• Discussions of the evolving leadership competencies needed to lead in today’s complex and turbulent times
• Tailored to the distinctive needs of department chairs serving at state colleges and universities
• Strong relational component—commitment to create and support trust, encourage peer-to-peer learning, confidentiality, and safety among the cohort

• Develop critical skills for leading as an institutional citizen
• Equip department chairs with tools to overcome common challenges
• Prepare department chairs with tools and skills to succeed in their chair role as well as for future roles in university administration

Programming will be a blended experience, with in-person and virtual programming. In-person programming will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded. 100% attendance and participation is expected. Virtual programming will take place quarterly throughout 2027.

• Quarterly, 60-120-minute virtual sessions throughout 2027 
• An intensive in-person program at AASCU’s Washington, D.C. office on January 5-7, 2027. 
• In-person programming will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded. One-hundred percent attendance and participation is expected. 

• Leading your department in alignment with your institution’s mission and strategic plan
• Growing and sustaining a future-focused department
• Navigating difficult conversations
• Communicating change
• Maintaining relevance in the face of changes in higher education
• Resource management
• Principles of supervision
• Wellness for leaders

• Applications that are complete, including a nomination/endorsement from a dean, provost, president or chancellor, and submitted by the deadline will be considered.
• The Department Chair Institute faculty will review applications and select a cohort that reflects the AASCU membership.
• Preference is given to applicants from AASCU member institutions.

A complete application for the Department Chair Institute includes the following:

• Applications and endorsements are due by Oct. 15, 2026
• Nomination or endorsement from a dean, provost, president or chancellor from your home institution. (Nominations from higher-level administrators do not carry more weight.)
• Clear and concise summary of your personal and professional development goals.
• Demonstrated interest in subsequent leadership positions.
• Commitment to 100% participation.
• Preference is given to applicants from AASCU member institutions.

• $2,500 members
• $3,500 non-members (AASCU members receive preference)

AASCU member institutions may nominate more than one Department Chair. In order to best serve as many of our member institutions as possible, AASCU may cap the number of participants from the same institution at three.

Aspiring leaders are encouraged to apply for the Department Chair Leadership Institute and for 2027 Leadership Development Programming. Program timing and curriculum is designed uniquely for different audiences.

AASCU Consulting offers a 1.5-day department chair institute onsite at your institution, with additional opportunities for virtual workshops during the academic year. The institution-specific onsite academy program aligns with the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute or can be further tailored to address specific topics at your institution. Contact Matt Ceppi to learn more.