This paper presents a study that examined the "encounter" stage (adaptation to the new role) of a faculty member who is promoted to Department Chair. The quantitative study consisted of a national survey of 808 Department Chairs from 101 universities categorized as Research I and II and Doctorate granting I and II by the Carnegie Council. Respondents were asked about job satisfaction, their personal adjustment to the new role, and personal and professional time allocations affected by the new role. Among the findings were the following: (1) 88% indicated that they had less time for research and writing and were forced to find time in order to save their place in the academic world; (2) 82% of all Chairs indicated that being chairperson reduced the time available for keeping current in their academic fields: (3) 78% claimed less time for teaching after the transition; (4) some Chairs pushed research into their personal time (weekends or time at home after work); and (5) 77% of Chairs indicated that they had less time for leisure. Implications of these findings are discussed. An appendix contains the survey document. Contains 13 figures and 17 references. (GLR)