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November 5, 2008
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Sharon Seiling and Nancy Hudson
Co-Coordinators, New Start for Financial Success Signature Program
In response to the 2005 bankruptcy law changes, OSU Extension applied to provide the required debtor education class that must be taken after filing and before the bankruptcy is discharged. OSU Extension is approved to issue completion certificates to all Ohio residents as well as clientele in bordering states. The curriculum covers: developing a spending plan, basic money management, wise use of credit, and accessing consumer information. Professional marketing materials target bankruptcy attorneys.
For more information about implementing New Start, read the attached summary.
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Through a variety of communication methods, Extension Administration works to remain connected with the organization; for example, using the Communiqué, video Communiqué, regional meetings, county visits, and discussions with advisory groups. Recently, participants in the monthly Pulse Survey were provided the opportunity to ask Administration their questions. You’ll read/hear responses in future Communiqué issues, the upcoming video Communiqué, and during the administrative update at Annual Conference. Here is a sample of the questions your colleagues posed when asked: ”If you could ask Extension Administration one question, what would it be?”
- When the electric went out, and our educators were either out of state or at Farm Science Review, I felt our response to the public was too slow. There should be something in place to immediately put out press releases regarding food safety, how to handle downed trees/limbs, what to do if EAB might be seen in downed limbs, etc. I feel we missed a great opportunity to be seen and heard in the many counties throughout the state that were affected by this storm. What can we put in place so that if something like this were to happen again, there would be an immediate response, whether or not we had educators available to implement it?
- How will Extension Administration better support urban counties in the next three years?
- How are the responsibilities of the impact leaders going to be accomplished now that Extension is not filling this position?
- What are you doing to position OSU Extension as a major source of climate change information?
- What changes or new plans have you made to address the growing number of ANR vacancies?
- When can money be put into technology for OSU Extension? Take a look at our Web pages; we need additional support to be first-class for our clients in this area. Our current tech team is stretched to the limit and gives every ounce they can to help us. We are missing out on the most up-to-date way to stay in touch with our clients.
- Why can’t more financial support be given to the counties? Our outreach is through the counties, but Extension is non-mandated - so counties cut their support when costs in mandated offices are increased.
- Who is the person we talk with in Administration regarding office issues?
- What can be done at the various levels of Extension - but starting at the top, to help employees deal with work-related stress and burn-out issues?
To see the entire list of questions posed by your colleagues, visit: http://www.zoomerang.com/Shared/SharedResultsOpenEndedResultsPage.aspx?ID=L23JXQF2WF85&REQQUEST=comment_9. Again, we’ll be using a variety of methods to share responses to the questions posed. Thanks for your continued participation in the Pulse Survey!
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The next Video Communiqué will be pre-produced and will be available for your viewing online on November 17. Once the program is posted, CommTech will send an e-mail link and instructions for online viewing. For counties who cannot view the program online, DVDs will be sent in the county mail packets arriving on November 24.
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Reminder - the OSU Extension Annual Conference will be held on December 17-18 at the Ramada Plaza hotel in Columbus. Note: there is no pre-conference day this year. However, Dr. Paul Kuber is planning an animal science in-service on Tuesday, December 16 on main campus; it will include quality assurance training.
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The OAEP Professional Improvement Scholarship Sub-Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the OAEP fall scholarships - Christy Leeds, Union County, $400; Cindy Oliveri, FCS Administration, $400; Jason Hedrick, Putnam County, $400; Wesley Hahn, Logan County, $350; and Melinda Morrison, Champaign County, $200.
The winners of $100 scholarships to support first-timer trips to Galaxy went to Travis West, Vinton County for NAE4-HA; and Cindy Long, Richland County for NEAFCS.
Thank you to the OAEP Professional Improvement Scholarship Sub-Committee members: Lisa Barlage, Brenda Young, Jerry Mahan, Mary Beth Albright, Judy Conrad, and Nancy Snook.
