It is important for overall department health that the chair and dean have a productive working relationship. At most institutions, the dean determines resource use through budget allocations, allowing faculty and staff vacancies to be filled and special considerations to be made for new lines and academic programs. There are many other areas in which the dean influences critical components of department life.
![](http://s26601.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/03.18_community-connection-and-balance-300x144.jpg)
Supporting Faculty and Staff Mental Health and Well-Being: Community, Connection, and Balance
Last month, I introduced the U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being. The framework was created to start deeper conversations about change and well-being in the workplace