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Note from David Civittolo

Dear Colleagues,

The deep appreciation and commitment you all have for Extension’s mission has never been more apparent to me than it has been over the past few weeks as I transition into my new role as interim chair and director of Extension. I am grateful for this common ground of living and breathing the land-grant mission we share.

As with most changes in life, one wonders what’s next. I, too, often wonder the same thing. It’s good to be curious. And sometimes it’s really good to take a fresh look at things. My first priorities are to listen to you and to learn from you. I don’t have all of the answers for our statewide Extension system, but I do want to hear your thoughts on how we ensure that we are strategically meeting the needs of Ohio citizens. If you’re comfortable sharing your ideas in writing, please email them to me (civittolo.1@osu.edu); and if you prefer to share them face-to-face (or Zoom to Zoom), I am more than willing to listen that way too. If you prefer the latter, please contact LaVerne Castle (castle.206@osu.edu) to schedule some time with me. I commit to being as transparent as I can with you about any questions or points of discussion you bring to the table.

I also ask you to take some time and reflect as we enter the autumn season. Reflect on your own goals, reflect on your chosen profession, and reflect on the impact you are making. We have the ability and tools to change the lives of Ohioans in multiple ways – be it youth in 4-H, farmers with crop questions, a family trying to preserve their garden harvest, an individual struggling to feed family, or a community working together on a strategic plan. Every aspect of our work is important. If we focus on the interactions we have that make a positive impact on the communities we serve, we will be a stronger organization through this transition.

I hope that you all take some time to step away from emails and task lists to join me at Farm Science Review next week. The interactions we have and the connections we make at this iconic farm show are critical to our work in Extension. And while we say “farm show,” this really is a well-rounded educational event that showcases the wide range of our Extension programs and our ability to meet Ohioans right where they are.

As I close, I am humbled and honored to serve you in this new role. My promise is to represent you – and this organization – to the best of my ability. I hope you will join me in continuing our work to fulfill the land-grant mission that unites us.

Go Bucks!
David
Dr. Keith Smith Receives Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Keith Smith recently received the CFAES Alumni Society’s Meritorious Service Award.

A native of Utah, Keith came to Ohio State in 1980 and served as the director of OSU Extension from 1992 until 2015. In 2006, he received Extension’s National Distinguished Service Award; and in 2016, he was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame for his life-long dedication to public service. Congratulations, Keith. We appreciate your leadership of Extension and your continued support of college efforts.

All alumni society awards will be presented on Oct. 6 at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center as part of Ohio State’s Homecoming Weekend. Visit go.osu.edu/cfaes2023homecoming for more information.
Thoughts from the Director

It is with mixed emotions that I draft my last introduction for News and Notes, as associate dean and director/chair of OSU Extension. It has been a tremendous honor to serve in this role and to work alongside some of the most amazing professionals in the Extension world as we navigated a once-in-100-year global pandemic; grew our partnerships and our workforce despite challenging budget environments; amplified our programs and our audiences through new and emerging technologies; advocated for college and university support as we experienced significant changes in leadership, platforms, and processes while moving forward to accomplish the business of Extension; and leaned into addressing some of the most pressing issues contributing to organizational culture. None of the last four years have been easy, and there are more complexities to our work than most everyone understands; but I have been surrounded by excellent professionals who are committed to the mission, which is bigger and more important than any single one of us and yet can only be accomplished by the coming together of ALL of us. I will truly miss the role of steward leader for OSU Extension, but I will continue to be an ardent advocate for Extension’s mission, growth, and success in my next role, where I will have the opportunity to focus on developing and supporting the next generation of Extension professionals and amplifying the awareness of and support for Extension scholarship and engagement. I look forward to having time to dive into these important aspects of the work of Extension. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, challenged me, and inspired me these last years. I am grateful to each of you.

I am thrilled to transition this important role to someone who I know will be a true caretaker of our land-grant mission and who has a familiarity with the system and the needs within our state. I hope you will reach out and welcome and support David Civittolo as he begins his interim appointment as our associate dean and director/chair of OSU Extension. We have an incredible organization that will only continue to learn and grow so we can optimally serve Ohioans. I encourage you to keep up your individual and collective efforts to engage Ohioans in addressing our most important issues of today and tomorrow; to support your colleagues and your leadership, who are your partners in any of our future success; and truly consider your contributions for caring for this great legacy for which we are temporary servants. OSU Extension is a powerhouse nationally and a true gem locally; and it is the partnering with our key stakeholders internally and externally that makes this mission possible. I know Extension is in good hands, and I look forward to seeing what the future brings.

With gratitude, Jackie
David Civittolo Appointed Interim Associate Dean and Director, OSU Extension

As announced this week by Dean Cathann Kress, David Civittolo has been appointed interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension and interim chair of the Department of Extension effective Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, or until a new associate dean and director/chair is appointed. This position is subject to Ohio State Board of Trustees approval.

David will continue several key initiatives and provide leadership while a national search is conducted for the next associate dean and director of OSU Extension. In these interim roles, David will: assume supervision of the OSU Extension administrative leaders and staff; serve on the CFAES VP Cabinet and assist with college strategic planning and implementation of strategic priorities; participate and provide leadership on the college’s External Relations Team; review and streamline OSU Extension leadership appointments to align with the college.; and provide input and oversight to the OSU Extension budgeting process.

David earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration from Bowling Green State University. He currently serves as associate professor and assistant director, Community Development. Prior to this role, David served OSU Extension as interim assistant director, Community Development; as a field specialist with a focus on community economics; as an Extension Education and Research Area (EERA) leader, Western Reserve; and as a county director in Medina County.
National Search for Associate Dean and Director, OSU Extension

In September, Tracy Kitchel, CFAES senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs, will begin assembling a search committee and outlining the search process and timeline for a national search for the next associate dean and director of OSU Extension. This committee will include both internal and external representatives. We encourage nominations for both the committee and potential candidates; please send those to Dr. Kitchel at kitchel.2@osu.edu.
Associate Chair, Department of Extension Update

As announced previously, Greg Davis is serving as an interim associate chair of the Department of Extension through Oct. 31, focusing strictly on promotion and tenure. Per OSU Extension governance documents, David Civittolo, as interim department chair, will appoint an interim associate chair and assistant dean. The next associate dean and chair for the Department of Extension will handle the appointment process of the long-term associate chair, also per governance documents.

Greg also has been appointed the George R. and Genevieve B. Gist Endowed Chair in OSU Extension effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028. This appointment is subject to the approval of the Ohio State Board of Trustees. The Gist Chair is a rotating chair between the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) and the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS). While sitting with ACEL, the funding from this chair supports Extension education with a focus on administration and leadership. The full announcement is available here (link to https://cfaesfacultyandstaff.osu.edu/news/davis-appointed-george-r-and-g... ). Congratulations, Greg, on this career achievement. Your service to Extension – including its program and support staff, as well as students – is to be commended.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

As we approach the end of July and enter the deep heat and humidity of summer, it can only mean one thing… we are well into camp and fair season in Ohio. The Ohio State Fair opened yesterday, and I was thrilled to be able to go and support Dave Apsley as he received the Cardinal Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions awarded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Congratulations Dave! What I love about the state fair is that it represents the culmination of hundreds of thousands of projects that are diligently worked on throughout the year by our 4-H members that contribute to 21st century skills for youth and the workforce and leadership of tomorrow. It’s such a joy to see the growth and development of Ohio’s youth, the impact that the OSU Extension youth development program has as an economic driver for local and state fairs, and the sense of community, pride, and hope for tomorrow that fairs showcase. Our camps also have an incredible impact on the lives of youth—from our Cloverbuds all the way through our senior 4-H young leaders. The lessons learned and the new experiences that occur contribute to memories and skills that last a lifetime! Our professionals and volunteers make it seamless and look effortless, but we know how much time and effort goes into making the magic happen.

One only needs to take a short drive anywhere across our state to see the important work going on in our fields and in our urban ag spaces to know how deeply important our work is in feeding Ohio and creating and supporting a safe and accessible food system. The growing season, once again, has not been easy to navigate; and I am continually amazed and appreciative of those who dedicate their lives to ensuring we all have a safe and life-giving food supply.

Next week marks the special occasion of faculty and staff appreciation at The Ohio State University. I wanted to extend an early expression of thankfulness to each and every one of you in OSU Extension as you do this important work with great knowledge, open hearts, and a commitment to meeting the community, right where they are, at the right time, with just the right touch. Our work in Extension is not easy – it doesn’t fit a predictable time clock, and it often asks much of us. There’s one thing I know though…there’s no other work I know we’d rather do, because it MATTERS and it changes lives and transcends generations. Thank you for being you, bringing what you bring, and always, ALWAYS bringing your best self to this mission.

Happy Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week! You are all greatly valued and appreciated, though words will never express how much. Please take a moment this next week to extend some kind words and gratitude to those in your circles. Think also about sending a personalized note through kind.osu.edu.

Best wishes, Jackie
Thoughts from the Director

Dear Friends,

I hope you all had a very relaxing and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday weekend. I know the time off the grid (quite literally) was very refueling for me and my family.

July is starting with some very good news for our organization with the approval of the state budget. Our Ohio State-specific lines – Extension and research were maintained with 3% increases, each year for this biennium. In a time where there continues to be budget deficits and competing priorities, we are thrilled to say that our work in Extension and continued focus on meeting the needs of Ohio and in each of our communities is still highly valued by our state decision-makers. I would like to thank everyone who has participated in legislative visits, providing state testimony, sharing impact reporting, and building relationships that aided in sharing the story of our work and our impact. We have also experienced good news overall in our county budgets. With nearly all counties reporting for this year, we have an average of 8% increase over last year, for an increase of $1,491,496.62. I would like to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication, focused on the important things that resonate with our stakeholders. What we all do each day matters; and by effectively telling our story, we will continue to co-create solutions and receive the funding necessary to do so. Well done everyone!

As I mentioned during the last Director’s video update, compression and equity requests have received final approval; and those employees who are receiving increases related to this effort will have had this reflected in their June pay. The Annual Merit Compensation Process (AMCP) has been completed on our end and is with HR and the college for approval; and it will move forward for final university approval in the coming weeks with merit increases reflected in August for faculty and September for staff.

As you are making plans for summer enjoyment with family and friends, I hope you will also carve out some time to spend together with your colleagues. As I have been out and about, I have heard quite often that the things we were touring together (whether it was a team member’s program, a local partner facility, or a local museum) was the first time the team had been there as well. Please take time to discover local gems, plan team-building activities, get in some local professional development, and gather with one another and partners in ways you haven’t before and get to know one another and your community even better.

I know many of you work through lunch—but I would encourage you to stop that habit and seek one another out frequently to share lunch in the office, grab a cup of coffee, or just take a moment or two throughout the day to connect and touch base, or perhaps enjoy a walking meeting. Finally, take a moment to really see your colleagues and notice if they need a pick-me-up, a helping hand, or a reason to smile. We are in the middle of some very busy programming seasons, and that small gesture in a moment of need could mean more than you’ll ever know.

Thank you for the great honor of working with professionals who truly find meaning in their work and strive for a better quality of life for their communities, colleagues, and themselves. Together we can make a difference in so many lives—ours included.

Be well, Jackie
Thoughts from the Director
Dear Colleagues,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already mid-June and official summer begins next week. I know it’s a busy fair, camp, and field work season, but I also hope you have been able to plan a vacation and/or some long weekends during the next few weeks to recharge and refresh your own batteries. I’m excited to be going on vacation at the end of the month, and I look forward to some great family and friend time away from the office.

With refueling in mind, I want to pass along some general expectations for balancing life and work in Extension that I shared during the Ohio JCEP (Joint Council of Extension Professionals) meeting earlier this week. I encourage you to keep these in mind as you connect with your office teammates, and please remember to give consideration to everyone’s life/work balance, as it may look a little bit different than your own.
- A 60-hour work week should be the exception, not the rule. There are busy seasons, but on par, this is not an expectation.
- Set boundaries for when you are off the clock. You do not have to share your personal cell number. Your Skype or other number can be forwarded to your cell phone, and that can help you differentiate a work call from a personal call.
- You should step away from email at night and on weekends. Set clear guardrails for yourself with your colleagues and your volunteers and clientele. We all need the mental break and time away from work demands.
- You can take 24-48 hours to respond to a non-urgent question or phone call. Simply acknowledge the receipt of the request and let them know you will be in touch shortly.
- Stay off of the grid during vacations, and prepare your team(s) in advance so you can do so.
- Plan ahead and protect your vacations – use your hours. Do not lose the days the university has already allocated for you to be out of the office.
- Become familiar with the flexible work arrangements available to you. They have been shared broadly; but as a review, they include up to one full day of telework weekly for everyone in the office, if there is work that can be done remotely. Educators can work up to two full days (16 hours) telework per week. There should be no one working a majority of their time from home on a regular basis, unless they have worked this out with their supervisor; and it should be focused on doing deep work or virtual education/programming, not simply preference. It goes without saying that performance, responsivity, and communication are expected remotely, as they are in the office.
- There is a compressed work week option available for 4 x 10-hour days, if this can be worked out with the unit and supervisor. This is based on ability to maintain specific office operations and role.
- Check with your supervisor if you are interested in a flexible work arrangement.
- There is the option of predictable staggered start and stop times within an office, if the public office hours are covered and your schedule can be worked out with the office and supervisor.
- There is the option of professional scheduling, but this must involve effective communication with unit colleagues and supervisors. Colleagues should know in advance when possible, and your calendar should always be up-to-date. You will likely know at least a few days ahead of time when you have night and weekend meetings.
- Educators often will be in the field or at other off-site meetings, and it is to be expected that they won’t always be at their desks. However, all calendars should be up-to-date and shared. Communication is key.
- We have more flexibility now than ever before in Extension; but we must keep our clientele, community, and colleagues in mind. It is only fair to be flexible for others as well as when we desire it for ourselves.
As always, I am so proud of the work we do in Extension and all of your passion to bring the vision and mission of OSU Extension to life. I trust that we can apply the same professionalism with which we do our jobs to our life/work balance conversations and plans with our teammates.

If you have any other helpful suggestions for life/work balance or things you’ve tried that work really well, please share those with me. I’d love to hear how our professionals are being creative at balancing their work and life priorities!

Best regards, Jackie
Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Finalists Announced

Three candidates have accepted the invitation to participate as finalists in on-campus interviews for the assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources position. All are welcome to attend the seminars or view the recordings and share feedback via Qualtrics surveys that will be made available. Faculty and staff are also invited to meet the candidates during a 45-minute interview session immediately following each seminar. We are looking forward to your participation in this important search.

June 16 — Dr. Melissa Wilson

9 a.m. Vision Seminar

10:15 - 11 a.m. Interview with Extension and academic department faculty and staff

In-person: Animal Science Building, room 212 (2029 Fyffe Ct., Columbus)

Zoom link: osu.zoom.us/j/99122090335?pwd=M093Q1JwYTdjWXV1b3ZqbzhBWU1pdz09 (passcode: 456998)

View Melissa Wilson’s curriculum vitae.

June 21 — Mr. Gregory LaBarge

9 a.m. Vision Seminar

10:15 - 11 a.m. Interview with Extension and academic department faculty and staff

In-person: Ag Engineering Building, room 219 (590 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus)

Zoom link: osu.zoom.us/j/94757910218?pwd=VS9neGw4YU5IT0pSR0szZ09sd2Judz09 (passcode: 673325)

View Greg LaBarge’s curriculum vitae.

June 22 — Dr. Terry Griffin

9 a.m. Vision Seminar

10:15 - 11a.m. Interview with Extension and academic department faculty and staff

In-person: Ag Engineering Building, room 219 (590 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus)

Zoom link: osu.zoom.us/j/93244850285?pwd=MFp6K0EyUW5Va3c4dkJKbFZFV1Izdz09 (passcode: 915261)

View Terry Griffin’s curriculum vitae.
Assistant Director, Community Development Search Status

The search process for the assistant director, Community Development is complete. Recommendations have been received, and an announcement is expected soon. Thank you again to Pat Bebo, assistant director, Family and Consumer Sciences, for chairing that search committee; and thanks to the search committee members.
Assistant Dean and Associate Chair Search

The Assistant Dean and Associate Chair, Ohio State University Extension and Department of Extension position is now posted for internal candidates. Interested individuals should refer to job opening R80497 at hr.osu.edu/careers. A direct link to the position information is at myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$167863. The priority application date is June 23.

The search committee includes Greg LaBarge (chair), Bruce Clevenger, Maurice Eastridge, Theresa Ferrari, Myra Moss, Daniel Remley, and Kathy Tutt.

Greg Davis has done a fantastic job in this position, and we have a difficult task replacing his contribution to OSU Extension and the Department of Extension. If you have any questions on the search process or position description, Greg (labarge.2@osu.edu) or one of the committee members.
Thoughts from the Director
Friends --- Memorial Day is upon us, and I would like to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served and lost their lives in the performance of their military duties. A special thank you goes out to those in our own ranks who are serving our country through the armed forces and national guard. I strongly encourage you to make time in the coming days and weeks to enjoy time with family and friends, enjoy the sunshine and signs of new life everywhere in Ohio, and make time to completely unplug and refuel.

I want to provide some important updates:
- Interviews. The interviews to fill the assistant director, Community Development position were completed yesterday. I thank everyone who participated and provided input to the search committee, chaired by Pat Bebo. See information in an article below about providing additional feedback.
- Search Committee (associate chair). The search committee for the assistant dean and associate chair position, led by Greg LaBarge, met this week to launch an internal search. Dr. Greg Davis will step back into a faculty role after he completes his term on July 31. More on this in the coming weeks; and be on the lookout for application information soon.
- Search Committee (assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources). The search committee, chaired by Elizabeth Hawkins, has reviewed applications and identified candidates to invite to the Columbus campus for interviews in June. The candidate seminars will be held on June 16, June 21, and June 22. The seminars will have Zoom options, and they will be recorded and shared.
- Taking Action. I shared the Enterprise Trust Index initial results with all of you recently, and I promised that leadership would move on the findings. Since then, both Extension Cabinet and our Extension Leadership Team have met and spent significant time reviewing the information and identifying the top three priorities to build out our first 90-day action plans. Information about these plans will be shared during our June 13 director’s video. Your feedback was heard, and we are listening. We look forward to making key progress to address areas we can improve and for which we have control.
- Advocacy on Compression and Equity. For areas where we do not have control, such as compression and equity and pay rates at the university, we will continue to advocate for positive forward movement. As such, I am happy to report that after the university eventually allowed the submission of compression and equity plans (January 6, 2023), following the implementation of Career Roadmap, we have been actively and expeditiously providing every level of detail, rationale, adjustment, and data point requested. Our plan is currently under review at the university level. The university is a large entity, and there are hundreds of requests under review by the Office of Human Resources’ compensation team. Extension is not the only unit under consideration; and again, we ask for patience during this process. If we had the control to pull the lever, I can assure you, we would have done so much earlier. However, we don’t control the process, the pace, and the final determination of wages. We will keep you updated and share details when they are available.
Thank you again for your dedication to the Extension mission, your positive representation of our organization throughout the state, and your passion for serving the people of Ohio along with your colleagues.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, Jackie
Assistant Director, Community Development Seminar Recording and Feedback Request
-per Pat Bebo, assistant director, Family and Consumer Sciences

Thank you to those who joined the presentation in-person and online by David Civittolo, candidate for the assistant director, Community Development. David presented his vision for the Extension Community Development program in Ohio, as well as an overview of the work of CD. This would be an informative presentation for all to view. After viewing the presentation, please complete the anonymous Qualtrics survey to provide feedback to the committee. Responses will be collected through Wednesday, May 31. Thank you for your attention, time, and feedback to this important process. If you have any questions, email Pat at bebo.1@osu.edu.
- Presentation recording
- Qualtrics survey
State of OSU Extension and Director's Update Recording is Now Available

The link for the April 25 State of OSU Extension address is available online. A copy of Jackie’s additional slides is attached. Several supporting materials are included on that landing page; and additional information will be added to the page as available.
Thoughts from the Director

March has already been full of many excellent opportunities to build and nurture our relationships in Extension, and more are forthcoming in the next few weeks. I just returned from the APLU Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) and Administrative Heads conference with our government affairs team and CARET reps (Nate Andre and Tony Logan) in D.C., where we met with eight of our congressional members’ offices to discuss the importance of continued support of the Farm Bill and appropriations for Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act (as well as other lines of funding). We were able to share many of the successes of our college and OSU Extension; and we received a lot of great feedback and verbal support on the importance of our work, particularly as it relates to rapid responses to community needs such as the East Palestine train derailment (kudos again to Haley Shoemaker and our knowledgeable and agile rapid response team). We will continue sharing our strengths and successes at the CFAES Legislative Luncheon this week at the statehouse, where we have representation from many of our experts in the areas of water quality, rural broadband, workforce development, and behavioral health (including mental health, child and family work, and prevention education).

Extension participated in two departmental external reviews (Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership; Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering). We were able to share some information regarding our collaboration and partnerships with both departments and identify additional opportunities for achieving the missions (teaching, research, and Extension) in the future.

The CFAES State of the College is this Thursday, as is the CFAES awards ceremony and emeriti luncheon. I hope that you will participate (in-person or online) to learn more about what has been achieved this last year and where the college is headed. We will be sharing own State of OSU Extension in mid-April (more information coming soon).

Next week, we will be meeting with our Extension Internal Advisory Council, State Extension Advisory Council, and Extension Partnership Advisory Council. Our input from our advisory councils is so very important to us, and we have tremendous champions for Extension on each of these councils.

I had fabulous Lean-in Tour visits with Henry and Fulton counties earlier this month and enjoyed meeting with our team as well as key stakeholders in both places. I topped that tour off with a visit to Camp Palmer and time with about 80 camp counselors from the region. This week, I head to Noble County. I am over halfway through my tour and so very grateful for all the amazing work being done in each and every community. You are truly changing lives through Extension scholarship, research application, and stakeholder relationships!

Ramadan begins this week; it is the Muslim holy month, and nearly 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide will observe it in some form. More information about how to support OSU Extension participants in Ramadan is shared by Whitney Gherman below.

Thank you for taking part in the baseline ETI survey. We had 76% participation and look forward to receiving the preliminary results with our taskforce on April 21. We will be sharing more about this as details become available.

I hope you have a month full of additional fulfilling relationship building that brings you joy both in your professional and personal lives. We have much to be proud of and grateful for in Extension.

Thank you, Jackie
LifeWork Balance Townhall set for March 28

Please join me (Jackie Kirby Wilkins) and a few of our Buckeye Wellness ambassadors for a townhall discussion on LifeWork balance in Extension – March 28, from 11am-noon. We will discuss and share some best practices, expectations, myth busting, resource sharing, and remaining needs and ideas for continued improvement in this critical area of professional/personal balance. The Zoom meeting will allow for up to 300 participants. I look forward to the conversation and collaboration. Join the meeting at osu.zoom.us/j/97848148308?pwd=MldIVGZBWXIrSDF3V2o1RnorNzhvQT09. The meeting ID is 978 4814 8308, and the password is 658783.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are already coming to the end of February and kicking off March in a matter of days. I hope you are all enjoying the warmer days and sunshine in preparation for the remaining weeks of winter in Ohio.

These last few weeks have been filled with a great variety of activities, travel, and intentional engagement. I just came back from San Diego as part of 4-H ECOP to plan, with part of the national 4-H Program Leaders Working Group, our national strategy for growing 4-H and increasing access for all youth. Kirk and Hannah joined their peers shortly thereafter, and have excellent strategies and resources for helping the youth in Ohio explore their potential and find their spark. A few of us (Kirk, Lisa McCutcheon, and Adrienne Anderson) joined Intel at COSI this week to learn more about resources and professional development available through the Intel Foundation, STEM Next Opportunity Fund, and the Ohio Afterschool Network to create STEM and STEAM educational opportunities for 4-H youth across Ohio!

I was honored to join some of our Extension team (Sam Custer, David Marrison, Gary Gao, Andrew Holden, and Melanie Ivey) at the Ohio Grape and Wine Conference this week, where we were able to support our industry partners and growers and hear about the great appreciation they have for our educators and researchers at Ohio State. I have also been able to watch and be incredibly grateful for how our CFAES team has come together to support the East Palestine community. Special thanks goes out to Haley Shoemaker, our ANR educator in Columbiana County, for her leadership in coordinating our team to support the local agencies with addressing critical issues and questions brought on by the derailment emergency.

As always, there are so many amazing things going on across Ohio in OSU Extension. I never cease to be impressed by our compassion, caring, engagement, and expertise. Our Extension culture is strong and a daily reflection of our mission to deliver solutions for Ohioans. Thank you for all you do – no one does it better!

Grateful, Jackie
OSU Extension Trust Edge Survey
As many of you are aware, Extension is conducting an organization-wide employee survey. We are conducting this survey to get a better understanding of employee morale, satisfaction, and engagement at OSU Extension. Your opinions are important to us, and this survey is your chance to express those opinions. We will use the survey results for three purposes:
- To recognize and build upon our organizational strengths.
- To identify areas where additional improvements are necessary.
- To continue enhancing our organizational culture, focusing on our Extension Keys and the eight pillars in Trusted Leader.
The survey is being managed by an independent survey company. This outside company will host the survey and collect your responses online. All responses will remain strictly anonymous. We will not be able to trace individual responses back to you. OSU Extension managers will only see aggregated data for groups of four or more respondents. If an individual manager has fewer than four direct reports, those responses will be combined and shared as part of the aggregated data for the group reporting to the next manager “up the org chart.” Please be thoughtful, honest, and candid when you complete the survey.

Once the report is made available to us (anticipated early to mid-April), we will share the results with the entire organization so you can see for yourself how we are doing. After the survey is completed, the Extension Leadership Team will meet with groups to discuss plans to continue our work to create a culture based on trust, inclusion, care, adaptability, and efficiency that positions us to be an employer of choice and a champion of the land-grant mission. As of Feb. 22, we have a 30% response rate. We would like to get 100% participation to ensure that each and every employee's voice is heard. When you receive the survey request, please give it your prompt attention.

Notes: People hired after November 2022 will not get the survey. The employee list had to be pulled in November, and adding new people is not possible now. The survey link in each email is unique to that individual; it should NOT be forwarded or used by someone else. When a question says “supervisor,” that means the employee’s direct supervisor/manager – the person who has management responsibility for that employee and performs the performance review. When a question says “Extension Administrative Cabinet,” that means the director, associate director, associate chair, assistant directors (4-H, FCS, ANR, CD), directors (LOD, Strategic Initiatives and Urban Engagement, Operations, Publishing), communication manager.
Thoughts from the Director

The beginning of this year has brought with it so many incredible gifts and I can’t believe how quickly January has flown by. I have thoroughly enjoyed my beginning annual visits with each department chair, visiting supporters of Extension (TSC in Navarre); participating in the Ohio State Academic Leadership Forum to discuss faculty eminence and learner success; and engaging on lean-in tours with Auglaize, Morrow, and Knox counties. You’ve never enjoyed fruit so much as when you’ve watched Tanner Cooper-Risser get those preschoolers to school us on the benefits of bananas; and watching Liz Ufferman and Barb Hildebrand in Morrow County light up about their 32 years of working side-by-side to engage the public and galvanize the office was electric. This week, I will be flying into Minneapolis to join my North Central Region Extension director colleagues to focus on Extension’s role in improving health and well-being; contributing to a university visit from Philanthropy Ohio (philanthropyohio.org); and then visiting Mercer and Allen counties. These things bring me joy!

But, as we enter into 2023, I am also continually saddened and incensed by the ongoing violence that is occurring so often in our society. Just in recent days, we’ve witnessed senseless and horrific acts of violence committed upon others. Whether this violence occurs as a result of domestic disputes, mental health issues, misuse of power, or discrimination against specific populations, cultures, or races, there is no excuse for this behavior or lack of concern for the well-being of others.

