July 30, 2008
OSU Extension Strategic Plan - Frequently Asked Questions about Technology
The new OSU Extension Strategic Plan offers many exciting updates and new ideas for the entire organization. As we've mentioned previously, this is a great opportunity for OSUE to focus on key issues of the state - education, health, and the economy; and it provides a solid plan of action to direct our activities over the next six years. There will also be a few challenges, of course - often with technical issues regarding implementation and use of online resources. The attached FAQ article provides answers about how OSUE is addressing some technology-related tasks mandated by the Strategic Plan. |
Pulse Survey - Is It Your Turn to Respond?
Right now, this week, 1/6 of the organization (about 150 people) have been asked to provide their answers to the July Pulse Survey! Are you one of those individuals? Have you responded?!! Please know that your participation is valued! In early June, your peers and colleagues shared the following responses: *Mean scores that could indicate strong agreement…
*Mean scores could indicate agreement …
*Mean scores in the middle of the scale between agreement and disagreement …
*Using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree) To see the complete range of responses to these questions, click on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/sr.aspx?sm=9MAKzDcNhFgCwCuOdFvQZ01gV3Gh2V3Qv0raY5DFnqY_3d. At the site you will also see the responses to the three questions we continue to ask each month: 1) OSU Extension is heading in the right direction; 2) I am committed to OSU Extension; and 3) I receive adequate support in completing my job responsibilities. These three questions are repeated monthly, and compiled each six months. |
Encrypting OSU Extension Computers
As you know, the Extension I/T support staff are engaged in an effort to encrypt desktop and laptop computers that contain restricted data, in accordance with the university's Institutional Data Policy (IDP) and Minimum Computer Security Standard (MCSS). As directed by the Provost, this work must be completed by August 15. The process of encrypting a computer involves, among other things, a thorough test of the computer's hardware and software, to ensure that encryption will be successful and the computer will operate normally after the process is complete. The process of bringing all Extension computers (approximately 736 machines) to the level of meeting University code has been funded through current state budget dollars in the following way:
The MCSS requires that every computer have up-to-date software, and that the software meet certain security standards, so those checks are being performed as part of the encryption process. As this work has progressed across our Extension offices, the I/T technicians are encountering certain computer systems that are technologically obsolete. That is, these computers have hardware and/or software that cannot be brought up to standard in terms of encryption needs or the MCSS. Since these systems cannot be encrypted and/or do not meet minimum security standards, the technicians are required to remove these computers from service. This is especially important in the case of laptops, as they represent the greatest risk to the university in terms of security exposures from theft or loss. When a computer is removed from service, the technician will make a backup of all data on the computer so no important information will be lost. The owner of the computer will be notified and given the opportunity to replace the system. We understand that budgets are an issue, so the choice to replace the computer will always be left to the owner. The technicians will assist with the selection of a new system if requested. Costs of replacing/updating county/unit equipment must be covered at the local level. CommTech estimated that approximately 20 computers might need to be updated/replaced at the county, regional or campus unit levels. The current cost of replacing an outdated computer is estimated at $900-$1,000 (new computer). For the units that do need to replace an obsolete computer, this cost is in addition to the $224 each unit is paying for the necessary storage device. If you are notified that your computer must be removed from service, please support the I/T technicians in their efforts to assist you with IDP and MCSS compliance. The process of encrypting computers across Extension is a major task, and we appreciate your support of our activities to meet the Provost's mandate. |
NACAA Awards - Ohio Boasts Many National Winners
Ohio was well-represented at the 2008 National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Conference held in mid-July. Three OSUE teams received a NACAA Search for Excellence Award. A new electronic peer-reviewed journal was started this year, and three of the 19 papers accepted were from Ohio. Elmer Olsen will serve as the National Chair for 2008-2009 for NACAA Life Members. Nine Ohio entries advanced to the national competition for the NACAA Communication Awards as North Central winners; of those, David Marrison (Ashtabula County) was the national winner for published photo and Marissa Mullett (Coshocton County) was a national finalist for computer-generated graphics. Other winners:
In 2008-2009, eight OSUE professionals will serve in leadership roles on NACAA national committees, following four who served in 2007-2008. In addition, seven presentations during the conference were made by OSUE educators, and 15 posters were presented (with three national winners in the Extension Education division). The OEAP summary of the NACAA awards is attached for more information. |
Jim Helt to be Inducted into Ohio Ag Hall of Fame
Jim Helt, who served OSU Extension for nearly 47 years, will be inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame on August 8 during the Ohio State Fair. During his career, Jim continually promoted and enhanced the Ohio 4-H Youth Development program. Jim joined OSU Extension in 1961 as a county 4-H agent, then served as area Extension agent; associate state leader, 4-H; acting assistant director, 4-H; and assistant director, 4-H until he retired in 1993. He returned to Ohio State in 1994 as a development officer for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, until he retired again in May 2008. Jim was extensively involved in fund-raising for the new Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. Congratulations to Jim! The other 2008 Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees are Craig Fendrick, Donald Shriver, and Bill Stalter. |
Chi Epsilon Sigma Membership Drive & Staff Award
