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News and Notes: October 15, 2020

OUR VISION: Ohioans have the knowledge and resources they need to actively engage in creating conditions in which they thrive.

OUR MISSION: We create opportunities for people to explore how science-based knowledge can improve social, economic and environmental conditions.

In This Issue:

Leadership Notes

  1. Thoughts from the Director
  2. Interim Director’s Video Update
  3. Budget Update and Stakeholder Engagement
  4. Extension Refocus Challenge – Oct. 12-31

COVID-19 Updates

  1. Flu Shots are Especially Important this Year
  2. Work-Life Balance: Parenting during COVID-19

College Connections

  1. CFAES Monthly

Campus Connections/Partnerships

  1. LiFEsports Earns Prestigious Kellogg Award

Community Connections

  1. Virtual 4-H Celebration of Youth – Nov. 5
  2. Bucks for Charity – How Do You Show You Care?
  3. Election Day Poll Workers Needed

Central State Connections

  1. Central State University Update

Tech Updates

  1. OneDrive Clarification
  2. Accessibility Update – Automatic Live Transcription in CarmenZoom

Operations/Business of Extension

  1. 2021 Ohio JCEP/ESP and Professional Organizations Membership Registration/Renewal
  2. Important Dates: HR Recruitment/Hiring

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  1. Stand Up, Speak Out! How to Interrupt Bias by Being an Active Bystander
  2. Embodying Anti-Racism Virtual Workshop – Oct. 21 @ 12pm or 6pm

Extension Annual Conference

  1. Annual Conference Update

Health and Wellness

  1. Health Plan Premium Update

  1. 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 

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 

  5. 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.  

  6. Work-Life Balance: Parenting during COVID-19

    With the spread of COVID-19 persisting into the fall, the challenges of working remotely have only become more complex. Many schools across the country have adopted either a partially or fully-online curriculum, adding additional pressure to our employees and colleagues with children at home.   

    As we continue to battle COVID-19 through the end of 2020, how can we best manage boundaries and balance our various work-life commitments? How can you, as a leader, support your team members?   

    This webinar will provide productive, concrete methods for achieving a better work-life balance and a space to exchange perspectives and strategies with a group of peers.  

    Time: Oct. 20, 2020 at 2pm in Eastern Time (US and Canada)  

    Register here.

  7. CFAES Monthly

    The October issue of the college’s CFAES Monthly faculty-staff newsletter looks at Farm Science Review’s online attendance figures, how two CFAES scientists will be helping studying COVID-19 in first responders, the naming of our second CFAES Dean’s Chair, and a blog with ideas for students and parents for hands-on learning about STEM. Check it out here.  
     
    CFAES Monthly is published the first full week of every month. Send story submissions and award notices to cfaesmonthly@osu.edu.

  8. LiFEsports Earns Prestigious Kellogg Award

    The Learning in Fitness and Education through Sports (LiFEsports) initiative has been announced as the regional winner of the 2020 W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Award. The award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities recognizes extraordinary community engagement initiatives. Regional winners compete for the national C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award, which will be announced in November. Read more.

  9. Virtual 4-H Celebration of Youth – Nov. 5

    Join us for an evening of celebrating 4-H youth, including an online auction. Please visit go.osu.edu/COY for event details, sponsorship information, and registration for the event. Funds raised from Celebration of Youth support Ohio 4-H programming and operations. To help us continue to forge new pathways to future success in this unique year, our greatest needs include 4-H camp facilities, innovative program development and delivery, and capacity support to engage youth across Ohio’s 88 counties.  

  10. Bucks for Charity – How Do You Show You Care?

    Through Bucks for Charity you can choose from nearly 1,000 statewide nonprofit organizations that make a difference in areas such as food security, health services, animal welfare, education, advocacy programs or environment. Together As Buckeyes, we unite to care for each other and our communities. Thanks to the generosity of 37 faculty and staff to date we have raised $8,930 and we have until Nov. 6 to raise even more! No matter the amount of your gift, showing up in any way for central Ohio is greatly appreciated. In recognition of our college’s support, we are raffling off a variety of great prizes. Donate now for a chance to win next week! Make a pledge or learn more at bucksforcharity.osu.edu. Thank you for your support of Bucks for Charity!  