In Extension, our mission is to ensure that, “Ohioans have the knowledge and resources they need to actively engage in creating conditions in which they THRIVE.” We have purposely identified our Extension KEYS to consciously engage in lived behaviors that reflect our organizational values. Two of these keys seem particularly relevant in this moment – CARING and INCLUSION.

I hope that, individually and at the community level, we will be particularly intentional about demonstrating caring and inclusion in all aspects of our work lives. It shows up in the little things like how we treat one another in our offices, how we model handling conflict and differences of opinion, and how we encourage one another to have important conversations and seek understanding even when we don’t always agree with another person’s perspective. We have opportunities each and every day to model caring and inclusion with one another and with those whom we serve.

As Dean Kress mentioned in her message to the college last Friday: “Part of our University Shared Values is a commitment to care and compassion, and we will continue to support one another as Buckeyes. We also affirm our conviction that racism and inequality have no place in CFAES, and our CFAES Principles of Community serve as a base for managing these actions.”

I want to be clear – racism and inequality have no place in Extension. If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence, discrimination or racism, please be encouraged to report it and to remember that we, as Ohio State employees, have access to a variety of resources, including the Employee Assistance Program and the Wexner Medical Center’s Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) program.

Additionally, the Divided Community Project at the Moritz College of Law has planned a virtual Zoom “office hour” on Wed., Feb. 1 (1-2 p.m.). You can listen to discussions or ask for a separate consultation in a breakout room with the Divided Community leadership and staff, their Bridge Initiative mediators, and invited law enforcement and community conciliators from around the country.

Let’s all do what we can, separately and together, to create the world where everyone is safe, respected, and has a sense of belonging.

Thank you, Jackie
OSU Extension Director’s Video Update – Jan. 24 Recording is Available

The link for the most recent Director’s Video Update is now available online. A copy of the slides as a PDF is also available for reference.

The dates for future 2023 Director’s Video Updates are planned as follows: March 7, April 25, June 13, July 25, Sept 12, Oct 31, and Dec. 12. All updates are held at 9am, and they are recorded for anyone who cannot listen live that day. You must register for each update; and a registration message will be sent two to three weeks ahead of each video. Note: dates may change if there is a major conflict with a college-level or other priority event in the future. The dates are listed on the Extension state calendar as well at extension.osu.edu/events/calendar.
Welcome to 2023

Whether you make new year’s resolutions or not, there’s a lot to consider as you think about your overall purpose and plan of action for the upcoming year. As you think about those plans, possibilities, projects, and much more, remember also there seems to be no shortage of special “months” to celebrate! For example, January alone is National Blood Donor Month, Mental Wellness Month, Poverty Awareness Month, Eye Care Month, Financial Wellness Month, and International Creativity Month, just to name a few. Go ahead – we know you want to Google it now! As you serve Ohioans this year, remember that many of these topics and resources tie in well with the work you and your colleagues are already doing. And other topics might give you some food for thought in the days ahead! These can provide some great ideas for unique ways to connect with our audiences around the state.

We’re glad you’re working with OSU Extension in 2023. We welcome your expertise, passion, enthusiasm, and creativity – every month of the year!
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

As of last week, it looks like winter is definitely arriving in full force. While I love to see the first snow of the season, it is nice when it comes in gentle and light. I am thinking of our peers in northeastern Ohio and hoping everyone has been staying safe and warm. I wanted to take just a moment to thank all of our employees, family, and friends who are veterans or are currently in service to our country. We have such a debt of gratitude for those who give up their time and skills, and sometimes their lives to protect and preserve our country and the many blessings that come from living here. Thank you!

I want to thank all of you for taking on this incredible mission of Extension. I just met this past week with our state Extension advisory councils, and I was able to share the many amazing things happening across our state because each of you has identified local needs, put your best selves and expertise forward, and are truly impacting lives and the fabric of the communities we serve. What you do is not easy and a great deal is expected from you, but I believe in your abilities and I see your passion for your service; and I am always confident in your success and exceedingly grateful that you have chosen to use these gifts in Extension. Thank you!

I hope you have taken days off this week to enjoy time with family, friends, and loved ones. Work is not going anywhere – it will still be there when you return. Give time to yourselves and those who matter most in your lives this Thanksgiving season.

Please though, before you go, remember to complete your registration for our forthcoming annual conference as the deadline is rapidly approaching; and I, for one, can’t wait to see everyone in person in early December.

Constantly and overflowingly grateful for you all!
Best wishes for a blessed and happy holiday season, Jackie

(photos via freeimages.com and pexel)
Associate Director of Operations – Candidate Presentations, Q&A Announced for Nov. 2, Nov. 9
Four candidates have accepted an invitation for an on-campus interview for the OSU Extension Associate Director of Operations position. Each candidate will share a seminar/presentation and be available for questions at the times noted below. You are invited to attend the seminars live or by Zoom, or view the recordings later and share feedback via surveys that will be made available after the interviews are completed.
- Candidate A – Nov. 2 (9:15-10:30 a.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/94084753257?pwd=bFJvd2QwZXBIb3Q3SWh0blZFaGk0QT09. Meeting ID = 940 8475 3257, passcode = 097001
- Candidate B – Nov. 2 (1:45-3 p.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/97806791635?pwd=cS9haE5CR2MxeUhkUmNEbHZRVGw1Zz09. Meeting ID = 978 0679 1635, passcode = 698259
- Candidate C – Nov. 9 (9:15-10:30 a.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/97584473842?pwd=cE03MVppMm1VeVVDZ0FZcGZrV0FqQT09. Meeting ID = 975 8447 3842, passcode = 199229
- Candidate D – Nov. 9 (1:30-2:45 p.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/95551177574?pwd=b1o5WkVVeU52eU16ZVVkVHJqR2I1dz09. Meeting ID = 955 5117 7574, passcode = 782070
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are already entering into the final quarter of 2022! This year has literally flown by. This last month in particular has been especially jam-packed with lots of events and engagements. Our FCS professionals have recently returned from their national conference where they received many accolades for the work being accomplished in Ohio. Farm Science Review celebrated its 60-year anniversary with well over 115,000 participants; and, once again, our Extension professionals were able to highlight and translate so much of the research being done here at Ohio State with more than 200 distinct educational programs and activities. Many of our support staff were able to travel to North Carolina to participate in the annual TERSSA conference and network with and learn beside many of their national counterparts. Our 4-H team kicked off a new Google partnership to continue to build the workforce of the future in technology-related careers. Many of our 4-H professionals are headed this week to NEA4-HYDP for their annual professional conference. Each of these engagements represents opportunities where we share our expertise and leave having learned much ourselves. It’s one of my absolute favorite parts of being in Extension— lifelong learning for everyone.

We will have another opportunity to both share and learn with one another at our forthcoming annual conference in December. The call for proposals has been extended through this Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 11:59 p.m. Please be sure to get your submissions in, so we can learn from you as well.

I continue to enjoy my Lean-in county tour visits. It has been one of the highlights of my year, so far. In the last few weeks, I was in Cuyahoga, Erie, Paulding, and Defiance counties. On Friday, I was visited Columbiana and Stark counties. I have enjoyed engaging with all of the staff, stakeholders, partners, and commissioners. I have been able to participate in SNAP -Ed programs, elementary school STEM initiatives, farm visits, and meet-ups with volunteers and donors, plus hear and see instances where our work is impacting real lives each and every day.

I’ve also gotten to hear about the real struggles related to the ongoing issues with COVID-19, the impact of various policies or platforms on Extension professionals, as well as ideas and opportunities for continuing to make our lives and our work easier. I look forward to keeping the conversations going.

I hope that, as we enter the fall, each of you will think about how to block some time off on your calendars each day to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and larger blocks of time through the holidays to spend with family and friends before the rest of 2022 races by.

Stay well, Jackie
Register for Director’s Video Update – Oct. 11

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. Registration is required. You can register online at osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Mk3dlvAvT2Gvy1G3KK1N9g. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on Oct. 11. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar.

The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Note: This webinar will be presented via CarmenZoom, which is supported by the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation.
New Area Leaders are On Board with OSU Extension

Several new area leaders have recently joined OSU Extension. As of Oct. 10, Lindsey Latscha joined the Franklin County office of OSU Extension (area 17) as area leader/program director. As of Aug. 15, Megan Arnold became area leader/program director for Lucas and Wood counties (area 2); and Victoria Mullins became area leader/program director in Hamilton and Butler counties (area 21). They can be reached at latscha.1@osu.edu; arnold.276@osu.edu; and mullins.586@osu.edu. Many thanks to Greg Davis (area 2 interim area leader), Julie Fox (area 17 interim area leader), and Nate Arnett (area 21 interim area leader) for their assistance.
Thoughts from the Director
Friends,

Mesmerized is the word that comes to mind to describe my visits across the state these last few months. There is no substitute for actually seeing and engaging in the work of Extension at its very roots. Simply driving across our great state and taking in its beauty and diversity has been quite breathtaking; but what is really stunning is hearing about and witnessing the magic that is happening in the communities and within our offices. Each county is clearly identifying local needs and designing programs and offerings that best meet those needs, but some common themes for the recipe of success have been evident:
- Community partnerships – We can’t and we shouldn’t do this work alone. The breadth of partnerships and the collegiality is key for meeting the needs of the community while reinforcing our strength, energy, and resources.
- Innovation – Trying new approaches, programs, and applications is valuable. It may not always pan out immediately (or at all), but there are always lessons learned and progress toward the future gained.
- Spin clubs – As we strive to reach more youth across the state, SPIN clubs offer great flexibility and provide important opportunities to meet member and advisor needs.
- Farm/site visits – As we get busy, these important connection sites begin to lag or fall off the schedule. It is important to make the time to be out in the community with our clientele and partners. This is where much of the magic happens and relationships are built and ideas and needs are shared.
- Volunteer development and utilization – Our volunteers are our arms and legs (and heart) that help us effectively engage in the community and expand our reach. When we recruit well, train them up, and give them some authority, we not only create room for ourselves but we also gain amazing ambassadors.
- Youth leadership – I have been so impressed with our teen leaders across the state. It gives me so much faith in the future.
- Advisory committee advocacy – Our advisory committees help identify community needs, provide support for the work we do, and are amazing advocates on our behalf. If you haven’t already engaged your program and/or Extension advisory committees, you are missing a key factor for success.
- Commissioner support – It has been a true pleasure getting to meet and partner with the commissioners across the state. Whether it is sharing our impacts, discussing local issues and opportunities, or identifying what we can do through our organization to help them meet the needs of their constituents, we have some great potential for collective impact when we nurture these relationships.
I have already witnessed so many amazing things happening as a result of these approaches and efforts. I hope that you will all feel encouraged to build those local relationships and partner to identify local needs that we can truly impact; you know you can take chances and try new things without worrying about whether it is perfectly successful; you are encouraged to be out and about engaging with your community partners and clientele; and that you have the support for doing your work well – in the way that makes sense – where you are and how you need to do it.

Keep up the excellent work! You are truly improving the quality of lives in your neighborhoods.

And don’t forget – If you are able, get out to Farm Science Review this week to celebrate its 60-year anniversary! Check out the schedule and come visit; more info is posted at fsr.osu.edu.

Grateful for you, Jackie
Director’s Video Update – Aug 30 Recording is Available

The link to Jackie’s director’s video update (with transcript) on Aug. 30 is now available online. Click here to access the PDF of the video slides that accompanied the video.

The other Director’s Video Updates for this year are planned for Oct. 11 and Nov. 22. All updates will be held at 9am, and they will be recorded for anyone who cannot listen live that day. The dates are listed on the state calendar as well at extension.osu.edu/events/calendar. Each date will be re-confirmed about two to three weeks ahead of the update, with a link to register for the update.
Recognizing the Contributions of Julie Strawser

We want to acknowledge once again the contributions of Julie Strawser, former ANR state office employee, who died on Aug. 9. Julie worked for many years with OSU Extension, including the income tax schools, the ANR website, and numerous state-level tasks that greatly helped our ANR professionals throughout the state. She had most recently worked with the CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and CFAES special events. Julie was known for her work ethic, kind words, and happy heart. She will be missed. Her obituary was published online at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/julie-strawser-10883026.
Thoughts from the Director

Jackie is on vacation this week and wanted to encourage each of you to secure some time on your calendars to spend with friends and family, to get off the grid and away from work and email, and to refuel. Have a great day!
Thank you again!

Last week was Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week. Thank you once again for the important role you play in advancing Ohio State’s mission through your efforts as part of OSU Extension. You can visit the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week webpage for more information about activities that occurred throughout the week and links to other important information.
Thoughts from Jackie
The last two weeks were full of really wonderful chances to get out and about in the state. I was able to attend a portion of the ANR retreat and listen to some excellent presentations by our educators, field specialists, and state specialists on critical topics facing our state and our employees. I also had a chance to watch Dianne Shoemaker make her final presentation for OSU Extension and offer some of her key lessons learned during her prestigious career, including:
- Know what you know
- Know what you don’t know
- Recruit help when needed
- Be available to help others
- Make a plan to learn
- Use our (your!) resources
- Maintain confidentiality
Then I was able to spend time at the inaugural SPARK Expo for 4-H and get a glimpse into the passions of our next generation of leaders and workforce. It was an excellent collaboration with many of our CFAES department faculty and staff and our 4-H team to ignite curiosity and provide hands on exploration of talent and interest of youth. It was so impressive to watch Extension in its optimal form across these two events-- participants, partners, and Extension professionals coming together to explore and apply knowledge in ways that reach people when and how they need it.

Then on Wednesday of this last week, I participated in a solar farm tour in Brown County. Innergex provided us with an opportunity to see their operation and learn more about their relationship with Extension, Farm Bureau, local decision makers, and how they engage with neighbors of their solar farms. It was very enlightening; and we were able to highlight our Extension energy outreach group and our Energize Ohio resources, as well as discussing some opportunities for future internships and scholarships for 4-H.

Then on Friday, I got the chance to visit southeastern Ohio during my lean-in tour of Vinton and Athens counties. I had the privilege of participating in preparing food packages for families at a local food pantry, judging a market rabbit project, and visiting for quite a while with all of our staff to learn more about what drew them to Extension, what each of them is doing currently, and answering questions they have. My husband and I then spent a day visiting places and spaces within the two counties that we had not been before including Lake Hope, the Moonville tunnel, and historic Nelsonville. Thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome, sharing more about your work and lives with me, and giving me the opportunity to participate in some of your daily efforts. It was so apparent that our Extension faculty and staff have such a passion for the work that they do, the people they serve, and a true caring for one another. I look forward to visiting Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Pickaway counties in the next two weeks.

This weekend (July 4) is Independence Day; and I do hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy a long weekend, reflect on the importance of this historical day, and spend time outside in this fabulous weather (and perhaps a wish for some well-timed rain). I also hope you will join me in a July challenge to turn off or silence your phones after work and when visiting with family or friends; and see how many days in July you can unlock your phones less than an average of 50 times. I’ll be checking back in to see how effective we have been with owning our phones and not letting them own us. (stars and stripes via freeimages.com)

Thank you for all you do, Jackie
Next Director’s Video Update will be Held on July 19

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 9am. Registration is required. You can register online.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on July 19. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar.

The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.

Note: This webinar will be presented via CarmenZoom, which is supported by the new Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (which includes the former Office of Distance Education and eLearning) being implemented this spring.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

The last few weeks have been very exciting and full of wonderful partnerships and things to celebrate. We were able to participate in a new partnership visit with approximately 25 leaders from all over the globe with Intel at the Hartford County Fair. The goal was to allow an opportunity for Intel representatives to meet our youth and learn about their 4-H experience and for Intel to share details about employment opportunities at its new facility, and the training or educational pathways that will be needed for those interested in those positions. Many thanks go out to the Licking County team and youth and the Hartford Fair for a very successful introduction to what I imagine will be a very mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.

The "Lean in" Tour led me through Medina and Lorain counties last week. I had the great pleasure of meeting our new Medina County commissioner, Colleen Swedyk, and helping our camp counselors put together materials for camp (I had an unexpected visit with my niece, who will be volunteering for all three camps this year). In Lorain, we hosted some county economic development leaders and shared many highlights of Extension’s focus and reach in building vital communities and growing leaders of tomorrow. I learned a great deal about the growth of each county’s programs since I was there last (pre-COVID); and I can honestly say these visits are very refueling and quite inspiring.

Our urban Extension team was in Camden, New Jersey recently; and our community development professionals were in Indianapolis this week. It is clear that Ohio is a valued partner in co-creating communities where all Ohioans can live, work, and play. Next week, our ANR professionals meet in Troy, Ohio for their annual retreat entitled “TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More.” And 4-H will be hosting its 4-H SPARK EXPO (EXploring Pathway Opportunities) for youth to explore college and career pathways and meet with many of our CFAES colleagues.

In the coming days, we also will be celebrating Father’s Day (June 19). Thank you to all of our fathers and grandfathers in Extension for making a difference in the lives of your families, while making a difference in our communities. (photo via freeimages.com)

We also commemorate Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”), which honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday. (image available via freepik.com)

Have an excellent weekend; and thank you for being you and bringing your skills and passion to Extension!

Grateful, Jackie
Next Director’s Video Update will be Held on June 14

Registration is required for the next Director’s Video Update on Tuesday, June 14 at 9am. You can register online.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on June 14. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

These last few weeks have been especially difficult as we continue to experience the loss of Americans as a result of hate crimes. No lives should ever be lost because of racial hatred. Our thoughts are with these families, communities, and all Americans who continue to experience discrimination and violence due to prejudice and intolerance. OSU Extension is committed to inclusion and caring; and it is my greatest hope that we will be leaders in embracing differences, serving all, and ensuring that everyone knows they have a home in Extension as employees, participants, and partners in making our world a place where all Ohioans can thrive. Please consider how we can continue to amplify and live our Extension Keys at lod.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/organizational-development/extension-keys and personify our CFAES Principles of Community at brand.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/campaigns/principles-community.

The "Lean in" Tour had a wonderful launch last Friday in Logan County, where I was able to meet our new 4-H educator (Sarah Dailey), spend time with one of our county commissioners (Mark Robinson), participate in camp counselor training at Camp Clifton (surprised Fayette County there), and visit local landmarks (Campbell Hill-- highest point in Ohio, first concrete road in America, Clifton Mill, Piatt Castle, and Indian Lake). Thank you to Stephanie Knight and Kathy Tutt for kicking the tour off with such a great itinerary. I am looking forward to making my way across all 88 counties this year. We currently have 43 visits scheduled between now and February (see attached list) and expect to make additional 2023 dates available next week.

We remain committed to the growth, development, and recognition of all of employees. As such, we have much to celebrate as many of our Extension faculty and our A&P staff have received notification of their promotion or promotion and tenure. Commitment to engaging in Extension scholarship, including excellence in teaching, creative and scholarly works, and service is required for success in promotion (differing by educator and faculty levels); and we want to applaud their hard work and dedication to our land-grant mission. Congratulations to all of our successful candidates; a complete list will be shared in the near future.

Safe travels to our contingency attending the National Urban Extension Conference this week in Camden, New Jersey. We will be celebrating Nicole Debose's selection as the NEUL National Leadership Award winner for NUEC 22. She is being recognized as an “Extension leader who made exceptional contributions to urban programming.”

Please enjoy your extended Memorial Day holiday weekend, and I hope you find ways in which you can honor the military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces and showing gratitude to those currently serving our country. We especially thank our Extension professionals who serve in the military and the National Guard. We owe you all so much! As we see what is happening in Ukraine and across the world, we know how very important this service is to us all and to our continued freedom and safety. Photo courtesy of freeimages.com (photo by bencwright)

If you haven’t reviewed the story about President Johnson’s participation in the AAU (Association of American Universities) Zoom meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, check it out at news.osu.edu/president-johnson-participates-in-aau-meeting-with-ukrainian-president.

I hope you enjoy your well-deserved long weekend. Shut off those phones, stay away from work (it will be there when you get back on Tuesday), and truly get off the grid and refuel. There is much to be grateful for and I am so very grateful for each of you.

Best regards, Jackie
Next Director’s Video Update Will be Held on June 14

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, June 14 at 9am. Registration is required. You can register online. Please note – this is a change from the previously announced June 7 date.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on June 14. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date. Note: This webinar will be presented via CarmenZoom, which is supported by the new Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (which includes the former Office of Distance Education and eLearning) being implemented this spring.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

With next week being Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday, April 27), I wanted to take a moment to specifically highlight the work of all of our tremendous information assistants, office assistants, and office associates. The talent and dedication you all provide to OSU Extension is invaluable and cannot possibly be measured or appreciated enough. You are often the first and lasting impression our clientele have of our organization as you greet them and are an ambassador for our mission. You bring your vast talents and positive energy to every activity, each and every day. You go out of your way to answer questions, solve problems, proactively provide resources, and ensure that every interaction with those seeking something from Extension leave with information, solutions, and an excellent customer experience. You provide key support to the work of everyone in the office, whether it is customer engagement, handling travel and financial support, managing schedules, maintaining equipment and office supplies, keeping the office/building maintained and organized, assisting with communications and marketing, helping with program materials and sessions, supporting volunteers and committees, and a million other things that cannot possibly be captured in this note. I know it sounds quaint, but you are truly the glue that holds everything together – we would be lost without you, your commitment and dedication, and your individual contribution of time and talents that make coming to the office special for everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

Best wishes, Jackie
OSU Extension Director's Video Update

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at 9am. Registration is required. You can register online at osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j-b9rlZhTLGdF1el5SyhFA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on April 26. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

It is hard to believe that March is already over and spring is upon us. Soon, we should be experiencing fewer cold days and more warm and sunny moments, with plenty of spring showers to help everything grow and bloom. April is national garden month and I know we are all looking forward to prepping our gardens and watching our flower beds come alive. Our Master Gardener Volunteers are rearing to go full force; and our ag and natural resources educators have been working hard through the winter to provide our farmers with all of the tools and resources necessary to have a successful planting season.

April is also national Earth Month and we are looking forward to celebrating Earth Day on April 22, in partnership with our of School of Environment and Natural Resources with activities for youth that build awareness of our earth’s resources and how to be good stewards (see more information below).

National Stress Awareness Month falls in April as well. Spring offers us lots of opportunities to focus on stress reduction. Our FCS Healthy Living Team is providing a new Healthy Living Resources telecast on April 14 (all day) that will focus on health, wellness, and the impact that stress has on our lives. We also can be intentional about taking our lunch breaks (perhaps outside or together with our office), incorporating walking meetings into our schedule (in-person or on phones away from Zoom), starting an office walking club or challenge, and making time every hour or so to stand, stretch, and refocus.

April is also time to celebrate our colleagues. April 27 is Administrative Professionals' Day, and it is never too early to plan a way to share our appreciation for everything our Extension staff does to support our mission and be the ambassadors of our work with the public. They truly are central to our success as an organization. I also want to hold up some of our colleagues who have been recently recognized during the CFAES State of the College. Kudos to our faculty and staff who received the inaugural college-level Extension awards and to all of our Buckeye Years of Service awards (see details below).

Please take time to enjoy the promise of spring and to celebrate all of the moments that lighten our days and bring us joy in this work.

With gratitude for all you do, Jackie
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

I hope each one of you is taking time to enjoy the moments of sunshine and promises of warmth inserting themselves between the cold and wet, as winter exits and spring begins. This weekend we spring forward, so don’t forget to adjust your clocks. It is always a joy getting to wake up to brighter mornings and slightly longer days as the weather improves. Be on the lookout for, and plan to join and share, our Spring into Wellness Live Healthy Live Well email challenge and look for some outdoor activity challenges through Your Plan For Health (yp4h.osu.edu). Now is a great time to initiate some lunch-time walks or walking meetings into your weekly plan, as opportunity allows.

We are also celebrating Women’s History Month in March. One of the women I will be remembering is my great, great aunt Isabelle BeVier, who was a pioneer in FCS and has her portrait in BeVier Hall at the University of Illinois. There are so many women to celebrate who have made incredible contributions to Extension, academia, and our world at large. Who is on your mind this month?

Finally, I will be presenting our State of Extension address next Tuesday. I hope you will make time on your calendars to join in and hear how OSU Extension has demonstrated the Extension Keys of ADAPABILITY and EFFICIENCY in 2021. You have achieved such incredible things this last year amidst continuing challenges during the pandemic, constant change, and global unrest. I am so very proud of your courage, your persistence, and your positive impact. I am looking forward to sharing and celebrating our successes in 2021 and looking forward to sharing how we can experience a strong, collaborative, and positive 2022.

Grateful for you (all you do, and who you are), Jackie
State of Extension – March 15 Director’s Video Update

The next Director’s Video Update will be a State of Extension address held on Tuesday, March 15 from 9-10:30 a.m. Registration is required; register in advance for this webinar online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on March 15. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

Format: 90 minutes is reserved for this State of Extension address. The first 60 minutes will focus on the State of Extension presentation, additional administrative updates and topics (e.g., career roadmap, Workday, Extension Keys, etc.), and Q & A.

The final 30 minutes will be an optional but encouraged opportunity for offices to gather and discuss the Extension goals and priorities shared during the presentation and to think about beginning strategies/tactics for addressing these locally or within your unit. If you plan to use the final 30 minutes for local discussion, you will need to consider your approach, such as setting up a separate Zoom or a face-to-face meeting.

Thank you in advance for making time on your calendar to watch the State of Extension address and for always actively participating in the success of OSU Extension.

If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.
OSU Extension Administration Support Staff Update

We are pleased to announce LaVerne Castle as our new administrative associate for the director’s office. LaVerne actually worked for our office several years ago, then worked for the Office of Institutional Equity, and is now back with OSU Extension. Please email Laverne at castle.206@osu.edu to arrange for meetings with Jackie and other administrative needs. Welcome back LaVerne!
Thoughts from Jackie
Friends,

President Johnson just unveiled the university's shared values initiative; read more online. The timing and content of this initiative is right in alignment with our own rollout of our Extension Keys, which are aimed at identified actions and behaviors that aid us in living our organizational values. In previous messages, I wrote about how we can be intentional about INCLUSION in our work and CARE in our interactions with one another and those we serve. Today, I would like to focus on TRUST. Our Extension key on TRUST includes:
- I teach research-based information.
- I provide high-quality teaching and learning.
- I communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully to create understanding and transparency.
- I am ethical in my decision making.
- I provide access to vast and diverse professional expertise.
- I provide confidentiality and respect to all.
- I am accountable to my co-workers and clientele.
The “I” statements that resonate most with me in the moment are “I communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully to create understanding and transparency” and “I provide confidentiality and respect to all.” Each time I read through the Keys, a different aspect provides me with time for reflection about where I want to focus, what I can improve, or celebrate what I or others are getting right.

Two years into a pandemic and in a world where fast-paced changes are occurring all of the time, it is easy to let the ability to trust slip just a bit. And over time, especially when we are not always face-to-face, much of our work and interactions are accomplished virtually, and we see trust slipping in many spaces in the world around us – trust can tend to slip even more. A lack of trust has a real cost to our teams, our organization, and our clientele. It impacts teamwork, collaboration, funding, reputation and resources, and yes… motivation and morale.

According to David Horsager, author of Trusted Leader: 8 Pillars That Drive Results, as trust decreases, you see an increase in costs, problems, suspicion, attrition, and stress. Alternately, as trust increases, so does morale, retention, productivity, innovation, output, loyalty, and revenue. Just imagine a world where every relationship, every interaction, and every decision each day was built on trust. What would that world look like? What would our workplace look like? Imagine how much time would be saved, how much confidence we could have in those around us, and how much easier it would be to live our lives free of the difficulties that come when trust is missing.

