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.

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.

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.

Programming Guidance

The following guidance will be implemented, effective Dec. 7, 2020 and will run through Jan. 15.

Staying the Course

We came together as a team in March and made proactive, solid, and sometimes unpopular decisions to ensure that we did what was necessary.

Giving Back: Year-End Promo to Encourage Contributions to Extension

Per the CFAES Advancement team, please consider utilizing the following year-end giving language in your county newsletters, on your social media channels, and any other communications you think will influence your constituents to give.   

Central State University Extension Update

Several Central State University Extension program staff members have recently connected with our FCS and our ANR professionals for introductions; and we are planning that their 4-H professionals will join the Dec. 18 Koffee with Kirk.

Important Workday Dates and Deadlines

Please be aware of the following important dates and deadlines relating to Workday.

Multiple Revised HR Policies to go into Effect in December and January

Multiple Human Resources policies have been revised and will go into effect late December 2020 and early January 2021. The policies have been revised to improve employee experience, better align business practices and support Enterprise Project activities.

PHA Deadline Changed to Dec. 14

To reduce your cost for health care and receive the full premium credit for 2021, complete a Personal Health and Well-Being Assessment (PHA) by Dec. 14 at 11:59pm.

Promotion and Tenure

Congratulations to the following individuals for the recognition of their work through promotion and tenure.

Work with Diverse Audiences

Whitney Gherman, FCS educator based in Marion County, has recently been recognized for her work with and on behalf of diverse audiences.  

New Chair of CFAES Staff Advisory Council

I am excited to announce that Misty Harmon will be the new Chair of the CFAES Staff Advisory Council beginning Dec. 10, 2020. Congratulations Misty!  

Mentor. Impact. Network. Excel. Program – Mentor Training in May 2021

As announced in an all-Extension email last week, thanks to everyone who provided feedback for the MINE Program survey last fall. 

Connecting at Annual Conference

I am excited to see everyone at the Extension Annual Conference next week! We were nearing 600 attendees as registration closed late yesterday.

Campus Wellness Resources

Part three of the Stay Calm and Well webinar series hosted by the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer has kicked off this week. Several of our family and consumer sciences educators are teaching sessions about how to be well and beat the winter blues this year.