Tuesday Morning Notes

December 7, 2004



I had the opportunity to participate in a national diversity workshop last week where 12 states came together to discuss work force environment, systematic change and tools for growth. Arizona is the lead state in the national effort (started with the leadership of Shirley O'Brian and her team) with USDA grant funding. This workshop training and tools will be utilized to increase attention and action for building a quality and diverse work environment.

This Friday, December 10 at 11:00am, the Dean and I will be hosting a one-hour conference call called "Working With Your Elected Officials."  All interested faculty and staff are invited to attend.  The agenda will cover: 1) Quality Guidance Committee concerns (Rick Gibson), 2) Dean Sander's thoughts, and 3) What can be done now? (Jim Christenson) - telephone trees, targeted communication, lobby issues, advocacy ideas.  To connect to the call, do the following:  1) dial 1-800-347-8268, 2) press 1 to join a conference, 3) enter meeting ID # - 7621#, 4) enter meeting password - 7205#.

A series of Range Livestock Nutrition Workshops are being held across the state. I attended the one in Tucson with about 25 clientele present. About 15 faculty and outside speakers are involved in the multi-sites. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into such programs.

The revised 1) Annual Performance Report Evaluation Criteria; 2) Expanded Guidelines & Criteria for Evaluation, Promotion & Continuing Status, Cooperative Extension Agents; and 3) Combined  Expanded Guidelines/APR Criteria are now up on the professional development site http://ag.arizona.edu/extension/profdev/promotion.htm .  Added to items 2 and 3 is the additional statement required by the Provost's Office (see NOTE near top of page).

UPCOMING DATES:

December 11 - Forest Health and Restoration Conference, Saturday, 8:30 - 4:00, Pinetop.  The Apache-Sitgreaves County Partnership Restoration Program (CPR) will present a Conference on Forest Restoration at the Blue Ridge Junior High School.  Local county governments, in partnership with the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, the Natural Resources Working Group, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and other partners and stakeholders will host the event. Registration is $15.00 and includes lunch. Please contact Char Keams (928-524-6271,  ckeams@ag.arizona.edu) for conference and registration information.

January 25-27 - 17th Annual Southwest Indian Agricultural Association (SWIAA) Annual Conference, Laughlin, Nevada. A diverse program is planned that includes topics and speakers from the national, regional, and local levels.  For registration see
http://cals.arizona.edu/nativeamericanprograms/swiaa.pdf .

February 7-9 - Workshop on Climate Variability & Ecosystem Impacts in Southwestern Forests/Woodlands, Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa (928-284-4040). When calling to reserve a room, be sure to mention "NAU/UA Forest Health." Registration deadline is January 10.  For more information, click on http://cals.arizona.edu/gila/naturalresources/index.html .






James A. Christenson, Ph.D.
(jimc@cals.arizona.edu)
Associate Dean and Director
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Forbes, Room 301
Tucson, Arizona 85721
520/621-7205
520/621-1314 FAX