As a leader, I will own my part and keep working hard to ensure you can trust me, trust that I have the best interests of the mission and organization in mind, trust that I am committed to supporting you in your work and attracting and retaining our talent, trust that I will direct time and resources to the things that will continue to move our organization forward in ever-changing times. But we must do this together. We each need to truly reflect on what we are doing each day, and in every interaction, to build and increase trust. We won’t get it right every time, but my hope is that we will keep trying to get it right – and we will see the benefits of creating a culture where trust is key.

Thank you for your efforts toward making OSU Extension a trusted partner and an amazing place to work. I truly am grateful for you, your commitment to our mission, and to one another. Please never hesitate to reach out directly to me with your thoughts and ideas for building trust or any of the other keys this year and beyond.

Best wishes, Jackie
State of Extension – March 15 Director’s Video Update

The next Director’s Video Update will be a State of Extension address held on Tuesday, March 15 from 9-10:30 a.m. Registration is required; register in advance for this webinar online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on March 15. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.
Extension Keys – An Update About Next Steps

Per Jackie’s all-Extension message on Feb. 14, the Extension Keys are ”lived values” that complement our roles and responsibilities, core competencies, and vision and mission of Extension. We will begin incorporating conversations about the Keys into our annual performance discussions, beginning this year. The Keys will not replace our existing performance review indicators. This is a first step is intended to ensure that everyone has received a general introduction to the Keys and can ask questions for clarification. An overview about the Keys and an initial set of FAQs are available on the Learning and Organizational Development unit at lod.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/organizational-development/extension-keys.
Thoughts from Jackie
Friends,

The entry into the New Year often brings renewed focus on what is important and a chance to think about our intentions, goals, and plans for the forthcoming year. For myself, I have named 2022 the year of Quantum Health – including physical, financial, emotional, and relational health. I am committed to identifying and protecting time for morning exercise, daily meditation (10 minutes, but it is a start), scheduling annual wellness visits, menu planning (so I stick to healthy choices when busy), walking meetings on the phone instead of Zoom, shorter Zoom sessions with time for breaks between appointments, and making and protecting time for relationships at work and at home. I know it seems impossible to make time for these things when there are so many opportunities and demands for our time and talents. I would encourage you, however, to be intentional about planning and protecting your time, how you use it, how you prioritize, and what makes your 2022 list of key goals for work and home.

In addition to a focus on well-rounded health and well-being, I am dedicating deep work time focused on Extension’s strategic future. I will be sharing what we have learned in this last year of listening and navigating challenging times and elaborating on the vision, key areas of emphasis, and resource priorities in March during my State of Extension address (stay tuned for a save-the-date and registration). I am also asking each of us to focus in this new year on our Extension keys and how we each can implement them in our daily lives as lived behaviors. Last month, I talked about being intentional about inclusion in OSU Extension. Today, I want to encourage each of us to think about how we can incorporate the key of CARE into our mission of Extension, with our colleagues and our clientele.

CARE
- I provide safe, fun, and enjoyable environments for learning and service.
- I support and model life work balance for co-workers and clientele.
- I value professional development, proficiency, and career growth for all.
- I treat all with kindness and respect.
- I value all partners and community members.
Please join me in finding ways in which we can each demonstrate CARE in our work. Perhaps we implement an office activity or staff tradition to increase fun or social team engagement; share a skill or talent with our team members to raise the knowledge of all; ask someone how they are doing and offer to help them with something (task or deadline, etc.) if they are stressed or overwhelmed; take time to thank someone for something positive they did or said OR offer an apology when you have said or done something that wasn’t so positive; send a hand-written note or make a phone call aimed at making someone’s day. I am saving Fridays at 4 p.m for sending SPARKS (Specific, Personal, Appreciation/Recognition of Kindness and Success). I look forward to seeing how our focus on living our value of caring will strengthen our culture of caring in Extension.

Finally, I ask that you all continue to demonstrate CARE as we continue to navigate an ever-evolving COVID-19 environment, being flexible and understanding when there are specific needs of individuals associated with local spread, personal illness, or other considerations (e.g., ill family members, child care or elder care constraints, etc.). I also remind you to STAY home if you are not feeling well. DO NOT come into the office if you are sick, especially if you have symptoms of COVID.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

I hope your 2022 has started off with great health, good memories of time with family and friends over the holiday season, and inspiration for the year in front of us. I am personally energized about OSU Extension’s future and how all the discussions and active listening sessions within our organization, and with our volunteers, as well as other partners and stakeholders have provided us with excellent input for addressing critical issues and continuing to strengthen our support for our employees and those we serve. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing many of our successes from a challenging but triumphant 2021, and providing an overview of top priorities as we kick off a very promising 2022.

In addition to New Year’s Day, January is also host to the National Day of Racial Healing. The college has a great many activities and opportunities planned for Jan. 18, and I hope you will be able to make time to participate. Inclusion is one of our five Extension keys; and there are many resources available for us to be intentional about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the work we do in our communities and within our organization, some of which are highlighted below.

I am very much looking forward to positioning OSU Extension in 2022 to be the best place to work, the best place to be served as Ohioans, and the best place to partner to build capacity (human and capital) to achieve our mission. I am grateful for each and every one of you and your contributions in 2021 and moving forward. I believe that there has never been a more important time and need for Extension, and I believe we have the strength of will, the expertise, and the drive to meet this need. Thank you for bringing your time and talents to the table, and please stay safe and healthy as we continue this important journey together.

Best wishes, Jackie
Extension Administration Support Staff Update

Laurie Ward, office administrative associate for the director’s office, has moved on/back to the Wexner Medical Center. She will be working at the James Cancer Hospital with Radiation Oncology, a group she also previously supported. During the two years she worked for the director’s office, Laurie was a great partner in supporting Extension; and we wish her the best as she moves back to a field for which she also has great passion. While the position is being posted and refilled, Vicki Myers with the Operations team, will help address requests for Jackie’s calendar. Please copy Vicki at myers.26@osu.edu when you contact Jackie for upcoming meetings and events.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

These next few weeks are promising to be very busy and full of opportunities to reflect, reconnect, and refocus. Annual conference begins this coming Tuesday, and I look forward to seeing all of you there. I know it’s a time we all look forward to each year where we can see one another, engage in various collegial activities, and learn and share in preparation for the new year. To ensure everyone has time to make their final attendance plans and complete registrations, we are leaving registration open through Monday, Dec 6 at 12pm. The agenda is packed with wonderful topics and speakers, time for us to meet within our professional affiliations, and a chance to recognize our partners (both internal and external) for key collaborations and achievements. In addition, the County Commissioners Association of Ohio is also hosting their annual conference during these same days; and a few of us will be attending a portion of their event to share some of the exciting things that are happening within Extension and our college, to nurture relationships, and to learn some of the key issues facing these key partners at this time.

We are also approaching the holiday season, with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Omisoka, and Christmas on the horizon. I want to offer you an early holiday season greeting and wishes for being able to take some dedicated time to relax, kick your feet up, and enjoy time with family and friends during this special season.

Be well, Jackie
Thoughts from Jackie
Friends,

These last few weeks have been filled with so many opportunities to participate in professional affiliation conferences and witness, once again, the full force and personality of OSU Extension professionals. At each of the conferences, Ohio had one of the largest contingencies attending, presenting (sessions and posters), providing leadership, and being formally recognized for their Extension programming excellence (see some of the award winners recognized below). Some quick examples of our high-performing professionals include:
- Our ANR professionals had 15 of the 109 accepted posters at NACAA; and Ohio had submissions in 11 of the 13 award categories and 54 entries in the contest. Of these, five were regional winners and two are national finalists.
- About 25 Ohio colleagues attended the Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) annual conference in Savannah, Georgia. Ohio had one of the largest state presences at the conference and one of the highest numbers of presentations, posters, and formal recognitions. Kudos to Travis West for being elected to the position of ESP national second vice-president!
- The NEAFCS annual conference was held virtually last week. Again, our OSU Extension professionals had a very strong presence and were recognized for the level of their Extension work and their leadership. Kudos to our national officers: Kate Shumaker, secretary, and Pat Brinkman (recently retired), VP professional development! And congratulations to Melinda Hill, recently recognized as NEAFCS educator of the year!
- Our NACDEP professionals had 50% of the 10 accepted posters and various presentations. Brian Raison was recognized with the NACDEP Excellence in Community Development Programming award. NACDEP recognized Treasurer Nancy Bowen and North Central Region Representative Brian Raison as their national leadership terms concluded.
It is very exciting and rewarding to see so many of our colleagues doing such commendable work and to see our Ohio professionals being leaders nationally and recognized for their expertise and service to the mission of Extension. You have much to be proud of; and your commitment to translating research into excellent practice and stewardship does not go unnoticed by your national counterparts or by me. I know many of our 4-H professionals will have similar stories of success to share as they have their NAE4-HYDP conference in Nashville, as well as the National Association of Extension Program and Staff Development Professionals (NAEPSDP). Well done!

It goes without saying that the ability to shine nationally is built on the foundation of meeting the needs of our stakeholders in Ohio and sharing those insights, research findings, programs, and leadership ideas at the national level and then bringing ideas and resources back. I continue to encourage you all to join your professional affiliations, submit presentations to share your knowledge and expertise, engage in state and national leadership, and continue to learn from one another and colleagues across the great Extension system. Thank you for consistently shining at home and across the nation!
Director’s Video Update – Register for Nov. 17 Event

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 9am. Registration is required. Click here to register in advance for this webinar online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on Nov. 17. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar.

The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y. CarmenZoom is supported by the Office of Distance Education and eLearning.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

I hope you’re enjoying the beginning of real fall weather, with some crisp autumn air, the promise of everything pumpkin, and some more Buckeye football wins under our belt. Our Extension Cabinet has really enjoyed the beginning of our tours across the state. Our time in Wooster and in Caldwell was wonderfully engaging, and seeing one another in person has been quite energizing. We have also been looking forward to our time with many of you in Piketon at the South Centers today.

I know many of you are enjoying spending time, either in person or via zoom, at your annual program area conferences. It was great to see many of you at the agriculture and natural resources retreat and to hear updates on the wonderful programming that occurred over the last year and that is planned for the rest of 2021. It was also great to see and hear updates from our departmental faculty partners. Our support staff conference was well-attended and packed with excellent sessions about tools, resources, and strategies for succeeding in work and in life. I enjoyed spending time this week with our family and consumer sciences professionals on the first day of their conference entitled Finding and Sustaining Balance in the Midst of Change.” Taking time to really focus on purpose, priorities, and self-care is always important; but is especially critical during constant change, which I know we’ve all been experiencing for quite some time now. I appreciate everyone having made the time and space to engage in the conferences and a great big thank you to our planning committees and LOD.

I want to give a shout out to a few efforts across the state this last week. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, attended a RMRW event last Friday in his native Hancock County, and his office has communicated a lot of positive feedback on the event. The event received a great deal of local media coverage, including stories with WFIN and Lima News. The treasurer was interviewed for both, along with Jamie Rickle, 4-H program assistant in Hancock County. It looks like he also highlighted a RMRW event in Pike County, although he was not able to be there in person. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Treasurer’s office to bring more schools and collaborators into the fold, and thanks to our great FCS and 4-H educators leading this program in the counties!

Eric Barrett and his team gave some strong leadership in partnership with Ohio State’s Office of Student Life, Ohio State Athletics, Ohio State CFAES, and Coca-Cola. Some 188,300 meals were packed and delivered to families in northeastern Ohio last week as part of an effort by more than 500 volunteers from Ohio State who joined about 200 community organization partners to fight food insecurity in Ohio. The effort was part of “Urban October,” a worldwide campaign the United Nations launched to focus on the opportunities and challenges created by the fast rate of change in cities. The theme of Ohio’s month-long campaign is “Celebrating Ohio Cities – Where We Live, Work, Play, Learn, and Serve.” For more information about OSU Extension’s Urban October efforts, visit go.osu.edu/urbanoctober.

Finally, I want to thank you for your ongoing engagement in our organizational efforts to seek input on our strategic future, including our recent listening sessions; our efforts to address life/work balance; our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and our identification of our Extension keys for living our values as an organization. All of the input from these and other efforts will be incorporated into our strategic future. Together, we are creating an Extension vision that optimally meets the needs of our employees and those we serve both now and in the future. We will share more on this during our annual conference and throughout the coming year.
Thoughts from the Director

Dear Friends,

What a busy and exciting few weeks it has been, as we move into fall. This last week we hosted our 59^th annual Farm Science Review (fsr.osu.edu). I would like to give a huge shout out to our FSR team, including Nick Zachrich and Matt Sullivan, as well as the many Extension professionals and department faculty who created a wonderful farm show. Even with having to cancel for wind and rain on the second day of the show, more than 70,000 agricultural partners participated in the many exhibits, demonstrations, educational sessions, and Ask the Expert. President Johnson visited and was very impressed with the diverse examples of technology, engineering, and science that are such an integral part of agriculture and was excited to learn that the entirety of the review was owned and operated by Ohio State, which isn’t often the case in other states. Our new iFarm immersive theatre was also a big hit (see the video online). Well done!

On Wednesday of this week, OSU South Centers (southcenters.osu.edu) celebrated its 30-year anniversary. OSU Extension has long valued our relationship with South Centers and the Endeavor Center – whether it is partnering in applied research or research translation regarding aquaculture and aquaponics, researching and providing workshops on specialty crops like hops, exploring new technologies or methods for trellised berries or hoop houses to aid in extending growing seasons in Ohio, helping businesses with direct marketing tools or business planning and coaching, support for cooperatives and farmers markets, or building awareness of OSU Extension’s educational efforts through South Centers chats and video production support. Happy 30^th anniversary! Here’s to many more years of partnering research and Extension.

Yesterday, we hosted the North Central Region Rural Development Center (ncrcrd.ag.purdue.edu) and had excellent engagement with some of our Extension and department faculty, graduate students, and Extension leadership around how we can participate in collaborative grant writing, multi-state projects, and innovation in areas such as health equity, housing, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, food security and access, community vitality. Thanks to David Civittolo and his CD team for organizing this valuable partnership day of sharing and planning.

Today, we hosted the Urban Extension Summit for Extension professionals. We had about 40 Extension professionals from across the state discuss how we can connect with a variety of people through storytelling and how we can use a new Urban October campaign to lift up and celebrate how we live, work, play, learn, and serve in our cities. Ohio’s urban influence is significant, and I appreciate this and other opportunities to work together for Extension to be relevant and strategic at local and state levels. It takes our diverse perspectives to make a difference during these rapidly changing times as we embrace our strengths and look forward to a bright and engaging future! As part of this initiative, we will be partnering with the Ohio State Office of Student Life’s Be Kind food packing event to distribute more than 170,000 meals in the Youngstown area. A special shout out to Eric Barrett and his team for hosting this event. #UrbanOctoberOSU

Tomorrow is our 4-H Celebration of Youth fundraiser, which will be at the Leeds Farm in Delaware. They have already reached $108,000 in contributions toward their $120,000 goal for supporting youth development. The annual silent auction is being held online this year. Bidding is currently open and will close on October 2 at 8 p.m. Anyone is welcome to participate in the silent auction, even if you're not attending this year's Celebration of Youth. Visit 4HCOY.givesmart.com to register to participate.

Next week we are looking forward our annual Agriculture and Natural Resources Retreat (October 6-7). The theme is Disconnecting to Reconnect, and they will be blending networking, updates from OSU Extension administration and CFAES department chairs, touring Waterman, participating in a building communication skills workshop, discussing hot topics, and meeting with partner units (e.g., Knowledge Exchange, Learning and Organizational Development, Extension Publishing), and more! Have a great session!

Beginning on Monday, we will be hosting our OSU Extension Road Show Tours, starting in Wooster. We are looking forward to seeing and engaging with many of you in-person next week, sharing updates on our recent strategic planning activities and active listening sessions, gaining final consensus on our lived values, receiving additional training on inclusive hiring, and making time for Q&A and networking. I hope to see many of you at these events or virtually over the next four to six weeks.

There are always so many excellent efforts and things to celebrate in OSU Extension and I can’t wait to see and share more with you in the coming weeks.

Thank you, Jackie
Fall Thoughts – Doing What Counts
Friends,

I have always enjoyed September and the promise of fall – with the crisp evening air, fire pits, and football. I know this fall still seems very different to us all than in years past. We are still experiencing significant impacts on our daily lives related to the coronavirus and the importance of keeping one another and our clientele safe and healthy. I recognize the additional burdens of figuring out childcare coverage, navigating local school protocols, and managing our own concerns (and the concerns of others) as we continue to find our way through this pandemic. I truly appreciate all you have been doing as colleagues and friends to work through both personal and professional needs in the spaces where you work and live. I know it has not been easy expanding and contracting programming and adjusting schedules based on continually moving targets. I also know that it’s easy to be pulled in many directions as various stakeholders reach out with requests and it is often too easy to say yes to everything, instead of:
- “yes, but later.”
- “I can’t, but perhaps [insert name] can.”
- “that is something that is on our plan of work for 2022”
- “I appreciate the offer to get involved and that is a great topic, but my calendar is full until…” and even,
- “I am sorry but that is not something I can commit to because…”
It is so important to focus on what really matters right now, to give attention to the key priorities of your program, your role, your plan of work. When is the last time you pruned what wasn’t key? Did you use the last year to identify what wasn’t missed or could be done differently? Is something truly a sacred cow or do we just imagine it is? Don’t be afraid to ask what can/should be reduced or eliminated and what key initiatives, goals, outcomes are important this year and make room to place a laser focus on them. I, too, face daily distractions, multiple demands from internal and external stakeholders, and even more challenging sometimes… the new and exciting opportunities that are hard to let pass you by. It is always a challenge. The key is focusing on what counts and continuing to assess and reassess what matters. I’d like to share a bit of wisdom on that topic from one of our very own. I hope it inspires you as much as it did me this week:

Do the Things Which Will Count
Emily Marrison, family and consumer sciences educator, OSU Extension

I keep a small, blue booklet within arm’s reach of my desk. I have found it to be a valuable tool and inspiration in the work that I do. It was published in February 1922, yet has timeless wisdom. T.J. Talbert of the Kansas State Agricultural College Division of College Extension penned “The Extension Worker’s Code” as a guide to excel in educational outreach efforts. Much of the advice is useful for anyone regardless of your calling in life.

This spring I was especially struck by the section titled “Do the Things Which Will Count.” Depending on our personalities, we can be inclined to get sucked into things that waste precious time. I’m not just talking about lazy habits like watching too much television or letting time evaporate while you are on the internet. We know those are time wasters, right? I’m also talking about the good things that still aren’t the best things. Talbert puts it this way, “It is a great art to know what to leave undone, to know how to weed out the less important things, and to spend one’s energies in doing the things which will count.” He goes on to say, “Once we have formulated a plan… we must stick to it regardless of our tendency to be sidetracked by other pressing duties and obligations. Otherwise, all our good resolution and work begun will amount to little or nothing.”

I had adjusted quickly to working from home during 2020 and the beginning of 2021. At first, it was strange to be less busy, but it was also incredibly freeing. As many workers have returned to in-person work in businesses and offices over the past few months, I’ve heard more comments about feeling busy again. In a quest to squelch this slow creep of the return to busyness, I’ve also been reading a more modern bulletin from an Extension colleague in this century. Tim Tanner developed a time management curriculum for Extension professionals.

Tim is an avid reader and researcher, and he found that American employees are at their best when they possess high levels of personal well-being. He also found that ancient and modern religious scholars have long noted that an orderly approach to daily life creates greater human joy. Studies show time and time again that we humans are not created to be efficient multitaskers. MIT neuroscientist, Earl Miller, says that our brains focus on one thing at a time. When we attempt to multitask, we are actually switching back and forth very quickly between tasks and missing out on key observances.

The last thing we need is to climb back onto the hamster wheel many of us had escaped from. Here are three things I am doing to discipline myself to do the things which will count:
1. Emails: I do not keep my email open all day long. That way, the arrival of a new message does not dictate that I immediately answer it. Responding to all messages once in the morning and once in the afternoon allows me to focus on tasks fully the rest of the day.
2. Reading: I schedule time on my calendar each week to read and research to keep up with the latest discoveries and information in my field.
3. Goals: My 2021 goals are posted on the wall near my desk. They are a daily reminder of the most important things to focus on, so that the urgent does not win over the important.
Today I’ll leave you with this quote from William Carey. My husband keeps this quote near his planning calendar. For doers who like to stay busy, these are wise words to consider. “I’m not afraid of failure; I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.”
Take a Moment to “Just Breathe”
-from the Aug. 25 director’s video update

It sounds so simple, but we don’t always make the time to quite literally breathe…
- To make the time for quiet reflection.
- To meditate and clear the mind– breathing deeply and pushing aside intrusive thoughts.
- To be mindful and focus on what fills us, what we are grateful for.
- To take a moment and tell others what they mean to you, or how they have helped you or made your day.
I saw a sticker with this statement recently in my office, and it reminded me of the importance of finding space for things that matter during what continues to be a very hectic world. We have so many pressure points and tensions in this day and age, and with all that is going on around us… we MUST make time to breathe; and for me, that includes thinking about what I am grateful for and what keeps me centered. This is your gentle reminder to regularly stop for a minute or two to breathe. You can visit go.osu.edu/justbreathe for resources via Ohio State.
Strategic Alignment Update: Fall Road Show Registration due by Sept. 15

OSU Extension will be hosting several road shows this fall for a chance to reflect, reconnect, and refocus. We will reflect on the past year, what we learned during the keys /values workshops this spring, and what we have heard during our strategic alignment listening sessions so far. We also will reflect on unconscious bias and learn how to be more intentional about inclusive hiring practices and within our culture overall. We will reconnect with our colleagues as we transition to a “next now,” adjust how best to work together within our office environments, and begin meeting even more often in-person once again with partners and clientele. We will refocus on our strategic efforts and organizational values/mission as we look to continually improve our partnerships, programs, products, processes, and support for our people and those we serve.

Register by Wednesday, Sept. 15 for one of the in-person sessions or the virtual session. The dates and locations are: Oct. 4 – Shisler Conference Center ballroom (Wooster); Oct. 11 – Operations in Caldwell (Belle Valley); Oct. 22 – OSU South Centers Research Administration Building (Piketon); Nov. 8 – Ward Pavilion (Toledo); Nov. 22 – Calumet Center (Dayton); and Nov. 23 – virtual (via Zoom). A boxed lunch will be provided. There is no cost to attend, although mileage should be covered by each unit/individual who is attending. The tentative agenda and registration form are available at go.osu.edu/extroadshows2021.
Reflect. Reconnect. Refocus.

Friends... Reflect. Reconnect. Refocus. Three simple words that hold important meaning for us over the next weeks and months. These three words represent an intentional approach to thinking about where we have been and where we are headed; reconnecting with one another and with our lived mission; and being laser focused on our future. I have been personally implementing these three things in my life, both personally and professionally. I am spending this very week participating in the Food Systems Leadership Institute where we are visiting Cal Poly in San Luis Osbisbo, California, and learning about the similar and dissimilar challenges and opportunities our peers face on the West Coast. I have been intentionally reflecting on my approach to leadership; reconnecting with colleagues from sister institutions and with our lived mission; and focusing on what matters-- moving past the noise and the fog to gain a sharper vision for our future.

I want to thank all of you in advance for engaging in these same efforts and for participating in the opportunities to collaboratively reflect, reconnect, and refocus. We have scheduled some intentional spaces and approaches for engagement. Thank you to everyone who has signed up for or already participated in the listening sessions. So far, we have completed the listening sessions with the Extension Leadership Team and one open session (where we had about 40 participants). Additional listening sessions are scheduled in August and September. We have 1:1 conversations occurring with approximately 200 stakeholders over the next six weeks. We have Extension Road Shows scheduled for early fall. And we have the opportunity to use some of these tools/processes to engage your local advisory committees. These efforts around reflecting, reconnecting, and refocusing are aimed at being intentional about who we are, what we do, and how we want to do it. I hope that you will take part early and often in the ways that make sense for you so we can move forward together toward what I know is going to be an inspiring and energizing future for us and those we serve. Thank you for continually inspiring me through all you do and the way you live the mission of Extension.
OSU Extension Director’s Video Update – Aug. 25 at 9am

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 9am. Registration is required. Register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on Aug. 25. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

The other Director’s Video Updates this year will be held on Oct. 6, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15 (all at 9am). If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.
Strategic Alignment Update: 2021 OSU Extension Fall Road Shows Announced

As shared with Extension county staff earlier this week, OSU Extension will be hosting several road shows this fall for a chance to reflect, reconnect, and refocus. We will reflect on the past year, what we learned during the keys /values workshops this spring, and what we have heard during our strategic alignment listening sessions so far. We also will reflect on unconscious bias and learn how to be more intentional about inclusive hiring practices and within our culture overall. We will reconnect with our colleagues as we transition to a “next now,” adjust how best to work together within our office environments, and begin meeting even more often in-person once again with partners and clientele. We will refocus on our strategic efforts and organizational values/mission as we look to continually improve our partnerships, programs, products, processes, and support for our people and those we serve.

Register by Wednesday, Sept. 15 for one of the in-person sessions or the virtual session. The dates and locations are: Oct. 4 – Shisler Conference Center ballroom (Wooster); Oct. 11 – Operations in Caldwell (Belle Valley); Oct. 22 – OSU South Centers Research Administration Building (Piketon); Nov. 8 – Ward Pavilion (Toledo); Nov. 22 – Calumet Center (Dayton); and Nov. 23 – virtual (via Zoom). A boxed lunch will be provided. There is no cost to attend, although mileage should be covered by each unit/individual who is attending. The tentative agenda and registration form are available at go.osu.edu/extroadshows2021.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
It’s hard to believe that we are already moving into August! It seems like this year is going faster than just about any other I can remember. I want to take a moment and thank you for the various efforts you are making as we transition even more fully toward being physically in the statewide offices with expanded office hours open to the public, returning to more in-person programming, and attempting to identify and support more options for flexibility so everyone has a chance to both incorporate work/life balance as well as meet the needs of the unit and community. I recognize it is a bit of a dance at times, especially as peak programming occurs for various program areas across the year and there are still important considerations regarding accommodation factors such as childcare access, local fall school approaches by district, and health concerns for those with immune system issues. I have been extremely proud of the way we have all been working together to meet these continuing needs during the ongoing pandemic, as well as approaching our commitment to the stakeholders and organization we serve. You are all to be applauded!

I know that we have not put the issues related to COVID-19 in the review mirror yet and have many challenges remaining as we move forward and are intentional in how we envision and implement our co-created future for Extension. I am excited about the forthcoming listening sessions (see details below), our re-engagement of our state-level internal and external Extension advisory councils, and our follow-up on our Return-to-Office (RtO) survey as we continue to address culture and work/life balance. I hope that you will sign up for some of the additional opportunities for sharing your perspectives and your ideas for creating a future that remains bright for our employees, our partners, and our communities during our strategic-futuring initiative. An organization is successful when it gets it right for those it serves – the employees and the customers. You all have proven year after year and decade after decade that we attract and hire the best and we give the best of ourselves in service to the mission. Let’s keep working together to accomplish what distinguishes us as we plan our future and design support for our Extension professionals and Ohioans.

Thank you for all you do!
Saying Thanks Again for Your Work on Behalf of OSU Extension

Repeating my message from Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week last week – thank you for all you do each and every day to make OSU Extension such a gem of the college and university. Your dedication to serving Ohioans by bringing the science-based knowledge to bear to co-create solutions that truly improve lives is priceless and greatly valued. I know I speak for our Extension cabinet and Dean Kress when I extend our appreciation for the work that you do, your commitment to the land-grant mission, and your dedication to our communities. Thank you!

