Extension Leadership Team Meeting Minutes April 29, 2020
Extension Leadership Team Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2020
Zoom Meeting
Facilitator: Richard Brzozowski
Note taker: Fran Sulinski
Please note: Due to the confidentiality and sensitivity of some agenda items, these ELT minutes do not represent the full content of each meeting.
Proposal for Annual Professionals Meeting
The Extension Professionals Committee (EPC) submitted a proposal and draft budget for a one-day professionals’ meeting scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. The ELT is supportive of this meeting and the planned outcomes. However, we’d encourage the EPC to be flexible as they plan this meeting given there are some unknowns for the Fall. That flexibility should include the ability to revert to a virtual gathering.
May 12 Faculty Meeting
The PAC has invited the ELT to attend the Tuesday, May 12th faculty meeting. We have been asked to provide a budget and organizational update and we were asked to let the PAC know how much time we need on their agenda. ELT members are looking forward to participating in this meeting.
Extension Restart (Back from Remote) Strategy
There is no schedule yet for Extension to return from remote work. Although given recent statements by Governor Mills, it appears the state is beginning to explore a phased Maine “restart”. With that in mind, the ELT began to strategize around how such a return will be implemented by Extension when the time comes. We want to be prepared for that eventuality.
Extension Connections – Monday, May 4
Please be sure to join Hannah’s Extension Connection update on Monday, May 4. On this one-year anniversary of her becoming our Dean, Hannah will be offering her reflections on the year in review. In addition, we will give updates on “Starting Safely” (returning from working remotely), answer questions, and address concerns.
Defining Tomorrow
We discussed the UMaine “Defining Tomorrow” idea generation process that is occurring, and Extension’s corollary that will feed into that. As of Wednesday, April 29, Extension staff had contributed 32 ideas to our shared Define Tomorrow document. The ELT applauds the creativity, innovation, and imagination that is represented in what our staff submitted. Whether or not these are all embraced by UMaine, they provide us with some great thinking for some new ways for Extension to exist in the post-pandemic world. The deadline to submit ideas to this document for consideration is Friday, May 15, 2020. Also, please remember that if you do submit an idea, please share it with Hannah Carter.
Status of Extension Searches
The ELT discussed the status of all searches underway given the current campus pause and required “recertification” (reapproval) process for searches. Fran reported that we have not been able to move temporary positions forward although we have been promised this will change now that we received notice of our ability to go forward with the Crops Specialist position (based in Aroostook County).
Announcements & Congratulations
Congratulations to Hannah Carter on a wonderful re-start to her UMaine Cooperative Extension career as Dean of us all. We value your leadership, and we value you. Happy first anniversary!
Search Updates
Assistant Financial and Operations Manager (Orono) – paused
4-H Youth Development Professional (Community Central) – paused
Crops Entomology Educator (Aroostook County) – paused
Extension Crops Specialist (Aroostook County) – going forward with interviews
Sustainable Agriculture Professional (Aroostook County) – paused
4-H Science Professional (PT) – paused
Research Associate (Highmoor Farm) – paused
2020 ELT Meeting Dates
Meetings are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, unless otherwise noted
| Dates | Facilitator | Notes | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11 | Sulinski | Phelps | Zoom Meeting |
| June 4 | Phelps | Carter | Orono: 102B Libby Hall |
| June 25 | Carter | Prichard | Orono: 102B Libby Hall |