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The Alpha Chapter of Chi Epsilon Sigma held its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 22 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. A brunch was enjoyed by 60 members and 5 guests.
This year's second Excellence in Extension Support Staff Award was presented to Carol Beatty of Trumbull County. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! Carol received a plaque and a $1,000 one-time award. Her name will also be added to a permanent plaque on display near the Dean's office on the Columbus campus.
Several awards were given out to Chi Epsilon Sigma members for outstanding achievement. The winners were:
Brochures, Newsletter, Web Pages (three separate awards): Sally Bluck, Ross County
$200 Professional Development Scholarships: Lisa Murphy, Business Office; and Linda Newman, Clark County
$100 Annual Meeting/Support Staff Conference Scholarships: Becky Sloan, Ashland County; and Tammy Whitt, Scioto County
Membership Scholarship: Tammy Whitt, Scioto County
Dorothy Rex Inspiration Award: Carolyn Hall, Business Office
Chi Epsilon Retiree: Karen Cole, Shelby County
CES Years of Service: (5 years) Jill Ellis, Mercer County; Terri Fisher, OSU CARES; Lisa Grubb, Sandusky County; Jennifer Kiel, Administration; Kate Lobley, Leadership Center; Ann Meyer, Putnam County; Susan Reynolds, Clinton County; Julie Schneider, Auglaize County; Kathy Grifith, Logan County; (10 years) Toni Bahnsen, Human Resources; Shirley Cook, State; Debby Delp, Warren County; Lisa Murphy, Business Office; Sandy Odrumsky, Licking County; Janet Smith, Coshocton County; Lisa Troyer, ANR Wooster; (15 years) Jeanette Redman, Licking County; Vickie Snyder, South East Region; Norma Unverferth, Putnam County; (20 years) Donna Hiles, Fairfield County; Lee Ann Johnson, South East Region; Jenny Lindimore, Morgan County; Kim Martini, Hamilton County; Cindy Scherger, Seneca County; Kim Sells, Fairfield County; Becky Sloan, Ashland County; Liz Ufferman, Morrow County; (25 years) Lu Bline, Licking County; Sandy Bryan, FCS Administration; Arlene Duffey, Madison County; Cheryl Fischnich, North Central Region; Nancy Miller, Franklin County; Shelia Blevins, Scioto County; (30 years) Kay Collins, Sandusky County; Regina Partee, Williams County; Drudy Yoakam, Union County.
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The Shirley Brooks-Jones award is offered annually by the CFAES Staff Advisory Council. The purpose of this award is to recognize staff members in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences who excel in providing outstanding and ongoing excellence in services to faculty, staff, students and/or others through communication, fairness, problem solving and contribution to the common good.
The award is named after Shirley Brooks-Jones who served CFAES as a staff member for 35 years. During her tenure, Shirley was very active in many college events, served on more than 20 university committees, and was known for outstanding service and making a significant difference for colleagues and customers. Shirley is a role model for countless staff, faculty and students.
This year’s award recipient was Don Ordaz, who is part of the OSU Communications and Technology group. Don is committed to superior service and ongoing support for Extension Administration, the Extension Business Office, Extension Human Resources, Community Development and many more people across the college. He is always available and helpful, and is continuously proactive in trying to identify potential barriers to Extension’s success. He is a model candidate for the award. Congratulations Don!
A photo of Don with Shirley Brooks-Jones is attached. For more on the Shirley Brooks-Jones award and other news, visit the CFAES Staff Advisory Council Web site (http://sac.ag.ohio-state.edu/).
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Check out the Extension Human Resources Web site at http://extensionhr.osu.edu/ to view the benefits information for Open Enrollment, November 3-14. You will also receive this information mailed to your home address. There are very few changes to the health plans this year, and most of them are “positive.” OSU Human Resources will be conducting enrollment forums for faculty and staff. To view a complete schedule of these forums, visit http://hr.osu.edu/oe.
