Abstract
This article examines the role of faculty service in higher education and the responsibilities of department chairs in balancing participation with protection from excessive demands. Service is defined broadly, encompassing internal duties such as committees and advising, as well as external contributions to the community and professional organizations. The discussion highlights ambiguities in how service is valued compared to teaching and research, often leaving faculty uncertain about its impact on evaluation. Practical recommendations are offered for administrators: clarifying departmental obligations, rotating assignments, introducing new faculty gradually, reserving key tasks for senior members, and rewarding time-intensive service. Equally emphasized is the need to shield faculty from unproductive or externally imposed obligations that detract from scholarship. The article concludes that service is an integral but often undervalued component of academic life, requiring thoughtful management to support both faculty development and departmental effectiveness.
Recommended Citation
Gravlee, G. Jack
(1987)
"Involving Faculty in Department and Professional Service,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 62, Article 14.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol62/iss1/14
