The concept of "department" is encountered mainly in higher educational institutions (institutes, universities, academies). A department is a formal association of educators with close specializations or qualifications. The main point of creating the department is the organization of scientific and research work, as well as the preparation of students or students in certain areas of study. Also, the department carries out constant scientific and methodological work, which is an important element of education.
Features
Today, the modern department is not only a structural unit of a higher educational institution, but also an association of teaching staff to organize educational work. Quite often, this concept is confused with the concept of "faculty", but in fact there are significant differences, namely:
- The faculty is a division of the university, and the department is the educational and scientific component of the faculty.
- The head and teachers of the department have the right to regulate the dates of tests, examinations and certification, but not the timing of the defense of candidate dissertations or diploma projects, unlike the faculty.
- The head and teachers of the department are people who cannot influence the administrative management and the work of departments of other areas.
Head of Department
So to say, the "little kingdom" has its own hierarchical structure. At the head is the head (manager), who is elected by voting by the Academic Council of the University for a period of 5 years. The entire faculty is under the leadership of the department head. Most often, the head of the department is a teacher who has at least 5 years of scientific and pedagogical work, and also has a degree and academic title.
The head of the department of the university is directly subordinate to the dean of the faculty or director of the institute, as well as:
- prevents the occurrence of various conflict situations;
- takes part in the formation of staffing;
- optimizes the educational process;
- promotes the organization of courses, additional lessons and seminars in the disciplines that are taught at the department;
- conducts pedagogical work and research;
- promotes communication and other interaction of teachers, etc.
University Department
The department at the university is an office that is equipped with desks, bookcases and modern computer and office equipment. The university department may in some cases have at its disposal a research laboratory or educational units.