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August 26, 2009
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We’ve really had a lot of good activities going on this summer, and I’m looking forward to this fall. County fairs are always an exciting week in each county, and I’ve heard good things about the youth events, the community support, and the positive attitude about Extension at each fair so far. I was recently at the Monroe County fair, and it was a pleasure to visit with 4-H youth and parents and see what was happening in that community. I also attended several events at the Ohio State Fair, and it was fun to see the hard work of our youth pay off in their state-level judging opportunities, some new experiences, and interaction with others from around the state.
OSU Extension has been extremely visible at all of these events; and I know these have been great outlets to show how your hard work is paying off for our clientele, no matter what their needs. Keep up the good work!
Although the state and county budgets have been a challenge this year, we continue to have tremendous positive support from our legislators, county commissioners, and other stakeholders. In addition, the Congressional Assistants tour and County Commissioner Days (in Medina County this year) were well-received - and I remain optimistic about the OSU Extension mission and the implementation of our strategic plan and restructuring model.
I’m very proud of the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of all OSU Extension employees. The good things you are doing throughout the state are important to our success. As always, thank you for your contributions to OSU Extension and your belief in our mission and the purpose of our work.
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It has been more than a year since the Extension strategic plan was launched. A number of action steps like Signature Programs and development of EERAs have been initiated. Strategic plans are by design flexible documents that need to be periodically evaluated, examining the priority of existing and potential action steps based on organizational change. To help with this evaluation, the same questions have been asked in the May, June and July editions of the pulse survey. This repetition means that one-half of our Extension professionals have had an opportunity to share their opinions about critical action steps in the Extension strategic plan.
The action step "An easily searchable Extension Web site for personnel and clientele is critical to delivering Extension materials and programs" received a rating of more than 8 for each of the three months. The magnitude of such a rating can be fully appreciated when compared to the rating of 8 that the continuing question "I am committed to Ohio State University Extension" receives. Another action step that received a strong rating is "Current programmatic expertise should be matched with prioritized EERA needs assessment," scoring in the high 7s during all three months.
The OSU Extension Change Team is finalizing a survey to be sent to all Extension professionals to continue this evaluation of critical action steps needed to successfully implement the Extension strategic plan. Information gathered from the survey will be used to guide a plenary session at the Extension Annual Conference. The session will be used to further understand what is working well in the implementation of the strategic plan and what additional action steps could be accomplished to increase the relevance of Extension to the citizens of Ohio. We look forward to your comments and suggestions within the survey and at Annual Conference.
-Bill Grunkemeyer, OSU Extension Change Team
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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 7.58)
- Completing an assessment of shared programming needs is important to determining EERA focus. (mean of 8.04)
- Current programmatic expertise should be matched with prioritized EERA needs assessment. (mean of 7.65)
- Availability of standardized curriculum will help in delivery of programming within EERAs. (mean of 7.30)
- An easily searchable Extension Web site for personnel and clientele is critical to delivering Extension materials and programs. (mean of 8.55)
- Extension's current restructuring process has not affected my participation in a Signature Program. (mean of 7.17)
*Mean scores do not clearly indicate agreement or disagreement...
- EERA staffing patterns are programmatic clusters designed to effectively meet community needs. (mean of 5.69)
- EERA staffing patterns are administrative clusters designed to effectively meet community needs. (mean of 5.20)
*Using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree)
Additional information is available at http://www.zoomerang.com/Shared/SharedResultsPasswordPage.aspx?ID=L23VZ4HVZ69T. 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.
Everyone should have had the opportunity to respond to at least one pulse survey so far this year. If you have not received the survey requeset, contact Debby Lewis (lewis.205@osu.edu).
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Don't forget to submit a proposal for displays, posters and sessions for the 2009 OSU Extension Annual Conference - "A New EERA in Extension." We are focusing on core competencies (and areas of expertise) this year. The deadline for submissions is September 1. The full request for proposals can be found at http://fcs.osu.edu/prof-resourses/ under Resources and Links. Contact Kara Newby (knewby@ehe.osu.edu) with questions for for more information.
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Earlier this year, OSU Extension was one of five land-grant institutions selected to be a pilot state for eXtension. Pilot states are expected to develop implementation plans to help increase the use of eXtension tools and concepts at their institution. Ohio State’s eXtension institutional team worked with an eXtension liaison to develop a plan. Key features of the plan include:
- Requiring everyone with an OSU Extension appointment to have an eXtension ID by the end of the calendar year
- Increased involvement with eXtension Communities of Practice
- The placement of an “Ask an Expert” feature on all OSU Extension Web sites
- An increased emphasis on using contemporary technology tools to engage with clientele
More information on all of these topics will be shared between now and the OSU Extension Annual Conference. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Jerry Thomas (thomas.69@cfaes.osu.edu; 419-306-9400) or Bob Furbee (furbee.2@cfaes.osu.edu; 614-292-2001).
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With economic challenges facing Americans every day, the Cooperative Extension System is providing a new source of relevant, community-based educational programs from across the nation to complement what is available at http://www.extension.org/ and in every state. The MiTTNet (Managing in Tough Times Network) is a directory of existing educational programs and materials relevant to managing in these difficult times. The directory is available through eXtension for use by Extension educators across the country. MiTTNet includes content for individual and family financial and stress management, farm and ranch financial and risk management, community economic development, and youth stress management and positive actions. MiTTNet is available at http://www.extension.org/pages/Financial_Security:_Managing_Money_in_Tough_Times.
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KNOWLEDGE. PASSION. EXPERIENCE. - CommTech's formula for your success. CommTech professionals put this formula to work for you every time you partner with us. We are excited to announce that we've repurposed our Web site to better serve you, but we recognize that we need to continually make improvements in order to earn your business. Visit and bookmark our site: http://commtech.ag.ohio-state.edu/. Let us know how we can better put this formula to work for you on the web.