    Questions? Contact Rachel Cornell.68@osu.eduor Brandi Gilbert-hammett.1@osu.edu  

  11. Election Day Poll Workers Needed

    To help address the anticipated shortage of poll workers on Election Day due to COVID-19, Ohio State employees who serve as poll workers for the Nov. 3 general election can now take a paid day off without using vacation time. Student employees and graduate associates are encouraged to work with their supervisors to arrange for time off to serve as a poll worker if their department can accommodate the absence. Learn more.

  12. Central State University Update

    Central State has a new President, Dr. Jack Thomas, who is meeting regularly with Dean Kress. I have been meeting regularly with their fairly new Associate Extension Director, Dr. Sid DasGupta. Greg Davis and our Assistant Directors are meeting with Central State University program leaders. Dr. Alton Johnson has left his role as director of land-grant programs and dean, College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture and has returned to a faculty role. Dr. Subramania Sritharan will be the interim director of land-grant programs. They are in the final stages of filling their 5 Extension regional associate positions (similar to our regional director model), and many of their educators who will be teleworking and covering multiple counties. While we knew these hires were planned, we were not made aware of the specifics or the status until they had already been filled. We have just received information this week about the types of specific hires and which professionals will be covering which counties. We will work through our area leaders next week to provide specific information to the counties where CSU will have a professional presence in the hopes of building immediate and lasting relationships that will bring value to all Ohioans.  

    I am pleased that CSU has received additional funding for building capacity and know that we can, as collaborative partners work in tandem to reach more audiences, increase our breadth and depth of expertise, and cooperate to meet the emerging needs of our communities. More Extension capacity in Ohio is of great benefit to Ohioans and to our organization. If you are aware of a new CSU professional, please reach out to them and offer some of your time to discuss what you do and how we might work together. We are working toward some strategic communication and regular opportunities for planning, sharing, and event coordination. Let’s show our CSU Extension colleagues how happy we are to be expanding Extension’s reach through this engaged partnership. We all have a role to play in our joint success!  

  13. OneDrive Clarification

    This message is from Mike Chakerian, CFAES director, Information Technology.

    The Office of the CIO will move all of your files from BuckeyeBox into one folder on OneDrive for Business using a migration tool. You will receive advance notice, communications, and training well in advance of your move, so you will have time to prepare. That timing has not been announced yet.  

    • Files will be copied from Box by OCIO. Once files have been copied, those remaining Box files will become read-only.   

    • Files and folders will be moved ”like-for-like.”.  

    • The structure that a user has in BuckeyeBox will be mirrored in OneDrive.   

  14. Accessibility Update – Automatic Live Transcription in CarmenZoom

    CarmenZoom now offers a tool that generates speech-to-text transcriptions automatically. The meeting host must enable the Live Transcription feature in the account settings to be able to turn the feature on during a meeting. If enabled, participants in the meeting can view subtitles or a full transcript and may be able to save a copy of the transcript at the end of the meeting, if the host allows. For accessibility considerations, review the Live Captioning FAQ provided by Ohio State’s Digital Accessibility Center. Read more here.  

  15. 2021 Ohio JCEP/ESP and Professional Organizations Membership Registration/Renewal

    (per Jesse Buxton, CFAES fiscal officer, Extension Operations)
    Business and Finance requires unit leader approval for all memberships, registrations and professional development engagements while the university is still operating under discretionary spending restrictions. This statement shall serve as a blanket approval by Extension unit leader Jackie Wilkins for the business purpose of joining or renewing membership in Ohio JCEP and associated organizations for the 2021 membership drive for all Extension personnel.   

    Please consult with your local finance team to determine the appropriate source of funding; and be sure to retain your receipt with supervisor approval and remit a copy to your financial reconciler for records retention.   

  16. Important Dates: HR Recruitment/Hiring

    As we continue to prepare for our transition to Workday in January, below are key deadlines as they pertain to recruitment and hiring.  