You can also show appreciation for your colleagues by sending personalized messages and virtual cards on the Kindness at Ohio State website.
Strategic Alignment Activities and Opportunities for Engagement
Listening Sessions (Sign up): We will be hosting our statewide listening sessions in August and September to seek broad stakeholder input (internal and external participants) as we continue our strategic futuring for OSU Extension.

There will be three online listening sessions for Extension professionals (faculty, staff, and students). I hope you will choose one of these to attend and provide your valuable perspective. Note: Registration is limited, so sign-up soon!
- Aug. 16 (1-3pm) – register at go.osu.edu/listen1_16aug2021
- Aug. 30 (10am-12pm) – register at go.osu.edu/listen2_30aug2021
- Sept. 8 (10am-12pm) – register at go.osu.edu/listen3_8sept2021
We will also be hosting additional listening sessions with the state advisory councils (Extension Internal Advisory Council, State Extension Advisory Council, and Extension Partnership Advisory Council) in September.

There will be an opportunity for volunteers (MGV, 4-H, and 4-H Foundation) to participate in separate listening sessions in August or September (dates to be determined).

We would also like to have listening sessions offered locally through existing late summer or early fall Extension Advisory Committee meetings. We will provide some standard questions that can be incorporated into your agendas to ascertain local feedback. These questions will be made available with scripts and instructions in the next two weeks

Key Stakeholder Conversations (1:1): We also will be hosting a number of key stakeholder conversations in August and September. We anticipate performing approximately 200 relaxed engagement conversations with a variety of existing partners (i.e., community, industry, commodity, alumni, funders, etc.). Stay tuned for more on this effort in the coming weeks.

Extension Internal Advisory Council (EIAC): The Extension Internal Advisory Council (EIAC) was formulated and met for the first time last week. The council is made up of representatives from all professional positions in Extension, our three CFAES campuses (Columbus, Wooster, and statewide campuses), various geographic locations across the state, all four program areas (ANR, CD, FCS, 4-H), and student representation. The purpose of the council is to provide input to the associate dean and director of OSU Extension to achieve the mission of Extension. The council members' responsibilities include serving as an advisory sounding board, acting a liaison between Extension internal partners and the office of the associate dean and director, OSU Extension, and being an ambassador and advocate for the mission of Extension. The council meets three to four times/year and will have a rotation of one-year to three-year terms. Current members of the EIAC are listed in this PDF.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
July is bringing with it a variety of good news for OSU Extension. We have received positive news related to funding support from our state legislature. The Cooperative Extension line item received a $500,000 increase in each year of the biennium over the governor’s proposal from the House, and an additional $610,540 in FY22 and $406,942 over the House from the Senate. While it is still not an increase over pre-pandemic numbers, this represents an increase for Extension over next biennium. I’d like to thank Adam Ward, Dean Kress, our assistant directors, and our college and university Government Affairs partners, as well as all of you who have helped effectively tell the story of Extension impact across the state that led to this significant increase during a continuing pandemic. It speaks highly of your value and your critical contributions to serving our fellow Ohioans.

I am excited to reiterate that we have received formal notification from the university that we are able to implement annual merit increases through the Annual Merit Compensation Process (AMCP). The university determined a 3% pool for distribution across our system. This is welcome bit of news, especially considering how many universities and Extension systems across the nation have been dealing with furloughs, reductions in force, and another year of no increases. We have also been able to fund the A&P promotions for this year (n=38). We submitted our data yesterday, and you can expect to see any merit increases in your pay no later than September.

We are a month into returning to fuller office density and higher numbers of in-person programming. We have been able to return to having day and residential camps and participating in fairs that are approaching more typical environments across the state. We have recently been given the great news that we have a confirmed in-person Farm Science Review this year in September (look for more information coming out soon). Our most recent point-in-time pulse survey looking at how we are feeling as employees shows continuing steady upwards trends toward OK to Great (70%), from where we started asking in November (65%). We are working through the reports from our DEI Task Force, Life/Works Task Force, and Return-to-Office survey results to ensure that we continue a positive path toward organizational wellness and attracting and retaining a talented and supported workforce.

We have lots of opportunities for additional engagement in our planning for Extension’s strategic future. I want to thank you again for your dedication to our mission, your passion for the work that you do, and for your flexibility and agility (with a big dose of managing through change fatigue) this last year. You are the heart and soul of this wonderful entity called Extension; and I never underestimate the impact of your service to our college, our communities, our state, and our nation. Thank you for being willing to share your ideas and energy for how we can work together to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our employees and our stakeholders.

#LandGrantStrong
Best wishes, Jackie
OSU Extension Keys Update

Thank you to the approximately 600 participants in the keys workshops. From February 11 until June 24, the LOD team conducted 34 sessions for the Extension organization. Of those 600 participants, 555 (75%) participated in the poll expressing their level of agreement with the keys and the behavior statements. This is the final calculation from the aggregated polls (N=555):

All groups were asked to pick their top values, and a word cloud was created. This is the final word cloud from all of those who participated:

The team also received 88 thoughtful open-ended comments that are being sorted and analyzed.

Next Steps: Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) will lead the effort to create the next iteration of these core values, along with the individuals who made up the original Disney team (Rob Leeds, Jeff McCutcheon, Nicole Debose, Pam Montgomery, Christy Leeds). After the next version is created, the materials will be made available to everyone to read and reflect upon (around late August/early September). There will be time to provide more comments this fall. In December at the Extension Annual Conference, we will have a final version of our core values (keys) ready.
Director’s Video Update – Next One Scheduled for Aug. 25

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Aug. 25 (a change from the previously announced Aug. 18). The remaining 2021 videos are set for Oct. 6, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15. All video updates will be held at 9am. A registration link will be forwarded two to three weeks prior to each update, and the videos will be recorded for those who cannot join us live.
Thoughts from the Director – Upcoming Communication

Save the date for video updates on March 19 at 9am and May 5 at 9am; and look for the next “print” News and Notes in mid-February.
Strategic Alignment Update
We are continuing to make progress on our strategic alignment efforts, and we have contracted with a third-party consultant to engage with us for active listening sessions. These sessions will occur in August and September. One session is with the Extension Leadership Team; three will be held with state level advisory councils; three will be held with our statewide campuses (faculty, students, and staff); and three will be held with volunteers. The dates and known times are listed below. I hope you will plan to join us for one of the statewide campus listening sessions. Please also continue to save the dates for our area visits in October and November (locations to be determined soon).

Listening for Perspective (July – November 2021):
Stakeholder Facilitated Listening Sessions (one onsite, nine online August-Sept.)

One facilitated Extension Leadership Team (ELT) session
- Aug. 12 (1-4 pm during the ELT meeting)
Three facilitated online Listening Sessions for Extension faculty, staff, students
- Aug. 16, 1-3pm
- Aug. 30, 10am-12 noon
- Sept. 8, 10am-12 noon
Three facilitated online Advisory Group Listening Sessions
- Sept. 13 Extension Internal Advisory Council (online) 1 – 4pm
- Sept. 27 State Extension Advisory Council (online)
- Sept. 27 Extension Partnership Advisory Council (online)
Three online sessions with volunteers facilitated by OSU Extension professionals

Local advisory committees facilitated by area leaders (more info to come soon)

Area Visits (five onsite, one online) 10am-2pm: Connect with colleagues, engage in professional development, and hear updates.
- Oct. 4
- Oct .11
- Oct. 22
- Nov. 8
- Nov. 22
- Nov. 23 (online)
Thoughts from the Director

Welcome again to Dr. Kirk Bloir, our state 4-H leader as of Nov. 1. Kirk brings a wealth of experience to this position, and I’m grateful he has agreed to lead our exemplary 4-H youth development program.

I know Kirk and many of our 4-H professionals had a terrific time at the recent NAE4-HA national conference. You represented Ohio well, and we look forward to seeing how you all will implement many of the things you learned during your week connecting with your Ohio and national peers.

I hope to be able to make an announcement in the next week or so about the next director of the Learning and Organizational Development unit. We interviewed several excellent candidates; and we look forward to the new director and the LOD team continuing the great work they have started in the last year and a half.
Thoughts from the Director

The Administrative Cabinet – which includes me as Extension interim director and Operations director, Greg Davis (department chair and associate director), Jeff McCutcheon (Operations assistant director), Julie Fox (Strategic Initiatives and Urban Engagement director), the four assistant directors/state program leaders (Pat Bebo, Kirk Bloir, David Civittolo, Andy Londo), and our new Learning and Organizational Development director (Teresa McCoy) – will hold a retreat in mid-January. We will do some team building, discuss how to work more efficiently and effectively, review the road show feedback, and set some strategic and realistic goals for the next year.

As I announced recently, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Teresa McCoy to Ohio as the next director of the Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) unit – effective Jan. 2. Teresa comes to us from the University of Maryland Extension, where she has been the assistant director for evaluation and assessment since August 2008. Prior to her work in Maryland, Teresa was executive director of the Public Services Institute at Lorain County Community College in Ohio. Teresa’s expertise in developing and evaluating programs, building the capacity of faculty and staff, and demonstrating the significant impact of Extension work will be vital to our entire team of OSU Extension professionals.

Positive preparation: If you are interested in being considered to participate in Extension’s diversity task force, which is scheduled to start functioning in January, please contact me.

Upcoming communication: Look for the next News and Notes in early January, followed by videos from yours truly starting in early 2020.

I hope you are all able to take some much-deserved time off to enjoy fellowship with family and friends during this winter holiday season. Be sure to make time for yourself – to get refreshed, rejuvenated, and re-motivated to be truly Land-Grant Fierce! in the months ahead.
Thoughts from the Director

Welcome to 2020! I hope you are enjoying your new year. As one resolution, I have committed to scheduling and protecting my vacation time with family. My recent trip to Tahoe was invigorating. What are you resolving to do in 2020? I hope it brings you happiness and health!

We welcome Laurie Ward to our administrative office team as the new office administrative associate, following LaVerne Castle’s move to the Office of Institutional Equity. Laurie comes to us from the Wexner Medical Center, so she is very familiar with Ohio State internal systems and processes. She is also familiar with 4-H via her kids’ previous involvement as club members! Laurie will be the primary contact for Jackie’s calendar, as well as meeting requests/preparation, admin. reports, correspondence, and myriad other tasks. If you need to schedule or change an appointment, or if you have questions for Jackie, you can contact Laurie directly at 614-292-1842 or ward.676@osu.edu. Thanks also to Dawnn Brown for assisting with Jackie’s calendar and other tasks for the past few weeks. She has been a tremendous partner during the transition.

Area leader update: Pat Holmes is serving as an interim area leader for area 21 (Hamilton and Butler counties), following Deb Carney’s retirement. You can reach Pat directly at holmes.86@osu.edu.

Thanks again to Toni Bahnsen, who retired on December 31 from CFAES Human Resources. Toni first joined Ohio State in 1974, served in several units, then rejoined the Department of Extension in 1998 until moving to the college HR team in 2014. Toni played an integral role in Extension recruitment, specifically the educator hiring process. We are grateful for Toni’s many contributions and her passion for OSU Extension. She will be greatly missed.

Upcoming communication: Save the date for a video update on Jan. 22 at 9am; and look for the next “print” News and Notes in late January.
Thoughts from the Director

We Heard You, and Your Voice Matters: During the last interim director’s video, I mentioned that we would be continuing to share the themes we discovered during the evaluation of the road show listening session comments and suggestions. The key themes that emerged included: branding, communication, diversity and inclusion, Extension administration, area leaders, stewardship, professional development, programs, promotion and hiring, finance and IT, publications, and work-life balance and morale. Our leadership team is taking a look at each of these specific areas of input and looking for opportunities to make progress in addressing each of them as quickly as possible. Some of the topics and questions will be addressed in a forthcoming frequently asked questions summary, so everyone is privy to the same information and interpretation of the response to questions. We will share more information about the FAQs in an upcoming issue of News and Notes.

We also have finalized the representation on our Extension Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, which will have its first meeting next week. My thanks to Laquore Meadows and Nicole Debose for their willingness to co-chair this important task force.

Upcoming communication: Save the date for video updates on March 19 at 9am and May 5 at 9am; and look for the next “print” News and Notes in early March.
Thoughts from the Director

I just came back from visiting Capitol Hill with our Council of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) delegates for Ohio (Melanie Wilt, Nate Andre, and Bart Johnson) and our college team (Dean Kress, Gary Pierzynski, Adam Ward). Together, we performed more than 24 visits with congressional members to discuss the importance of our capacity funding (Hatch Act and Smith-Lever Act). We shared some of our key areas of focus and impact including water quality, addressing weather challenges, farm and rural stress, food security, opioid prevention, workforce development, financial literacy/resource management, and invasive pests. The members and their staff were very knowledgeable and appreciative of the work of our college research and Extension. I am looking forward to our continued conversations with our legislators during the PILD conference in April. I appreciate all you are doing in your communities that create the impacts we can share for continued support of our land-grant mission.

Upcoming communication:
Save the date for video updates on March 19 at 9am and May 5 at 9am; and look for the next “print” News and Notes in late March.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
I am so very proud of how you have all been handling the various changes and challenges we have been experiencing these last weeks and months. It has truly been a whirlwind of information, calls for action, opportunities for innovation, and plenty of continued uncertainty. I recognize that it can really take a toll on your energy, focus, and well-being. I completely understand the difficulty that comes with living with ambiguity—we naturally prefer things in black and white, rather than the grey and sometimes fuzzy space in between. Unfortunately, we are still very much in a fluid and complex situation and some things are clear while others are evolving and not as easy to peg. As always, I will share with you what I know to be the case and indicate what I do not know, with hopes of being able to add additional clarity as we move forward. I am positive that we will emerge from this unique circumstance stronger, more agile, and poised for success. After all, if we can work collaboratively to tackle a global pandemic, what can’t we achieve together?
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
I appreciate your patience as I worked this last week to gather information, seek clarity, and develop some strategies in cooperation with our area leaders, administrative cabinet, and college partners around various aspects related to the budget and our eventual transitioning back to offices. As you can imagine, there are a great many moving parts and complexities to these topics and efforts. I continue to be so very impressed with the many ways in which you have engaged with your clientele, our community partners, and with one another. The innovation, creativity, solution-seeking, and power of collaboration across program areas, counties, regions, and issues has been invigorating and inspiring. I know that each new week in telework environments brings its own levels of comfort and discomfort, successes and frustrations, and appreciation for technology while likely wishing you never had to see another Zoom room again. It seems like we are often surrounded by ambiguity and complexities. I would like to tell you that the next two to three months will be an easier transition, but I have committed to being as forthright and transparent as possible.

Our goal over the next few weeks to months is to focus on being highly proactive in planning for the impacts of the budget cuts we are seeing at the state and local levels and to adequately prepare for the phased return to offices for essential/time-sensitive activities as approximately 90% of businesses in Ohio are open for some level of service. We will need to work as a unified team, with flexibility, cooperation, and continued grace as we begin the next phases of navigating our OSU Extension work during the COVID-19 situation. We will need to balance health and well-being, frugal resource management, and thoughtful return to office approaches. I am asking for your active and unified collaboration in working through these challenges TOGETHER. We are stronger and smarter together than any of us are on our own. The resources, tools, and strategies we will be sharing for joint planning and preparedness for addressing budget constraints and return to offices will require us all to understand that not every office is the same, not every employee has the same life circumstances, and not every approach will be perfectly executed. Please be patient with one another and with leadership as we work toward a common set of goals—keeping us safe while meeting our mission.
Thoughts from the Director
Hi friends...
This weekend was a bit surreal for me as I celebrated my daughter’s wedding in a very small ceremony on the Medina town square, following COVID-19 requirements and trying to ensure that it was both memorable and yet reflected the gravity of the times we are in. This cherished celebration of love, happiness, hope, and anticipation of bright futures was juxtaposed against the death of George Floyd, many peaceful protests to bring awareness and action to racial and social injustice, as well as rioting, looting, and violence. Every range of emotion was present this weekend, as were just as many perspectives and reactions across our communities, the nation, and globally.

Unfortunately, racial and social inequity and bias are not new issues in our world and within our communities, but it is important for us to be leaders in addressing discriminatory actions and attitudes. We need to notice when our fellow colleagues and Ohioans are hurting and strongly support our colleagues, communities, and constituents during these challenging times. Our OSU Extension vision and mission focuses on working collaboratively with ALL Ohioans to actively engage in creating conditions in which EVERYONE thrives and to create opportunities for people to explore how we can improve social, economic, and environmental conditions. Perhaps never before has our mission been more relevant than during this COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, and ongoing disparities around race, health, income, and opportunity. Together, we are committed to creating the future world we want for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our state.

In Extension, we value:
- Teamwork and partnerships
- Integration of science and local knowledge
- Respectful community engagement
- Credibility, honesty, and integrity
- Innovation, flexibility, and adaptability
- Relevance and responsiveness
- Leveraging resources
- Lifelong learning
- Diversity in all of its forms
- The contributions of all people toward achieving organizational and societal goals
My question to each of us is how will we demonstrate these values in current times? What will we commit to doing through our service to Ohioans? We have a 100-year legacy of working with community members and leaders to improve the quality of lives of ALL Ohioans, but what have we been missing and what else should we be doing? It was, and continues to be, a critical time to reflect on who we are and what we want for our organization, the clientele we serve, and for future generations. At minimum, we need to engage in civil discourse and demonstrate a willingness to put action behind our values, to address current key issues affecting our colleagues and clientele, and to identify those things we can do to achieve organizational and societal goals that achieve equity and the ability to thrive for all.

I also want to emphasize our ongoing commitment to hearing the various voices within our workplace and in all the places we engage with our programs and services. In a century of service, we have learned a great deal… but in the last few months we have experienced some unprecedented challenges that have helped us learn more about one another and about ways to communicate, create, and share what Extension has to offer. Let’s use this moment in time to be the connectors, conveners, co-creators, resource sharers, and anchors in our communities to positively affect our neighbors and communities. A colleague of mine said it well, “Our best path forward is one where we are together serving as a connector for all community voices. It’s a path Extension has walked for more than a century and one that will continue to shape the impact of our work around the state.”

This weekend, I had several individuals reach out to me as I was reflecting on our current events across the nation with similar musings; and they expressed their desire to be proactive, responsive, and actively involved as an Extension organization in addressing racism, social inequities, and other unacceptable forms of discrimination and abuse. I was happy to see this unsolicited support for engaging in a collective effort to lead with compassion, understanding, educational opportunities, acceptance, and to try to make a positive impact for future generations.

I reached out to our co-chairs of the Extension Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force to see if we could pull together a meeting this week with Extension Administrative Cabinet to have a dialogue and sharing of ideas around how to ideate, partner, and engage effectively on these important issues facing us as individuals, communities, and as a nation. We will be meeting this Wednesday to begin this dialogue. I hope to leave this meeting with some specific thoughts about Extension’s internal and external approach to making a difference and impacting necessary change. This first meeting will be just Cabinet and DEI members, but we will expand our efforts for statewide engagement following this discussion.

In the meantime, I encourage you to think about how to engage in your communities and to be a catalyst and partner for healing and change.

Below are some excellent resources as you reflect on how we can better address some of the racial and social inequities through research, education, and engagement:
- OSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion – odi.osu.edu
- Office of Institutional Equity – equity.osu.edu
- Kirwan Institute – kirwaninstitute.osu.edu
Additional resources:
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
This last week has brought forward many additional opportunities for us to think about who we want to be as professionals, colleagues, and community members. Our country is engaged in a great many conversations, protestations, testimonials, advocacy, and passionate initiatives to reveal, discover, and address racial injustice and disparities. We are moving thoughtfully and slowly into return to office sites across the state and working to be fully responsive to the needs of our employees and our clientele, while continuing to pay attention to the safety needs during a continuing pandemic.

We are working hard to anticipate and respond to the ever-evolving decisions around county fairs and trying to remain in compliance and alignment with state orders, local mandates, and university policy. We are expanding our research and Extension activities based upon currently approved exemptions to meet the essential and time-critical activities and needs of our clientele. So far, this expansion includes on-farm research, soil testing and diagnostics, pest scouting and management consultations, substantive food production community gardens for addressing food insecurity, canner testing, project book distribution, fair board planning and participation for fairs, and some limited access to the public (mostly by appointment) to address community needs and responsiveness. We are in the midst of budget planning for completing FY20 budgets and preparing for FY21, including the implications for what the recent COVID-19 impacts have contributed to the economic environment at all levels (local, state, and federal).

No one community or person feels the same about race relations, COVID-19, business sector mandates, mass gatherings, returning to offices, use of PPE (especially masks), university requirements, and many other facets of what we are living in and through right now. No one approach to addressing all of these complex issues will ease everyone’s fear, pain, discomfort, frustration, anger, or be an easy panacea. The only way we can make progress in any of these arenas is through transparency, integrity, and ongoing communication. I am calling on all of us to be proactive, positive agents for change, willing to name the problems but focused on contributing to solutions, and always assuming good intent. We are all in this together, with the same ultimate goals, the need to lean on one another; and I trust that each of us wants the best for our fellow professionals, our organization, and our communities. Thank you for your continuing efforts to meet the needs of Ohioans, to support one another, and to engage in conversations and actions to move us forward as an organization.
Thoughts from the Director
Hi friends...
During the celebration of Juneteenth, we have a particularly opportune time for reflection, dialogue, and planning regarding who we want to be as a community as it relates to valuing and affirming every person. OSU Extension will continue to do the hard work of recognizing our many strengths, while being courageous and dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and addressing areas where we have failed, either in our mission to serve all of the members of our community or to one another. I encourage each of us to take some time to truly reflect where we have some work to do, personally, and as an organization.

The messages from President Drake, Provost McPheron, Dean Kress, and me are part of a unified commitment to addressing racial injustice and inequities within our organization and our communities; and they can be shared with our stakeholders as such. OSU Extension will not always be putting out a separate or duplicate message. We will also not be working on addressing racial injustice in a vacuum. We have many partners on campus who are already coming together for achieving change. We are meeting regularly with and collaborating with the Ohio State Office of Institutional Equity. We also have reached out to the university’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity; and we, of course, have an existing partner in the CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is a common message of unity and community; and we are working together as a team to share in valuing and respecting every person, especially those who have been disenfranchised, disrespected, or excluded.

As an example, Dean Kress has just shared a copy of the CFAES Principles of Community that we in OSU Extension, as part of the CFAES community, will adopt and practice.

CFAES Principles of Community (Dean Kress):The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University is committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the state of Ohio, the nation, and the world. Learning from the experiences that shape our college, we acknowledge those aspects of our legacy that reflect bias and exclusion. Therefore, we adopt and practice the following principles as fundamental to our ongoing efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members:
- We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.
- We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.
- We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and the university. We acknowledge and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.
- We reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. We take individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias and discrimination; and for increasing our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and interaction with others.
- We pledge our collective commitment to these principles in the spirit of the CFAES mission of We Sustain Life.
Father's Day: Additionally, Happy Father’s Day to all of our OSU Extension Dads! We appreciate all you do for your families and in raising the next generation. Please get some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Thoughts from the Director
Hi friends...
I hope you have been able to take a few minutes to enjoy the sunshine and get some walks in over the last few days. These days continue to be hectic and finding ways to slow down, refuel, and breathe are more important than ever before.

I want to extend a particular public appreciation to our 4-H professionals and county and state staff supporting the preparation and participation in the county fairs. This 4-H spring and summer season has held many challenges and surprises that could not have been easily predicted, and all of you have been incredibly responsive to our youth, advisors, community stakeholders, fair partners, and commissioners. You have also had to adjust very recently to the announcement of the state fair being cancelled, local fairs following suit… then the announcement of funding for fairs and the impact that had on existing county fair decisions. I know that each day you have had to make adjustments and live in a world full of ambiguity and shifting sands.

Thank you…
- for being willing to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
- for maintaining positivity when all you likely wanted to do was kick something and throw your hands in the air
- for holding the line when it comes to keeping ourselves and our youth and stakeholders safe
- for embracing technology and leading innovation and creativity in positive youth development programming
You are modeling for the next generation what it means to deal with disappointment, manage changing priorities, work within ambiguous circumstances, and lead in challenging times.

For all of our Extension professionals, I know each of you is facing similar challenges in achieving your daily and seasonal aspirations. I see all that you are doing to meet the needs of all Ohioans. Stay strong and ready…we are working diligently to gain approval for moving ahead with in-person programming. We will still very much need to plan and provide virtual programming—we have learned a great deal and have reached new audiences in new and expanded ways. We recognize, however, that not all programming can be achieved virtually; and we are continuing to work with university leadership to consider the return-to-campuses plan for statewide campuses. Everyone’s key concern is safety and the health and wellness of our employees, our clientele, and our communities at-large. Stay tuned and know that we will make it through these challenging times stronger and more agile.

I hope you all are starting to feel comfortable and settling into the first phase of reopening in the counties. We are sending each office a small local treat to show our appreciation for all that you have done to serve your communities while teleworking and for the evolution of moving some of our work back into the offices. It is not much, but it is truly heartfelt and a small token of gratitude for what you do each day. Our administrative team values you. Thank you!
Thoughts from the Director – COVID-19 Updates
Hi friends...

I was reading a special edition message from Korn Ferry that really struck a chord with me this week. Gary Burnison (Korn Ferry CEO) wrote, “Arguably, this has been the biggest collective learning moment in decades. It’s like studying for an exam but you don’t know when the test will be given, and the curriculum changes almost every day. Your only choice is to learn it all.”

He went on to mention a call he received from Paula Schneider, President & CEO of Susan G. Komen, a leading breast cancer organization in the U.S. She reflected that, ‘‘We have made more major decisions in the past 90 days for our organization than in the last 10 years,” Paula told him “Most will be right; some will miss the mark, but all have been thoughtful…. Sometimes things that transpire (both good and bad), inspire. We have harnessed the power of the moment to propel us forward.” -- Source: Burnison, G. Special Edition: Learn It All, Korn Ferry, (July 12, 2020).

This really resonated with me as we continue to face nearly daily changes and challenges, with many “test questions” and not all of the answers. Each of the aspects of navigating COIVID-19 has brought with it many unknowns…

How can we transition to telework? How long will we be working from home? How do I balance work in a home environment? What tools are available to help me succeed in a virtual environment? When can we safely return to offices? When can we return to offering in-person programming? The list goes on and on.

We have had to often learn and sometimes design on the go, to be agile and to be flexible, but to always be responsive. We have been working hard to slowly return to statewide campuses, to offer time-sensitive programs (virtually and through some Extension exemptions), and to look toward readying for additional chances to engage in-person with our partners and stakeholders when it is needed or is allowable within the Responsible Restart Ohio and university guidelines. I appreciate your continued patience and your willingness to ensure the safety of your colleagues, volunteers, community partners, and clientele as we expand (and sometimes contract) our efforts, depending on the local situations with COVID-19. Beginning this week, we will provide the process for the expansion of the Research and Extension Activities exemption to include in-person programming for educational events up to 100 people that cannot be accomplished virtually.

Per the announcement from Ohio State late last week, virtual events should continue to be conducted when feasible, as the health and safety of our community remain our top priority. If an event must take place in person, appropriate measures, such as physical distancing, must be preserved. All events must include registration or attendee lists that include participant contact information to facilitate contact tracing if needed.

