how much to chip in for department administrator

[Morden]

I will also say THE ANSWER IS $20.  AS you work longer, and have stronger relationships with people there, the amount may go up, but it really wont go down.

This.

[rabbitandfox23]

Thanks, everyone! Your posts have been really helpful. I just started my teaching career and had no clue, so very glad to have this advice.

[fishbrains]

Our department (CC Humanities) gives $10 each for these occasions, but we have a 20+ person department. We don't ask adjuncts to donate. 

For major events (adjunct's home burned down, someone adopted a large sibling group of kids, etc.) people often give more for the collection, depending on how they feel.

[evil_physics_witchcraft]

We generally chip in $20/person in my Dept.

[glendower]

I think you should ask the department chair, as these things can vary by region and culture. I would expect less from junior faculty, possibly more from senior faculty, depending on what I knew of personal circumstances (salary compression is a thing, and some senior people make less than some juniors). Size of department also matters: 50 people kicking in $10 each adds up to the same amount as 10 who each give $50. Clean's suggestion of what to write in the card is very nice!

[little bongo]

A nice example of what I had hoped this forum would be since about 2009 or 2010 or so. Everyone has contributed some cool life-experience advice. Kudos all around.

[Ruralguy]

Most people who carry cash just have multiples of 20 and a few stray bills, maybe.
So, its easiest to ask for 20 and expect 20 from each person. Some people who either worked with the person more closely, were around for a long time or know they have a higher salary and can give more will give more, but I wouldn't really expect it. Don't expect the collector to have any change. If you want to give a smaller amount or any amount that doesn't correspond to bills you actually have on hand, just write a check.  This all going to depend on the size of the dept. most of all.

[mahagonny]

A nice example of what I had hoped this forum would be since about 2009 or 2010 or so. Everyone has contributed some cool life-experience advice. Kudos all around.

same to you, buddy