Extension Updates

To assure that all of you are kept up to date on a regular basis, the three regional directors and the state Extension Administration Office provides bi-weekly Extension Updates. This forum is for all Extension announcements, so if you have something to distribute, please forward it to Lori Bates with FOR EXTENSION UPDATE noted.

January 3, 2014

On Behalf of Bill Nobles:


Reporting

Welcome to a new year! I first want to thank all those agents who got their program reporting in by the end of the year. It was particularly nice to see all of the narratives and stories that where added. The new-year will bring simplification of program reporting and I would hope all of you develop at least one plan to invest that interests you and your constituents. The calendar for 2014 Planning and Reporting is located at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/staffres/program/calendar.pdf

January 31 – All PRU Plans of Work (POW) submitted to PLT through Jan Carroll. POW can be submitted as soon as it is ready for review/posting into CPRS.

February 15 – All PRU Plans of Work (POW) entered into CPRS. You will be notified if your POW is ready earlier.

March 1 – Individual Plans to Invest (PTI) entered into CPRS. Once your PRU POW is entered, you can proceed with your own PTI.

March 15 - PTI’s approved by supervisors. As soon as your PTI is approved, you can begin to report.

April 10 - All reporting data to date (January, February, March) entered into CPRS.

Monthly Reporting Ongoing (due date is by the 10th of each month)

September thru December - PRU POWs revised/updated by PRU leaders and members for upcoming program/calendar year.

December 31 – All reporting data for the program/calendar year entered into CPRS (10 pm Mountain Time). All revised/updated POWs for the upcoming program/calendar year submitted to Jan Carroll.

2013 Reporting and Performance Appraisal – Peaks and Plains Region

It is that time of year for county directors to focus on performance appraisals. We want all county and area directors to be on the same page as the regional directors. For 2013, it was expected that reports in CPRS reflect a year’s worth of work and the expectation was to report monthly which included data, demographics and narratives for 2013. Therefore, it’s time to start thinking about working on your performance appraisal document. The Performance Appraisal System (PAS) link is as follows: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pas/index.html, so take a little time and review this document. I will arrange times for your respective performance reviews starting mid-February, through early April, to suit our mutual schedules. Consistency and understanding of this document is important by county and area directors. I will need all information to me 2 weeks prior to your interview. This includes the following information:

  • A copy of the core areas of performance document with yourself assessment completed. Remember to review progress toward your 2013 goals and formulate goals for 2014 which is within the document.
  • A list of presentations, publications authored and reviewed – your professional development plan may include this.
  • A copy of the PS-1 with your self-appraisal indicated.
  • Copies of your plans to invest and program reports for the 2013 program year.

If desired, a one-page narrative indicating challenges, successes and disappointments not mentioned elsewhere in your documentation can be added. Also, take a look at your position description – these are posted in the CSU Extension directory. Is it reflective of your position or is it in need of an update?

Fiscal Office Update

Don’t forget to complete these forms and return one signed copy to your regional director no later than January 31, 2014. Only send one copy to your regional director.

  • 2012-2013 Non-Appropriated Funds Annual Report
  • 2012-2013 County Annual Financial Report
  • 2012-2013 County Rental Value Report
  • 2014 County’s Certified Budgets

And for those of you who have a non-appropriated account we will also need a copy of the year end bank statement. The bank statement should match the total on the Non-Appropriated Funds Annual Report. If it does not please send an explanation as to why they do not match. Copies will be forwarded to the Fiscal Office from the regional offices.

Diversity Training

Face to face diversity training was held December 11-12 at the Morgan County Extension Office. This was a great opportunity for the Diversity Catalyst Team, but more than that it was an opportunity for everyone to experience and learn about engaging in diversity. Many thanks to all those who had a hand in making this training a success.

Peaks and Plains Region New Agents and Relocations

Congratulations! Two new agents started recently Tom Laca, Small Acre/Range/Natural Resource Management Agent, in Pueblo County and Chris Shelley, Livestock Agent, in Yuma County.

Congratulations! Bruce Fickenscher, Area Extension Agent, Range & Livestock Agent, has moved to Otero/Crowley Counties filled the Range & Livestock position and Barry Acton, Southeast Area Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development has moved to Otero/Crowley Counties filling the 4-H youth position.

Congratulations to Jamie Jo Axtell in Washington County whose position will increase to 0.75 FTE as of January 1.

Positions under review:

  • Regional Specialist (Agriculture and Business Management) position, Peaks & Plains Region: Washington County in Akron or Logan County in Sterling office location.
  • Baca County, Southeast Area Extension Agent - 4-H Youth Development/Agriculture Position located in Springfield.
  • Kiowa County, Southeast Area Extension Agent – Agriculture position located in Eads.
  • Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development & FCS position in Chaffee County in Salida. Interview dates are January 9 and 10.

County/Area Directors Meeting

Information about the details of the upcoming County/Area Directors meeting is online and scheduled for February 4-5 in Golden at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Update from Joan Jordan, Peaks and Plains Region Administrative Assistant

This is to let you know that I will be out of the office for a while and Bill will be manning the office himself. As you all know, there are times that he is not be in the office because of travel. Therefore, he will take care of signing documents and forwarding on to campus when he is in the office. I know that some of you request copies of certain documents be returned to you. If you will make a note on those, I will be sure to send those copies as soon as I return.

Beginning Tuesday, January 7, I will be out of the office for 3-4 weeks full time and then back part time for a couple of more weeks and then back on a normal schedule. The reason is that I am getting a new hip. Yeah!!!

Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything in particular that you need from me before I leave. I will be here through January 6.

Updated