Events at Ohio State may be held at a limited number of venues, provided the events comply with building reopening requirements and all rules mandated by the university, and state and local governments. All events must adhere to these requirements as a basis for minimal acceptable practices, understanding that individual units or facilities may issue additional guidelines for permissible events. Guidance on events is as follows:
- University-sponsored events should be limited to fewer than 100 total individuals and must be approved by the sponsor’s vice president or dean.
- Any university-sponsored event with 100 or more individuals must be approved by President’s Cabinet and flow through the dean for consideration.
- Events sponsored by groups not affiliated with the university may take place in approved venues and must follow all university, state and local guidelines.
- Athletic events are not included in the 100 total individual threshold. Discussions remain underway about Ohio State athletics events for autumn, and an announcement will be made in the coming weeks. This week, the Big Ten Conference announced (link is external) that it will move to a conference-only schedule for fall sports.
- Information about schedules and formats for Welcome Week events will be updated at welcomeweek.osu.edu (link is external).
Venues now permitted to hold events are: Blackwell/Pfahl Hall, the Club, Covelli Center, Fawcett Center, Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, Ohio Stadium Club and small meeting spaces, outdoor athletics facilities, Schottenstein Center, Wexner Center for the Arts and Wooster Conference Centers. Our COVID-19 Transition Task Force, including its events group, will continue to review these facilities and consider the opening of additional event spaces.

Facilities on regional campuses and other university-owned properties will be evaluated by a vice president or dean to determine readiness and appropriate dates to open.

What does this mean for Extension in-person programs/educational events?

I will be finalizing a process for submitting Extension educational events for in-person programming that will parallel the process used for the Research and Extension Activities exemption process used to date and identifying a review team similar to the previous review team but fully made up of professionals with Extension appointments. I will release this process and any additional guidelines for in-person programming by this Wednesday COB. If there are statewide programs that can be submitted in bulk as a blanket request (e.g., CARTEENS, Successful Co-Parenting, PAT/FACT), I would prefer to receive a submission from the assistant director to streamline the process for the reviewers and the dean. The goal is to begin reviewing these as early as next Wednesday and then weekly, as needed. Ultimately, this option should be implemented when virtual programming is not feasible, when program topics are time-essential and cannot be further delayed, when contracts and grants would be jeopardized through further delay, and when the safety of the participants can be addressed in accordance with CDC, ODH, and university guidelines. In addition, we will also be paying attention to the readiness of employees and clientele for offering such educational events.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
As we approach the fall and look toward what our lives and work will look like over the next few months, I know there are many questions and challenges we have yet to figure out. This will continue to require us to be extremely flexible and understanding about various aspects of our work and how we will approach planning, scheduling, programming, teaching, learning, and engaging. We have begun our phased re-opening of offices with initial plans that can and must be modified as the spread of COVID -19 is regularly considered. We are beginning to open up some opportunities for targeted, time-sensitive, in-person programming via the new exemption process for those programs that cannot viably be achieved virtually. We will also soon be looking at any additional needs for ongoing telework and how to balance the logistics of schools reopening, the university opening to research and students, child care access, health considerations, and other factors important to designing telework plans that will work as things expand and contract over time. With the increased spread of COVID-19 across many counties in Ohio and with the anticipated ongoing density/capacity constraints for repopulating offices and classrooms, it is safe to predict that telework will be in place through at least the end of calendar year 2020. Look for more information soon about how to request accommodations, when needed, and other aspects of longer-term telework.

I hope this weekend brings you rest, relaxation, and time for reflection on the good things happening in your lives.
Thoughts from the Director
Hi friends...
Thank you for working together as we return more fully to offices and to more frequent and often larger in-person programming. Camps and fairs are in motion, and there are a great many clientele reaching out with program requests (both virtual and face-to-face). I know there are still lots of logistics, planning, and cooperating required as we continue to navigate through ever-evolving situations. I wanted to share a few of the thoughts that have crossed my mind recently to make sure we are all approaching things with a common understanding.

Flexibility: I’m not sure I have effectively connected the dots between some of the recommendations from our Life/Works task force, the Return-to-Office surveys (RtO), and our return-to-office guidance that was shared in our April 22 and May 7 News and Notes. The increased options for gaining some flexibility (i.e., compressed work weeks, staggered stop and start times, the maintenance of some telework “post-COVID,” and professional scheduling) were informed by the Life/Works recommendation for reviewing the policies and procedures that intersect with life/work, as well as the continued interest in flexible work arrangements by our Extension professionals expressed in our RtO survey. It is my hope that, with these options formally identified as supported in Extension and with collaboration in each of your local units, we can continue to find opportunities for flexibility (with guardrails) that help us attract and retain our talent and still meet the local needs of our clientele. Thank you for embracing these options as they make sense, and know that our goal is to have a healthy and well-functioning organization.

Setting Priorities: Setting priorities and being able to say yes and no, when and how you should is critical. We have learned a lot during this pandemic.
- We have learned what we can do virtually.
- We have learned we can’t do everything and have likely made tough choices this last year regarding programming and service.
- We have likely had a chance to observe what was most valued by our clientele and what was not missed.
Our Life/Works task force stated the following in its report about the need for the culture of Extension to support life/work balance:

“In their article published in the Journal of Extension, Harder and Narine quote Sir Richard Branson, billionaire founder of the “wildly successful Virgin Group empire” as saying "Put your staff first, customers second, and shareholders third". In the same vein, Dr. Lisa Washburn from University of Tennessee Extension warns against the faulty thinking that Extension professionals need to be all things to all people at all hours of the day. As human beings, we have limitations and need to care for ourselves to best meet the needs of our clientele. This entails setting boundaries and turning the mission of OSU Extension inward – to use research-based education to strengthen our own lives and communities. OSU Extension professionals should feel supported in their decisions to focus on quality of programming over quantity, and know it is okay to say “no” or “not right now” when at capacity.”

One educator, Roseanne Scammahorn, shared this perspective with me and other colleagues recently:

“My transition to the office has been a challenge. I feel more pressure than ever to say YES to all opportunities for face-to-face programming and maintain online programming, almost to force my world back into its pre-pandemic norm while maintaining the new norm. By saying yes, I was creating an unhealthy work/life balance which was causing stress, anxiety, and tension. The feedback from my fellow co-workers tells me I am not alone in the fear to say no. It is almost like we need to have permission to. The Live Healthy Live Well team decided we would make this a part of our professional development day in August. We have called it, "What is your best Yes?" We will highlight times when we said YES to something because we were passionate about it, because it helped us grow, because we wanted to try something new, and because we had the courage to say NO to other opportunities without the guilt to make room for the YES. We hope to cultivate a culture that allows us to not fear saying NO and allows us to really live a work/life balance rather than just talk about it.”

You can read more in the Live Healthy Live Well blog online.

Making choices about what to say yes to and what to pass on, delay, or recommend another for is a critical component of our work. I hope you know you are trusted to understand the needs of your local community and your program, and to make solid and informed decisions about priorities. Don’t be hesitant to reach out to your supervisor, your program area leader, or work with your local advisory committees to effectively determine these priorities if they are not immediately clear. We will be giving greater time and attention to assessing needs and setting priorities over the next months as we continue our strategic planning process with engagement from all of you and our stakeholders.

We will continue to review the recommendations from our Life/Works report and the findings from our recent RtO survey to inform how we approach our work in Extension, while supporting a culture of health for our employees. Thank you once again for your commitment to the conversation, solution-finding, and support for one another as we move forward in our mission.

Also…

Juneteenth: On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended by Union General Gordon Granger. For more than 150 years, the celebration of freedom for all Americans has been celebrated as Juneteenth — a combination of June and 19. Want to learn more about Juneteenth? Visit this great resource from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Father’s Day: I also want to take a moment and recognize all of the fathers in Extension and encourage you to take a moment this weekend to reach out to those men who have made a difference in your lives through this important role.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
During this staff appreciation week (July 27-31), Extension Administrative Cabinet members want to express how truly grateful we are for all that you do to carry out the mission of Extension every day in partnership with one another and in your communities. We feel this way all of the time, but we are especially appreciative for how you are all responding to the added challenges of living and working during the pandemic. These are truly uncharted times and can often feel like we are constantly trying to predict the unpredictable or set a path and then have to take a side road to get to our destination. We commend you for your courage to try new technology and lead when it would be easier to simply wait it out, your patience and flexibility when new information comes that requires adjustments in our daily lives, and your commitment to serving Ohioans and supporting one another.

For all who are trying to find work/life balance, who are trying to figure out schools and childcare, who are caring for family members, who may be feeling isolated or overwhelmed—or are just simply fatigued by the many daily challenges and changing life circumstances… know that we care and value you and the many amazing ways you are handling and thriving in these circumstances.

We appreciate you more than we can ever fully express! Thank you!
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
Hopefully you have all been able to enjoy some restful or refueling activities in the recent days filled with either sunshine or some much-needed rain. My therapy garden (as my husband likes to call it because I don’t really produce much, but I sure do enjoy being out there) seems to be thriving. Soon we will be watching our summer days turn into early autumn and, as such, will be seeing additional planning on the parts of many (e.g., schools, campuses) for return to classes and programming. We have recently initiated the in-person programming exemption process to help facilitate the time-critical and essential programs which cannot be achieved virtually. I urge you all to think about what job functions, programs, and meetings can still be accomplished effectively via telework; and balance the need for time at the office and time involved in face-to-face meetings or programs with the majority of your work time still engaged virtually. Again, telework should still be the primary approach for the majority of us through the end of the year.

As school districts and campuses are trying to figure out how they will approach student learning and engagement, we will need to continue to be flexible and responsive to employee needs. I urge you to consider frequent reviews of your office plans to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our clientele and communities, as well as our colleagues. As a reminder, there are a variety of factors to consider around telework and office scheduling, including individual health factors, responsibility for caring for spouses or parents, and childcare availability. The Office of Human Resources will work with employees who may require accommodations that are not currently being addressed through our local return-to-office planning. Please familiarize yourselves with the university COVID-19 Related Work Accommodations site to learn more about additional resources or accommodations for working remotely. They offer an excellent FAQ section to help answer common questions about eligibility, resources, and the process.

We will continue to pay attention to the evolving COVID-19 situation and make adjustments to expand or contract as needed. Much of the local decisions for programming, in particular, should reflect the updated county-level public health advisory system, available here. Please reach out to me or our leadership team if you have additional thoughts or concerns as we navigate through this season and through the pandemic. I appreciate all you have done to meet the needs of our clientele, while keeping them and yourselves safe and healthy.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
As we begin to move into the fall, you will see additional information coming out about return to offices/campuses. As you are aware, Extension often requires additional clarification for how various information and guidelines pertains to our statewide campuses. I appreciate your continued patience as we sometimes need a few days to seek out the necessary information. Thank you for your patience, your commitment to health and safety, and to supporting one another every day.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
Labor Day is upon us and I know we are all looking forward to a well-deserved, long weekend. I hope you will step away from the computer and turn off your phones (I go off the grid until Tuesday beginning at noon today). I encourage you all to make time for the things that matter most to you these next few days and beyond. Nothing is more important than our health and wellness and our family and friends. This point hit incredibly close to home this last week as a close member of my family experienced significant levels of anxiety and depression and I needed to turn in and toward the family. We can miss things, even when we are close. Be mindful, pay attention to how those around you are dealing with life and stress right now, reach out to those close to you and to those for whom family may not be near. We are quick to discuss physical health and well-being, but often so hesitant to discuss mental health and its impact on ones’ lives. There are so many things impacting mental health right now, including the direct impact of the virus, economic concerns, isolation for many, fear of the unknown, and issues of social unrest and racial injustices affecting our country, our communities, and our homes. I know how hard you work to help others in communities handle difficult times and build skills that matter. I encourage you to reach out and look to others for support when you need it as well. I did that this last week for my family and will continue to learn about the resources at the university and to always make sure that each of you know that mental health matters and that you are surrounded by those that care.
Director’s Video Update on June 30 – Reminder to Register

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Wednesday, June 30 at 9am. Registration is required. Please register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on June 30. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation. Please note: the other Director’s Video Updates this year will be held on Aug. 18, Oct. 6, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15.
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
I participated in a national conversation yesterday with Extension directors and administrators to discuss leadership in a time of social, economic, and political disruption. There were more than 120 participants and the conversations were at once inspiring and perplexing. A key focus of the discussions was around the paradox of creating and sustaining an infrastructure for the future (whatever “post-COVID” looks like), while effectively addressing local needs and community issues. This balance has never been easy and COVID has not done anything to make it easier. There were two breakout sessions focused on innovation and systems thinking as it relates to post-COVID-19 Extension and to racial equity. The discussions were enlightening and highly engaging as leaders across the nation discussed the concerns, resources, best practice/lessons learned, and ideas for leadership in these times. I left the meeting with many excellent ideas, some new connections, a wealth of new resources, and an even deeper belief that Extension and the land-grant system is poised to make a legacy difference in addressing the critical issues of our time. We are the bridge between the most up-to-date research and science and the application of this knowledge in real-life situations. We are and have always been in a position to engage the community in conversations and reciprocal discussions about life informing research and research informing life. Now is the time for us to really listen and to hear what is important and needed locally and across our state. It is time to prioritize our time and efforts toward what matters most. I look forward over the next few months to beginning our strategic alignment process and making progress on addressing recommendations from our program area reviews, our urban plan, as well as our LifeWorks and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task forces. Our goal is to ensure everyone has a voice in determining our path in OSU Extension and that we are creating a vibrant future for our employees and our communities that makes a discernable difference in the quality of life for all Ohioans.

I can’t close my message today without mentioning the importance of our ongoing need to address social and racial inequities as we continue to experience additional injustice in our communities of color. We are an organization that exists to meet the needs of all Ohioans. We need to reflect and ask ourselves what we are doing to improve the quality of lives for everyone.

As our university non-discrimination notice states, “The Ohio State University is committed to building and maintaining a community to reflect human diversity and to improve opportunities for all. The university is committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action, and eliminating discrimination and harassment. This commitment is both a moral imperative consistent with an intellectual community that celebrates individual differences and diversity, as well as a matter of law. Ohio State does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status, or any other bases under the law, in its education program or activity, which includes employment.”

We are particularly positioned to make a difference around the social indicators of health, food security, workforce preparation, community vitality, personal and economic well-being, and impacting the culture of inclusion and respect. I would encourage each of us to consider what we can personally and organizationally bring to the table to make this a better world for everyone.
Thoughts from the Director
Hi friends...
Fall is finally here, and it is a great time to be out of doors enjoying the sunshine, crisp cooler air, and taking in the autumn colors. You have all been working so incredibly hard to meet the needs of our communities through these last intense months as we have navigated virtual environments and negotiated telework through ever-evolving demands. As I’ve mentioned before, finding time to refuel and refill is so incredibly important. I have recently recommitted to daily walks, time to reflect, and time to disconnect. I wanted to encourage all of you to do the same. One thing that has helped me remember to make the time for what matters is a refocus band that I came across during a recent day off. As a fun fall challenge, I have personally purchased some Refocus Bands (total of 12 bands/4 per category) that I’d like to distribute to those who win the following challenges:
1. Make the Time: Intentional scheduling of things that matter most for physical health and well-being (e.g., walking (steps), hiking, biking, Zumba, etc.)
2. Disconnect and Reconnect: Shutting off technology and social media and reconnecting with others old school (e.g., phone calls, writing letters and sending cards, reinstating family meals) or simply turning off the technology and putting phones away and enjoying ways to reconnect with friends, nature, or a lost hobby.
3. Close your Eyes: Meditation and reflection (e.g., daily meditation, visualization, deep breathing).
How to qualify: Send an email to Laurie Ward (ward.676@osu.edu) between November 1 and November 6 with the type of challenge you chose and what your approach to the challenge was. We will choose four winners from each category with the most inspiring, fun, creative, or consistent refocus approach. We will share your strategies and successes with our Extension colleagues (unless you ask us not to) to inspire ongoing reset and refocus moments.
Thoughts from the Director
Hi friends...
I’m very excited about this week’s announcement regarding the forthcoming mentoring program for OSU Extension. Across my lifetime, I’ve been the beneficiary of a great many extraordinary mentors, both in my career and in my personal life. I imagine that if you close your eyes and reflect on those individuals who made the most impact in your life, you can identify some specific characteristics, advice you received and held onto, or a feeling that they gave you that what you do and who you are really matters. Mentors do not have to have all of the answers and all of the wisdom. They simply need to be passionate about helping people grow, sharing honestly about their own successes and failures, and making themselves available for the benefit of the journey of another. Beyond this more formal mentoring initiative, think about those whom you might reach out to for more informal mentoring in your professional and personal lives. There are many who have great lessons to share in the areas of Extension, leadership, and life. Ask yourself, “What areas of growth am I interested in? To what do I aspire? What talents and knowledge do I have to impart? Don’t be afraid to seek out a mentor…or to be one. Everyone has something to contribute!

Please take the time this week to complete the mentoring survey that just came out from LOD. Use the link that came out uniquely for you and submit your response no later than Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 at 11:59pm.

The following will be included in the future News and Notes issue:
- “Give Now”/give before year-end
- What are realistic expectations for 2020?
- RtO follow-up survey
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
At the closing session of the OSU Extension Support Staff Conference, I was asked to speak about leading from where you are. I wanted to share some of my reflections with all of you…

We are all leaders and have something of great value to share with others. One of the most renowned business leader gurus of our time, John Maxwell, says that leadership doesn’t come in a title; in fact, 99% of an organization’s leadership comes from the space other than the top of the org chart. He goes on to talk about how we all can learn to influence wherever we are and become a 360-degree leader, where you learn to lead up—lead across—and lead down. One’s position or title has little to do with genuine leadership. You can lead others from anywhere in the organization and make the organization stronger for it. Maxwell goes on to say that leadership is a choice you make, not a place you sit.

First impressions and how you show up matter: The best leaders I know show up ready to engage, they project positivity and respect for those around them, and they communicate their excitement and pleasure for others through their body language, their words, and their actions. How does your first impression reflect with others? Did they hear a smile over the phone? Did we try help them obtain an answer even when we didn’t know the answer ourselves? Will they want to come back? Will they have something positive to say to others about OSU Extension?

Building connections matter: I challenge you to think about how you can build connections with your colleagues in your county and across the state and with our clientele. How do you use every interaction to bring value to that person and to our mission? That’s leadership. You are all the front line... the first faces they see, the first voice they hear, the first chance many of them have had to engage with our organization. You are the initial power brokers of Extension. Use that leadership power wisely.

Leaders step out of their comfort zone: I do this nearly every day.... Sometimes I nail it; and other times I bomb terribly, but I learn from the experience and add to my leadership toolbox. I believe it is important to take risks, to try new things when you may not be sure of the outcome, to make mistakes and learn from them, to apologize when you mess up, and do better the next time. We are a learning organization. You don’t just learn by only doing what you already do well... you learn by trying, by stretching, and by pushing yourselves and others to reach new heights together. Have stretch goals each year... ask yourself, what can I do to take my skills and this organization to the next level?

Leaders take initiative: They don’t sit back when they don’t have someone telling them what to do, or they don’t keep doing something the same way when it makes no sense. Insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. What could you be doing to improve a process, a form, a meeting, a website, an entry way so it is inviting to the public and introduces them to Extension? The opposite of leadership is disengagement and antipathy. Be the change you wish to see. When you take initiative, you move the system forward and you take the pressure off of others to have to own everything, which opens the space for collaboration and innovation. I always encourage feedback on how to make things better, but I also expect you to show up with some ideas for improvement.

A leader provides a safe environment for sharing, trying, and failing. Ask yourself if you are providing this opportunity for others. Do people know they can run ideas by you without being judged? Are you available for, and good at, active listening? Do you allow others to try new skills, knowing it may take longer at first as you navigate the learning curve; but you also know that you are growing a colleague’s competencies? Do you reach out beyond your county lines to others to share knowledge and skills, to mentor those in areas where you excel, to invite them into new leadership roles?

ALL contributions are important and valuable. Work hard at using positive language and reinforcement for those who are trying and putting themselves out there. We won’t always have the answers as leaders, but taking a chance to improvise when something needs to be done is important sometimes. Often the best step forward is literally a first step that can be modified through collaboration and adaptation; and collective genius is a way better approach to solving problems than simply leaving it up to those with leadership titles or positions.

Finally, I would encourage you to be empathetic and assume good intent. We all come from a place of wanting to make OSU Extension the very best it can be. We all may have different ways of showing it or leading, but we all have something to contribute each and every day. I try to approach every day by asking, “what can I do to provide the space, the resources, the inspiration, and the vision to ensure that the many amazing professionals we have in Extension know that they are valued and empowered to move this organization forward and to build the leader within?” I look forward to leading with you, wherever you are.

Thank you for all that you do in your leadership space to serve the citizens of Ohio and one another. I am grateful for you!
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...

I hope you are looking forward to a well-deserved long holiday weekend. It’s been a pleasure watching all of the new growth outside and having some more predictability about sunshine in Ohio. I hope you take advantage of this time off to get away from work and enjoy (in whatever way makes sense for you) family and friends, and to make time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served and lost their lives in the performance of their military duties. A special thank you goes out to those in our own ranks who are serving our country through the armed forces and national guard.

I wanted to thank you for working collaboratively to plan for our return to office transition, effective June 1. You have been very thoughtful in your approaches locally to meeting the needs of the stakeholders and considering the needs of the office and your colleagues. If you have questions related to any of the flexibility options, please read the FAQs included below and review the HR resources. If you still have remaining questions, please don’t hesitate to attend the final open office hours today from 4-5 pm, reach out to your supervisor, or contact our HR team. The Return-to -Offices Readiness survey is still out and remains open through June 3. We already have nearly 600 surveys returned. I hope that you each take a moment to respond so that we have heard the perspectives of as many of our colleagues as possible as we continue to think about our immediate and ongoing approach to returning to the statewide offices, work/life balance, as well as continued training and support for the work we do.

By now, you have probably seen or heard that we received approval to remove the mask requirements at both day camps and overnight camps. The remainder of the safety guidance remains in place. The university leadership is in active discussion on how to implement more compartmentalized guidance on event venues and Extension statewide office mask requirements. I anticipate hearing soon and will update you as that information becomes available. I continue to value your patience, your compassion for one another and those we serve, and for respectfully navigating differences of opinion while we continue to navigate through uncertain times.

Thank you!
Director’s Open Office Hour – May 27 @ 4pm

TODAY! Feel free to bring your questions and comments. This is a very casual atmosphere, and everyone benefits by others’ questions. Use this link to join anytime during the hour.
Reducing the Spread – Thoughts from the Director

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend and that you are coming back energized for our annual conference next week. I want to thank you all for doing everything you can up to this point to make informed decisions about how we serve our counties and continue our work while following safety and wellness practices. While 2020 is quickly coming to a close, this year continues to bring daily challenges and critical decisions for keeping our people safe and our communities well-served yet protected as much as possible from the spread of COVID-19.

As I am sure you are all well aware, the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all increasing for Ohio and across the nation. We must continue to be vigilant and put the safety of our employees and that of our clientele first. It is the belief of the university, our college, and our organization that if we can help reduce the load by preventing or slowing down the spread of the virus, we should.

We must continue to make decisions based on the best science and advice to which we have access at this point and, as always, assure that these decisions are in alignment with our values and principles. We need to be following science and modeling best practices for reducing the spread of this virus.
Spring has Arrived – Thoughts from the Director

Although it’s cooler than usual outside, spring has arrived and we’re in the middle of preparing for field days, planting crops, end-of-school activities, fair and camp planning, and much more. Spring always brings with it a sense of renewal as we see the leaves begin to bud, hear the birds chirping, notice the bees and butterflies returning, and enjoy the sun being less evasive. Spring this year, perhaps more than any year for me, has been especially poignant and special following a year of tight regulation due to COVID-19. I relish being outside, preparing the garden, and looking forward to the continued expansion of our work and leisure activities as more individuals take advantage of the vaccinations and we continue to see our numbers in Ohio remain lower.

I have great optimism for our own renewal in OSU Extension, as we begin to move more fully back into our statewide campuses; expand our ability to offer in-person, virtual, and hybrid programming; and incorporate our lessons learned and skills acquired into the work that we do. We have demonstrated our resilience, our creativity, and our collegiality this last year and are stronger and more unified around our mission for having had the experience. Thank you for all of your efforts this last year—they were truly extraordinary.

These next weeks and months will require careful planning, ongoing consideration of one another, continued flexibility, and highly effective communication. I encourage each of you to have the necessary, proactive, and ongoing cooperative discussions in your units to optimally meet the needs of our clientele and communities, while balancing life/work demands. Discuss any needs for flexible work arrangements, schedule your vacations, take your lunch hour away from your desks, reduce the number of Zoom meetings when an email or phone call will suffice, schedule your week to allow for the unexpected so a 40-hour week (on average) is achievable and not evasive, and make time and space for walking meetings and other ways to enjoy what spring has to offer. All of these things are practicable – they simply take planning and communication with your colleagues.

I would also like to recognize all of our mothers in Extension this week, as Mother’s Day is this weekend. I know my mother has had a tremendous impact on my life, and I know that each of you as mothers have touched the lives of your children in ways that will stay with them forever.

Congratulations also to all of our families celebrating graduations. While it may look a bit different this year still, I can testify that the ceremony will still be very stirring and special.

Happy spring everyone!
Director’s Video Update on May 19 – Remember to Register

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Wednesday, May 19 at 9am. Registration is required. Register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on May 19. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

Please note – the other Director’s Video Updates this year will be held on June 30, Aug 18, Oct 6, Nov 17, and Dec 15. All video updates will be held at 9am. A registration link will be forwarded two to three weeks prior to each update. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.
Administrative Professionals Day – Thoughts from the Director

Thank you to all of our administrative professionals for all of your hard work, tireless efforts, and enthusiastic support. You are key to our success! We appreciate you today and every day!
Racial Justice and Healing

Over this last year, in particular, we have witnessed many examples of racial injustice which have contributed to a tremendous amount of angst and strife across our nation, within our communities, and often within our own lives, affecting people in extraordinary ways. In OSU Extension, we believe that there is no place for racism, demonstrated by our mission to “…actively engage in creating conditions in which [all Ohioans] thrive.” We have a daily opportunity to consider how our work can contribute to improving the quality of life for every individual, to reduce inequities (social, racial, health) and to make positive changes within our communities through education and engagement and by living our Principles of Community (equityandinclusion.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/about-us/cfaes-principles-community). As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Imagine what we can accomplish together in this space.
Director’s April 14 Video Update Recording Available

The link to the April 14 video update is available with the integrated audio transcript online. The other Director’s Video Updates this year will be held on May 19, June 30, Aug 18, Oct 6, Nov 17, and Dec 15. All video updates will be held at 9am. A registration link will be forwarded two to three weeks prior to each update, and the videos will be recorded for those who cannot join us live.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

As we take a look around us these days, we can see that spring has arrived (minus a final few light dustings of snow) and we are energized by thoughts of new beginnings and encouraged by signs of life and new growth all around us. It will be nice to start getting back outdoors, firing up the grill, and talking longer walks in the sun. I am glad to know that more and more people are getting vaccinated, and the overall COVID-19 infection rate is staying fairly stable; but it is still very concerning to know the variants are present in Ohio. We will need to keep our eye on any sustained increases in COVID-19 spread over the next few weeks. Now is the time to be even more committed in our adherence to safety protocols (i.e., masks, 6-foot physical distancing, and sanitizing). I would remind you to also stay at home if you are not feeling well.

I appreciate your continued efforts in the midst of multiple uncertainties to keep focused on our mission and the needs of our stakeholders. You have demonstrated an extraordinary amount of patience and flexibility this last year, and I am asking you to continue in this way for a bit longer. Over the next few weeks, we will begin to roll out additional guidance, tools and resources, and support for our return to our offices on our statewide campuses. We will also be soliciting feedback/input from you around LifeWorks strategies (culture and balance), return to offices (safety and flexibility) in the next few weeks to optimally inform our “re-opening” plans and approach to Extension work.

