TUESDAY MORNING NOTES - January 15, 2013

Tue Jan 15 09:13:55 MST 2013

FROM THE DIRECTOR:

In recent months we have conducted an extensive strategic planning process
in CALS.  In relation to the programmatic reviews and strategic planning
that has been taking place, the CALS Executive Council (E.C.) has encouraged
open discussions regarding any possible college reorganization in any manner
that may provide improvements in the efficiencies of managing our resources
and addressing our mission.  

We have tried to communicate the fact that we are open to input and
recommendations regarding every facet of the college.  Accordingly, several
new committees or groups have been organized to help facilitate discussions
among CALS personnel that include:  the Faculty Consultative Group (FCG),
the Deans Research Advisory Council (DRAC), and the CALS Cabinet.  These
groups complement existing groups such as the Heads of Departments, the
County Extension Directors and Center Directors, and the Staff Advisory
Council.

Based on the recent discussions across the college, I think it is important
to review and emphasize a few basic points relative to the college-wide
strategic planning and review efforts that are taking place:

1)    The CALS E.C. has imposed no mandate for reorganization of academic
units in CALS.

2)    We will move CALS to a financially stable condition and operate in a
fiscally responsible manner.

3)    CALS now has the finances to employ only 82% of the Tenure and
Continuing (T/C) track faculty that we could employ in 2008; i.e., we are a
significantly smaller T/C track workforce. We also have a significantly
smaller appropriated budget.  We are still making the effort to deliver the
same number of academic programs as in 2008 and conduct operations on a
diverse array of research and Extension programs in CALS.  Under our current
practices, some of this money will need to go into non-T/C track positions
such as professors of practice, lecturers, associates in Extension, staff,
etc., and not T/C faculty per se. 

4)    The CALS central budget that is used for start-up packages is in
deficit and we cannot end the year with this budget in deficit. 

5)    Any reorganization of academic or operational units (i.e., county
offices, centers, etc.) that are proposed will be considered in an open and
objective manner by the CALS E.C. and must be based on a clear vision-an
excellent example is the new School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical
Sciences.

6)    Any unit-level reorganization that does take place must be done with
the support of the majority of faculty involved.  This is university policy
that we will absolutely adhere to.

The fundamental goals that need to be addressed, within the bounds of the
aforementioned constraints are: 

1)    Identify the areas of expertise that we want to maintain and then
develop by 2021.

2)    Determine "how" we can best manage our resources to address our
missions and deliver on the program areas that we determine are critical.

The E.C. very much appreciates the time, energy, and creative effort that
all CALS personnel have directed to this strategic planning and program
review that is taking place.  The E.C.  respects the input that is being
provided and we will regard it all as we move forward with determining
priorities for utilizing resources to achieve the mission of our college.

FOCUS ON FACULTY:

Last week I reported that Rob Grumbles in Mohave County would be retiring on
March 1.  Seems he just doesn't want to leave us quite yet and that date has
been moved to April 30.  So, we have him with us for another couple of
months. 

We also learned late last week that Carl "Bugman" Olson, Associate Curator,
Insects, will be retiring on February 1 after 37.5+ years with CALS and
Extension.  However, he will be back quarter time to help finish the long
overdue renovation of Entomology's insect museum. We'll miss his wit and
wisdom educating others about the benefits of insects and dispelling fear of
the creepy-crawlies among us.  Carl, enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

Congratulations to Randy Norton, Director, Safford Agricultural Center, who
was recently awarded the 2013 Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year
<http://westernfarmpress.com/cotton/ua-s-randy-norton-awarded-extension-cott
on-specialist-year?NL=WFP-01>  at the 2013 Beltwide Cotton Conference annual
dinner banquet on January 9 in San Antonio.  

