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News and Notes: January 22, 2021

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Greetings and welcome to News and Notes. This newsletter is a summary of leadership insights; key updates for the organization; notices about opportunities within the college, university and larger community; and recognition of your colleagues and others who are contributing to the outreach and engagement mission of OSU Extension. News and Notes will be posted every two to three weeks throughout the year, interspersed with Director's Video Updates (dates to be confirmed soon). As we switch to an online format in 2021, please note that some sections may adjust as News and Notes takes shape in the coming issues. We also plan to post the 2020 past issues as archive files by mid-year. We appreciate your patience as we transition the newsletter to this format.

Leadership Notes

  1. Reflecting and Looking Forward

    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.

  2. 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 are facing as we continue to navigate this pandemic. The most important resource we have is each other.

COVID-19 Updates

  1. Remote Work Options Encouraged Through Spring 2021 Semester (April 30)

    The university will continue to offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work options where appropriate, to faculty, staff and student employees through the end of the spring 2021 semester.

  2. Flexibility of County Plans, In-Person Programming Exemptions

    The university guidance is in alignment with what we had already anticipated: flexible remote work options through the end of spring semester, when it is likely we will be much further along with vaccinations.

Campus Connections/Partnerships

  1. Workday Resources are Available

    More information on the Workday transition, job aids, training, and links to services can be found in the Administrative Resource Center (ARC) and the

  2. Call for Faculty Senator Nominations

    The University Senate has launched its 2021 election process for faculty senators. The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has three vacancies. Nominations will be accepted until February 5.

Budget Updates

  1. Budget Overview

    Federal, state, and local budget news...

Tech Updates

  1. Zoom Cloud Retention Deadline Extension is Approaching

    The university previously announced the Zoom cloud retention rate would change from 270 days to 120 days, and the date of that change was extended to Feb. 5.

  2. Recording Studios and Recording Hardware are Available

    Two recording studios are available for use on the CFAES Wooster and Columbus campuses; and additional recording hardware is available for loan upon request.

Professional Development Opportunities

  1. Ask an Expert to Ask Extension Transition

    Ask an Expert will be changing over to a new platform, Ask Extension, on February 1. All OSU Extension employees with any percentage of an Extension appointment (except those on grants/special circumstances) are expected to be signed in and answer questions in the system.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  1. National Day of Racial Healing, Book Club, Training, and More

    I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the Kellogg Foundation’s National Day of Racial Healing this week.