Please let us know:
- What resources can we provide on our Web site that will best help you do your job?
- What social networks do you participate in?
- What is the first item you're looking for when visiting our site (contact info, general info about our services, our project request form, etc.)?
E-mail your feedback to Keira McGlone at mcglone.39@osu.edu.
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Excellence in Extension Award nominations will be open through September 20. This annual award, sponsored by Epsilon Sigma Phi and OSU Extension, recognizes a superior Extension educator with a cash award of $1,000 plus the addition of $1,000 to the base salary. Nominations can be submitted by faculty, staff, clientele, or emeriti. Any Extension employee who is a current member of Epsilon Sigma Phi is eligible for this award. The award can be received one time only.
To nominate someone, complete a nomination form, posted at http://ohioesp.osu.edu/forms/forms.htm. Click on Excellence in Extension Award. The nomination form will ask for examples of excellence in teaching, research, and service. You will also need to include a nomination letter. Please take the time to nominate an outstanding colleague for this award. Submit nominations by September 20 to: Vicki Schwartz, ESP Excellence in Extension Chair, c/o South Central Region, 16714 S.R. 215, Caldwell, OH 43724; fax: 740-732-5992; office phone: 614-292-6942; cell phone: 740-584-2510.
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Attention Extension colleagues -- Get recognition for your accomplishments! Submit your nomination for the 2009 Epsilon Sigma Phi Tools for Teaching, Team Teaching, and ESP Special Chapter Awards. The forms are available on the ESP Web site (http://ohioesp.osu.edu/). Click on forms and complete the application. All applications are due October 1.
The benefits: recognition for quality work; peer-reviewed indication of quality for P&T; an item to put on your URS in the awards category
The drawbacks: none
Call a colleague who deserves recognition and encourage them to apply, or nominate them yourself. If you are the type that doesn’t like to toot your own horn, pretend you are nominating someone else’s project. Or, just toot your own horn -- you have done the work, so get recognition for it.
In 2008:
Team Teaching Award winners included: Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference; Northeast Ohio Small Farmer College - Too Much to Mow, What do I Grow; Be Healthy Now; and Building Future Leaders Using Residential 4-H Camp Programs.
Tools for Teaching Award winners included: David Marrison’s Photo Feature, Betty Wingerter’s Personal Column, Joe Lucente and Dave Kelch’s Periodical Publication, Alan Sundermeier’s Radio Recording, Marilyn Rabe’s TV spot, and Susan Shockey’s Video, Lisa McCutcheon’s Computer Generated Presentation, Laryssa Hook’s Promotional Flyer, and more.
Special Chapter Award winners included: Treva Williams, Distinguished Service; Karen Bruns, Administrative Leadership; Greg Davis, Mid-Career Service; Lisa McCutcheon, Early Career Service; Becky Hooper, Meritorious Support Service; and Deanna Tribe, Retiree Service.
For a complete list of award winners go to: http://ohioesp.osu.edu/awards/awards.htm. Many Special Chapter awards are specifically for ESP members. The Retiree Service Award is specifically for someone who is retired from Extension, but continues their membership in ESP.
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It is time to make nominations for the Excellence in 4-H Award. This award honors superior accomplishments by Extension educators in developing dynamic, innovative, and broad-based 4-H educational programs. The award, funded through the Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Fund, is dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professionals who serve as examples in setting standards of excellence in 10 major areas of the county 4-H program.
A peer may nominate any OSU Extension educator who has provided leadership to 4-H programs. A copy of the nomination form is attached. The 2009 nomination form can also be accessed online in the 4-H weekly News & Notes (8/3/09) at http://www.ohio4h.org/staff/weeklyupdates/20090803.html.
Please nominate one or more individuals you think are deserving of this recognition. Nominees will be notified and required to complete a full application to be reviewed by the award selection committee. Nomination forms are due no later than October 5 to Vicki J. Schwartz, Associate State Leader, 4-H Youth Development, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210, or schwartz.4@cfaes.osu.edu.
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Do you know an employee who goes that extra mile? If so, you should consider nominating them for the CFAES Staff Advisory Council’s 2009 Above and Beyond or the 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. The Above and Beyond awards are new for the 2009 year 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. These awards have a one-time cash award. Review the attachment or visit the Staff Advisory Council’s Web site at http://sac.ag.ohio-state.edu/ for more information, award criteria and nomination forms. Contact Trina Beebe (beebe.25@osu.edu; 614-688-4659) with questions and submit nominations to Trina by August 31.
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The CFAES fall faculty meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 11 in the Agricultural Administration Building auditorium (time to be determined). All faculty are encouraged to attend. Chairs will introduce new faculty and those faculty who have received significant awards over the last year in each unit (September 2008-September 2009).
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Once a month, the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) sends notices to deans, associate deans, department chairs, and school directors with calls for nominations for national/international awards/honors that might be of interest to faculty and staff. Eventually, these opportunities will be posted as a page on the OAA Web site. The most recent calls for nomination include:
- The Holberg International Memorial Prize 2010, call for nominations (http://www.holbergprisen.no/). Nomination deadline: October 12.
- American Academy of Arts & Sciences, 2010-2011, scholars-in-residence program (http://www.amacad.org/). Application deadline: October 16.
- Dan David Prize, 2010, call for nominations and scholarships (http://www.dandavidprize.org/). Application deadline: November 30.
Paper copies of the calls for nomination for the annual university-wide awards will be sent directly to the appropriate contacts before the beginning of autumn quarter; however, they also can now be accessed at: http://oaa.osu.edu/plans.php.
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