The Challenges Faced and Strategies Used by University Administrators Before and During COVID-19

Abstract

This study undertook a systematic literature review corresponding to challenges faced and strategies used by university administrators in Ontario (Canada) and internationally before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. As leaders who act as the interface between academic institutions and faculty, staff, and students, the study sought to identify university deans’ and department chairs’ specific roles and responsibilities in response to such adversity. The study adopted Bronfenbrenner’s (1999) bioecological model of development and Mukaram et al.’s (2021) adaptive leadership framework to understand the complex demands placed upon and the responses of university administrators navigating the pandemic. Findings reveal that during emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, university administrators act as change agents who redefine their complex roles through a holistic leadership framework that fosters flexibility, empathy, resilience, and adaptability in their practice while developing sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected learning communities.