Many chairs come to their position without the benefit of previous experience in the role of leading an academic department. The American Association of Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry (AACDP) identified the need for a manual designed to help a new chair get started. The "tool kit" that emerged contains sections that describe the AACDP, outline key issues and responsibilities of a department chair, and review a variety of resources available to assist a new chair. The manual is used to supplement orientation sessions at AACDP meetings and is given to new chairs who are unable to attend these sessions.