CD Weekly Wire - November 4, 2013

AD Update:

Care and Nurturing of a High-Performing Team

It’s been nearly three weeks since we met in Cleveland for our Fall CD Retreat and I am still reflecting on the experience. A quick review of the post-program evaluation data reinforces my personal assessment of the event and many of the informal comments that I’d heard too. In short, the web-based questionnaire respondents indicated that the Retreat was a very worthwhile investment of time. They gained a much greater appreciation for how Extension can contribute in an urban environment, became much more aware of the trends, issues and directions of the larger environment within which the CD unit and they operate, and much greater awareness of their colleagues’ strengths. The format was ideal for learning, building team and encouraging partnerships with colleagues. To see specific evaluation details, click here. Thank you again to the planning team (Marie, Erika, Godwin, Brian and Sandy) and all of you for your continued level of engagement and participation.

As a unit, I think we have become much more collaborative with each other and others. We approach our work from a more holistic approach than ever before, capitalizing on opportunities to grow ourselves and add value in a variety of ways. On December 3 in Ag Admin Room 105 from 10:00-12:30, we will build on the retreat discussion (11 pages of your small group brainstorming notes) and earlier conversations to focus more on marketing, collaboration and funding as well as specific strategies we might employ to strengthen the unit so that we can continue to work in the ways described above.

The 10:00 a.m. start time on December 3 enables you to meet earlier in teams, with colleagues in other departments, and/or schedule an ‘optional’ seminar if desired (if you have a specific topic in mind, please share). We will also have time together at the NACDEP sectional breakout scheduled from 3:45-5:00 in the 4-H Center, immediately following the 1:00-3:30 JCEP Awards Luncheon in the 4-H Center.

Finally, I am pleased to inform you that Sandy is enjoying some time away with family during the next couple of weeks. As such, there will not be a Weekly Wire until November 25.

Annual Conference Registration - Early Bird ends November 8

Register now for the OSU Extension Annual Conference, December 4 at the Ohio Union. Early bird registration fee ($65) ends November 8. Regular registration ($75) ends November 21, and late registration ($100) ends November 26. If a 55120 fund is paying for your Annual Conference registration, please remember to forward your confirmation to Sandy for Greg's signature/approval.

Also, if Greg is your approver and you are planning to stay overnight in Columbus for the Annual Conference, remember to get email approval from him for your travel.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Subscribe to New Diversity and Inclusion Activities List Serve:

The CFAES Diversity Catalyst Team has a new list serve that will provide access to information related to diversity and inclusion activities within our college and on campus. This list serve will not be open to non-CFAES faculty, staff or students; therefore, you will need to subscribe.  Messages will be sent only as needed. Click here to subscribe.

Upcoming eXtension Web Sessions:

Visit eXtension Learn (learn.extension.org) to view and register for the many upcoming webinar sessions available throughout the next couple of months. Topics include:
  • Friday Online--Accessibility & Intellectual Property Rights - November 15 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Farm to School + Extension Webinar Series - November 19 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Moodle Meet-Up - November 25 at 2:30 p.m.
  • Wood and Biomass Pellets for Regional and Global Energy - December 10 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Friday Online--Evaluation and Accountability - December 13 at 10:00 a.m.

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SCHOLARLY / CREATIVE / OPPORTUNITIES:

NCRCRD 2013-14 Small Grants - Questions answered November 12:

The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development has announced its 2013-14 small grants competition. Awards of up to $20,000 will be made to teams involving land grant employees drawn from at least two north central states. Additional partners from other regions or types of employers are welcome to join the multistate teams.

Opportunities for interested parties to ask questions via conference call are scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m., and Friday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m. To join either or both conference calls, please RSVP to Rosa Soliz (soliz@msu.edu), and she will provide you with the call-in information.

Awards will be made for work in any of the following areas:

  • Innovation diffusion for rural development
  • Sustainable communities
  • Leadership development
  • Entrepreneurial communities

More complete descriptions of these themes are available at: ncrcrd.msu.edu/ncrcrd/who_we_are. Proposals are due at 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2014. Submission instructions as well as previously funded projects can be found at: ncrcrd.msu.edu/ncrcrd/grants.

Staff Career/Manager Development Grants - Deadline extended to November 12:

The application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, November 12, for the Staff Career Development Grants awarded to offset costs associated with professional development activities. Applications are available at: hr.osu.edu/special/specgrants.aspx. The newly created Staff Manager Development Grant allows managers and supervisors to attend classes, seminars and workshops offered by Ohio State providers.

CFAES Diversity Catalyst Team offering Mini and Professional Development Grants:

  • The CFAES Diversity Catalyst team is offering small grants to be used for diversity and inclusion initiatives. Grants are up to $500 and all faculty, staff and students are eligible to apply. The mini grants funds will support collaborative efforts between teams, individuals or student groups with new projects or ideas that enhance diversity and inclusion. Proposed efforts should be consistent with the missions of Ohio State University and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Apply electronically by November 30 to Kathy Lechman (lechman.1@osu.edu). All funds must be used by June 30, 2014. Click here to view the request for proposals.
  • For the second year, the CFAES Diversity Catalyst Team is pleased to offer professional development grants of up to $500 to all faculty and staff to use for professional development related to gaining skills that will be used to enhance teaching and contribute to an inclusive environment. Click here to download the application. Submit applications to Cynthia Toler (toler.2@osu.edu). A sub-committee of the CFAES Diversity Catalyst Team will determine the award recipients, and preference will be given to first-time applicants.

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REMINDERS / UPDATES / NEWS:

October Issue of Transcend now Available:

How do Ohio State researchers transcend traditional boundaries and take the university to new heights of creativity and innovation? Read the latest issue of Transcend, the Office of Research’s monthly e-newsletter. Find out how NSF and NIH are recovering from the federal shutdown and how their plans will impact proposal submission and review deadlines.

IBM's Smarter Cities Challenge Program:

IBM’s Smarter Cities Challenge is a program that provides cities around the world with grants and expertise to determine how to make their cities smarter and more effective. IBM currently sends their teams to cities for three-week engagements, but they will be opening the program to accept applications from regions, states and other authorities with budget control over urban issues. The program is increasing its focus on new mayors, through the grant program and other initiatives. For more information, visit: smartercitieschallenge.org and watch this three-minute video to hear directly from a few mayors about their experiences with the program.

Articles of Interest:

Ohio Sea Grant eNews October 2013

BioHio Research Park Receives Grant for Master Plan, Selects Consultants for Development (CFAES News)

Ohio State Aquaculture Research Program Looking to Recruit New or Beginning Fish Farmers (CFAES News)

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OSU Extension CD Mission Statement:

Ohio State University Extension Community Development helps communities enhance their well-being.


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