Program Unit Chair Responsibilities

This section contains an overview of the program unit chair’s responsibilities. Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Program Unit Chair Handbook  provide more details to help program unit chairs fulfill their duties.

1. Starting a program unit. Typically, the person who assumes the leadership in submitting the original proposal to institute a new program unit becomes the unit’s chair if approval of the unit is granted. This typically entails conversations with members interested in the topic, the formation of a proposed steering committee, and the writing of the proposal, which is then submitted to the Program Committee. (See Section 12 of the PUC Handbook, Proposing a New Program Unit, page 15).
2. Organizing program unit sessions. The program unit chair oversees the whole process, from submitting the unit’s call for papers to evaluation of proposals and final selection of presenters. The AAR encourages all units to use “blind review“ of proposals. Program unit chairs, with their steering committees, play a leadership role by highlighting special topics, setting up sessions of invited guests, or experimenting with the format of sessions. (See Section 6 of the PUC Handbook, Organizing Annual Meeting Sessions, pages 5-10).
3. Reporting on program unit activities. The program unit chair reports annually to the Program Committee about the unit’s activities. This report should provide detailed information including names of new steering committee members and proposed program unit chairs. (See Section 7 of the PUC Handbook, Submitting Program Unit Chair Annual Reports, page 12).
4. Application for renewal or change of status of program unit. Consultations seeking a change of status must submit to the Program Committee a proposal presenting a clear rationale, defined analytical focus, articulated methodology, and set of goals. Groups and sections seeking renewal or a change of status must undergo a rigorous review process that includes the following:
   1. a self-review by the unit, including documentation of the unit’s activities, an assessment of the unit’s effectiveness and importance, and needed improvements.
   2. a written proposal requesting renewal or change of status, including a clear rationale, defined analytic focus, articulated methodology, and set of goals,
   3. an evaluation by an external reviewer selected by the Program Committee.

So that the Program Committee can respond to the request during its annual December meeting, it is the program unit chair’s responsibility to see that all of the forms, procedures, and deadlines in this process are followed. (See Section 8 of the PUC Handbook, Applying for Renewal or a Change in Status, page 6).