    • Friday, Nov. 6 at 5pm – CFAES hiring request deadline   

    • All new hires with a start date of Nov. 15, 2020 through Jan. 8, 2021 must be requested by this date to ensure there are no delays.   

    • This will allow our college HR team enough time to process any future dated hires (generate offer letters, initiate background checks, etc.) by the university deadline.  

    • This deadline is applicable to all hires, including semester Lecturers and Graduate Associate appointments.  

    • Monday, Nov. 9 at 5pm – Final deadline to submit requests to college HR team to post positions to the OSU Jobs website (jobsatosu.com)   

    • Nov. 21 is the final posting date to the OSU jobs website   

    • New postings will not be permitted after Nov. 21

    • Recruitment efforts (i.e. screen applications, interviews, etc.) will be permitted throughout November and December as normal.  Note, start dates will be impacted.   

    • Sunday, Nov. 22 – Friday January 8 - Requests to post positions can be submitted during this time.  However, we will be unable to post any new positions until Saturday, January 9th.   

    • Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 – First opportunity to post a position using Workday.  

    • As a reminder, the Hiring Pause remains in effect.  The college committee will continue to review exceptions requests as appropriate.  

    Please contact Brandi Gilbert-Hammett.1@osu.edu or Nicole Wakeley.5@osu.edu with questions. Recruitment and hiring deadlines will be firm to support a successful transition to Workday. Feel free to reach out to your respective HR Consultant for planning assistance or questions.    

  17. Stand Up, Speak Out! How to Interrupt Bias by Being an Active Bystander

    All too often we witness subtle comments or behaviors rooted in bias that intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to others, especially those directed toward people in vulnerable populations. Have you ever been in a situation like that and wanted to say or do something, but didn't know what to do? Anyone can become an active bystander and learn to address explicit and implicit bias. In this 2-hour, interactive webinar, we will explore some of the most common forms of bias and identify tools you can use as an active bystander to interrupt bias in daily life. We will discuss strategies you can deploy to stop the harm and provide educational moments for those enacting implicit bias. These tools will enable you to create more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environments and contribute to the transformation of oppressive social systems. This event is free and open to all OSU students, staff, and faculty. It will not be recorded.  

    Time: Nov. 17 at 2pm  

    Register here.

    If you have any questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations, please contact Alicia Baca (baca.31@osu.edu). Typically, a two weeks' notice will allow us to provide seamless access.  

  18. Embodying Anti-Racism Virtual Workshop – Oct. 21 @ 12pm or 6pm

    In this virtual workshop, participants will learn about somatic abolitionist principles and how white people can show up grounded and effective for racial justice. You will learn how to identify psychological, physiological, and social factors that promote resiliency, as well as gain skills and practices to stay engaged through tense moments. All are welcome to attend! The workshop is free, but registration is required. This event is hosted and facilitated by OSU Extension and fits into a long-term plan of work to develop anti-racism curriculum based on an understanding of trauma and the community resiliency model.  

  19. Annual Conference Update

    Thank you for responding to the call for proposals for annual conference. We received 47 proposals for the various engagement focused sessions (down some this year due to no poster session and being virtual, but strong submissions). The conference team meets soon to review the proposals. Our keynote and capstone speakers are confirmed, and President Johnson and Dean Kress will be joining us for the welcome and kick-off. Please save the dates on your calendar and commit to attending as much as possible (Dec. 7-9, 2020).  

  20. Health Plan Premium Update

    Because of COVID-19, there are changes this year to how you can earn the premium credit part of the health plan. All you need to do to earn the premium credit (saving you money on your insurance premium each pay) is complete your Personal Health and Well-being Assessment (PHA). The PHA only takes a few minutes and can be completed at home. Usually, Ohio State requires a biometric screening; but this year, this requirement has been removed. It is always good to “know your numbers” however; so if you do complete a biometric screening, you will earn 3,000 YP4H (Your Plan for Health) points (enough to get you past the first reward tier) and can earn additional points if your numbers are within a healthy range.