Pulse Survey Report

Recently, your colleagues responded to the monthly pulse survey in the following way:

*Mean scores could indicate strong agreement...

• Developing shared programmatic expertise and specialization models are important to the success of EERA operations. (mean of 7.38)
• Completing an assessment of shared programming needs is important to determining EERA focus. (mean of 7.46)
• Current programmatic expertise should be matched with prioritized EERA needs assessment. (mean of 7.40)
• Availability of standardized curriculum will help in delivery of programming within EERAs. (mean of 7.22)
• An easily searchable Extension Web site for personnel and clientele is critical to delivering Extension materials and programs. (mean of 8.02)

*Mean scores could indicate agreement...

• Extension's current restructuring process has not affected my participation in a Signature Program. (mean of 6.84)

*Mean scores do not clearly indicate agreement or disagreement...

• EERA staffing patterns are programmatic clusters designed to effectively meet community needs. (mean of 5.49)
• EERA staffing patterns are administrative clusters designed to effectively meet community needs. (mean of 5.50)

*Using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree)

Additional information is available at http://www.zoomerang.com/Shared/SharedResultsPasswordPage.aspx?ID=L23UH4GTQG5Z. Please continue to share your opinions through participation in the pulse survey. Your observations and suggestions provide important insight as OSU Extension's administrative and program teams work to implement the strategic plan, the restructuring model, and program updates.

Ohio State School Partnerships Summary - Info Due September 15

Ohio State is deeply engaged with the children and youth of Ohio, and Extension youth programs are a large part of that commitment to our communities. The Ohio State University School Partnerships Summary is an annual publication documenting this work. It is distributed throughout the university, to school districts around the state, and to elected officials.

County Extension directors will soon be receiving an e-mail from Karen Bruns (OSU CARES/OSU Extension & University Outreach and Engagement) and Sandra Kerka (University Outreach and Engagement/P-12 Project) asking you to update your county’s information for the next edition of this publication.

Please help us spread the word about the great work you are doing by responding to this request by September 15. See the partnership book at http://p12.osu.edu/resources.php#schoolpartnerships.

OSURF to Become OSP

The Ohio State University Research Foundation (OSURF) will soon become the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). After operating as a separate but affiliated entity of the university since 1936, the Office of Research is undertaking a process to fully integrate OSURF into the university. This means is that an Ohio State grant applicant/recipient will transition from OSURF to The Ohio State University. For example:

Old: “Applicant’s name: Ohio State University Research Foundation on behalf of Ohio State University Extension.”
New: “Applicant’s name: The Ohio State University on behalf of Ohio State University Extension”

This change should make it easier to use the expertise of OSURF/OSP for some sponsors that prohibit the involvement of a third-party/separate fiscal manager or research institution.

Extension faculty and staff will continue to work with Bette Hartschuh, Laura Finch, and our other regular sponsored program officers (SPOs) when preparing new proposals and managing ongoing projects during this transition. The SPOs will help us with any necessary adjustments. It continues to be important to contact Jackie LaMuth (lamuth.1@osu.edu) and/or a SPO early in the proposal submission process to minimize confusion and increase positive outcomes.

Anne Moffat will become the executive director of the Office of Sponsored Programs effective August 1. In her new role, Moffat will provide oversight of the proposal submission process, as well as all pre-award and post-award administrative processes. More information about this transition will be available soon.

Staff Award Nominations Due

Do you know an employee who goes that extra mile? If so, consider nominating him or her for the CFAES Staff Advisory Council’s 2009 Above and Beyond or Shirley Brooks-Jones Awards.

The Shirley Brooks-Jones Award is named after Shirley Brooks-Jones who served the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences as a staff member for 35 years. Her employment commenced in 1954 with a secretarial position and ended with her retirement in 1989 from her position as Assistant to the Vice President for Agricultural Administration. Shirley is recognized as the epitome of excellence for her active involvement and outstanding service during her tenure. She is a role model for countless staff, faculty and students, and her name brings enormous prestige to this award.

The Above and Beyond awards are new for 2009, and their purpose is to recognize significant accomplishments in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. The awards will be presented to three staff members for 1) service to the University/College, 2) leadership and innovation, and 3) exceptional accomplishments and positive behaviors.

These awards are open to all non-faculty CFAES employees. They have a one-time cash award. Please visit the Staff Recognition link on the Staff Advisory Council’s Web site at http://sac.ag.ohio-state.edu/ for award criteria and nomination forms. Direct questions to Trina Beebe at beebe.25@osu.edu or 614-688-4659.

Submit nominations to: Trina Beebe, 100 Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, OH 43210 by August 31.

Personnel Update