This is also a good time to visit the new Your Plan for Health Web site (http://www.yourplanforhealth.com/) to complete your Personal Health Assessment, save money on your 2009 medical premiums, and track your personal health information.
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A&P educators - thinking of applying for promotion to Educator III or to Educator IV? Are you considering updating your vita? If so, plan to attend the upcoming A&P promotion workshops. The workshop sessions will be held via WebEx.
- November 14 - 9am-12 noon
- November 19 - 1-4pm
Contact Jennifer Kiel (kiel.8@osu.edu) by November 12 to register. Let her know which day you will be attending and your e-mail address, so she can arrange for your access to the WebEx meeting and the online training materials.
For guidelines and procedures, go to: http://extadmin-cms.ag.ohio-state.edu/policy-handbook/iii-appointments-promotions-tenure/a-p-promotion/guidelinesandproceduresa-ppromotion-2009-2010.doc/view. If you have any questions, contact Bev Kelbaugh (kelbaugh.1@osu.edu).
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Registration for the Pre-Retirement Workshop is up and running! This year, the workshop will be at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on Wednesday, November 12 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Speakers from OPERS, STRS, OSU-HR and Social Security will be presenting information on retirement benefits. A financial planner will then join the workshop in the afternoon to discuss how to plan for retirement. There’s no charge for Extension employees to attend, and a spouse/partner may attend for a $30 registration fee which includes lunch and workshop materials. Please go to the Extension Human Resources Web site at http://extensionhr.osu.edu to view the agenda and register.
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New travel policies are posted on the OSU Travel Office Web site: http://busops.osu.edu/travelforms/TravelPolicy.pdf. A summary of the changes is listed here.
New Travel Policies
- Federal Mileage Rate - Departments may reimburse amounts less than the Federal Mileage Rate provided there is a written, formalized policy that is consistently applied throughout the department and approved by the Dean, Vice President or designee.
- Per Diem - Departments may reimburse amounts lower than the "Federal Meal and Incidental Per Diem Rates" provided there is a written, formalized policy that is consistently applied throughout the department and approved by the Dean, Vice President or designee.
- Meals in lieu of Per Diem - Itemized receipts are not required for actual meals that are less than the applicable Per Diem rates.
How does this apply for Extension?
- Mileage Rate: These changes apply to the Department of Extension and not to individual offices under Extension; therefore, at this time the approved mileage rate for the department of Extension is $0.585.
- Per Diem: The Federal Meal and Incidental Per Diem rate applies to the Department of Extension and not to individual offices under Extension; therefore if you are charging per diem you must use the full rate.
- Actual Meals: If you are charging actual meal costs, you no longer need to provide itemized receipts, you may be reimbursed any amount up to the Per Diem for that location.
New Travel Agency
The university has selected a new designated travel agency through a competitive bid process. Travel Solutions, the selected supplier, began its contract on November 1. Consistent with current practice, usage of this designated agency is encouraged, but not required except when airfare is pre-paid by the university. During the transition to Travel Solutions, all reservations made prior to November 1 will remain with the agency that booked the travel regardless of when the travel is to occur.
Travel Solutions is a national, woman-owned business founded in 1995. Central Ohio accounts include Limited Brands, Ohio Health, American Electric Power, DSW and ValueCity. Services offered: 24/7 customer service, 365 days a year. Contact information: Two Easton Oval, Third Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43210; 877-OSUTRVL (877-678-8785); 614-750-4020.
- Airline reservations, emergency assistance, help with passports and visas
- Car, hotel and other travel reservations
- Travel alerts, announcements and news communicated via email
Update on eTravel
An update on the enterprise wide travel system can be found at: http://ibuy.osu.edu/video/travelTest/MainPage_7November_TravelAnamation.html.
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This fall, the new http://www.osu.edu Web site was unveiled, as well as new second-level pages like the http://www.osu.edu/outreach page. This page is a complete revision of the former version. You will note that the page is divided into categories and subcategories that capture the scope of Ohio State’s outreach and engagement work. Under each subcategory is a list of links to Ohio State programs that engage communities outside the university. As Extension employees, you have an invaluable leadership role in developing and implementing outreach and engagement programs throughout the state.
