This week my associate dean is attending the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) seminar for new deans, in which experienced deans share processes and tips to help new deans get off to strong starts. Each year a few slots are reserved for associate deans who are thinking about eventually moving over one position. I attended the seminar as a new dean in 2013, and in 2014 sent my then associate dean, who went on to become a dean last year! Hopefully my associate dean this year doesn’t get snatched up for another few years…

In a new twist for mentoring new deans, I was contacted yesterday by a new dean who is starting an advisory circle. I’ll be available to answer questions via email, and we might check in via Skype from time to time. If ever in the same city for conferences we’ll try to meet up. I am impressed by her initiative in putting together this mentoring opportunity. I wish that I had thought of this as a new dean!