Pharr said she hopes that faculty members will discuss their vision for the department's future.

"I think it's a chance to really talk together about issues and concerns people have," Pharr said. "It's a good time to interact. The government department is spread out in several buildings, so we don't interact on a day-to-day basis."

She added that faculty members will also discuss their goals for the ongoing $2.1 billion capital campaign.

"The dean has encouraged all departments to do some stock-taking," she said, and requests for new faculty might be part of the retreat talks.

Other issues could include the number of undergraduate seminars and the response of the department to its growth over the past decade, professors said.

Even in this relaxing environment, those interviewed say, the two days will likely be much work and little play.

"These people are workaholics," said Feldberg Professor of Government and Russian Studies Timothy J. Colton. "It's going to be mostly work, I'm certain of that."

One professor, though, said he is looking forward to the rest.

"I was not planning to do much more than bring sandals and a sweater and walk along the ocean during breaks," said Professor of Government James E. Alt