In the hot seat: experiences of faculty members adjusting to the role of department chair

This study examined the lived experiences of faculty members in a post-secondary institution who had become the Chair of their department. The purpose of the study was to explore how the experience had affected the individuals professionally and personally and to provide a reference for other instructors considering applying for the role of Chair in the future. The research triangulated the literature on the subject, the researcher’s personal experience as an instructor-turned-Chair, and the findings from interviews with six former or current Chairs at Vancouver Island University. The interviewees were asked a series of 10 questions designed to elicit responses based on three main themes: 1) motivation and rewards for a teacher taking on the role of Chair, 2) the main differences between teaching and administrating and the difficulties encountered, and 3) lessons learned and advice for others contemplating taking on the role. It was hypothesized that those who transition from instructing to administrating share common motivating reasons, encounter many of the same type of differences, and experience similar difficulties as well as rewards. The results of the investigation confirmed the hypotheses and all of the Chairs viewed the experience as challenging, but very positive, and highly recommended it to other instructors.