Here below is the statement forwarded to Dr. Pearl to create a statement of consensus among the chair of chairs:

Dr. Pearl,

Representatives from the chairs’ groups on each campus got together at the end of the Fall semester and created a statement that we would like to share with the restructuring taskforce.  As we have been discussing various models we thought that it was important to define how we thought the chair position should work in any model that is considered.  It is just a few short sentences and we are happy to read them and answer any questions at our next meeting.

The statement is:

In any academic structure, department chairs are the primary academic leaders providing direct leadership and support for students, faculty and the discipline as well as providing a bridge between faculty and administration. Department chairs should be faculty leaders who routinely teach in their discipline and facilitate curriculum development and academic initiatives. As Montgomery College re-envisions its academic structure, it is essential in any model that faculty leadership in the chair role is maintained.