I know there is COVID and video meeting fatigue. I encourage all of you to find ways to balance screen time with tech-free time; give yourselves the space on your calendars for “deep work” where you can focus without interruption; cancel meetings that are not needed and could be accomplished with an email or a phone call; shorten meetings that must be maintained; walk during meetings where you are not required to be live or are not the lead; take your lunch break away from your computer; protect time to just talk or network with colleagues; schedule and protect your vacations; and know that you have permission to say “no” or “not now” to some things. I try to practice all of these – with varying levels of success but a commitment to succeeding more. We need all of us for the long-haul and our mental health and well-being is critical. We will be having more time and attention given to this aspect of the work we do, how we do our work, and how COVID has informed what work can look like. I look forward to future conversations and sharing of useful strategies.

When I think about what we have been through as a nation, as an organization, and as individuals this last year, I am continually amazed at our perseverance, our innovation, and our compassion for one another and those we serve. It has not been easy, and we still have a challenging journey ahead of us. Please reach out to check in on your colleagues, find ways to cheer one another (even it is bad dad jokes from Tom DeHaas), hold one another up when you see someone struggling, be present in the moment, and be kind to yourself and to your peers. You matter, Extension matters, and we won’t be functioning in this environment forever. Hold on, reach out, and breathe. We are in this together and there is no one else I’d rather be navigating it with.

With gratitude, Jackie
Program and Return-to-Office Planning
As I mentioned in my March 24 programming update, we are able to start planning for more attendees at in-person programs that would be offered starting in mid-May; however, all in-person programs continue to require exemption approval. To submit exemptions for in-person programming, visit go.osu.edu/CFAESf2fEventRequest.

We hope to have more information and guidance about how counties can prepare for their local fairs, as well as additional university guidance on planning for camps in the near future as well.

In addition, the in-person training course was scheduled to be completed by ALL Extension employees by yesterday (March 31). If for some reason, you have not yet accessed the online course, please do so ASAP at osu.instructure.com/courses/100537.

I’ve also mentioned a few times that Extension administration is working on how to transition more fully back into our statewide offices, meeting the needs of our communities while being safe and flexible during the process. As you know, HOW we do business can be complicated, with many moving parts, university processes, and other factors to consider. The following list is not all-inclusive, but I thought it would be valuable to list a number of the things that are being worked on as we talk transition:
- Updated office plans (technology needs, office space/density/coverage/schedules);
- Office signage (office status, as well as required COVID-19 signage for doors, floors, tables, sanitizing areas);
- Employee-specific needs (accommodations via HR, scheduling, readjusting to life in the office);
- Programming (adjustments from virtual-only to in-person and/or hybrid);
- Connecting with clientele in new ways.
Cabinet Connections and Conversation: County Visits

Communication is more than just sharing information; it is equally important to listen. OSU Extension’s administrative cabinet is planning to connect with you soon at the local level throughout the organization. We will start by attending a number of virtual county staff meetings next Monday, April 5. Cabinet members will be there to listen and possibly answer questions you have. They will not come with an agenda or talking points; and they will bring your questions back for follow-up, if necessary. This should not preempt any pressing business you need to conduct during your meeting; Cabinet members will simply be joining you to learn more about your county’s current work. We will confirm who will be joining which local meeting, and we will work on scheduling visits with as many counties as possible over the next several months.
Director’s Video Update on April 14 – Register Now

Join us for the next Director’s Video Update on Wednesday, April 14 at 9am. Registration is required in advance. Please register by Mon, April 12 if possible. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on April 14. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.

Anticipated topics will include Extension strategic action update, return to offices transition updates, vaccine education initiative update, LifeWorks report and action steps, DEI report and action steps, budget updates, and celebrating
Strategic Planning

We have engaged with one outside consultant, and are working to define scope with another to complement the existing efforts we have going on to move us further along in our OSU Extension 2030 strategic plan. These efforts will merge with our integrated findings from our existing data (program reviews, urban plan of work, the VP Conversation, values workshops, and LifeWorks and diversity, equity, and inclusion reports) to identify any additional areas of inquiry needed, external trends, a state of Extension report, and peer institution benchmarking to contribute to our fuller knowledge that will inform our key areas of focus that drive future success and lead to the articulation of clear goals and action plans, with clear measures of success that will drive organizational excellence into the future. Stay tuned for more information about how we will engage our internal and external partners without contributing to any additional fatigue in the process.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends .. This last weekend we were able to spring forward, and I hope you have been enjoying the less evasive sunshine and the warmer days that have come with the entry into the spring. I have tried to build in more outdoor time and walks and have valued the fresh air and exercise, the joyful songs of birds, and the signs of budding trees and emergent plants that bring promise of increasingly warmer days and the rejuvenation of our ecosystem. I am also appreciative of the trend in decreasing numbers of COVID-19 across much of our state and the availability of the vaccine (I received my first dose yesterday). If we continue to see these positive trends over the next few weeks, we will be able to begin increasing in-person program efforts (number, type, and participant caps) and we will have the ability to transition more fully back into our statewide offices (continuing to balance safety and flexibility with meeting the needs of our communities). Our goal is to slowly and thoughtfully increase our face-to-face programming and operations while continuing to successfully follow all CDC, state of Ohio, and university guidelines. I am optimistic about recent positive trends (vaccine uptake and reduced numbers of COVID-19 spread) and university decisions (the recent announcement of an outdoor spring commencement) as we have been able to demonstrate that we can keep people safe while serving our communities. I encourage us all to keep focusing on doing our work with the safeguards in place (distancing, masks, and sanitizing) so we can continue to enjoy the benefits of moving toward what’s next this spring and summer. Stay tuned early next week for additional information about our plans for in-person programming and return to office transition efforts over the next weeks and months. -Best wishes, Jackie
Ohio Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) – March 22 Meeting

The next JCEP meetings are this coming Monday, March 22. Most committees will meet at 10am, and you will receive notification directly from your committee chair with a link for the meeting. If you are not on a committee and want join one, please reach out to Laryssa Hook (hook.26@osu.edu), Ohio JCEP president, or that committee chair for more information. JCEP information is posted online.
As part of the day, we will have Dialogue with Extension Leadership from 1-1:45pm – with 15-minute updates from both OSU Extension and Central State University Extension leadership, and then about 15 minutes for questions. All are welcome to join us, using this Zoom link.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends – The last few weeks have been incredibly packed with opportunities to share the blessings and challenges of working in Extension and at Ohio State. Members of our cabinet and I participated in national and state-level meetings about how Extension can assist with immunization education and address a variety of other healthcare and health disparity issues as part of our Ohio expertise and as part of a national land-grant Extension system. Adam Ward and I met with a half-dozen legislative offices to discuss our college and Extension initiatives and strategies for helping them meet the needs of Ohioans. An Extension team met with the university’s Task Force on Racism and Racial Inequities, where we highlighted OSU Extension efforts, 4-H programs statewide, our work in communities of color, and how we might partner to meet the needs of underserved audiences. We provided testimony at the statehouse on our 4-H program and how we have met the needs of youth during COVID-19; and we shared how Extension is prepared to continue to serve as we partner together to build additional capacity. I met with Central State University Extension leadership and discussed how we can continue to improve our communication and increase our collaborative efforts. We are in the process of updating our memorandum of understanding, and I feel very confident that we have much opportunity to explore avenues of partnership for our Ohio Extension efforts.

Greg Davis and I have been spending a great deal of time meeting with department faculty and chairs, as well as Extension faculty to discuss Extension as a mission across the college and how we can meet the needs of the legislative mandate while serving our communities and one another in ways that bring value to all. Our Extension Leadership Team (Cabinet members and area leaders) has recently identified common areas of priority for our 2021 plan of work (more to come on this soon), and we spent dedicated time last week discussing strategies for achieving this work over the next few months and throughout the year. Finally, I have had the pleasure of engaging with a number of you during open office hours to discuss successes, ideas, concerns, and solutions for Extension. A broad list of topics have been covered: shift differentials, performance reviews, peer-review processes, joint-use agreements with community partners, marketing Extension, and incentivizing various aspects of work during COVID-19 and beyond. I really enjoy these sessions and hope you will continue to sign up and share your thoughts and ideas with me. Our organization has so many strengths, champions, and highly proficient and dedicated professionals. It is a pleasure to engage in these conversations (internally and externally) and to build awareness about our efforts and impacts. We have so very much to be proud of and yet so much opportunity to continue the conversations on how we evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Thank you for participating in these conversations and in this journey!
County and Cabinet Connections and Conversation

Communication is a constant challenge and priority in any organization. Communication is more than just sharing information; it is equally important to listen. OSU Extension’s administrative cabinet continues to explore ways to get feedback from our organization. Since counties currently have virtual staff meetings, one opportunity is for a cabinet member to attend your meeting. They would be there to listen and possibly answer questions you have. They would not come with an agenda or talking points; and they will bring your questions back for follow-up if necessary. This should not preempt any pressing business you need to conduct during your meeting; Cabinet members will simply be joining you to learn more about your county’s current work. We will work on scheduling these visits over the coming months, and we will confirm who will be listening in for which local meeting.
LOD Adds New Staff Member

Tim Byrne has joined the Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) unit as a data integration developer. For more than eight years, Tim has worked in higher education spanning different functions and institutions. During the past four years, he worked for Indiana University (IU), first as the assistant and then associate director of admissions. Tim’s interest in data and information systems led him to complete a master’s degree in information systems (MIS) in the Kelley School of Business at IU to broaden his skills with technology and help find new opportunities for improving the many facets of a university. Working with LOD, Tim will take the lead in designing and developing data strategies and systems to extract, transform, and distribute data across OSU Extension. He will be a lead in the implementation of Salesforce, the customer relationship management (CRM), as it is integrated into the organization. In his first week, Tim assisted Jackie with preparing data to share with the university’s Task Force on Racism and Racial Inequities. Please welcome Tim to OSU Extension; he can be reached at byrne.316@osu.edu.
Director's Video Update – February 17

The next video update will be held on February 17 at 9 a.m. Registration is required. Register in advance online, by Monday, February 15, if possible. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join the live presentation. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at https://cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.

Save these dates for future videos: April 14, May 19, June 30, August 18, October 6, November 17, and December 15. All video updates will be held at 9 a.m. A registration link will be forwarded two to three weeks prior to each update.
Director's Open Office Hours are Available
I am very interested in hearing what is on your “top of mind,” ideas you have for our organization moving forward, or creative solutions to pressing issues we face as we continue to navigate this pandemic. The most important resource we have is each other and our sharing of knowledge, thoughts, and ideas to improve our organization and our programs.

I am offering “Open Office Hours” weekly to provide some one-on-one discussion time. Appointments are arranged by Laurie Ward and conducted via Zoom; they will be 20-minute sessions. Currently, the following times during the next few weeks are available:
- March 2 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 9 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 16 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 23 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 30 – 10am, 10:30am
To request a session, complete the attached request form and send it to ward.676@osu.edu. All requests MUST include details on a specific topic(s) you would like to discuss. A Zoom link will be sent once the session is confirmed. More sessions will be added in the coming months, so please only request one session now so I can visit with as many people as possible. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Looking Forward to 2021

As we watch 2020 drift into the past and we embrace the new year, 2021, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many successes that came during 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic. Those words have almost become too easily part of our vocabulary… global pandemic…Think about that for a minute. We all started the year off with particular plans of work in mind, and then the sands shifted quickly and often under our feet. March introduced us to telework and a much more expedient introduction to virtual learning, web conferencing, and digital engagement at-large. We navigated through virtual clubs and camps, dramatically modified fairs, and a virtual Farm Science Review. We continued our applied on-farm research initiatives and food production activities to ensure ongoing data collection and application of knowledge for sustainable agricultural and food security. We took all of our programs to new technological approaches and reached many new audiences who had never heard of us before. We created workspaces at home and across our statewide campuses that allowed for flexibility, while keeping us and our clientele safe and healthy. It has been quite a journey, and we have so very much to be proud of as a result of our efforts in 2020. We thrived during a global pandemic. Take a moment to soak that in…

I know we all have high hopes for 2021 being better than 2020; and we certainly have some things to look forward to as the new year begins. We have a COVID-19 vaccine being distributed; we have a nation that is reflecting on where we are and where we can head together (with many lessons learned about health and wellness, race relations, civil discourse, and the power of unifying for a better tomorrow); and we have a bit of optimism about the financial landscape in Ohio. As you saw in the dean’s update, we received word that some of our state funding was restored. This means it will not be necessary to reduce our state budget any more than the 5 percent we have already planned for in our current budget roll-out. Our counties have, for the most part, remained level or seen a slight increase (for those who have reported so far). This support from our funders speaks volumes about the trust and confidence our commissioners and state legislators, as well as our clientele have in OSU Extension. This is evidence of your continued commitment to meeting the mission of Extension AND to addressing the timely and urgent needs of our communities. Thank you!

I am looking forward to seeing what 2021 brings for us and our work. It is not going to be easier overnight. Flipping the calendar page to a new year doesn’t magically make the obstacles disappear. But we are a stronger, wiser organization; and we will take the lessons we have learned and the muscles we have developed and co-create an Extension that stands the test of time and challenges. We will do this together, with opportunities to share ideas about our future and our priorities, our hopes and our plans for accomplishing our mission, and how we will continue to embrace change together and lift one another up through it all.
Director’s Open Office Hours are Available
I am very interested in hearing what is on your “top of mind,” ideas you have for our organization moving forward, or creative solutions to pressing issues we are facing as we continue to navigate this pandemic. The most important resource we have is each other and our sharing of knowledge, thoughts, and ideas to improve our organization and our programs.

I would like to have an opportunity to do this “one-on-one.” I am offering “Open Office Hours” weekly to accomplish this. Appointments will be arranged by Laurie Ward and conducted via Zoom; they will be 20-minute sessions. Several time slots have been filled, but the following times are still available:
- Tuesday, January 19: 9:30 am
- Tuesday, January 26: 9:00 am; 9:30 am
- Tuesday, February 16: 10:00 am; 10:30 am
- Tuesday, February 23: 3:00 pm; 3:30 pm
To request a session, contact Laurie Ward at ward.676@osu.edu. All requests MUST include details on a specific topic(s) you would like to discuss. A Zoom link will be sent once the session is confirmed. More sessions will be added in the coming months, so please only request one session now so I can visit with as many people as possible. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Reflecting and Looking Forward
Friends,

I mentioned during annual conference that my word for the year would be reflection. I've been doing quite a bit of that lately as I reflect on where we've been in 2020, what we've accomplished, and where we are headed in this new year and beyond. One thing I've noticed is, while we have been through an incredible journey this last year, faced with so many unanticipated challenges, we have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, innovation, and hope for ourselves as an organization and those whom we serve.

As I was preparing for a recent South Centers Chat and providing information to the dean for today’s CFAES State of the College address, it was very clear that not only did we step up to the challenge to serve our clientele well, but we distinguished ourselves through the work we did, the ways in which we engaged our audiences, and how we've expanded our reach and our competencies. At the end of last year, I had shared the following about how we approached 2020:

2020 Year in Review
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” – Stephen Covey

We made choices this year….
- We chose to face the challenges this pandemic brought
- We chose to care and show compassion for one another and our clientele
- We chose to protect the health and well-being of those we work with and serve
- We chose to innovate and adapt
- We chose to learn and to grow, personally and as an organization
Many of the choices we made last year will be quite similar this year, with a focus on protecting health and well-being, adapting and innovating, learning and growing, and doing all of this through a value system of caring and compassion for one another and our clientele – though the context in which we make these choices may evolve. Turning the calendar page did not immediately relieve the trials of the last year. 2021 has begun with challenges around the pandemic, political tensions, economic pressures, and racial and social injustice at the forefront of our consciousness and within our daily lives. However, the lessons learned from 2020 will be tremendous building blocks for 2021 and beyond. We can take the knowledge gained this last year into 2021, as we begin to consider what the Extension of the future looks like.

I look forward to our forthcoming conversations about who we want to be for whom, and how we want to fulfill our mission to all Ohioans. Each of you will have a unique perspective and a voice we want to hear as we review our values; consider the workforce and approach to work for the future; identify our key priorities around people, partners, programs, and processes; engage our stakeholders; achieve our goals around diversity, equity, and inclusion; and deliver on our land-grant mission. I am looking forward to 2021 and beyond, and the future of Extension. I don’t simply have blind faith that the future is bright; rather, I know there is an end to the pandemic and we are on the verge of a renewal spurred on through innovation and attending to the right things, at the right time, and for the right reasons. Our mission is strong, we have tremendous talent and expertise, and we will serve with commitment and distinction, as we have for 100+ years. You are valued and appreciated, and NEVER underestimated. Thank you for all you do and for who you are!
Director's Open Office Hours
I am very interested in hearing what is on your “top of mind,” ideas you have for our organization moving forward, or creative solutions to pressing issues we face as we continue to navigate this pandemic. The most important resource we have is each other and our sharing of knowledge, thoughts, and ideas to improve our organization and our programs.

I am offering “Open Office Hours” weekly to provide some one-on-one discussion time. Appointments are arranged by Laurie Ward and conducted via Zoom; they will be 20-minute sessions. Currently, the following times during the next few weeks are available:
- Jan. 26 – 9:30am
- Feb. 16 – 10am, 10:30am
- Feb. 23 – 3pm, 3:30pm
- March 2 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 9 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 16 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 23 – 10am, 10:30am
- March 30 – 10am, 10:30am
To request a session, complete the attached request form and send it to ward.676@osu.edu. All requests MUST include details on a specific topic(s) you would like to discuss. A Zoom link will be sent once the session is confirmed. More sessions will be added in the coming months, so please only request one session now so I can visit with as many people as possible. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Director’s Open Office Hours – Dec. 15 @ 10am

As I mentioned briefly in Nov. 13 “News and Notes,” I will be offering open office hours (aka “Dialogue with the Director), the third Tuesday of the month, beginning Dec. 15, 2020, from 10am until noon. There will be 15-minute slots that you will sign up for in advance. This time will simply be for me to listen to what is top of mind for you, check-in, say “hello,” or whatever you choose to discuss. We have included the link to the 8 slots being offered for December and look to modify this at the first of the year if it is warranted. Please use this link to sign up! I hope to talk to many of you in the coming months! go.osu.edu/dialog_w_director
Thoughts from the Director

Hi friends...
Thank you once again for your steadfastness during this challenging time. We are seeing the COVID-19 numbers going up all over the U.S. and have seen some particularly troubling upward trending in Ohio. I continue to be grateful for your dedication to the mission of Extension and your compassion and concern for one another as we walk this journey together. No one could have imagined in March that we would still be assessing, week by week, how we would be planning and implementing programs, engaging our clientele, juggling changing priorities, and balancing life/work. We are starting to see some increasingly hopeful news about vaccines and perhaps some evolving relief from the virus as we enter and move into 2021. In the meantime, I want to express my fullest appreciation for your efforts and commitment to your work. I recognize that for some weeks that means you are experiencing powerfully productive moments, while other days and weeks may feel more like you are spinning your wheels, or even standing in place—happy to simply have gotten through the day. I want to clearly express some realistic expectations for 2020. We will be talking about more specifics as it relates to performance over the next few weeks, but I want you to know the following general realistic expectations (bear with me, I know this is long, but I think it is important to express):

We know that 2020 has often been brutal and exhausting: There are goals we thought we would achieve that have been displaced, replaced, or realistically realigned. That’s ok. Changing policies, procedures, processes, and health orders have kept us safe and ready to serve another day.

2020 has also brought unanticipated benefits: We have learned more about one another, met each other on a more personal and real level, and learned and tried things we may never have attempted if not for this disruption in our normal.

We must have realistic expectations for ourselves and one another: Every program, county, and person will have a different set of circumstances, life experiences, current capacities, and resources. There will be times when certain aspects of a program can be continued, while others may have experienced constraints. COVID has had an impact on normal productivity. It’s a reality, and a hard one, but we can still accomplish what is realistic and be comfortable that we did what we could in the place where we were at the time.

We must demonstrate caring and respect for our peers: If you have a concern with a colleague, respectfully and privately share that concern and its impact with that person. Have a dialogue about what may be contributing to the concern and what might resolve it. Ask yourself, what might I be doing or failing to do that could be contributing to this situation? How can I help by being part of the solution? If this doesn’t work, then seek out a supervisor for assistance and support. Ask yourself, is what I am putting out there my best presentation of me and offered with a useful solution or is it likely to create a larger divide? We are a team! We need to have each other’s backs and best interests in mind. Continue to ask yourself, how do we grow and support one another during these challenging moments?

We must bring our best self, whatever that looks like each day, to the business and work of Extension:

We might not be knocking it out of the park each day and some days we strike out, but we need to bring our best effort to each day. We have all been hired to advance the mission of Extension and strengthen our community. We are doing our best to remain as flexible as possible and to ensure we meet the needs of our clientele and our fellow colleagues. We must each take a realistic look at what we are accomplishing. Are we performing the roles and responsibilities of our positions to the best of our abilities in the current circumstances? Are there adjustments needed to county plans that are fluid and meet the changing needs of programs and clients, as well as employees? Are we using the technology effectively so we can accomplish things seamlessly from home and at the office? Are we reaching out if we need more tasks or projects to accomplish while teleworking? Are we communicating with one another to identify opportunities to help others or ask for help when we need it? What can we each be doing to achieve what needed for those we serve?

We won’t be in this situation forever, even if it feels like it sometimes. Let’s work together, plan for success, and pull each other up to ensure we emerge from this stronger as an organization and as a team than ever before.
Director’s Open Office Hours

Starting in December, I will be offering open office hours every second Tuesday from 10am to noon. There will be 15-minute slots you can sign up for in advance (more details coming soon on how to schedule). This time will simply be for me to listen, checking-in, saying hello, or solving the world’s problems. It will be entirely up to you what you want to discuss. I look forward to hearing from many of you over the next few months!
Mini-Pulse Survey

I mentioned in a previous update that we would be starting to offer mini-pulse surveys to offer frequent, quick opportunities to provide input or feedback about various topics of interest. This week, we are asking you to offer your personal preference (at this moment in time) for telework flexibility. As you will recall, the Return to Office (RtO) survey asked if you would appreciate ongoing availability of telework options (during and beyond COVID-19). This question is intended to follow and request additional detail about your telework preferences. Please take a moment to click on this link to answer a single question – extremote. Responses will be shared as an aggregated summary, and the information you share will help us as we look at work flexibility over time. Thank you in advance for participating.
Extension Refocus Challenge: Ends Tomorrow
1. Make the Time: Intentional scheduling of things that matter most for physical health and well-being (e.g., walking (steps), hiking, biking, Zumba, etc.)
2. Disconnect and Reconnect: Shutting off technology and social media and reconnecting with others old school (e.g., phone calls, writing letters and sending cards, reinstating family meals) or simply turning off the technology and putting phones away and enjoying ways to reconnect with friends, nature, or a lost hobby.
3. Close your Eyes: Meditation and reflection (e.g., daily meditation, visualization, deep breathing).
How to qualify: Send an email to Laurie Ward (ward.676@osu.edu) between Nov. 1-6 with the type of challenge you chose and what your approach to the challenge was. We will choose four winners from each category with the most inspiring, fun, creative, or consistent refocus approach. We will share your strategies and successes with our Extension colleagues (unless you ask us not to) to inspire ongoing reset and refocus moments.
Zoom Drop-Ins

The Extension Administrative Cabinet would love to make virtual visits to your counties. If you have a staff meeting coming up and would like to have one or more of us drop in and participate, give an administrative update, cover a specific topic, or just say hello, please feel free to send a note to Laurie Ward (ward.676@osu.edu) with your standing meeting date(s) and time(s) and any specific request, and we will work to schedule one or more of us there. We are also hoping to continue this in-person at some point in 2021.
Interim Director’s Video Update

The next Interim Director’s Video Update will be held on Friday, Nov. 6 at 10 am. Registration is required. Register in advance for this webinar here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information to join the webinar on Nov. 6. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. Any questions about this webinar can be directed to me (contact info listed below). Please register by Monday, Nov. 2 if possible.

The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.

CarmenZoom is supported by the Office of Distance Education and eLearning. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing content during the webinar, contact the Accessibility Help Line at 614-292-5000 or Text Telephone for the Deaf at 614-688-8743.
Save the Date – Next Interim Director’s Video Update

Mark your calendar for my next video update to be held on Nov. 6 at 10am. Registration information will be shared in the near future. We will record the update for those who cannot attend the live presentation that day.
November Gratitude Challenge

I loved the 4-H gratitude challenge that Amanda Raines shared last week with 4-H professionals, so I asked if she minded me borrowing her idea for the rest of us. Thanks to Laurie Ward for making up one for all of Extension. See this PDF, and please feel free to share with others!
Interim Director’s Video Update

Thanks again to those who listened live last week for the video update. We know you’re busy, so the conversation was recorded. You can review my update and the question/answer session at the end here. The audio transcript posted with the recording was edited for basic name and general corrections. We’re looking to schedule the next video update in early November; we will share a date as soon as that is confirmed.
Mini-Pulse Survey: How are You Feeling?

How are you feeling this week? In case you missed the Director’s update on Friday, November 6, we had a one-question pulse survey for all of OSU Extension. We want to get a simple pulse of how all of us are doing during these times. We are going to be conducting the pulse survey on a monthly basis through June 2021. We will be sharing the aggregated data with you. There is no identifying information being collected, and your participation is totally voluntary. To take part in this one-question survey, visit go.osu.edu/nov20pulse. We need to hear from you no later than Monday, Nov. 16!
Guidelines Regarding Political Activity by Employees of the University

University staff and faculty members are encouraged to fully and freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, as well as express their personal opinions regarding political candidates and issues. However, as employees of a public institution, we have some restrictions on exercising these rights in a manner that suggests university endorsement of a cause or candidate. General guidelines on these restrictions can be found here. Also, please remember to model civil discourse and respect for others as you engage in conversations about politics.
Budget Update and Stakeholder Engagement

There is nothing new to report right now regarding the budget. We are still working under a 5% cut for the state budget in the first quarter. We are awaiting the second quarter update from governor’s office as each quarter will be assessed separately and has a lot to do with state income and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Counties reported approximately a 1-3% decrease total (reflects IT costs and minimum wage increase). As we cannot be guaranteed to experience an economic bounce-back by year-end, we will still need to work hard to diligently and effectively tell our story about our impact and the value we bring through our programming.

Now is the time to share your Extension successes with stakeholders and funders as they look at their next fiscal year budgets and to be aware of ongoing needs as you present your proposals to local funders. We are working hard to advocate for additional state and federal dollars and partnership opportunities. Let’s all do our part to identify and share Extension and college impacts, the value we bring to Ohioans, and how we can help our stakeholders address the most critical issues facing our communities. Be sure to begin using the infographic templates as you tell the story of what you were able to accomplish in 2020.
Extension Refocus Challenge – Oct. 12-31
Don’t forget about the Extension Refocus Challenge!
1. Make the Time: Intentional scheduling of things that matter most for physical health and well-being (e.g., walking (steps), hiking, biking, Zumba, etc.)
2. Disconnect and Reconnect: Shutting off technology and social media and reconnecting with others old school (e.g., phone calls, writing letters and sending cards, reinstating family meals) or simply turning off the technology and putting phones away and enjoying ways to reconnect with friends, nature, or a lost hobby.
3. Close your Eyes: Meditation and reflection (e.g., daily meditation, visualization, deep breathing).
How to qualify: Send an email to Laurie Ward (ward.676@osu.edu) between Nov. 1 and Nov. 6 with the type of challenge you chose and what your approach to the challenge was. We will choose four winners from each category with the most inspiring, fun, creative, or consistent refocus approach. We will share your strategies and successes with our Extension colleagues (unless you ask us not to) to inspire ongoing reset and refocus moments.
Infographics Templates Now Available

We now have a variety of branded, Extension-focused infographic templates to use as you prepare to report local impacts to county commissioners, as well as other stakeholders, clientele, and the general public. The new files are posted at here. There are several options for each program area, SNAP-Ed, and EFNEP, as well as general options with layouts that combine variations of the program areas. The files are available in PowerPoint and InDesign; instructions for adjusting items within the templates are also posted. See Cheryl Buck’s complete message sent to all-Extension on Sept. 30. For more information, contact Cheryl (buck.19@osu.edu).
Reminder – Interim Director Video Update

This is a reminder that the next interim director’s video update will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at 9am. Please note – registration is required. Register in advance for this webinar at this Carmen Zoom link. Please register by this Friday, June 26 if possible.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. The video will be recorded for those who cannot attend the live update. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.

