Acknowledging the isolation of the role, the heightened demands, the emotional pressures and the ongoing uncertainty as we progress through another year of the pandemic, it is clear that department chairs and individuals in similar roles could benefit from focused opportunities for learning and development, as well as stronger linkages with other chairs navigating similar circumstances.

Such learning and development programs might include synchronous and asynchronous modules on general topics that are most germane to the department leader experience, in addition to networking opportunities, panel conversations and interactive roundtables with other department chairs. The colleges or universities could provide these opportunities, perhaps in collaboration with other, similar institutions.

Department chairs also need additional institutional support and greater clarity regarding their roles and responsibilities at their particular institution. That might include, perhaps, a handbook of policies and exemplary practices, a website with frequently asked questions, and contact information for relevant campus offices and a shared virtual platform for resource and idea sharing.