We are now on day 40 of the COVID-19 Modified Operating Procedure for Extension. I never thought we would be on a modified schedule for this long. As Governor McMaster works on a plan to open our state back up, your Extension Leadership Team has also been working on a reopening plan for offices. This has been a very thoughtful and deliberate process that is being developed through the Extension Administration Office with the leadership of the Extension District Directors and Program Team Directors. We have been working on this plan for two weeks with guidance from SCDHEC and Clemson University’s Emergency Operations Committee. Our plan is very detailed and comprehensive, but the current key takeaways include;
• No date has been set for reopening Extension offices to the public. This is a fluid situation.
• We will not reopen offices until we have a smart and deliberate opening process in place, as the safety of our employees is our top priority.
• We will not reopen offices until it is allowed by government officials and approved by Clemson University.
• The office reopening plan is not going to be a ‘one-size fits all’ approach. The stages of reopening procedures will take into consideration issues such as the status of geographic areas with regard to COVID-19, particular personnel needs, and county office configurations and infrastructure issues.
• As Extension employees, all of us must be mindful of our activities during regular business hours and how they may be perceived by the general public even though we are working remotely and most likely on flex schedules.
We have many channels for receiving and sharing information. Michael Wright, Director of Governmental Affairs for Clemson University, is keeping our leadership team updated on Governor McMaster’s announcements relating to the reopening of the state. The Extension District Directors are working with the County Coordinators to keep their local County Administrator in the loop. Again, because this situation is so fluid, information that may affect our reopening plan can change hourly, and we need to have clear lines of communication.
Through all of this, you have kept Extension alive and growing. I continue to be amazed by everyone’s creativity and motivation during this pandemic. Every week there are new highlights. We have been able to enhance important internal resources such as Extension’s For Employees website, which has been redesigned and updated. We are increasing recognition for Extension’s ongoing efforts through a new Facebook campaign featuring videos of our agents explaining how Extension is still serving South Carolina during the quarantine period. We are expanding the online dissemination of research-based information as more program team members have been writing publications for Land-Grant Press, some of which are related to COVID-19 issues. A new webinar, How to Submit to Land-Grant Press, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, and will provide guidance on the publishing process for authors of all writing levels.
As you know, the economies of the state and nation are getting hammered. We will have to tighten our belts and find innovative ways to increase revenue. Our primary concern is that we keep everyone fully employed. Thank you again for all you are doing, and please take good care of yourselves and your families.
