Tag: Dec14

Information as of December 2021

General Details

• Employees who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 based on risk factors identified by the CDC should discuss their concerns with their supervisor. If additional accommodation is needed, they should discuss these concerns and possible accommodations with the University’s ADA coordinator.
• Whenever possible, meetings should continue to be virtual. When meetings must be in-person, designate a space for such purpose.
• Continue physical distancing and use of protective equipment.
• Continue closure of areas where people congregate.
• Face coverings are not required in University facilities, but remain strongly encouraged in instructional areas (classrooms, instructional labs) and research labs.
• Anyone who wants to wear a face-covering regardless of their vaccination status is welcome to do so.
• No quarantine following known exposure for fully vaccinated individuals.
• Current recommendations for physical distancing in University facilities remain in place.
  Events and large gatherings must continue to go through University protocols for approval.

Extension Offices

• Notify county government partners that the facility has reopened to the public.
• Transfer main office lines back to office phones.
• Post public health notices on all publicly accessible entrances.
• Prepare sampling areas to mitigate personal contact with the public.
• Create physical separation between all publicly accessible areas of the office and those intended to be accessed by staff only.
• Make hand sanitizer available at all entrances.
• Make supplies including, but not limited to, disinfectant wipes, disposable towels, disinfectant solution, etc. available in all commonly used areas of the office facility.
• Update sampling information on county websites and social media outlets only after the office has been deemed safely accessible to the public.
• Consider maintaining a long-term soil drop-off-only process that limits in-office interactions with the public.
• Consider delineating physical separation with marks on the floor in open spaces accessible to the public.

Extension Volunteers

Clemson Extension volunteers may return to in-person service in Stage – Yellow provided ALL the following conditions are met:

• The program-leading Extension Agent and any applicable third party or property have approved the volunteer activity.
• The volunteer follows appropriate CDC guidelines.
• Adults that have routine interaction with youth must abide by Clemson University Youth Protection Policy and Operating Standards.
• General guidance for returning to in-person volunteer service includes:
• Remain at home if you or anyone in your household is not feeling well or has a fever.
• High-risk individuals and those with significant underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to stay at home and take measures to limit exposure.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Try to work independently, keeping 6 feet or more apart from others.
• Frequently clean high‐touch surfaces including your cellphone/tablet, door handles, restroom surfaces, handrails, tools, etc.
• Refrain from using shared office equipment when possible. If it is necessary to use other’s equipment, sanitize between each user.

Guidance for Outdoor Service

• People should be spaced apart 6 feet or more.
• Individuals may work independently, keeping 6 feet or more apart from others in the garden.
• When possible, use your own gardening tools and equipment; shared tools and equipment should be cleaned after each use.

Communication Regarding Attendance at Educational Events

• Advise participants in advance that if they have any symptoms or feel unwell, they should not attend.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.

Help Bud Webb’s Legacy Live On at Innovative School

Clemson’s Extension agents, its agricultural teaching, and research staff and faculty have improved lives in this state for decades. But one of the largest recent legacies comes from Dr. Byron “Bud” Webb.

In his final days, Bud left behind a gift that will continue to change lives: a donation to start a school for students whose struggles he knew well. Now, we’re working to always remember Bud’s tremendous achievements by continuing his legacy at Lakes & Bridges Charter School located in Easley.

Bud Webb was a professor and chair of the Agricultural Engineering Department (1976-84) and Dean of the Cooperative Extension Service (1985-95). He served in the SC House of Representatives from 1996-2002 for District 3 (Pickens County).

Bud’s B.S. and M.S. were from Clemson, and he earned a Ph.D. from NC State. He would often tell people that though he had a doctorate, he had never learned to read. That’s because Bud most likely had undiagnosed dyslexia. Through his continued belief that “nothing’s too hard; find the solution!” Bud was able to succeed despite his dyslexia, making him sympathetic to others who were struggling.

In Bud’s final months of life in 2017, he heard about a group of retired teachers in the Clemson area working to start a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to teaching children with dyslexia. Without being asked, Bud generously wrote a $100,000 check to the founders, enabling the school to grow from idea to reality. Less than two years later, Lakes & Bridges Charter School opened in Easley, S.C., fully staffed and dedicated to the evidence-based, multisensory, and individualized instruction that its students need to learn how to read, write, and succeed.

