Extension Leadership Team Minutes June 30, 2016
Extension Leadership Team Minutes
June 30, 2016
102B Libby Hall
Facilitator: Jon Prichard
Note taker: Dennis Harrington
Webinar on Capacity Funds Project
The ELT attended part of a Webinar hosted by Sonny Ramaswamy, Head Administrator of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), to discuss the upcoming evaluation of its Capacity Programs portfolio. Capacity funding represents nearly half of NIFA’s budget.
Template for Hosted Events
Fran has been working with the University of Maine System general counsel’s office to clarify and update the template for responsibility in an event hosted by Extension at locations such as farms and private homes (farm tours, garden tours, field days, etc.). The new template is still being developed, but will soon be on Plugged-In under Volunteer Resources, and will clarify the areas of liability for each party (the University and the host site).
Accident Reports/Insect Bites
Fran clarified that accident reports should always be filed within 48 hours of an accident that occurred at work or an injury the staff member believes is related to their work. In addition, if a staff member received treatment for an insect bite they believe they may have acquired at work that should be reported as well. If you have any doubt at all it is best to contact Fran and/or your supervisor.
John Rebar Reappointment
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jeff Hecker has reappointed John Rebar as Executive Director of Cooperative Extension for three years beginning July 1st, 2016. The reappointment committee affirmed John as a valuable and effective leader for Cooperative Extension and UMaine as expressed by interviews with Extension staff, the campus community, and a wide variety of outside constituents. The ELT offered congratulations and expressed their appreciation for John’s valued leadership.
National 4-H Shooting Sports Training
Lisa reported that approximately 80 people from across the country attended the National 4-H Shooting Sports training at Bryant Pond camp during June. The event was held under the leadership of Ron Fournier and was considered a smashing success. Congratulations to Ron and his team.
Future Agenda Items:
- Issue: Training is required from Equal Opportunity for all ELT members. EO currently has a new Director in place.
Outcome: Dr. Jackie Hymes, Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity will be at the August 23rd ELT meeting from 10-11:30 for introductions and training.
Announcements:
CONGRATULATIONS:
Congratulations to Kristy Ouellette and co-PI Mitch Mason who have been awarded $140,000 in CYFAR funds from USDA/NIFA for the 3rd year of a five-year cycle of funding to support the Maine Sustainable Communities Project – Community Central: Integrating 4-H Science and Life Skills with Schools, Communities and Families. The Community Central program will work with youth and adults in three public housing authorities in Maine to advance science literacy and life skill development in youth grades 3-8 while engaging older neighborhood teens as mentors and teachers.
Search Updates
Accounting and Reporting Professional – Search is on hold
Administrative Specialist CL1 – Oxford County – Interviewing
Community Education Assistant CL1 – Somerset County – Position offered
Extension Food Scientist – Orono – Position offered and accepted
Extension Livestock Specialist – Orono – Accepting applications
Maine Food and Agriculture Professional – Accepting applications
Open Air Classroom Director Tanglewood – Preparing to advertise
Research Associate Vegetable Production – Highmoor Farm – Screening applicants
ELT Meeting Dates –2016 – Meetings are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm – unless otherwise noted.
| Dates |
Facilitator | Notes | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 14 | Harrington | Brzozowski | Augusta – Farm House 11 |
| August 23 | Brzozowski | Sulinski | Orono |
| September 15 | Sulinski | Phelps | Orono |
| September 29 | Phelps | Rebar | Augusta – Farm House 11 |
| October 18 | Rebar | Prichard | Orono |
| November 15 | Prichard | Harrington | Orono |
| November 30 | Harrington | Brzozowski | Augusta – Farm House 11 |
| December 15 | Brzozowski | Sulinski | Orono |