Tuesday Morning Notes
August 9, 2005
Background Checks and Fingerprinting Update: On March 7, 2005, a pre-employment screening policy was implemented at the University of Arizona. The intent of the policy is to ensure that adequate background checks have been conducted on all new hires to substantiate their qualifications for employment. For positions designated as security sensitive positions, criminal background checks will be conducted in addition to the Standard Pre-Employment Screening. At present, the policy regarding background checks and fingerprinting is for employees. Employees include all paid employees, including student and graduate assistants, who perform security sensitive functions.
All newly hired county Extension and EIRP faculty positions as well as current employees moving into new positions will require a background check and fingerprinting. All county staff positions and grant funded positions will require a background check and fingerprinting. Costs for background checks and fingerprinting for county Extension faculty positions will be paid by Cooperative Extension Administration. For all other positions, costs of background checks and fingerprinting are the responsibility of the hiring unit.
At present, volunteers are NOT covered under the pre-employment screening policy. Volunteers who are performing security sensitive functions will not be subject to criminal background checks or fingerprinting until a formal decision is made by the university.
The recent audit of the Maricopa County Extension 4-H Shooting Education Program raised concerns regarding University liability associated with the practice of purchasing firearms facilitated by county extension faculty and program staff to 4-H volunteers, members or parents. This has led to my decision to discontinue the present practice.
As Director of the Arizona Cooperative Extension, the following policy will be established: Purchase of firearms for the 4-H Shooting Education Program may only be conducted by CALS Extension faculty who have a UAPD approved firearm safety program. County Extension offices may not facilitate the purchase of firearms for any other use.
Position Opening: Executive Director, Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation CALS Development and Alumni Affairs. Coordinate development activities and fund-raising efforts in support of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation. Travel will be required throughout Arizona. Bachelor's degree and 2 years fund-raising experience required. For application, full details and qualifications for job #33334, visit www.hr.arizona.edu. Be prepared to attach a resume, letter of interest and include the names, email addresses and phone number of 3 references on your materials. Review will begin 8/22/05 and continue until the position is filled.
The Arizona Community Vitality Initiative Workgroup is making available three $1,000 competitive grants to promote university and community partnerships in community vitality/community development. A university community partnership is required. Matching funds are encouraged but not required. The deadline for submission of electronic applications is September 30, 5:00 p.m.. For more information and detailed instructions for application, please point your browser at http://ag.arizona.edu/pima and click on the downloadable application form and instructions. For more information, please contact Cynthia Flynn, cflynn@ag.arizona.edu.
Two distance classes will be given by ECAT this fall, based on input from a survey on class priorities. One class is on using templates and style sheets on a Dreamweaver site and this is an advanced class, starting Sept 15 and ending Nov 10. Lessons are at a two-week interval. The other class is on using Fireworks to create web graphics, and this class starts Oct 12 and ends Nov 16, and lessons are weekly. Both have exercises associated with each lesson and a class project in order to earn a certificate. There is a $50 registration fee for each class. These classes can be taken by any CALS employee, CALS student, or volunteer working with a College program, but they are not open to the general public. For details about prerequisites and class coverage and links to a registration form, see http://cals.arizona.edu/ecat/classes/
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The Arizona Highlands Garden Conference, 2005 will be held October 3-4 at Trinity Heights Methodist Church in Flagstaff. This is presented by the Arizona Highlands Master Gardeners or Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, and Gila counties. Rooms must be reserved by September 2nd for the Master Gardener Conference rate. For more information visit: www.cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/ahgc/conference2005 or call 928-774-1868 ext. 10.
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