Now in its third year of operation, the school is raising funds for its final round of construction to build its two 8th grade classrooms. The rooms will be named The Bud Webb Finish Strong Eighth Grade Capstone rooms in honor of Bud’s initial gift, as well as his determination to overcome challenges and work hard for your goals.

Would you please join us in honoring Bud Webb, his family, his ideals, and the future engineers, representatives, and citizens of the world who will graduate from Lakes & Bridges by making a contribution to Bud’s namesake classrooms? Donations made by February 2021 will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $100,000. So give now for your gift to count for twice as much!

To make a donation to The Bud Webb Finish Strong Eighth Grade Capstone room, visit www.lakesandbridges.org/donate—or speak with Board of Directors member Debbie Vaughn, at 843-343-7458 or dvaughn@labcharterschool.org.

Thank you for helping Clemson Extension continue to honor one of our greats by expanding a school that will create other new innovators and leaders like Bud.

What is EFNEP?
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) offered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is aimed at providing practical, hands-on nutrition education. The mission of EFNEP is to assist limited-resource audiences in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed behavior necessary for nutritionally sound diets and to contribute to their personal development and the improvement of the total family diet and nutritional well-being.

Defining the Problem:
Obesity, poor nutrition, and limited physical activity are significant health concerns. Poor health disproportionately affects minority and low-income populations. Educational opportunities and resources are limited.

Investing In The Solution:
EFNEP brings together federal, state, and local resources to target two primary audiences: low-income families with young children and low-income youth. In 2020, EFNEP served 20 counties and delivered both youth and adult programs to diverse audiences. Although the year 2020 was quite a challenge for recruitment and retention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, EFNEP adapted to reach participants virtually by utilizing different platforms (Zoom, Facebook Live private group). EFNEP reached 306 adults directly and 946 family members indirectly. Also, EFNEP reached 2,326 children and youth with a graduation rate of 82%.

Demonstrating Results:
The 24 hours Food recall report showed overall 95% of EFNEP adult Participants improved their dietary intake according to ‘My Plate’ guidelines.
EFNEP Adult Food and Physical Activity Behavior Changes report showed:
• 92% improved Nutrition practices
• 81% improved Food Resource Management practices
• 77% improved Physical Activity practices
• 75% improved Food Safety practices

EFNEP Youth Made a Difference:
• 88% of children & youth improved Nutrition practices
• 58% of children & youth improved Food Safety practices
• 57% of children & improved Physical Activity practices
• 48% of children and youth improved Food Resource Management practices

Why it works?
EFNEP Nutrition Educators follow a research-based learning model that allows them to effectively reach and educate program participants. Educators are:
• Members of the communities they support
• Trained/Supervised by State and County-based faculty
• Skilled in using hands-on interactive teaching methods
• Committed to delivering sounds instructions
• Able to influence changes in behavior and impact the lives of those they teach
• Dedicated to reaching diverse, low-income populations.

Click here to visit the full impact statement with graphics.

Submitted by: Tarana Khan, State Program Coordinator, EFNEP

37th Annual SE Ag Lenders School
The room was overflowing with ag lenders, farm consultants, extension agents, and farmers for the 37th SE Ag Lenders School (SEALS). There were no COVID-19 worries as the school was held in Cyberville for three days of learning how to make informed financing decisions for both farmers and ag lenders. Eighty-five people from SC, NC, GA, TN, KY, IN, and OH participated in the school to hear from Dr. David Kohl (Virginia Tech/Ag Finance), Dr. Steve Isaacs (University of Kentucky/Farm Management & Leadership), Scott Mickey (Clemson University/Farm Finance), Eric Snodgrass (Nutrien Principal Meteorologist), and Dr. Joe Outlaw (Texas A&M University/2020 Election Analysis).

The 2020 SEALS was the first ag lenders schools in the country to have a cross-section of lenders, producers, and others involved in agriculture, which enabled farmers to see a lender’s perspective and gave lenders a view from the farmer’s side. Emily Duckworth of Farm Credit Mid-America said, “Having attended the SEALS conference in person in 2019, I was excited to participate in the virtual session being offered this year. It can be difficult to stay focused on Web-Ex meetings, but the team of presenters did a great job engaging the participants with relevant topics, chat sessions, polls, and case studies. Each presenter demonstrated their passion and knowledge for the topics they covered and provided tangible information that I can use as a financial officer.”

