ELT Minutes, February 13, 2014
Extension Leadership Team Minutes
February 13, 2014
Orono – Libby Hall
Facilitator: Jon Prichard
Note taker: Dennis Harrington
Stress Reduction – Leslie Forstadt presented the results of a recent 4-week stress reduction program for Cooperative Extension. The program was presented via Tandberg technology to 36 Extension staff. Evaluations showed that the participants felt the information and techniques were very helpful in managing their personal and professional stress. We discussed the value of this type of program as we move into more stressful times as a result of budget reductions at UMaine, and Leslie expressed her willingness to be helpful in any way.
Reporting Workplace Wrongdoing – The ELT recently reviewed a number of UMaine and UMaine System policy documents and is compelled help everyone to be aware of policies related to workplace wrongdoing that you may not be familiar with. All UMaine employees are expected to report suspected instances of workplace wrongdoing. An employee can be disciplined for not effectively reporting an episode of wrongdoing and they are expected to know the applicable policy. In an effort to help our staff become better informed, Fran will work with technology and communications to complete an online training. Please see Administrative Practices Letter: http://www.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IV-J-Reporting-Workplace-Wrongdoing.pdf
Support for Faculty Recognition Awards – The Faculty PAC has been asked to look into the possibility of developing faculty recognition awards. As part of their consideration they have asked the ELT for support, including our willingness to provide some level of financial reward to the recipients. The ELT supports documented success through awards, and is willing to work with the PAC to recognize faculty particularly in the areas of applied research and significant programmatic impacts, but would not be willing or able to provide a financial award. Of note; the support staff committee has an awards process that does provide a financial award derived from funds they raise themselves through a variety of means.
Support Staff Conference – With budget cuts pending the Extension Support Staff Committee has reduced the scope of their planned 2-day conference and is proposing a single-day virtual and online event that would utilize existing Extension office technology. The ELT reviewed their proposal and approved the event, which will incur minimal cost, and we believe will provide value learning opportunities and connections for all who choose to participate. The ELT wants to compliment the Support Staff Committee on their thoughtful and creative response to a challenging situation – it is very much appreciated.
Listening Sessions – FY15 Budget Reduction – The ELT is planning a series of listening sessions around the state related to our budget, and the potential for large cuts that may eliminate important programs within Extension including County offices. The sessions will take place at every County office, Highmoor Farm, and within campus units. The Marine Extension Team and Camp staff will be invited to participate at their nearest County office. The agenda will include a short introduction, but will focus on listening. Our timeline is very tight and scheduling is complex; we apologize in advance for those who experience a scheduling conflict.
Agenda:
- Ground rules for the discussion
- Summarize the situation and timeline; respond to clarifying questions from staff
- Listening: Q & A (if “this” then “that” – staff shares what they believe the ramifications are of the potential budget cuts and shares creative ideas)
- What’s next? What you can do, who to contact & how
Schedule:
| Date | Location | Time | ELT Members Attending |
|
3/14/14 |
Cumberland | 9:30 – 11:00 | Rebar, Phelps, Sulinski, Prichard, Harrington |
| York | 12 noon – 1:30 | ||
|
2/28/14 |
Oxford / Bryant Pond | 10:00 – 11:30 | Rebar, Phelps, Prichard, Harrington |
| Androscoggin / Sagadahoc | 1:30 – 3:00 | ||
|
2/27/14 |
Kennebec | 9:00 – 10:30 | Rebar, Phelps, Prichard, Harrington |
| Highmoor | 11:30 – 1:00 | ||
| Regular ELT meeting @ Highmoor | 1:00 – 3:30 | ||
|
3/10/14 |
Waldo & Tanglewood | 10:00 – 11:30 | Rebar, Prichard, Harrington |
| Knox-Lincoln & Tanglewood | 1:00 – 2:30 | ||
|
3/5/14 |
Hancock | 9:00 – 10:30 | Rebar, Sulinski, Phelps, Harrington |
| Washington | 12:30 – 2:00 | ||
|
3/13/14 |
Franklin | 9:30 – 11:00 | Rebar, Sulinski, Prichard, Harrington |
| Somerset | 12:00 – 1:30 | ||
|
3/7/14 |
Piscataquis | 9:00 – 10:30 | Rebar, Phelps, Sulinski, Harrington |
| Penobscot | 12:30 – 2:00 | ||
| Pest Management & Hill House | 3:00 – 4:30 | ||
|
3/6/14 |
Aroostook (all offices) – @ Presque Isle | 10:00 – 11:30 | Rebar, Sulinski |
|
3/17/14 |
Corbett Hall | 1:00 – 2:30 | Rebar, Sulinski, Prichard, Harrington |
| Libby, Hitchner & Deering Hall | 3:00 – 4:30 | ||
|
3/6/14 |
Aroostook – Presque Isle (all County staff) | 10:00 – 11:30 | Rebar, Sulinski |
| Sea Grant – Marine Extension Team can join in most convenient location | |||
Announcement Invitation:
The ELT invites you to submit items to be included in the minutes/announcements of the next regularly scheduled ELT meeting. This is an opportunity to share with the ELT and the rest of the organization any of the following:
- Notable programmatic accomplishments
- Development or fundraising success
- Significant new partnerships and/or opportunities
- Important transitions
Please take the opportunity to share your good works through this avenue. Keep it brief… approximately two to four sentences would be appreciated. To submit an announcement, please contact your PA or appropriate member of the ELT.
Please remember to visit University of Maine’s news site for additional University of Maine Cooperative Extension highlight.
Announcements:
Congratulations to Leslie Forstadt, who has been awarded a faculty research grant of $3,715 from the UMaine Vice President of Research’s office for her Maine Farm Stories project. The results of this research will be used to create new resources and provide information to new farmers, or farmers who may be struggling with a sustainable quality of life.
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ELT Meeting Dates – 2013 – 2014
Meetings are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm – unless otherwise noted
| Dates |
Facilitator |
Notes |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 19 | Sulinski | Phelps | Orono — 102B Libby Hall |
| April 2 | Phelps | Rebar | Orono — 102B Libby Hall |
| April 24 | Rebar | Prichard | Augusta — 218 Richard Randall Center |
| May 16 | Prichard | Harrington | Orono — 102B Libby Hall |
| May 29 | Harrington | Sulinski | Augusta — 218 Richard Randall Center |