EVENT SPOTLIGHT:
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Animal Sciences for supporting last week's Arizona Cattlemen's Association annual convention. Bob Kattnig organized a morning session that covered a variety of topics. The session was full from 8:oak until noon and he has been invited to do it again next year. In addition, Bob and Lena Sailor put together the proceedings and research reviews that included the entire department. Finally, in the Monday morning session, Mark Arns was asked to present an hour presentation late Tuesday on horse safety. Again, the session was very well attended and appreciated.
COMPUTER SUPPORT:
- As we have all experienced, budget cuts have reduced some of the services we provide our clientele, including our office's computer support to off-campus county units. Our travel budget to send Andy Medina out to counties has been reduced by over 60%. This means a change in how we provide computer support. First, we purchased a remote access system a few months ago that enables Andy and Robert to access individual computer systems and troubleshoot and correct many problems that don't require an on-site visit. This system has already paid for itself. Second, new computers for county locations are being shipped first to our team for set up, and then shipped to the appropriate unit for installation. For the more involved procedures (such as hardware and network/Internet issues), a site visit will still take place and it is important that you prioritize the needs of that visit. These changes have saved travel time and budget. To manage the on-site support requests and our limited travel budget, all site visits must now be requested in writing (hard copy or email) to my office and can be directed to me with a cc to Andy Medina and Steven Crofts.
- The ExACT Help Line has changed. Some of our personnel, including Robert, have been relocated within Forbes which means Andy and Robert are no longer in the same room nor will they share the help line (520-626-8395). However, that number has now become Andy's and he will be the primary contact for computer assistance and support (with Robert as a back up). When Andy is unavailable, you can either leave a message or press zero to be connected to our front desk. If Andy is away for an extended amount of time (such as county travel or vacation), his line will be forwarded to our front desk. Messages for Robert should not be left on this number. If you specifically need Robert, he can be reached at 520-621-3872.
If you have any questions on the above changes, please contact my office.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY:
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 15, 5:00 p.m. For more information and detailed instructions for application, go to http://ag.arizona.edu/pima and click on the downloadable application form and instructions and/or contact Cynthia Flynn .
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Arizona Agricultural Extension Association will have its annual barbecue and auction on Wednesday, August 16 at the Campus Agricultural Center (west side of the farm) starting at 5:30pm. The auction will follow the barbecue at 7:00pm. Festivities and AAEA membership are open to all CALS Extension personnel and the cost of the barbecue (V Bar V steak and all the fixin's) is $15 per person or family. Come for a good time, good food and great people. Please R.S.V.P. Jack Kelly .
SPECIAL NOTE:
There will be no Tuesday Morning Notes next week. See you at the Faculty Conference (8/15-17).