If you click on the map on the http://www.osu.edu/outreach page, it will send you to a page that links to several Web sites. Under the heading “Statewide Resources” on the left is a link to OSU Extension offices throughout the state. We encourage you to review the OSU Outreach and Engagement site and send us Web sites for programs or partnerships that may be appropriate to add to the programs lists. There are quite a few Extension links on the page, but there may be excellent sites not yet listed that would be of value to people using the site. Send any comments and suggested sites to Karen Bruns, Leader of Outreach and Engagement and OSU CARES/OSU Extension, at osucares@osu.edu.
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A Partnership: Let's Talk about What Works roundtable discussion will be held on November 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1590 N High St, Room 430, Columbus.
Faculty/community partner teams (listed below) will host tables to discuss key elements that led to the success of their outreach partnerships. Consider adding this event to your calendar and sending the announcement to faculty in your unit, as well as their community partners. Register online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=XF_2fTxCUm6XBUQja0JXJFKQ_3d_3d.
- Jerry Cable (Pharmacy); community partner - Marilyn King, LifeCare Alliance
- Donna Long (Spanish and Portuguese); community partner - LeRoy Boikai, Columbus Literacy Council
- Adrian Rodgers (EHE, OSU Newark); community partner - Linda Scott, retired teacher (Expert Literacy Volunteers in Schools)
- Chris Andersen (Project GRO); community partner - Kim Kiehl, COSI
- John Merrill (Engineering); community partner - Vicki Rush, Montana de Luz (A Home for Children with HIV/AIDS in Honduras)
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OSU Extension’s Leadership for Tomorrow Conference: Exploring New Approaches is scheduled for April 28-30, 2009. This conference will explore in-depth new approaches to leadership from Extension professionals, scholars, educators, business, law, military, and community practitioners.
Proposals are due November 30. The topics will include: Next Generation of Leadership · Changing Definitions of Leadership · New Leadership Models · Leading in Times of Change · Changing Demographics · the Future of Leadership.
For more information about the conference or to submit a proposal, please go to: http://leadershipfortomorrow.osu.edu/. The call for proposals is also attached. Sponsored by OSU Extension, the Gist Endowed Chair for Extension Education and Leadership, and Epsilon Sigma Phi - Alpha Eta Chapter (Ohio).
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The OSU Extension Annual Conference is right around the corner. It is time to think about nominating yourself or a colleague for the John Stitzlein Diversity Award. Please consider nominating someone today. The nomination guidelines and nomination forms are posted on the Diversity Resources Web page (http://extensionhr.osu.edu/diversity/awards/divawards.htm). The guidelines and form are also attached to this message.
Nominations should be e-mailed to Kathy Lechman (lechman.1@osu.edu) by November 28. Please do not send a vita; a narrative of no more than three pages is all that is needed.
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Two years ago, Provost Snyder wrote to ask for your help in learning more about faculty members who were the first in their family to attend college. Information about those of us who are “first-generation” college goers has been extremely useful to our Economic Access Initiative, whose mission is to help more first-generation and low-income students go to college, graduate, and consider graduate school.
If you are a “first-generation” faculty member, would like to share the trajectory that brought you to Ohio State, and have not yet done so, please get in touch with Tally Hart, senior advisor for economic access, at hart.149@osu.edu. By dispelling the myth that university faculty necessarily come from generations of college graduates, showing that they too have encountered impediments along the route to college, we will be able to make that route seem far more possible to many students. Your successes will be invaluable to recruitment efforts among potential first-generation students, not just at Ohio State but at institutions of higher learning throughout Ohio.
Tally would also appreciate hearing from any faculty members who, while not being first-generation college goers themselves, are interested in access research or would consider mentoring first-generation students. Please let her hear from you. I sincerely thank you for your help with this effort to reach out to every qualified student.
