrator to assist students with information on programs, courses, career opportunities, adds and drops, informal resolution of student complaints, and convey student compliments regarding the department to those deserving the credit;

Whereas Department Chairs spend numerous hours every day actually in the Department they are much better equipped than a non-faculty Administrator to oversee the assignment of offices, the day-to-day operation of classroom labs, use and maintenance of classroom equipment;

Therefore, be it resolved that Department Chairs, serving directly with faculty in the various CCSF Departments, being more familiar with the day to day operations of each Department and each of the Faculty, are better equipped to fulfill the following responsibilities than a non-faculty Administrator;
 
Be it further resolved that we agree with Academic Senate resolution 2012.09.19.02, attached:

Whereas the success of the College in providing excellent instruction and services for its students has been made possible in significant part by its dedicated, knowledgeable, and effective Department Chairs; and

Whereas Department Chairs are faculty appointed by the administration after an advisory election by faculty, represent the faculty who daily work with students, and are accountable to the administration; and

Whereas Department Chairs are a cost-effective alternative to the use of administrators for such functions, as well as closer to the students we serve;

Be it resolved that the Academic Senate support the continued central role of the Department Chairs in the successful mission of the College.

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