Top 10 Questions for Humanities Division Chair Interview

1. Describe your understanding of the role of the Humanities Division Chair?

The Humanities Division Chair is responsible for providing leadership and guidance to the Humanities Division, which includes the departments of English, History, Philosophy, and World Languages. The Chair works closely with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences to develop and implement the division’s strategic plan. The Chair also represents the division to the university community and to external stakeholders.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a leader?

Strengths

• I am a strong communicator and have a proven track record of working effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• I am a consensus builder and am able to bring people together to work towards a common goal.
• I am a strategic thinker and am able to develop and implement plans that achieve the division’s goals.

Weaknesses

• I can be too detail-oriented at times and may need to delegate more effectively.
• I am not always comfortable with conflict, but I am working on developing my conflict resolution skills.

3. What are your plans for the Humanities Division?

I have a number of plans for the Humanities Division, including:

• Increasing the visibility of the division within the university and the community.
• Developing new programs and initiatives that will attract and retain students.
• Strengthening the division’s research profile.
• Improving the quality of teaching and learning in the division.

4. How do you plan to build upon the Humanities Division’s previous successes?

I plan to build upon the Humanities Division’s previous successes by:

• Continuing to support the division’s strong faculty and staff.
• Expanding the division’s outreach and engagement activities.
• Building new partnerships with other units within the university and with external organizations.

5. How do you plan to address the challenges facing the Humanities Division?

The Humanities Division faces a number of challenges, including:

• Declining enrollment in the humanities.
• The increasing cost of education.
• The need to prepare students for a rapidly changing job market.

I plan to address these challenges by:

• Developing new programs and initiatives that will attract and retain students.
• Working with the university administration to find ways to reduce the cost of education.
• Partnering with businesses and organizations to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the job market.

6. What is your vision for the Humanities Division?

My vision for the Humanities Division is to create a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment where students can learn about the human condition and develop the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that they need to succeed in life.

7. What are your thoughts on the future of the Humanities?

I believe that the Humanities are more important than ever in today’s world. The Humanities provide us with the tools we need to understand the complex issues facing our society and to make informed decisions about the future.

8. How do you plan to support the Humanities faculty and staff?

I plan to support the Humanities faculty and staff by:

• Providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
• Creating a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Advocating for their interests at the university level.

9. How do you plan to engage with the Humanities community?

I plan to engage with the Humanities community by:

• Attending events and giving presentations.
• Meeting with students, faculty, and staff.
• Fundraising and seeking out new opportunities to support the Humanities.

10. What are your goals for your first year as Humanities Division Chair?

My goals for my first year as Humanities Division Chair are to:

• Get to know the faculty, staff, and students in the division.
• Develop a strategic plan for the division.
• Begin implementing some of the initiatives that I have outlined in my vision for the division.

As the Humanities Division Chair, you will be responsible for leading and managing the division’s academic and administrative functions, including:

• Provide leadership and vision for the division, setting goals and objectives, and developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Oversee the division’s curriculum, ensuring that it is aligned with the institution’s mission and goals, and meets the needs of students.
• Recruit, hire, evaluate, and support faculty and staff, creating a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage the division’s budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
• Represent the division to the institution’s administration, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with other academic units and administrative departments to ensure the smooth operation of the institution.
• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in higher education, and implement innovative initiatives to enhance the division’s teaching and learning environment.

Preparing for an interview for the Humanities Division Chair position requires careful preparation and a deep understanding of the role. Here are some tips to help you ace your interview:

1. Research the Institution and Position

• Thoroughly research the institution’s mission, goals, and strategic plan.
• Review the division’s website and familiarize yourself with its curriculum, faculty, and programs.
• Identify the key challenges and opportunities facing the division, and develop ideas for how you would address them.

2. Highlight Your Leadership and Management Skills

• Provide specific examples of your experience in leading and managing academic and administrative teams.
• Emphasize your ability to set goals, develop strategies, and motivate others to achieve results.
• Discuss your experience in managing budgets, allocating resources, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

3. Demonstrate Your Commitment to Academic Excellence

• Articulate your vision for a vibrant and innovative Humanities division.
• Describe your approach to curriculum development and assessment, ensuring that programs are rigorous and relevant.
• Discuss your strategies for supporting faculty development and research.

4. Emphasize Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus and foster collaboration.
• Emphasize your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academic environment.

5. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers, demonstrating your interest in the position and the institution.
• Questions about the division’s strategic priorities, faculty development opportunities, and student support services are appropriate.
• Asking insightful questions shows that you are engaged and eager to contribute to the division’s success.