A handbook to assist newly appointed department heads at Colorado State University is presented. Topics include: the organization of the university, departmental organization, faculty personnel matters, staff personnel administration, fiscal operation, and research administration. The majority of departments operate under departmental codes outlining organization and operation. Specific responsibilities of the department head are identified: preparation and administration of the departmental budget; initiation of recommendations for appointments, dismissal, salary increases, advancement, and tenure of staff members; management of academic and financial matters within the department; and preparation of reports. The use of departmental committees and the selection process for the department head are addressed. The following faculty personnel matters are discussed: recruitment, appointments, reappointments, confidential interviews, promotions, tenure, resignations, and faculty fringe benefits. In addition, staff personnel administration is addressed in regard to: the personnel office, categories of employees, salary increases, hourly employees, creation of new positions, promotions, reclassification, work week, overtime, and extra payments. Fiscal operations include the following: sources of financial support, budgets, staffing patterns, salary policies and procedures, methods of salary payments, expense disbursements, capital equipment, and purchasing. Appended forms concern: academic faculty appointment, administrative and professional staff appointment, personnel action sheet, performance rating, advancement in rank, tenure, and budget change requests. (SW)