II. The Faculty: Governance
D. Department Chairs
The function of the chair of a department is to coordinate the work of that department. The chair is expected to consult with other members of the department on all important matters of policy or procedure involving the interests of the department.
In consultation with the Dean of the College and other members of the administration, the department chair formulates the budget and ordinarily coordinates matters pertaining to the recruitment of personnel. In consultation with members of the department, the chair proposes courses and catalog changes as these pertain to the department and also provides the Registrar with a suggested schedule of classes.
The chair of the department shall provide all new faculty with information about office space, equipment, the ordering of office supplies, and the ordering of books for the Lipscomb Library. The chair shall also make recommendations to faculty as to the scheduling of office hours, procedures for notification in the event of absence from scheduled classes, etc.
Appointments to the position of chair of a department are made for an initial term not to exceed three years. At the expiration of this period and at the close of each subsequent triennium, the appointment of a department chair is made by the President after consultation with the Dean of the College and with members of the department. This decision will be announced by the last day of classes of the academic year. A professor ordinarily will not serve as chair of a department during the final year proceeding retirement. Exceptions to this rule may be made in the case of a one-person department or for other cogent reasons.