The SEALS mission is geared to educating ag lenders on the factors impacting farm production in the southeast. Topics covered included a 2021 economic and weather outlook, financial ratio to monitor, management skills that lead to higher performance, 2020 Election influences, as well as mental health and motivation. The school concluded with a Q/A session moderated by Patrick Kerrigan of Farmer Mac.

Submitted by: Scott Mickey, Clemson Agribusiness Extension Associate

Situation:
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 presented pragmatic and logistic challenges to conduct traditional face-to-face, hands-on, and interactive Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) workforce training. In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and overcome the hindrance of social distance, the EFNEP management team developed a creative and strategic plan to transition face-to-face training to virtual learning for our EFNEP staff and EFNEP participants. Since 1969, EFNEP remains devoted to reaching low-income citizens where they are and embracing best practices for (virtual) learning. Clemson University’s EFNEP team utilized the EFNEP National Guidelines for Social Media and best practices for effective online teaching to develop EFNEP virtual online learning workforce development training.

Educational Response:
From March to the present, Marlyne Walker, Registered Dietitian and EFNEP Training Coordinator/State Specialist, has conducted and facilitated five different virtual workforce development trainings. Some of the trainings were multiple-day trainings totaling over 40 hours. The EFNEP workforce trainings are designed for EFNEP nutrition educators to teach EFNEP participants, youth, and adults. All the EFNEP interactive trainings were held via Zoom. The initial training consisted of Tips to Reach and Teach EFNEP participants/online classes. It was a collaborative effort conducted with the EFNEP management team along with an EFNEP agent. Also, Walker trained nine newly hired EFNEP nutrition educators on the adult curriculum and middle/high school curriculum. In addition, Walker planned quarterly EFNEP Check-In. She has facilitated two EFNEP Check-In for all EFNEP team members. The purpose of the EFNEP Check-In is to promote team building, review nutrition concepts, and/or demonstrate ways to engage and interact with EFNEP participants online.

Outcome/ Impact:
After attending the EFNEP training, 100% of EFNEP nutrition educators reported being able to use some, most, or all of the content/ strategies in their county program. EFNEP nutrition educators were able to reach 306 adults with 100% graduation (completing series of nine lessons) and changes in decrease consumption of solid fat and added sugar (SoFAS) and 81% improvement in food resource management. In addition, EFNEP nutrition educators reached 2,326 youth (130 groups) with 82% graduation that is completing a series of six lessons. The end of year report revealed 82% of youth improved diet quality and 57% improved physical activity.

Submitted by: Marlyne Walker, State EFNEP Specialist, Senior Extension Agent

As this year comes to an end, it is still a time to commemorate the annual traditions that we hold so dearly. These celebrations are meant to foster joy and gratitude for family and friends and encourage us to reflect upon the past year and memories from long ago. Who would have ever believed a year ago at this time that a raging pandemic would roll across our state and country, as well as the world?  A significant portion of our country’s citizens have lost family members or their own lives, had their health affected, as well as jobs or businesses. Entire communities have been devastated. As we try to focus on the traditions we bestow so much importance on, there is disruption. People are struggling to find joy.

I want everyone on the Extension team to remember that we have made a difference, and we must continue to do so. We can reflect upon the obstacles we overcame over this past year to keep Extension moving forward and how we proved our value amidst a time of fear and disorder. Over eight months ago, and without any reservations, you began flipping the Extension delivery methods practically overnight to meet programming challenges. While many other large organizations from various sectors were in a state of chaos, you were plowing ahead because of your compassion and strong connections to stakeholders – especially those most vulnerable. In some cases, you have had to give more of yourselves, and the level of admiration I have for your persistence is infinite. You implemented new virtual programming skills that, in many cases, actually drew new audiences. You ensured safe practices for services that could not be provided in a virtual format. You did not want to leave any stakeholders behind.

The Agribusiness and Livestock and Forages teams quickly responded to farmers and producers through what may be the toughest time of their livelihoods with badly needed resources like financial training and educational materials specific to COVID-19 impacts, as well as mental health support programming. Unimaginable engagement levels have been produced by some teams, including Rural Health and Nutrition and Horticulture’s HGIC, through staggering amounts of online and phone communications. Large-scale Agricultural Education and 4-H Youth Development programs were delivered into homes through virtual strategies and hands-on activities when in-person activities were canceled. The Forestry and Natural Resources team created more virtual programs, the Food Systems and Safety team continued to roll out entrepreneur product tests, and the Agronomic Crops team provided on-site services with a new map tool that allowed stakeholders to connect with them while following necessary safety protocols. The above summary does not even begin to do our 2020 story justice.