IN MEMORIUM:

Arizona lost a good man a few days ago - Mr. Farrel Dennis (Denny) Layton
from Thatcher in Graham County passed away on January 7.  I met Denny when I
first went to Safford 26 years ago and was introduced to him through Ron
Cluff, the County Extension Director at that time.  They were obviously good
friends and I found that Denny was indeed a good farmer, a strong voice and
advocate for the agricultural community, and a very strong participant and
supporter of CALS Cooperative Extension programs.  I had many good
conversations with Denny over the years, many regarding his involvement in
the water issues in Arizona.  There is no doubt he'll be missed by many.
Denny was a very good man and a very good model for us all.  I always looked
forward to seeing Denny whenever I would go to Safford and I will miss him
too.  Please note his service to Cooperative Extension - his obituary
indicates
<http://caldwellfuneralchapel.com/sitemaker/sites/McDoug1/obit.cgi?user=8630
76Layton>  that he was on the Extension Advisory Board for 37 years and
chairman for 30.  Now that's commitment!

2013 WESTERN EXTENSION DIRECTORS' AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:

Applications for the Western Extension Directors' Award of Excellence are
now being accepted for 2013.  The purpose of the Western Extension Directors
Association (WEDA) Awards of Excellence is to recognize Extension outreach
education programming that has achieved outstanding accomplishments, results
and impacts in addressing contemporary issues.  It is anticipated that
recipients of the award will include mature programs with documented
impacts.  Two entries may be submitted from each state or territory and
multistate entries may be submitted by a state in addition to the two state
entries.  This award, which is presented through WEDA with the assistance of
the Western Region Programs Leaders Committee, recognizes outstanding
Extension programs in the Western region.  Winners will be asked to present
at the Joint Summer Meeting this July in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  Application
information is available on our Programs tab website
<http://extension.arizona.edu/state/employee-resources>  and can be sent
electronically to Ed Martin <mailto:edmartin at cals.arizona.edu>  by 5:00pm,
Wednesday, March 6. 

PEER REVIEW OF VIDEOS:

Some faculty have begun asking about having their educational videos
submitted for "publication" - having them peer reviewed and having an AZ
number assigned.  In most cases, the videos have been shot and there is very
little that can be done to alter content if concerns arise.  Although Ed
Martin and Robert Casler are working on a policy, at this point, anyone who
is considering submitting a video for review should first contact Ed
<mailto:edmartin at cals.arizona.edu>  or Robert
<mailto:rcasler at ag.arizona.edu>  first prior to any recording.  

COUNTY OFFICE COMPUTER SUPPORT:

This is an annual reminder for county office locations that support
continues to be available through either our remote access system or from
on-site visits by Andy Medina.  As before, on-site visits can still be
requested through my office but all travel costs must be paid for by the
requesting county.  Andy's time will continue to be covered by this office.
To manage the on-site support requests, email your request to me
<mailto:silver at ag.arizona.edu>  with a cc to Andy Medina and Steven Crofts.

Also, don't forget that when county offices order new computers (desktop or
laptop), please work with and send questions to Andy
<mailto:gamedina at cals.arizona.edu>  (520.626.8395).  This way, we can be
sure you are getting the right technology for your location and that we are
able to support it (whether by remote access or in person).  

POSTAL RATE INCREASES:

For those who have not yet heard, as of January 27, First-Class Mail will
increase as follows:

*	U.S. destination letters - from 45 to 46 cents (for the first ounce
with additional ounces remaining unchanged at 20 cents)
*	International destination letters - from $1.05 (for the first ounce)
to $1.10
*	Postcards - from 32 to 33 cents 

The one-rate for international letters will be a special issue stamp, the
Global Forever Stamp, which will allow customers to mail letters anywhere in
the world for one set price.  

NEW PUBLICATION:                   

An Overview of Risk Management Agency Insurance Products and Farm Service
Agency Programs Available for Arizona Agricultural Producers as of December
<http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/farm/az1587.pdf>  by Trent Teegerstrom,
Russell Tronstad and Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto

Jeffrey C. Silvertooth
Associate Dean

Director for Economic Development & Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
PO Box 210036
Tucson, AZ  85721-0036
520.621.7205
520.621.1314 (fax)

To submit tips, suggestions, ideas for changes and anything that could help
us be more effective, use  the "Director
<http://extension.arizona.edu/state/directors-suggestion-box> 's Suggestion
Box" - all submissions are anonymous.  

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