Top 10 Questions for English Division Chair Interview

1. What are your key priorities as English Division Chair?

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the English Division that aligns with the overall goals of the University.
• Oversee the Division’s curriculum and ensure that it is rigorous, relevant, and meets the needs of students.
• Recruit and retain a diverse and talented faculty.
• Foster a supportive and collegial learning environment for students and faculty.
• Promote research and scholarship in the field of English.
• Engage with the community and build partnerships with local schools and organizations.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing English departments today?

How can we address these challenges?

• Declining enrollment: To address this challenge, we need to develop innovative and engaging courses that appeal to students from all backgrounds.
• Changing student demographics: To address this challenge, we need to make sure that our curriculum is inclusive and that our faculty is prepared to teach students from diverse backgrounds.
• The increasing cost of education: To address this challenge, we need to advocate for policies that make higher education more affordable for students.
• The need for greater accountability: To address this challenge, we need to develop metrics that measure the effectiveness of our programs and use these metrics to improve our teaching and learning.

What are the opportunities facing English departments today?

• The increasing demand for English majors in the workforce: This is due to the fact that English majors develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers.
• The growing interest in online education: This provides us with the opportunity to reach students who are not able to attend traditional face-to-face classes.
• The increasing diversity of the student population: This provides us with the opportunity to create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

3. What are your thoughts on the future of the English major?

• I believe that the English major will continue to be a valuable degree in the future.
• English majors develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in any field.
• I think that we need to continue to innovate and adapt our curriculum to meet the changing needs of students and the workforce.
• We also need to continue to promote the value of the English major to students, parents, and employers.

4. What is your teaching philosophy?

• I believe that all students can learn and that it is my job to create a learning environment that is supportive and challenging.
• I use a variety of teaching methods to meet the needs of all learners.
• I am committed to providing my students with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• I am also committed to creating a classroom environment that is inclusive and respectful of all students.

5. What are your strengths as a leader?

• I am a collaborative leader who is able to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.
• I am a strong advocate for my students and faculty.
• I am a creative thinker who is able to solve problems and develop innovative solutions.
• I am a results-oriented leader who is able to set goals and achieve them.

6. What are your weaknesses as a leader?

• I am sometimes too detail-oriented and can get bogged down in the minutiae.
• I can be too hard on myself at times.
• I am always looking for ways to improve, and I am open to feedback from others.

7. What are your goals for the English Division?

• I want to create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students.
• I want to develop innovative and engaging courses that appeal to students from all backgrounds.
• I want to recruit and retain a diverse and talented faculty.
• I want to increase the visibility of the English Division and build stronger relationships with the community.

8. What are your plans for fundraising?

• I plan to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan that will identify potential donors and develop strategies for soliciting their support.
• I will work with the development office to create a case statement that articulates the vision for the English Division and the need for financial support.
• I will meet with potential donors to discuss their interests and how their support can make a difference.
• I will also explore opportunities for corporate partnerships and grants.

9. What is your vision for the English Division?

• I envision the English Division as a vibrant and inclusive learning community where students can develop their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• I want the English Division to be a place where students can explore their interests, develop their talents, and prepare for success in their careers and lives.
• I believe that the English Division has the potential to make a significant contribution to the University and the community.

10. What is your leadership style?

• I am a collaborative leader who believes in working with others to achieve common goals.
• I am a strong advocate for my students and faculty.
• I am a creative thinker who is able to solve problems and develop innovative solutions.
• I am a results-oriented leader who is able to set goals and achieve them.

The English Division Chair is a vital academic and administrative leader responsible for the overall direction and management of the English department.

1. Strategic Planning and Leadership

Develops and implements strategic plans for the English department, aligning them with the institution’s overall mission and goals.

• Conducts needs assessments to identify areas for improvement and opportunity.
• Establishes academic priorities and sets program goals.

2. Curriculum Development and Management

Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of English curricula, ensuring they meet academic standards and industry requirements.

• Coordinates with faculty to design and revise courses.
• Develops program assessment plans and monitors student learning outcomes.

3. Faculty Management and Development

Recruits, hires, evaluates, and mentors faculty to ensure the department’s academic excellence.

• Provides professional development opportunities for faculty.
• Supports faculty in their research and scholarship endeavors.

4. Budget and Resource Management

Allocates and manages departmental resources, including budget, equipment, and space, to support academic activities.

• Develops and implements cost-effective budgets.
• Ensures the efficient and effective use of departmental resources.

Interviewing for the position of English Division Chair requires a comprehensive preparation strategy. Here are some tips to help candidates ace the interview:

1. Research the Department and Institution

Thoroughly research the English department and the institution to gain an understanding of their academic culture, goals, and challenges.

• Visit the department’s website and review the course offerings, faculty profiles, and strategic initiatives.
• Explore the institution’s mission, vision, and values.

2. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews

Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your relevant skills and experience. Utilize the STAR method to structure your answers:

• Situation: Describe the context or challenge you faced.
• Task: Explain the specific responsibility or action you were responsible for.
• Action: Detail the specific steps you took to address the situation.
• Result: Quantify or describe the positive outcomes or impact of your actions.

3. Anticipate Common Interview Questions

Prepare for common interview questions related to your leadership, curriculum development, and faculty management experience. Some examples include:

• Tell us about your experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• How do you approach curriculum development and assessment?
• Describe your approach to faculty recruitment, evaluation, and professional development.

4. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Asking insightful questions at the end of the interview demonstrates your genuine interest and engagement. Consider asking about:

• The institution’s strategic priorities and how the English department contributes to them.
• The department’s plans for curriculum development and faculty recruitment.
• Opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary initiatives.