Over the years, our Extension team has been able to address some of the same problems on a smaller community level that the pandemic has created worldwide: financial and production issues for producers and business owners, inclusive learning environments for youth, food safety and distribution, and public health and wellbeing. Agents and specialists connected with stakeholders and guidance was utilized.

Last Wednesday, COVID-19 deaths in the United States surpassed the number of those who perished on 9/11. After 9/11, people from all walks of life wanted to join together to protect our country and way of life. There was what some considered to be inconveniences: new security measures, personal scrutiny, more complicated procedures of many different aspects. But Americans stood together and understood the importance of following practices that would help keep us safe. Now we are asked by the CDC and other major public health organizations to practice safety protocols to stop a raging pandemic – wear a mask, social distance from others, and gather only in small groups. Is this harder to do? It depends on who you ask. Is it a time when it is just as important? It seems that it is more so. We hear many stories from those who were infected with COVID-19, transmitted it, or lost loved ones because of it. The common theme among those stories is the call for caution and awareness.

All of us probably wonder what a ‘re-do’ of 2020 could have been like. Our world has been turned upside down. However, we can no longer afford to allow this virus to gain or even maintain its devastating foothold. Our country is better than this. A public health threat can be defeated by the public itself. We all can help be a part of the solution for South Carolina and practice COVID-19 safety protocols to make our way back to the normal we knew. How well these protocols are followed over the next 100 days will most likely determine the course of 2021. Please do your part.

Our stakeholders are thankful for you, so I encourage everyone to list three things you are thankful for this year and why. It may be someone who has helped you become your best personally or professionally or your family members for putting up with you through your ups and downs. One thing that I am thankful for is that we have been able to keep Extension jobs in place. During this season of traditions, vocally express your love and respect for others; they can’t hear it enough. We can also make plans for a brighter 2021. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happiness for the traditions your family will celebrate. May 2021 be a year we can recognize the hope that we wish for.

Please view my Video Message as we approach the Holiday Season.

My name is Kristi Bussell and I’m a mental health educator for student health services. My office recently started an online program called Wellness Wednesdays (WW). The purpose of WW is to provide students, faculty, and staff information on how to take care of their wellbeing during COVID-19. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for folks to come together – vital during this season of social distancing.

What: Weekly Wellness series where we’ll discuss how to take care of our well-being during COVID-19
When: Wednesdays, 10am – 10:30am
Where: https://clemson.zoom.us/j/345660746
Password: email Kristi Bussell at kbussel@clemson.edu to get the password!

Also, follow @TigersTogether_ and @clemsonhealthycampus on IG for regular updates!
—
Kristi E. Bussell, MPH
Assistant Director for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Initiatives
Student Health Services
Clemson University
864-656-2038

EMERGENCY/IN CRISIS/AFTER-HOURS CARE
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm to self or others, contact emergency services and get help – call 911 or the Clemson University Police Department at 864-656-2222.

To reach Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) during business hours, call 864-656-2451.

For after-hours psychological emergencies, a CAPS on-call counselor can be reached through CUPD at 864-656-2222.

For help that can be accessed anywhere, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Zoom Information

Zoom is now licensed for all Clemson employees.
To access a licensed account, login in through clemson.zoom.us

Learn more about Zoom meeting best practices and tips.
https://blogs.clemson.edu/online/2020/04/03/zoom-meeting-best-practices-and-tips/

List of IT Resources

Information about all of the tools for working remotely have been compiled for employees.
https://ccit.clemson.edu/working-remotely/

Scanning Tool

If you do not have access to a scanner, you can scan from home with the Adobe Scan app to share paper documents with others. The Adobe Scan app easily captures documents and converts them to PDF right in your phone. It is included with our Adobe license. Just download the app and sign in.

Option 1: Scan documents using Adobe Scan on your phone (easiest option)

1. Download Adobe Scan from your device’s app store.
2. Launch the application and at the bottom of the screen, click “Sign In or Sign Up”.
3. Type in Clemson email address and it should take you to Single Sign On for Clemson.
4. Allow access to your phone’s camera.
5. The software will begin to detect the edges of the page, which you can adjust with your finger.
6. Take picture when ready and then tap the image it saves.
   • To eliminate shadows, make sure your light source is in front of you and your phone, not directly above or behind (think of how the sun creates shadows).
7. You can crop, rotate, or make other visual adjustments.
8. Give the file a relevant name by clicking the pencil icon and then click save.
   • Adobe Scan automatically recognizes the text in the image to make it text searchable.

