Thoughts from the Director

July is bringing with it a variety of good news for OSU Extension. Among other things, we have received positive news related to funding support from our state legislature.

OSU Extension Keys Update

Thank you to the approximately 600 participants in the keys workshops.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Vaccination Self-Reporting Request

We need your help in planning public health measures for the fall.

Tour Tuesdays with Knowledge Exchange

The CFAES Knowledge Exchange has developed a limited series of virtual research experience tours for Extension professionals starting in late July.

2021 Outreach and Engagement Grant Recipients Announced

The Office of Outreach and Engagement has awarded more than $215,000 to 23 recipients of 2021 Outreach and Engagement grants.

Mini Land-Grant Virtual Conference (North Central Region) – August 2-3 

Join your colleagues in the North Central region for a live, interactive experience on August 2-3 that will focus on the land-grant university of the future.

South Centers Video Updates

Each quarter throughout the past two years, OSU Extension Director Jackie Kirby Wilkins has connected with Tom Worley, director at OSU South Centers in Piketon, to discuss current Extension activities and provide program updates in a recorded video conversation.

Ohio State Staff Career Development Grant Applications accepted July 1-31

Staff career development grants are awarded for professional development costs related to the applicant’s job and/or career goals.

Ohio JCEP First-Timers Award Application Deadline Extended to Aug. 1 

The Scholarships, Grants, and Recognition Committee for the Ohio Joint Council of Extension Professionals recognizes the uncertainty of 2021.

Ohio JCEP Professional Development Award Applications due Sept. 1 

Reminder that the next round of Ohio JCEP professional development awards are due Sept. 1.

State Budget Update – CFAES and OSU Extension Highlights

Information regarding the OSU Extension and CFAES state budget from Adam Ward, director, CFAES Government Affairs.

County Cost Share for Educators

For calendar year 2022, the county cost share for the first educator in a county will now be $31,750 per FTE.

Blanket Exemptions Provided for National Professional Association Conference Attendance – Remainder of 2021

Effective July 1, 2021, the university will allow business-related travel in line with updated health and safety requirements and our continued focus on fiscal responsibility.

Overnight Travel Request Job Aid Now Available

A job aid to assist with processing overnight travel requests is now available online, as well as multiple other job aids, via the Extension Operations team. 

Rental Car Reminder

Please note that rental cars should be considered for out-of-state travel.

CART System is Now Open and Available for Use

The new OSU Extension Choose And RequesT (CART) electronic system is now officially open and available for you to use.

Ohio ESP Announces 2021 ESP Regional Award Winners

(as announced by Steve Brady, president of Ohio’s Epsilon Sigma Phi chapter)

Extension Educators Become HUD-certified Housing Specialists

For the past year+, more 19 OSU Extension educators in (FCS and CD, along with Caezilia Loibl, state specialist on housing and consumer finance, have been studying and preparing to sit for the HUD housing exam to become HUD-certified housing specialists.

OSU Extension Educator Work Was Featured at NACAA 2021 Virtual AM/PIC

Nearly 15% of the 142 presentations at NACAA AM/PIC this month featured the work of our OSU Extension educators.

OSU Extension Educators Recognized at 2021 NACAA Annual Conference

Several OSU Extension educators were recognized nationally for their service and achievements during the recent NACAA conference.

Ohio was Well-Represented in the 2021 NACAA Communication Awards

Ohio had submissions in 11 of the 13 NACAA communication award categories, and 54 entries in the contest.

2021 CFAES Faculty Promotions and Tenure

Congratulations to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences faculty who were granted promotion and/or tenure.

Demetria Woods Celebrated by The Women’s Place in June

The Women’s Place celebrated Black women faculty and professional staff in its member spotlight in June.

Steps to Better Sleep Challenge via Your Plan for Health

Physical activity has been proven to help you fall asleep more quickly and spend less time lying in bed awake, thus improving the quality of your sleep.

OSU Extension Sleep Challenge

OSU Extension has its own related challenge.