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The sixth annual James F. Patterson Land-Grant University Lecture will be held on April 24, 2009 - 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, will be the featured speaker.
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The mission of the Food Industries Center (FIC) is to provide food industry companies, the OSU Department of Food Science and Technology, OSU Extension, and related institutions with technical and scientific support services through education, research, and product development - with highly skilled personnel, a fully equipped pilot plant, and teaching facilities.
The FIC offers a wide variety of fee-based services for the food industry, entrepreneurs, and related institutions. Expert faculty and skilled personnel work together to provide contract research, sensory evaluation and analysis, short courses, and other services. The FIC pilot plants are fully equipped for product and process development of dairy, beverage, fruits and vegetables, bakery, pasta, and meats. All initial consultations are confidential and free.
One key service is the Sensory Evaluation Program. Sensory data often guides the final step in new product development. However, it is also valuable throughout the entire product development cycle. Sensory analysis provides initial direction during bench-top development when the product concept is taking shape. Difference testing during the scale up may supply consistency or difference from bench top to manufacturing. And finally, the product must be acceptable to your chosen consumer. Sensory data can also contribute road markers along the way, utilizing consumer expectations before a product is ready for market. Additionally, sensory evaluation plays a vital role in measuring production at the plant, ensuring product consistency and acceptability.
Visit the FIC Web site at http://www.foodindustries.osu.edu/; or call Melody Leidheiser at 614-688-4793 to further explore the capabilities of the Sensory Evaluation Program.
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eXtension's professional development opportunities are open to all Cooperative Extension faculty, staff and employees. No pre-registration is necessary. The November "30-Minute Sessions" include:
* November 11 at 2pm ET - Ask eXtension Widget by Aaron Hundley, eXtension software engineer. This widget adds question-asking capabilities to your site, but uses the eXtension Ask an Expert and FAQ systems (with 40,000 questions on file) to assist you in answering and monitoring questions. This session will introduce you to the new tool, show you the latest features, and discuss how to begin using it immediately.
* November 13 at 2pm ET - Google Spreadsheet Forms by Kevin Gamble, eXtension associate director. A Google Spreadsheet is a convenient way to create a survey and to collect, share, and analyze your results. This session will show you a very powerful, but also very easy method to conduct surveys.
* November 18 at 12pm ET - Introduction to Using Adobe Connect for Web Conferencing by Floyd Davenport, Iowa State.
* November 18 at 2pm ET - Sharing Visual Ideas and Designs Online by Ben MacNeill, eXtension user interface designer. Learn a few ways to present visual information for feedback purposes (such as design comps, interface mock-ups, troubleshooting) and some of the tools you can use to share your information.
* November 19 at 2pm ET - Updated People.eXtension Site by Jason Young, eXtension systems engineer. People is our Extension-wide authentication and directory application, providing accounts for all extension.org collaborative tools. We've expanded People to provide communities, mailing lists, activity, numbers; and we've expanded the tool to allow administrators, agents, specialists, educators, and other to find and connect to their colleagues throughout Extension. Learn more about the new features of People.
* November 20 at 2 pm ET - Introduction to Second Life by LuAnn Phillips, eXtension Second Life educator. This is a quick peek at some current educational uses of Second Life, the rationale for trying it, and how to get started.
* November 25 at 2pm ET - Source Code Version Control: Use It or Lose It by James Robinson, eXtension software engineer. Whether you are a lone developer or part of a development team, revision control has something to offer. Come prepared to share your code management processes and learn how others are using revision control tools too.
These sessions are held in our Web Conferencing Center at http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/learn and your telephone. Plan to join the session 5 minutes before the starting time. Instructions are attached.
Recordings of many past professional development sessions can be found at the main eXtension wiki at http://about.eXtension.org/wiki. Scroll down under the Professional Development heading to find "Recordings of eXtension Professional Development Sessions" or search on the word Recordings.
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