Extension Life/Works Task Force

I have received interest from the following individuals for participating in the Extension Life/Works Task Force. If I have missed your name or you would still like to be added to the roster, please send me a note within the next few days. I will be reaching out to a few of the members to provide co-leadership for the team. An initial informational meeting will be held before the end of the month to share the charge for the task force, with monthly meetings to occur thereafter. One of the first tasks will be to review the findings of the Readiness for Return to Offices Survey results and consider some of the key issues identified (e.g., readiness, safety, flexible work agreements). Thank you to all of the volunteers who have agreed to ensure we are paying particular attention to the health and well-being of our Extension professionals.

Name	Role/Department/County
Mary Beth Albright	4-H Extension educator, OSU Extension Erie County
Lisa Barlage	Extension educator, OSU Extension Ross County
Bridget Britton	Extension educator, OSU Extension Carroll County
Christina Byrd	Office associate, OSU Extension Franklin County
Thomas Dehaas	Extension educator, OSU Extension Lake County
Terri Fisher	Administrative associate, CFAES/Dept of Extension
Amanda Forquer	Extension educator, OSU Extension Morrow County
Misty Harmon	FCS educator, OSU Extension Perry County
Candace Heer	Extension educator, OSU Extension Morrow County
Elizabeth Hirzel	4-H Youth Development Ext. educator, OSU Extension Ottawa County
Mark Light	Assoc. prof. 4-H Extension educator, OSU Extension Hardin County
Jenny Lobb	FCS educator, OSU Extension Franklin County
David Marrison	Associate professor, OSU Extension Coshocton County
Clint Schroeder	Extension educator, Ag and Natural Resources

Call for OSU Extension Work-Life Work Group

Another important ongoing area of concern centers around work-life balance and employee morale considerations. This isn’t an easy issue to resolve; and it offers a variety of complexities in an organization such as ours, but it’s time to attempt to find some strategies for succes. If you are interested in contributing to the conversation and the identification of solutions for improving work-life balance and employee morale, please email me directly to indicate your desire to be included. My goal is to have representation from all program areas, position types, and levels of experience in Extension. I hope to hear from many of you soon, but no later than March 6.
Area Leader Update

Pat Holmes is serving as an interim area leader for area 21 (Hamilton and Butler counties), following Deb Carney’s retirement. You can reach Pat directly at holmes.86@osu.edu.
Welcome to OSU Extension – News and Notes

Welcome to OSU Extension – News and Notes: On behalf of your administrative team, welcome to our statewide biweekly update on current events, need-to-know-tidbits, forward-looking info you need to know, and other relevant topics!

Next newsletter expectations: The exact format of this newsletter may change in upcoming weeks, but all editions of these notes will ultimately be available online for your review and reference.

Happy Thanksgiving next week to everyone! I hope this is the start of a wonderful holiday season for you. May you enjoy some much-deserved quality time with family and friends, wrap up your year with our great group of colleagues at the annual conference, and look forward to exciting new things in the next year!
Road Show Reflections

The Learning and Organizational Development unit will be finishing the summary of suggestion box items soon. In terms of first impressions and comments on-site, some things were reinforced to me – such as the need for more … coordination among our area leaders; communication across the organization; fiscal, human resources, and travel policy updates and clarifications; clarity about civil rights resources and next steps; and creating a true life/work balance for all of our professionals. Once our leadership team gets the final summary, we will review all of your suggestions and determine some next steps to address those items. Stay tuned!
Road Show Reflections

Thank you again to those who have attended the road shows throughout the state. We have one more road show in Dayton this coming Monday. All told, more than 500 people have participated! I have been so pleased to meet and greet many familiar faces and a number of our employees whom I have not met before now. Your willingness to ask questions is much appreciated; and you’ve given us many observations and constructive suggestions to think about, tweak, and turn into positives for our organization.

I hope the Civil Rights Refresher and Updates session was insightful for you and provided a good basic context about why this is so important for us – as well as initial efforts we can make to better serve our clientele and address federal government reporting requirements. We need to make reasonable accommodations for program attendees, represent well the audiences we serve to, be cognizant about the environment in which our clients and their family members live, and produce reports that illustrate how well we utilize our federal funds and are making an impact in the lives of Ohioans.

Also, your participation in the Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) Unit’s afternoon session is much appreciated! Your insight about what training will help you give us “information we can work with” to help us best meet the needs of our employees across the organization. LOD is committed to summarizing all of your responses quickly, and then following up with some immediate training options, as well as ongoing and on-demand opportunities over time.
Reminder: New COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters and Flu Shots are Available
The new COVID-19 booster adds protection against both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the omicron variant. Shots are now available at Ohio State’s Student Health Services and the Wexner Medical Center. Influenza (flu) vaccines are also now available at Student Health Services and the Wexner Medical Center. Information about scheduling the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine is available on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

Individuals can receive the new COVID-19 booster two months after completing any primary series or any previous COVID-19 booster dose.
- The Pfizer bivalent booster is approved for people who are 12 or older.
- Those between the ages of 5-11 may continue to receive the age-appropriate Pfizer monovalent booster.
- The Moderna bivalent booster is approved for people who are 18 or older.
- Student Health Services and the Wexner Medical Center are currently offering only the Pfizer booster due to manufacturer shortages of the Moderna booster.
Complete guidance on COVID-19 vaccine dosing and timing can be accessed via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Coverage of COVID-19 At-Home Diagnostic Tests

Earlier this year, the federal government mandated health insurance coverage for certain at-home, over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Effective Jan. 15, the Ohio State Faculty and Staff Health Plan covers up to eight OTC tests per month per covered person. The university’s pharmacy benefit administrator, Express Scripts (ESI), is facilitating this coverage. You may use your benefit to get your tests at a participating retail pharmacy or through home delivery. Learn more online at hr.osu.edu/coronavirus/benefits/#hometests.
COVID-19 Tests Available Through Ohio State Health Plan

Effective this past Jan. 15, the university’s faculty and staff health plan covers up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month per covered person. The university’s pharmacy benefit administrator, Express Scripts, is facilitating this coverage. You may use your benefit to get your tests at a participating retail pharmacy or through home delivery. More information is available at hr.osu.edu/coronavirus/benefits/#hometests.
COVID-19 Hub on Knowledge Exchange has been Archived

After two active years of use, KX has archived the COVID-19 Hub, a repository for CFAES research, information, and other links about COVID-19, including OSU Extension programs and resources. The site will remain active as a historical reference (if anyone has it bookmarked), with a disclaimer that KX will no longer update content. The archive notice includes a suggestion that visitors who want current information about COVID-19 in Ohio should visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Masks are now Optional in Most University Spaces

Starting at 6pm on March 11, masks will be optional in most indoor spaces on The Ohio State University campuses, including residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices, and the Ohio Union. While the university continues to require masks in clinical health care settings (including at the Wexner Medical Center), COVID-19 testing locations, childcare centers, and on public transportation, Ohio State will be lifting indoor mask requirements in its academic and general-purpose buildings. Specifics of the university’s mask policy are posted on the Personal Safety Practices page of the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

The university will continue to adjust COVID-19 measures as appropriate and will maintain its COVID-19 surveillance testing program for now. Weekly testing will continue for students in university housing, social fraternities and sororities, and those with approved exemptions to the university’s vaccination requirement. Employees with approved exemptions are also still required to test weekly.
COVID Reporting Update

As a reminder, employees are still required to report their status to the HR business partners who will log the cases with contact tracing. Any employee who does not test through an Ohio State testing facility or the Ohio State testing program (i.e. through Vault or at one of the campus testing sites) will also be required to complete the self-reporting form found at this website: covid19-test-result-upload.it.ohio-state.edu.

Communications from the Contact Investigation and Contact Tracing Team (CICTT) are expected via email. For employees whose positions are not computer/email-focused, HR business partners are able to escalate cases and request a phone call update/release to be provided.

As a reminder, the updated guidance on safeandhealthy.osu.edu is intended to inform employees of general expectations. Please note, employees are to remain off campus/out of office until officially released by CICTT. If telework options are available, they are permitted to telework; otherwise they are to use their available leave.
Clarification about Current OSU Extension Office Staffing and Program Procedures
During the past two years, OSU Extension professionals have demonstrated that we know how to implement COVID-19 precautions while maintaining our educational mission and providing our communities with exceptional customer service.

Each Extension office (county or state-level) should continue to follow local health guidelines (i.e. mask requirements, physical distancing, school/business closures, or remote work conditions). As has been the case throughout the pandemic, there will be different precautions implemented across the state between counties, Ohio State campus offices, and other entities; and that may also vary from procedures at the Columbus and regional campuses. This is about ongoing employee and audience comfort and safety based on local circumstances.

As shared by Ohio State President Johnson earlier this week, the university is prioritizing in-person teaching and learning on the Columbus and regional campuses. At those locations, when possible, other in-person events, gatherings or meetings should be transitioned to virtual formats. No timeframe was given, but President Johnson said the university will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. It was also stated for campus locations, that food and drinks should not be served at any in-person event, gathering or meeting and masking should be strictly enforced.

At the county level, if you are planning programs, the following are reminders:
- You CAN postpone, reschedule, or move your meeting/event to virtual, depending on your local circumstances.
- You CAN require participants to wear masks.
- You CAN set up the meeting space for optimal physical distancing and what you intend to accomplish with each meeting.
- You CAN decide not to serve food or beverages at any event or meeting.
- You CAN ask potential participants not to attend if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms themselves.
- You MUST keep a record of all attendees.
As a reminder, best practices for in-person programming during COVID-19 have been summarized and can be reviewed here.
- When planning local office staffing and public-facing availability, consider the following:
- Work as a unit to provide the best flexibility to maintain our service to Ohioans and protect one another, in conjunction with your supervisor.
- Work as a team if you need to change your current county office staffing plan and/or adjust the hours you are open to the public.
- If this means your local office needs to close (or require appointments), work with your supervisor to determine next steps and communication to stakeholders.
We will continue to monitor the situation, adjust Extension expectations accordingly, and provide updates. As always, you should also refer to the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes webpage at safeandhealthy.osu.edu. Thank you for your continued effort to address this ever-changing situation, consider local needs, and do your part to keep one another safe. You are much appreciated!
Vaccine Exemption Requests Due Today

Today is the last day to submit requests for medical, religious, and personal reasons for exemption from the vaccine mandate. There is no indication that this deadline will be extended. I urge you to submit your exemptions, regardless of the reason. It is my understanding that they will be quite liberal in accepting reasons for the request, if a good faith effort in drafting a request is made. More information about the exemptions allowed under this policy is available at safeandhealthy.osu.edu/faq/what-exemptions-are-allowed-under-policy.

As has been described in the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes communications, the primary requirement attached to exemptions being approved is to obtain regular testing. While the details are still being figured out, there is a great desire to make testing as easy and affordable as possible – across the state. The goal of the university with this vaccine requirement is to make sure that as many individuals as possible are vaccinated; and for those who are not vaccinated to reduce, as much as possible, the potential for the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. I hope you will choose submitting your exemption request over pre-emptively choosing to resign. Every one of you is so very important to the success of this organization, and my hope is that we will all choose to stay and to work together to achieve our mission.
Vaccine Updates and Deadline Reminder
The university shares updates regularly; and everyone is encouraged to check the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website often. There are extensive FAQs associated with the vaccination requirement and the exemption process. In terms of reporting, faculty and staff should report their status through the Employee Reporting Form, even if they previously have shared their vaccination information with the university through other means.
- Sept 17: Deadline to submit COVID-19 exemption requests to ensure that all requests can be reviewed prior to the Oct. 15 deadline
- Oct. 15: Deadline to report at least your first vaccine dose or obtain an approved exemption.
- Nov. 15: Deadline to complete second dose of vaccine (for those having a two-dose vaccine).
COVID-19 Vaccination Now Required of all Ohio State Staff, Faculty, and Students

As announced by Ohio State President Johnson on Aug. 24, Ohio State is now requiring every student, faculty, and staff member to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The deadline to have at least a first dose is Oct. 15. For people receiving a two-dose vaccine, the second dose must be received by Nov. 15. The university will accept a number of vaccines to meet this requirement. Information about the vaccine requirement, reporting, exemptions, and FAQs is available at: safeandhealthy.osu.edu/covid-19-vaccine-requirement. You are encouraged to be patient and not make any quick decisions about your employment based on the initial requirement notices. More information and details about the exemption process will be forthcoming from the university.

4-H specific information via Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader: The vaccination requirement applies only to Ohio State students, faculty, and staff. There is no current requirement that 4-H members or volunteers must have a COVID-19 vaccination. Also, the mask mandate continues to apply only to the Ohio State Columbus and regional campuses; however, given the increased number of cases and corresponding hospitalizations, we strongly encourage masks to be properly worn during all indoor 4-H activities and events where social distancing cannot be maintained. When a meal is included, we strongly encourage social distancing to the extent possible. Keep in mind that county and independent fairs (and the activities 4-H members and volunteers choose to participate in during fair) fall under the guidance of the local senior fair board; and they would be expected to follow the guidance of the local health department.
Ohio State Vaccine Reporting Now Required by Aug. 5

Ohio State has changed the employee guidelines for reporting vaccination status to a requirement versus a recommendation, per an update from President Johnson on July 27. That update included: “While our vaccination rate is now more than 70%, we know there are vaccinated individuals who are not counted in our total because they haven’t reported their status. … To make informed decisions related to COVID-19 and further enable contact tracing, we are requiring everyone to report whether or not they have been vaccinated by Thursday, Aug. 5. Your personal health information will not be shared publicly or directly with instructors, managers, or leaders.”

Note: According to current university feedback, there are no repercussions for those who choose not to report their vaccination status. The university is setting the expectation that all students, faculty, and staff will report their status as a health measure. The belief is that individuals will understand the seriousness of the issue and choose to comply and provide the information. If you have any questions or concerns related to this announcement, forward them to Jeff McCutcheon (mccutcheon.30@osu.edu) so he can follow up as appropriate. Whenever there is additional guidance available, we will pass it along to our Extension professionals.
Updated Personal Safety Practices – Masks, Health Check, and Distancing
Ohio State continues to update COVID-19 safety practices in response to changes in public health guidance. The updated guidelines for Ohio State faculty, staff, and students are posted online.

Some key points:
- You no longer need to do a health check on Compass before coming to campus if you are well.
- If you are sick (any kind of sick, not only COVID), you should stay home.
- Vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks (except at Wexner Medical Center, clinics, and where posted).
- Individuals who are not vaccinated should wear masks when indoors.
- Anyone who prefers to wear a mask is welcome to do so regardless of vaccination status.
Physical Distancing Clarification

We’ve had some questions about specific social distancing requirements (per Jackie’s June 14 all-Extension “guideline clarification” message). Ohio State's safeandhealth.osu.edu web page states that “…fully vaccinated individuals are also no longer required to physically distance...”

The best way to say this from the OSU Extension perspective is….Fully vaccinated individuals are also no longer required to physically distance; however we continue to encourage social distancing when possible while participating in OSU Extension programs and in OSU Extension offices (for both employees and clientele) on the statewide campus.
Update on University Approach to Reopening Sectors (OSU Extension Clarification)
On Monday, the Governor announced some new guidance related to reopening sectors. For a review of those announcements, visit the Restart Ohio website. These announcements have led to questions regarding how they apply to OSU and our college. In a meeting on Tuesday evening, Provost McPheron clarified that OSU is continuing its own transition planning process. While the guidance from the governor’s office will inform our process, we will make determinations as to the transition within the university and its facilities. It was noted that there will be a lot of information shared about what is occurring across the state, or at other institutions, and that does not define what we may do at OSU.
- There remains within the state guidance for a prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 and encouragement for as many to continue to telework as possible.
- There remains a university prohibition on in-person activities and events through July 6. Nothing has changed. When, and if, it does I will let you know.
As I mentioned before, we are university employees and part of the OSU family. We will be in lockstep with the university to the greatest degree possible. I recognize that many county commissioners and administrators are beginning, with the Governor’s announcement, to consider how they might re-open some of their business sectors. Each county that I have received information on so far is unique in their approach and there is currently no statewide approach for counties. One constant is that most are considering how to keep as many people as possible in telework situations to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The virus does not simply disappear as a result of opening some businesses and if we do not need to take any chances for spreading the virus, we won’t.

Let me be very clear, we are not rushing to transition back to offices in the near future. We will remain in telework environments through July 6, unless a decision is made at the university level that it is safe and appropriate to do so sooner. We will, however, work diligently over the next 4-8 weeks to develop a thorough and comprehensive plan for transitioning back to the workplace and our in-person programming.

If your commissioners ask about when we are intending to open our offices, you can share the following statement:
“While we are considering the guidance from the Governor’s office and are paying attention to how our local community leaders are planning for re-opening businesses, we are following the university’s lead on the transition planning process and are still intending to telework for the near future while ensuring we are meeting the needs of our clientele and community partners.”
OSU Extension Return to Offices Readiness Survey Coming this Week

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created significant workplace changes throughout OSU Extension. As we prepare for our return to the Extension offices, we would like to understand how we can best support you during the transition. You will receive an invitation to complete a brief survey later this week. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential; and results of this survey will help inform the tools and support we provide for employees as you return to your various offices during the next weeks and months.
Essential and Time-Critical Extension Activities: Return-to-Office Update
Thank you for your rapid and comprehensive responses to completing and submitting your return-to-office plans. We have received approximately 70 county plans for partial re-openings of offices to address essential and time-critical Extension activities that cannot be performed virtually. The majority of our employees are still in telework most days, but are planning to stagger or alternate days at the office to accomplish those activities that are increasingly impossible to achieve in telework environments, especially as it relates to preparation for junior fairs, canner testing, soil testing and diagnostics, and some general responsiveness to community access. Most counties have identified certain days of the week for various program areas and are alternating days and hours to ensure physical distancing of staff, while offering well-rounded coverage. There are approximately five offices where county commissioners have not opened their buildings and, therefore, no county partial re-openings are currently needed.

By Appointment Only (clarification of expectations): Most of the plans include office doors locked, but with certain days and times available for being open to the public by appointment only. The expectation is that if you are advertising that you are open to the public by appointment only, you need to be physically available in the office so if clientele call or drop by, they can request and receive an appointment without having to wait until someone drives there or be forced to wait for a different day. It doesn’t help to advertise available to the public by appointment if we are not there on-site to actually take and hold appointments.

Required Daily Health Checks: For those of you who are now going into the offices as part of the return-to-office exemption, remember that you are to make your supervisor aware of your completion of the daily health check. Please send them an email including the following:

I am required to report to my supervisor, *** a “health check” when reporting to the office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to reporting to the office on [insert date]:
1. I checked my temperature, and I do not have a fever of 100 or more.
2. I do not have any COVID-19 related symptoms.
3. I have not been exposed to, nor live with someone who has tested positive with the COVID-19 virus.
Signed,

Your name here

We are hoping to have an Ohio State app soon for daily health checks to replace these emails. We will make you aware of the tool when it becomes available.
Return-to-Office Survey Update

The Return-to-Office survey was launched on May 14 to 707 recipients, and we received more than 648 responses (a nearly 92% response rate). The results will be used to identify similar concerns and/or needs that can inform current and ongoing approaches to RtO; aid in looking at evolving policies and approaches to supporting life/work balance; and provide insight into the types of support and training needed/desired (e.g., managing stress, learning new technologies).

As a reminder, these results will be shared with everyone in both summary and raw data form with any possibilities of identification removed. The summary for the aggregated quantitative data is available now at: go.osu.edu/OSUE_RtOresults21.

The data party volunteers met this week to begin their reviewing and making meaning of the data. Thank you to those who volunteered to participate in this service to our organization – Christina Byrd, Marianne Guthrie, Courtney Woelfl, Bridget Britton, Susan Zies, Sarah Carpenter, Jennifer Lobb, Faye Wilson, Thallia Blight, Misty Harmon, and Gwynn Stewart. The team will be sharing more information about what they discovered during the next director’s video update on Aug. 25.
Travel Restrictions
Per President Drake’s email on Saturday, the travel without exemption ban will continue until Dec. 31. I have confirmed the interpretation of this email with the CFAES COVID-19 Operations Team and CFAES Finance.

What this means:
- We will not be able to attend in-person conferences or other out of state events until the ban is lifted.
- We are asking about possible exemptions for in-county/in-state essential Extension travel, but have not received that exemption, so ONLY approved exemption travel (e.g., Exempted research and Extension activities) are currently eligible to travel and for mileage reimbursement).
- Travel to offices counts as typical commute and is not part of the restriction or covered by mileage reimbursement.
The rationale behind the travel restrictions is still very much founded in reducing the spread of the virus across counties and states, as well as limiting discretionary spending. Most universities in our region, and many nationally, are also extending their travel restrictions through the end of the year; and additional conferences are beginning to transition to virtual platforms. This restriction is in force for all departments and colleges, not simply CFAES or Extension.
Vaccination Self-Reporting Request

We need your help in planning public health measures for the fall. If you have been COVID-19 vaccinated, please share your vaccination information with the university through a simple online form so you can be counted in Ohio State’s overall vaccination rate. There are many vaccinated students, faculty, and staff for whom Ohio State does not currently have data; and the university would like a more accurate sense of the true vaccination rate of the university community. Sharing your status also will help inform decision-making about public health guidelines for the fall and better support underrepresented portions of our community. Individual information will not be shared with your managers. Even if individuals were vaccinated through the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, please submit the information through this form, so it can be used in the university’s public health response. Medical privacy requirements limit what MyChart data can be shared. As more of the Ohio State community is vaccinated, the university plans to continue to relax health mandates, but needs good data to make those decisions. FAQs and other information are available at safeandhealthy.osu.edu/vaccine.
Health Reporting Pilot — Week One

By now, you should have begun using the OSU Health Reporting Tool available through The Ohio State App and compass.osu.edu as a part of Ohio State’s program to support a safe and healthy return to campus. If you are reporting to an office or an exempted research/Extension activity site, you will; need to log on and answer four simple questions regarding your daily temperature and your proximity to COVID-19 exposure. The app will provide guidance on reporting to work through a daily red or green health passport. Roll-up reporting for supervisors to monitor their direct reports and roll-up by org is forthcoming (anticipated next week). To learn more or to see the FAQs for the tool and process, visit the OSU Health Reporting Tool site.
Ohio Public Health Advisory System

The Public Health Advisory Alert System is a color-coded system designed to supplement existing statewide orders through a data-driven framework to assess the degree of the virus’ spread and to engage and empower individuals, businesses, communities, local governments, and others in their response and actions. You can view the frequently updated map at this link.

This system will aid us in identifying when to pull back a bit on in-office and future in-person programs and activities as we experience the day-to-day impacts of Coronavirus activity across the state.
Essential and Time-Critical In-Person Programming Process
All CFAES educational outreach activities and events using in-person programming and hosted by anyone in CFAES, regardless of the location, must be approved through this process before proceeding.

Approval Processes:
1. In-Person Programming by CFAES Professionals (Statewide, Columbus, Wooster): For in-person programming by Ohio State professionals from our statewide, Columbus, and Wooster campuses, individuals will submit their request via a Qualtrics Survey for weekly review by the committee and, upon approval, receive their approval letter (via email) which can be attached to eRequests. For in-person programming, please use go.osu.edu/CFAESf2fEventRequest.
2. Events organized at one of our 27 CFAES facilities or event centers by EXTERNAL customers: For programming hosted by external clients who want to use our CFAES facilities (Wooster Campus conference center, Nationwide & Farm Bureau 4-H Center, any of the agricultural research stations, including Chadwick Arboretum and Secrest Arboretum), event space managers (those responsible for scheduling/renting the space) will complete the necessary template for committee consideration. External clients will also be expected to follow all of the university, state, and CDC guidelines, including that masks and social distancing will be required. More information about this specific process will be shared in the near future.
Submissions will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis, but no less than weekly.

Key factors to consider: Per the health order from Gov. DeWine, effective July 23, 2020 at 6pm, masks are required to be worn in Ohio. This applies to all indoor program activities and outdoor activities where 6 foot distancing cannot be assured.

We have by way of guidance from ODH, CDC, and the university the ability to hold in-person programs of up to 100 participants (including our professionals onsite). Just because we can, doesn’t mean we must. We are still aiming for virtual first and limiting in-person to those essential and time-critical in-person programs.

Also, the space in which the program is held will often determine the capacity. Plan ahead - there are many factors to consider regarding the need for 6-foot physical distancing and the number of people a gathering space can accommodate.

Consider the following when choosing meeting/event spaces:
- Can the event take place outside? Open air appears to reduce the risk of spreading airborne illness.
- What is the normal maximum occupancy of the space?
  - To provide 6 feet of physical distance between individuals, the occupancy of meeting spaces must be decreased by half. For example, a space with a posted maximum occupancy of 100 people would need to be adjusted to a maximum of 50 people.
  - If you need to estimate the capacity of a space, allow 30 square feet per person.
Additional guidelines and FAQs will be provided early next week. As always, approval can be rescinded at any time given the current situation related to COVID-19 spread in Ohio and within certain counties, or changing guidelines from ODH, CDC, or the university.

For any event not referenced above, please consult with Jackie Wilkins (wilkins.201@osu.edu) or Anne Dorrance (dorrance.1@osu.edu) prior to moving forward or committing a facility.
Personal Travel Update
Last week, Governor DeWine announced a new travel advisory recommending that Ohioans self-quarantine for 14 days after returning from any state or territory with a COVID positivity rate greater than 15%. The OHR employment related FAQs have been updated to reflect this. If you are planning personal travel to one of these states, we encourage you to review these FAQs and discuss the following quarantine options with your supervisor before the start of your leave:
- Telework upon return for 14 days
- Additional vacation or unpaid leave to be built into approved time off to accommodate the 14 days
Before travel, employees should report their travel plans to travelreporting@osumc.edu for exclusion guidance. If you or your supervisor have questions, please contact your HR Consultant for assistance.
In-Person Programming

An OSU Extension Planning Guide for in-person meetings and events is now available at go.osu.edu/Extension-meeting-guide to help with planning and implementing an in-person program that is in alignment with ODH, CDC, and university guidelines. If you will be providing in-person programming (either as a host or a guest for a community partner), an exemption request is required. The approval for any exemption request is required for mileage reimbursement and to facilitate program expense requests. As a reminder, you can access the Qualtrics survey for this exemption process at go.osu.edu/CFAESf2fEventRequest.
In-Person Programming

We are seeking clarity around the recent announcement by President-elect Johnson regarding the implications for our in-person programming. The final determination depends on whether or not they consider our in-person education to fall into events and Gatherings or in-person classrooms. We are advocating for in-person classrooms because we educate students/learners across the state. For now, my understanding is 50 people or less but we need to be prepared for a quick reduction to 10 or less participants if this interpretation is not confirmed. As always, we should be offering our programs virtually first, and only moving to in-person programming if virtual strategies are not viable. In addition, we should be keeping the numbers low, based on room/space capacity. Larger numbers will typically only be outdoors but under 50 total participants and with masks. Masks are required for all indoor and outdoor programming now, as indicated in the recent guidance from the university and as supported by the governor as a best practice. I will update you as soon as I am able about the guideline limits. Please continue to monitor your county COVID-19 situation here.
COVID-19 Work Related Accommodations Process

As we implement return to offices/campuses plans, it’s important to know that the university has established a COVID-19 Work Related Accommodations Process to ensure that faculty, staff, and graduate students have the necessary resources to work as safely as possible. Through a COVID-19 accommodation request, which is a secure intake process, individuals will be able to identify issues and concerns they may have, and indicate what needs and resources they feel are necessary to perform their job safely. As always, please reach out to your HR Consultant with any questions.
Programming and Activities Update

I mentioned these numbers during the video update, but it bears repeating – we have a lot going on around the state! Thank you for your continued work with our clientele, and especially for your commitment to being safe while we connect with our clients and colleagues.

