Chapter 13: Supervising Professionals in Accountability Areas

Supervising professionals in accountability areas involves a specific level of complexity given the unique nature of their roles within the campus community. In addition to discussing accountability areas and the leadership role of the middle manager, this chapter includes topics such as developing campus and community partnerships, politics, ethics and compliance, communication, media relations related to the content areas, and recommendations for further practice. These topics were identified based on the literature and the author’s professional experience supervising and partnering with accountability area leaders on campus.

Understanding the challenging nature of the accountability areas and recognizing the necessity to properly supervise, hold accountable, and support the professionals leading the units is critical to their success, students’ success, and to the success of the university. Supervisors must also aid in supporting these professionals to stay connected to students while navigating their responsibilities in relation to campus constituents. Many leaders of accountability areas tend to be middle managers, adding another unique layer to supervision—where accountability area professionals must support people who report to them, and to those to whom they report.