Now is the time to consider membership in CES - the Extension support staff professional organization. The annual CES membership drive will be held from August 1-31. Chi Epsilon Sigma is Extension’s professional organization for support staff. Membership is open to all support staff who have at least a 45 percent appointment in Extension. Annual CES membership dues are $15. Extension administration reaffirms that dues may be paid from county/department budgets with supervisor approval. To encourage staff to join who may have budget constraints, six membership scholarships will be available. You can request an application by checking the appropriate box on the membership form. Membership information and the application form are attached. This information is also available on the CES Web page at http://ces.ag.ohio-state.edu/membership. The application for the Extension Support Staff Excellence Award is also attached. This $1,000 award is co-sponsored by CES and Extension Administration - recognizing a CES member annually for excellence in knowledge, skills and service to the organization. The guidelines and application process are also posted on the CES Web page (http://ces.ag.ohio-state.edu/extension-support-staff-excellence-award). This year’s CES annual meeting is planned as a breakfast on Wednesday, October 22 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center as part of the support staff annual fall conference. A $100 scholarship will be awarded to a CES member to assist with annual meeting expenses. Criteria will be based on restricted financial funding, and an application will be sent if you check the box on the membership form. |
Leading Change For a Healthy Organization - sponsored by Epsilon Sigma Phi
Leading Change for a Healthy Organization is scheduled for September 15, 9 am-3:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency Downtown in Indianapolis. This conference is designed for educators across all disciplines, human resource and professional development personnel, and administrators. Participants will be exposed to an integrative model for a total rewards strategy that serves as a 21st century roadmap for leaders responsible for attracting, retaining and motivating a workforce in today’s work environment. Registered participants will complete a brief survey tool to help set the stage for an effective learning experience and more closely tailor the presentation to the audience’s specific needs. The keynote speaker is Kathleen Lingle who leads Alliance for Work-Life Progress (AWLP), a national center of work-life expertise that defines and recognizes innovation, best practices and provides global thought leadership. AWLP advances work-life effectiveness as a high-performance business strategy that integrates work, family and community. This workshop will cost $100 per participant, including lunch. Pre-conference registration is posted at http://www.espnational. |
Wellness Health Screenings
The OSU Faculty and Staff Wellness Program is partnering with the Staff Advisory Council again this year to offer health screenings to CFAES employees on August 21. The screening takes less than 15 minutes to have your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure checked. Please let Tim Butcher (butcher.13@osu.edu; 614-292-0677), OSHA program coordinator, know if you want to set up an appointment for this. You can also visit the CFAES Staff Advisory Council Web site (http://sac.ag.ohio-state.edu/sac-and-staff-wellness-cooperation) for more complete wellness information. |
APT and POA Documents Ready for Faculty Vote
The two committees working on the Appointments, Promotion and Tenure (APT) and Pattern of Administration (POA) documents have completed their task of updating the documents. The revised APT and POA documents will be posted online from August 1-15 for faculty to review and electronically vote to accept via Zoomerang. An e-mail will be sent on August 1 to Extension faculty with the links for the documents and voting instructions. |
Contributions in Memory of President Gee's Son-in-LawThe Ohio State University President's office released information earlier this week about Dr. Gee's son-in-law, Dr. Allan F. Moore, who died on July 24 as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on July 12 in Philadelphia. President Gee's daughter, Dr. Rebekah Gee, also was injured in the accident. A family funeral for Moore was held on July 28 in Virginia; a memorial service will be held in Boston (date to be determined). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dr. Allan F. Moore Memorial Fund c/o The Office of the President, The Ohio State University, 205 Bricker Hall, 190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210. |
2009 Distinguished Scholar Award Nominations Requested
The Ohio State University Office of Research requests nominations for the 2009 University Distinguished Scholar Award. Each year, through the Distinguished Scholar program, the university recognizes and honors six faculty members whose scholarly activities, research or other creative works are at the forefront of their respective disciplines. Each recipient will receive a research grant of $20,000 for pursuit of further scholarly activity and a $3,000 honorarium. All nominees must have served on the faculty at Monday October 20, 2008 is the deadline for receipt of all nomination materials for the 2009 award. Please refer to additional instructions and nomination materials at http://research.osu.edu/programs/dsa-nominations.cfm. If you have any questions about the Distinguished Scholar Award program, please contact Anita Bratcher at 247-4764 or bratcher.1@osu.edu. |
2008 National Outreach Scholarship Conference - October
The 2008 National Outreach Scholarship Conference will be held at Penn State on October 7-9, 2008. The conference will feature interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and keynote addresses all focusing on The Scholarship of Outreach and Engagement: What is It and Why Does It Matter? The call for registrations is attached. You can also visit the conference Web site at www.outreach.psu.edu/outreach-scholarship for more details and a link to online registration. The Office of University Outreach and Engagement will be facilitating a carpool in Ohio State vans as a transportation option. If you are interested, please contact Vicki Reed (reed.749@osu.edu) by September 1, 2008. (Information courtesy of Karen Bruns, Leader, Outreach and Engagement and OSU CARES). |
Hawaii International Conference on Education - Call for Papers
The 7th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education will be held January 4 to 7, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The conference will provide opportunities for academicians and professionals from education-related fields to interact with members inside and outside their own particular disciplines. Topic areas include: any area of education, as well as academic advising/counseling; curriculum; research and development; educational administration; educational foundations; educational psychology; educational technology; education policy and leadership; human resource development; kinesiology and leisure science; and student affairs. Sponsored by: Pepperdine University - Graduate School of Education and Psychology; University of Louisville - Center for Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods; New Horizons in Education - The Journal of Education; Hong Kong Teachers' Association; and California State University, East Bay - Educational Leadership Program. The deadline to submit proposals is August 15. Cross-disciplinary submissions with other fields are welcome. For detailed information about submitting, see: http://www.hiceducation.org/cfp_edu.htm. |
Personnel Update
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