Plugged In: For UMaine Extension Staff and Volunteers

Extension Leadership Team Minutes March 29, 2017

Extension Leadership Team Minutes

March 29, 2017
Augusta – 218 RSTC

Facilitator: Dennis Harrington
Note taker: Jon Prichard

Annual update from 4-H Camp and Learning Centers
Ryder joined the ELT to give us his annual update on the 4-H Camp and Learning Centers.  The ELT continues to be impressed with the financial and programmatic success of the camps and appreciates the hard work and dedication of the outstanding staff that make it all happen.

Federal budget
The ELT is staying up to date on the federal budget related to USDA NIFA, and will share information as it becomes available over the months ahead.

Customer service training
Fran Sulinski has prepared two pilot offerings of a customer service workshop titled, The Ultimate Client Experience.  The workshop is part of a University of Maine System (UMS) initiative to provide exceptional customer service and the training to support that goal. These are scheduled for April 11 (Orono) and April 13 (Lisbon Falls).

Position management
The ELT reminds all supervisors that Dennis Harrington needs to be involved early on when staffing actions are being considered, especially if there is any impact on Extension’s base budget or changes that will affect County paid staff. Dennis will help to navigate the complexities of University budgeting and Position Management. Fran generally serves as a conduit to ensure such staffing actions are brought to Dennis’ attention, though supervisors should also contact Dennis directly as they begin considering staffing actions and prior to making any decisions.

University College partnership opportunities and media space
Tori Jackson and University College Senior e-Learner Specialist BJ Kitchin joined the ELT to discuss the role of the University College within UMaine, and to explore ways University College and Extension might collaborate to mutual benefit.  University College is an administrative unit of UMA, but serves all UMS campuses.  University College offers access to quality public higher education statewide. Courses are offered on-site, via interactive television (ITV), or online at eight University College Centers. Students also can participate in ITV and online courses at course sites throughout Maine.

While University College’s primary focus is academics, there are collaboration opportunities around enrichment and Extension programming.  Of particular interest is Kaltura, the new video streaming service University College is going to be integrating into its IT and programming structure.  There are rich possibilities for Extension staff to use this new video streaming platform to enhance their programming.  University College will be offering staff development opportunities related to Kaltura, and Fran will inform staff as they become available this year.  Staff interested in seeing how other Universities are using Kaltura can find many examples by doing a google search: University-Kaltura-media-space.  University College will be holding a Faculty Institute May 18 at UMA, open to all staff.  Click here to register. The keynote speaker will speak on Assessment and Distance Ed.  The Institute will include sessions on Kaltura.  Sessions will be recorded. And we are excited to share that Kristy Ouellette and Jen Lobley will be two of the presenters for the institute and will be presenting on their experience of using Zoom to teach volunteers.

Planning and Reporting
The ELT commends the many program staff that provided impressive 2016 impact statements as part of their reporting responsibilities. We also recognize that there are some extraordinary programs that are not being adequately reported, and that is a loss for the organization and our ability to tell our story publicly to stakeholders.  We are exploring strategies to ensure that we fully capture program outputs and impacts that reflect the breadth and depth of the organization’s work.

CONGRATULATIONS

Identifying Spring Malting Barley Varieties Adapted to the Eastern US– 03/15/2017
Congratulations to PI Ellen Mallory who has been awarded $8,958 by the Brewer’s Association for her “Identifying Spring Malting Barley Varieties Adapted to the Eastern US” project. The goal of this project is to determine if varieties of Spring Barley developed outside of the region may be adapted for local production.

Risk Perception on the Family Farm – 03/20/2017
Congratulations to PI Debra Kantor who has been awarded $2,000 by Northeast Extension Risk Management Education (University of Delaware) for her “Risk Perception on the Family Farm” project.  This exploratory research project will conduct on-site interviews with ten small family farmers to learn the activities that they identify as dangerous, and their sources of information on how to perform work safely.  This information will be incorporated in farm safety education programs.

Search Updates

4-H Youth Development Professional – Franklin County – Interviewing
4-H Youth Development Professional – Knox/Lincoln Counties – Interviewing
4-H Youth Development Professional – Oxford County –Advertising
4-H Youth Development Professional – Aroostook County – Advertising
4-H Youth Development Professional – Hancock County – Committee formed
4-H STEM Specialist – Orono – Advertising
Ornamental Horticulture Specialist – Orono – Advertising
Assistant Extension Professor & Extension Plant Pathologist – Orono – Interviewing
Integrated Pest Management Technician – Aroostook –Advertising
Parent Educational Professional – Knox/Lincoln Counties – Rebecca Koller Hired
Accounting Support Specialist CL2 – Orono – On Hold
Administrative Specialist CL2 – Pest Management, Orono – Advertising
Community Education Assistant CL2 (Food System Aide) – Penobscot County – Interviewing
Community Education Assistant CL1 (Horticulture) – Oxford County – Request to re-start search sent to HR
Marine Extension Associate (Joint appt. with Sea Grant) – Coastal Maine –  Advertising

ELT Meeting Dates –2017– Meetings are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm – unless otherwise noted.