Research and Extension Activities (exemptions)

More than 120 separate requests were received between March and August. These primarily focused on applied research and the governor’s defined essential categories of agriculture and food systems.

In-Person programming (exemptions)

At least 169 separate requests have been received since the last week of July; this does include some blanket requests for statewide programs such as PAT and CARTEENS. Nearly all were approved and have begun. This total doesn’t include most of the fair-related activities under a previous exemption. Remember, in-person activities should be those time-critical/essential programs that can’t be accomplished virtually.

Please note: If you have permission to hold an event, you and all of your team members listed in the proposal must complete a required training short course before the event. The course is posted in Scarlet Canvas, and a link to enroll in the course is included in the letter that grants you permission to hold the event. This is different than the required BuckeyeLearn course that had to be completed by every university employee about being and keeping safe while you work. The BuckeyeLearn course does not count as training for your in-person programming preparation.
In-Person Programming Process – Essential information, Exception Instructions, and Important Reminders
All CFAES educational outreach activities and events using in-person programming and hosted by anyone in CFAES, regardless of the location, must be approved through this process before proceeding.

Approval Processes
1. In-Person Programming by CFAES Professionals (Statewide, Columbus, Wooster): For in-person programming by Ohio State professionals from our statewide, Columbus, and Wooster campuses, individuals will submit their request via a Qualtrics Survey for weekly review by the committee and, upon approval, receive their approval letter (via email) which can be attached to eRequests. For in-person programming, please use go.osu.edu/CFAESf2fEventRequest.
2. Events organized at one of our 27 CFAES facilities or event centers by EXTERNAL customers: For programming hosted by external clients who want to use our CFAES facilities (Wooster Campus conference center, Nationwide & Farm Bureau 4-H Center, any of the agricultural research stations, including Chadwick Arboretum and Secrest Arboretum), event space managers (those responsible for scheduling/renting the space) will complete the necessary template for committee consideration. External clients will also be expected to follow all of the university, state, and CDC guidelines, including that masks and social distancing will be required. More information about this specific process will be shared in the near future.
Submissions are reviewed once per week, and items must be submitted by Wednesday at noon. To date, we have approved over 200 in-person programming exemptions. We are looking at additional blanket approval opportunities for meetings and programs to continue to streamline the process and make sure we balance process efficiency and reimbursement success, with ongoing safety for our employees and clientele. Stay tuned!
Flu Shots are Especially Important this Year

This year, the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the same time; and all students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot as soon as possible, whether you have returned to a campus or are at home. By acting now, you can reduce your risk from the flu and help avoid overburdening our health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, and both viruses are contagious. If flu cases are mistaken for COVID-19, it could increase the need for coronavirus testing, putting stress on COVID-19 testing capacity. Click here for information about which pharmacies are covered. (Note: Ohio State covers dependents over age 7, while some pharmacies have lowered their flu shot age; there may be a charge to vaccinate these family members.) To provide more information about the flu shot and how to stop the spread of the flu, the university has prepared a 10-minute online training in BuckeyeLearn. Additional information also is available on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.
Safety During COVID-19 Spread—Don’t Let Up

New health data compiled by the Ohio Department of Health found that 43 counties currently have a very high risk of exposure and spread (Red Level 3), up from 38 counties last week. This represents the highest number of Red Level 3 counties since the launch of the advisory system in July. As of yesterday, 78 percent of Ohioans are living in a Red Level 3 county. Less than 1 percent of Ohioans live in a Yellow Level 1 county. "Despite the grim data that we see today, I am confident that we can slow down this invader," said Governor DeWine. "The decisions Ohioans make each day will determine the outcome of this battle. We must mask more, keep distance more, and simply be more careful. We can control our destiny."

I know that there is COVID-19 fatigue. We all want to see those we love, get out of our houses, and get back to doing the work the way we love best, face-to-face and hands-on. However, now is the time for us to remain vigilant. We have, so far, been very successful in offering our programs virtually (when feasible), or in-person when we need to come together. You have done a tremendous job of planning programs and working in our offices in ways that keep one another and our clientele safe. Please be especially careful to follow and encourage our most useful and effective safety measures (distancing, masks, and sanitizing). Now is not the time to let up. We can reach others and keep doing our educational outreach, while also doing what we know contains the spread. Be sure to visit the Ohio Public Health Advisory System regularly when planning your programs to ensure you are making the most informed local decisions about safety. We want you and those we serve to remain healthy and safe for years to come.

Additional resources have been added here to help continue to make others aware of best practices.

Domino Video - Ohio Department of Health

#InThisTogetherOhio
LOD Seeks People Who Want to Attend a Data Party!

We are looking for about one dozen individuals who would like to help us make meaning from the open-ended comments that are contained in the recent Return-to-Office survey. Our data party requires attending a one-hour kick-off instructional session, approximately four to six hours of reading data and finding themes, and a one-hour closeout session. That’s only about eight hours of your time. The data party will take place during the month of July. What is the benefit to you? You will learn a new skill or strengthen your existing skills in working with words to create meaning. You will also be giving service to your organization. If you are interested in this opportunity to data party with the LOD team, please send an email to Teresa McCoy (mccoy.860@osu.edu) no later than Monday, June 28.

The quantitative results of the Return-to-Office survey will be shared very soon in summary form; and the qualitative data will be shared, as we did during the first survey, as raw comments with identifiers removed. Stay tuned!
OSU Extension Return-to-Offices Readiness Survey – Reply by June 3

As we prepare our fuller return to the Extension office, we would like to understand how we can best support you during the transition and beyond. The results will inform the tools and support we provide for employees in the near-term, as well as longer-term considerations related to flexible work arrangements and work/life balance.

If you have not yet completed the return-to-office readiness survey, there is still time for you to provide your input. It should take you no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential, and we appreciate your open and honest feedback. You can leave any questions blank that you do not feel comfortable answering. Please take the time to respond to this survey by June 3.

The original message was sent to everyone individually on May 14, and all OSU Extension personnel have their own link to respond. If you have questions about the survey, contact Debby Lewis (lewis.205@osu.edu) in Learning and Organizational Development. Thank you for everything you are doing for the people of Ohio.
University Updates to COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Dean Cathann Kress shared a message to the CFAES-all listserv on Wednesday, May 19 about the latest Ohio State adjustments to several important COVID-19 safety guidelines. Please refer to that message for additional information.
Return-to-Office Frequently Asked Questions

Note: These will be updated and incorporated with previous FAQs on the Extension website in the near future.

General

Q: How will the results of the return-to-office survey be used?
A: While each county office (with plan on file) should be back in full capacity by June 1 (necessary density and approved formal accommodations not withstanding), this survey will provide additional information about how people are seeing life/work balance and any additional support and training they might need. The survey is confidential. Results of the survey will be shared with everyone in both a summary and as raw data with any possibility of individual identification removed.

Face Masks

4-H camp and Extension event/program use of face masks – Effective June 1, 2021 (the start date of our first 4-H overnight camps), face masks are not required to be worn inside or outside at 4-H camp (day or overnight). Also, face masks are not required to be worn outside at any OSU Extension (including 4-H) programs and activities.

However, face masks are strongly recommended for those who are not yet fully vaccinated (strongly recommended means the individual chooses to wear a mask or not).

You can include the following message in your pre-meeting/event/program communications with clientele: Individuals and/or family members may not attend if they or anyone living their household is experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of sense of taste or smell, or has been directly exposed (confirmed or suspected) to COVID-19 if they are not fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccinations are our best current protection against infection and a fatal outcome. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a face mask; however we strongly recommend eligible, but unvaccinated, individuals continue to properly wear a face mask when social distancing cannot be maintained.

County office use of face masks – Although 4-H camps have been granted permission to be held without the use of face masks, at this time, no change has been made to the university guidance about wearing face masks inside by all individuals at all other university-owned property. This general university requirement continues to be discussed/considered in light of evolving pandemic conditions (e.g. new COVID-19 variants).

A reminder: As the case has been to date, know that these guidelines may be modified at any time if conditions change, and/or if the guidance is not followed, and/or if a local health department issues more stringent requirements.

Q: Are we allowed to continue posting signs that masks are required in the office, and ask clients who enter to wear masks until statewide or university requirements are relaxed?
A: As a university (as of May 26, 2021), we are still required to wear masks indoors; and yes, you can have the sign up until such time as this guidance changes.

Interpersonal Relationships

Q: Can we discuss with peers our vaccination status?
A: You can share your status with anyone you would like to; but you cannot share the status of others even if they disclose it to you, and you cannot ask anyone else’s vaccination status.

Events, Programming, Meetings

Note: All guidelines can be modified at any time, and if local health department guidance is more stringent. It is important to note that county health departments often operate very differently.

Q: What about physical distancing while at camp?
A: As much as possible, strive to maintain at least 6 feet distance between cohorts; and within cohorts strive to maintain at least 3 feet between attendees as much as possible.

Q: What about other camp guidelines?
A: The updated guidelines that Kirk Bloir and Hannah Epley shared on May 21, 2021 continue to be in effect. These changes are reflected in the documents in the 4-H Professionals BuckeyeBox folder.

Q: Can food preservation workshops occur?
A: All programming can occur, but must follow the most recent health and safety guidelines.

Q: Can there be food consumption at meetings and events?
A: Box lunches and eating “socially distant” is acceptable. No buffets are allowed. Follow health and safety guidelines.

The community nutrition program and the Extension director’s office are connecting with university and other officials about how to handle food in regard to activities with SNAP-Ed and EFNEP in-person programs at which food and meals are prepared and shared with participants as part of the program.

Q: Have we heard anything about meeting room capacity limits being relaxed?
A: Guidance for university facilities (including conference room meeting spaces) is being considered in advance of fall classes. In our own facilities, we follow the current recommended guidelines (30 square feet per person is still in effect at this time).

Q: Is taking attendance at meetings and events still required?
A: Collecting participant information is still required, in case we need to do contact tracing if a case of COVID-19 is reported after an event or meeting. This requirement will remain in effect until the Ohio Department of Health ceases COVID-19 contact tracing.

Q: What are some of the benefits we could see with a hybrid learning approach?
A: Some technical issues faced with full online learning could be eliminated with the hybrid approach, especially for some audiences with limited internet access. Recording of events and reuse of that content at in-person events could be a win-win for all attendees. This approach can help eliminate county boundaries in some situations where specialized expertise can be shared on-site and online with a wider audience than county-only.

Office Cleaning, Physical Space Considerations

Q: What is the expectation for sanitizing in an office?
A: Guidance from Safe and Healthy Buckeyes recommends cleaning and disinfecting high-touchpoint areas and restrooms once a day in FOD-maintained buildings. While a reduction from autumn 2020 and spring 2021 levels, this approach meets CDC guidance. High-touchpoints include door handles, faucets, handrails, and other commonly touched surfaces in high-traffic areas. A detailed overview and FAQs are posted on the FOD COVID-19 cleaning page. Our own safety experts are reviewing the guidelines as well, and they will release more Extension and CFAES-specific information if necessary.

You are welcome to sanitize more often or agree as an office how to approach sanitizing areas like the printers, the kitchen, and other high-touch areas in your particular space.

Office Work Schedules and Expectations

Reminder: No matter what arrangements are made for staffing an office, the needs of the community must be met; and there should be ongoing and effective communication within the office.

Q: Can you provide any clarification on flexible work arrangements and when it would be appropriate to telework, or when something is professional scheduling especially for educators?
A: There is a distinction between flexible work arrangements (FWA), formal accommodations, and professional scheduling. A brief summary is listed below, but more complete information and link to university resources is posted in the May 7 issue of News and Notes. The original message was posted in the April 22 issue of News and Notes.

- Professional scheduling means making adjustments made as needed during a given week. An employee must update his or her supervisor as needed; and any schedule adjustments should be proactively shared with the entire office. Example: There are “peak seasons” for educators when an educator has more evening meetings or extra work time on the weekend. The educator may adjust weekly hours in the office to account for some personal tasks that normally would be handled outside of “normal” office hours but those hours were dedicated to work-related activities (e.g., meetings, trainings, grant writing).

- Flexible work arrangements are more predictable and longer-term situations (e.g., working from home once a week as part of a telework arrangement, or compressed work week). These will be handled in three-month time periods; they must be a formalized work arrangement made with the employee’s supervisor, discussed with office mates, and signed off on by the Director of Operations.

- Formal accommodations are time-limited schedule adjustments for reasons such as certain health conditions, caring for family members, and child-care responsibilities; and they are approved by Human Resources. Formal accommodations require written documentation from one’s health care provider. For more specific human resources and FAQs, visit safeandhealthy.osu.edu/accommodations.

- For additional information, decision-making tools, and links to flexible work policies, visit hr.osu.edu/policies/flexible-work/.

Q: How do we handle staffing of the local office during all hours of the week?
A: First, your county office is only expected to be open the days/hours that you were pre-COVID. So, if you were open for limited days/hours each week before the pandemic, the same is true now. However, your entire office staff needs to discuss together how to cover the office during the hours you are open.

The primary responsibility for ensuring that the office is open belongs to the support staff members. However, when support staff are off work because of work arrangements, scheduled time off, personal needs, the other office colleagues will need to provide that coverage. You also need to be clear about how coverage will be handled in each office before it is needed.

Q: How do we work SNAP-Ed or EFNEP staff into the office plan-of-work right now?
A: Although community nutrition professionals did help with a few more general office things during telework, they have historically not been allowed by the grant to do much general office work and we expect that will return more to the pre-pandemic level over the next few months.

Q: How do we handle office coverage during lunch?
A: Everyone is expected to take a lunch break, and offices are allowed to be closed for a lunch hour. Note that Human Resources does expect all employees to take a lunch break, because it is provided for a reason. Those in the front office in particular are not required to cover the front door during a lunch break. Staggering lunch hours among staff is allowed. You are also allowed to put a closed sign on the office door, as long as there is a drop box or other method for people to leave items for office staff, if necessary.

Q: Are main campus and regional campus offices operating on a different return-to-office timeline?
A: Yes, main campus and the regional campuses are working toward having everybody back in place when the students come back in the fall, so most offices in those locations are seeing people return for a few days here and there, but they are not expected to be back in the office full-time until about mid-August. Again, this follows university guidelines, so those dates may change as campus expectations for fall are adjusted and shared over the next few weeks.

Q: How do we handle computer, other equipment that was loaned or assigned to us during telework?
A: OCIO will be working with everyone to determine strategies for returning any extra equipment if you're returning to the office and your approved plan does not include working from home on a regular basis. If you have a second computer or laptop computer, for instance, and you had a desktop at the office and you just want to work with your desktop when you get back, then you would return the extra equipment. If you want to switch out to a laptop because you found that useful, this will entail a discussion with your supervisor and OCIO, especially to determine potential additional costs for your office. The college has been covering extra equipment costs during COVID-19 full telework requirements, but after the next 30 to 60 days, extra equipment would then become a local unit cost.
State Update
As of currently released data (Dec. 3 at 2 pm), we have 8 counties listed as PURPLE, 3 counties approaching PURPLE, and ALL counties identified as high case incidence status.

PURPLE: Lake, Lorain, Medina, Montgomery, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit

APPROACHING PURPLE: Cuyahoga, Fairfield, Madison

RED: 72 counties in RED, compared to only 9 a few months ago

ORANGE: 8

YELLOW: 0

There is a current urgent need to make adjustments to keep everyone safe and to help do our part to not contribute to the spread. As such, we will be, once again, reducing our in-person programming footprint, similar (but not exactly) to what was in place in the spring.

We are not making decisions in a vacuum; rather, we are paying attention to available data and changing situations (see the Governor’s news release).

Rationale and Assumptions:
- The number of cases, hospitalizations and death in Ohio are on the rise and are NOT likely to reverse in the next 3-4 weeks
- The increased gatherings over Thanksgiving and anticipated gatherings likely to occur between now and the new year will only contribute to this pattern of increase
- Experts are indicating that hospital capacity in Ohio is already stressed by new COVID cases and will soon have limited availability for non-COVID patients—this demand does not reflect the anticipated increases from recent Thanksgiving gatherings
- We must do our part in helping flatten the curve and help keep hospitals and the health care workforce from being overwhelmed
- We, as part of an academic institution, need to follow science and model what the CDC and other health experts stress is important in addressing this virus
Return-to-Office Survey Coming Soon

Within the next week, watch for the delivery of the May 2021 Extension Return to Office survey. This will be a follow-up to last year’s survey, with a few additions as well. Plan for about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the survey. Once the results are in, we will aggregate the data and look at some comparisons from last year’s data. As always, your responses are confidential.
Return-to-Office Planning Highlights
This is a summary of the longer original message in the April 22 issue. As communities, businesses, and other organizations adjust work-in-office expectations during current pandemic conditions, OSU Extension is also transitioning and planning to open our county offices fully to the public on June 1. We have been leaders in creating safe work and learning environments during COVID-19, and we will continue to pay attention to the public health information at the local levels to ensure we remain healthy. This return to offices will continue to be an evolution; and we understand there are many complexities to getting everyone back to offices for the majority of their work time (e.g., childcare, school openings, health considerations). However, it is important for us to move in this direction to continue to optimally meet the needs of our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Starting Tuesday, June 1, and continuing forward, the people density in Extension offices can be up to 100%, PROVIDED that physical distancing requirements are maintained and all other university and CFAES guidelines for safe and healthy Buckeyes are followed. Note: If your office is ready to increase capacity now, you are not required to wait until June 1; however, you MUST have an approved plan in place before doing so.

Expectations:
- Effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021, ALL offices are open and accessible to the public equivalent to pre-pandemic hours (five days per week in most offices unless authorized by the director of Operations to be open less due to funding, staffing capacity, etc.).
- No one is 100% telework, effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
- If room allows, up to 100% capacity is appropriate (30-foot square distance between staff).
- Plans should reflect local need (inclusive of personnel, clientele, community, etc.).
- Each position has a specific set of duties and responsibilities which need to be taken into consideration when developing the office plans for each unit.
- Support staff should maintain a physical presence within offices during regular (locally established) business hours, because they serve as the first line of engagement for clientele/visitors/stakeholders and play a critical role in supporting the work of the office.
- Program personnel (e.g., program assistants, educators, specialists) are directly responsible for a broad range of programmatic and research activities and may need to have a greater degree of flexibility for physical time in the office and out in the community at program sites, community partner meetings, and area and state team engagements.
- Program personnel and employees serving in administrative leadership roles carry out their work in multiple locations and across varying hours in any given week (i.e., over the course of a year, they are engaged an average of 40 hours per week).
- Office teams will cooperate to ensure the office is covered, when program requirements allow. Office coverage should include at least two people. Proactive scheduling and communication is key!
- Regardless of position and duties, the availability of every employee within workday hours should be known and can be communicated to clientele.
   Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs): Existing Telework Agreements will be replaced with FWAs approved by supervisors, effective June 1. Requests for telework, compressed work weeks, or other flexible work arrangements MUST be reflected in a formal Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). More information is spelled out in the April 22 message, as well as Ohio State’s guidelines at hr.osu.edu/policies/flexible-work.

   Formal Accommodations: These should be requested asap via the HR process. Qualifying reasons for requesting a modification include certain health conditions, caring for family members, and child-care responsibilities. For more specific human resources and FAQs, visit safeandhealthy.osu.edu/accommodations. If you know you will need an accommodation, begin the process now so the accommodation can be worked into the office staffing plan.

   Flexible Office Arrangements: The primary responsibility for ensuring the office is open belongs to the office associate. However, when the office associate is off or not scheduled at the time of opening or closing or has a scheduled Zoom meeting or training, other office colleagues will provide that coverage and it will be made clear who is handling coverage for any specific time frame. There is an expectation that everyone takes lunch and is not required to cover the front door during the lunch break. Offices can be closed for the lunch period, but drop boxes must be available.

   Professional Scheduling: Flexible work arrangement requests are not the same as an occasional need for flexibility. Flexible work arrangements last longer than two months. Professional scheduling is based on trust, and communication with colleagues is paramount. Supervisors and offices should be aware of professional scheduling plans. Be proactive and highly communicative with your colleagues and local team members.

   Ongoing Evaluation of Local Office Plans: All offices should be reviewing their office plans on a regular basis and making adjustments as needed and warranted, in conjunction with their area leaders. This will ensure that our offices are staffed appropriately, life/work balance is addressed, and the needs of our clientele and our people are optimally met. If you have any questions or need more specific information about how to approach planning for the return to offices, reach out to your area leader or to Jeff McCutcheon (mccutcheon.30@osu.edu).
In-person Programming Update

As first announced on April 22, we have been granted the ability to cease the in-person exemption process and, effective immediately, NO NEW in-person programming exemptions will need to be submitted for review – if there will be FEWER than 300 attendees. For this waiver of the in-person exemption process to remain in place, we MUST continue to ensure that all health and safety measures are followed, including physical distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing. We will still be required to take names for potential contact tracing, and only boxed meals are allowed. In-person programs with more than 300 attendees will still need an exemption. For the full in-person guidelines, see the OSU Extension Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings and Events.

4-H-specific updates: As shared with all 4-H professionals by Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader, on April 28 – The updated OSU Extension guidance does apply to 4-H programming. This includes club meetings and other typical 4-H events (e.g., fundraisers, community service, other community engagement activities, etc.). Also, 4-H clubs can now meet as a larger group, as long as they adhere to COVID precautions – physical distancing, properly worn face masks, frequent hand hygiene, self-monitoring for symptoms. Buffets or potlucks are still not permitted; and local health department determinations must be followed (e.g., smaller group sizes, etc.).

If you are offering day camps only, you do NOT need to submit a facility plan. You do, however, need to continue to follow the camp guidance we’ve shared. Overnight camping facilities will still need to submit their plans, since it involves sleeping. 4-H fundraisers and community service projects may now take place. These 4-H events must also follow physical distancing, masking, and sanitizing guidance. Food booths are permitted with local health department approval. For other fundraisers involving food, food must be pre-packaged and having dine-in/sit-down dining is still not permitted.
Return-to-Office Planning
I understand that this is a long message, but it contains critical information for updated in-person programming and return to offices guidance and expectations. Please read all of it carefully for clarity and consistent understanding of our next steps.

More than a year ago, we took the important step to close offices and go to 100% telework due to the COVID-19 crisis. We have been and continue to be very intentional about our efforts to achieve a balance between our commitment to the safety and well-being of our Extension staff and our responsibilities and commitment to our communities. We have made adjustments throughout the last year, and expanded and contracted services and programming as necessary and appropriate. We have been leaders in creating safe work and learning environments during COVID-19, and we will continue to pay attention to the public health information at the local levels to ensure we remain healthy.

Now we feel it is time to begin the next level of opening our offices up to the public. We fully understand that the return to offices will, over the next few weeks and months, continue to be an evolution. There are many complexities to getting everyone back to offices for the majority of their work time (e.g., child care, school openings, health considerations); but it is important for us to move in this direction to continue to optimally meet the needs of our stakeholders and the communities we serve. We have learned a lot about how we can build flexibility into our work and how we can use technology to expand our reach and partner more effectively across geographic boundaries. We have succeeded in setting up protocols and strategies for serving our clients while keeping one another safe. Our goal is to maintain many of the benefits of our lessons learned while celebrating our ability to return to our statewide offices. What follows is our guidance for planning and implementing our return-to-office transition between now and Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Key assumptions:
- Every position within Extension is valued plays a key role in our mission.
- Office plans need to balance individual, team, organizational, and community needs.
- Each office plan will look different, due to staffing and funding.
- County plans need to be developed as a unit and may change, because the COVID-19 situation remains fluid.
Return to Offices (begin to plan now)
Starting Tuesday, June 1, and continuing forward, people density in Extension offices can be up to 100%, PROVIDED that physical distancing requirements are maintained and all other university and CFAES guidelines for safe and healthy Buckeyes are followed. Note: If your office is ready to increase capacity now, you are not required to wait until June 1; however, you still MUST have an approved plan in place before doing so.

Expectations:
- Effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021, ALL offices are open and accessible to the public equivalent to pre-pandemic hours (five days per week in most offices unless authorized by the director of Operations to be open less due to funding, staffing capacity, etc.).
- No one is 100% telework, effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
- If room allows, up to 100% capacity is appropriate (30-foot square distance between staff).
- Plans should reflect local need (inclusive of personnel, clientele, community, etc.).
- Each position has a specific set of duties and responsibilities which need to be taken into consideration when developing the office plans for each unit.
- Support staff should maintain a physical presence within offices during regular (locally established) business hours, because they serve as the first line of engagement for clientele/visitors/stakeholders and play a critical role in supporting the work of the office.
- Program personnel (e.g., program assistants, educators, specialists) are directly responsible for a broad range of programmatic and research activities and may need to have a greater degree of flexibility for physical time in the office and out in the community at program sites, community partner meetings, and area and state team engagements.
- Program personnel and employees serving in administrative leadership roles carry out their work in multiple locations and across varying hours in any given week (i.e., over the course of a year, they are engaged an average of 40 hours per week).
- Office teams will cooperate to ensure the office is covered, when program requirements allow. Office coverage should include at least two people. Proactive scheduling and communication is key!
- Regardless of position and duties, the availability of every employee within workday hours should be known and can be communicated to clientele.
Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs)
Existing Telework Agreements will be replaced with FWAs approved by supervisors, effective June 1, 2021. Requests for telework, compressed work weeks, or other flexible work arrangements MUST be reflected in a formal Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA).

According to guidance from OHR:
"Ohio State supports flexible work arrangements to achieve a reliable and productive work environment that enables staff to balance work and personal needs. The university recognizes the growing demands on staff and the increasing challenge of finding innovative ways to provide service and meet university goals.
“…Workplace flexibility provides a way to successfully manage people, time, space and workload. However, while all staff members are eligible to request flexible work arrangements, not all positions may lend themselves to flexible work."

Some key aspects of the FWA policy include, but are not limited to:
- All staff members are eligible to request flexible work arrangements, however, not all positions lend themselves to flexible work.
- The request for a flexible work arrangement must meet the needs, requirements, and constraints of both the unit and the staff member.
- Units should be consistent in the decision-making process regarding flexible work arrangement requests.
- A staff member must request a flexible work arrangement from his or her supervisor.
- The staff member and supervisor must discuss the flexible work arrangement request.
- Flexible work arrangements must be documented when they are established, using the Flexible Work Arrangement Proposal at: hr.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/form-flex-work-proposal.pdf or other appropriate document (e.g., email communication).
- Flexible work arrangements are not guaranteed; they can change or be discontinued.
Supervisors will follow Ohio State’s Flexible Work Policy 6.12 when engaging with employees in flexible work arrangement conversations. Visit hr.osu.edu/policies/flexible-work to see the full policy and process and visit hr.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/form-flex-work-proposal.pdf to see the flexible work employee guidelines worksheet.

NOTE:
Individual flexibility must be considered within the context of the role for which one was hired, what’s allowable within the policy, and the context of the unit in which one works. There must be a balance between individual, team, community, and organizational needs and expectations. Flexible work schedules are not simply based on a preference for work hours or telework location.

Compressed work weeks and staggered start/stop times will be considered in the context of the unit, reflected in the office plan, and included in a formal FWA. For example, if an individual is requesting a compres

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