If you need any assistance with IT needs, please contact your statewide District IT consultant or the helpdesk: ithelp@clemson.edu, 864.656.3494.

Below are the previous email messages related to the COVID-19 situation from Dr. Dobbins to Extension Employees on August 3, June 25, JUNE 4, May 4, April 28, April 10, March 30, and March 17.

 October 9, 2020 Update
As of October 9, the SCDHEC data will be updated every Friday.

On August 31, we initiated the revised Extension Return to Work Framework Plan. County office stages for reopening will be determined by data provided by SCDHEC’s Recent Disease Activity by County report. The SCDHEC data will be updated every Friday at 4 p.m. Your supervisor will contact you each week to let you know the status of your county office.

The new Office Reopening Stages webpage will be updated weekly. The updated Extension Return to Work Framework Plan provides details on the office reopening stages.

Extension staff are to get tested for COVID-19 in compliance with University requirements.

August 20 Town Hall Meeting Recording
The recording from the August 20 Town Hall Meeting and accompanying files are available in the Town Hall folder on Box:

Meeting Recording
PowerPoint Presentation
Updated Return to Work Framework Plan (RTW, updated in August)
Extension Guiding Principles and Code of Conduct
Field Operations Reorganization

Archive to previous email communications from Extension Administration.
August 3 Email from Dr. Dobbins

I have been on the phone with Ms. Smith, General Manager of the SC State Fair in regards to our Livestock Shows. Let me assure you that the last thing they wanted to do was to cancel this year’s SC State Fair. This is their revenue source for the entire year, one in which they have to pay their employees and maintain the grounds and buildings. Our SC State Fair is NOT state-supported and is solely dependent on their gate receipts. The management and the board of directors work for days on ways to safely put on the fair. However, after days of debate and consulting medical professionals, SCDHEC and CDC. They had to make the only RIGHT decision and that was to error on the side of public health and cancel this year’s fair. They will have a drive-through fair for two evenings but it is not what they wanted nor expected.

They are busy planning the 2021 Fair and making the Livestock Shows bigger and better. I want to ask for your understanding and support during these times. Remember it is our responsibility to act responsibly. Our state was headed in the right direction prior to July 4, but now after the celebration of July 4, we have had an explosion of COVID 19 cases. This is a direct result of all of us not acting responsible and now we are paying the price with the closure of events. Let’s work as a team to control the spread of COVID-19 so we can have a State Fair in 2021.

June 25, 2020 Email from Dr. Dobbins
I greatly appreciate the focus many of you have put on abiding by our reentry program and policies. As I have said before, I can’t emphasize enough how this team has continued to produce successful outcomes while adapting to new methods of program delivery.

However, I have had a few problems brought to my attention, and they revolve around soil sample handling and processing. At this time, ALL county offices are closed to the general public. The District Directors and Program Team Directors agreed on this policy, and we are still looking at offices staying closed to the general public until after Phase 3 of our reentry plan. If a client has 20 or more soil samples, an agent will pick them up and mail them to the Clemson lab. If the amount of samples is less than 20, the client is responsible for mailing those to the lab. I realize this is not ideal, but we must follow this procedure until we announce otherwise. The spread of COVID-19 continues to increase, and it is crucial that we take ALL precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone.

I know that none of us want to put our administrative assistants in a difficult situation with clients asking them to process samples. Can you imagine how you might feel if they processed a sample, contracted the virus, and then also passed it on to others – family, friends, colleagues, and anyone they happen to come in contact with? If we strictly abide by our policies, we can help decrease the spread of the virus and move closer to reopening offices. If, because of careless acts, we contribute to the virus spread, this will slow down the reopening. If anyone in the office tests positive for the virus, we will have to close down the office for 14 days, have the deep-clean process done, and ensure all of the office’s employees are tested and remain negative over the 14 days. That may likely mean testing is done for their family members as well. That type of situation will come at a high cost, not only with regard to dollars, but also the fear and frustration it will create among both employees, their families, and stakeholders.

Please respect our policies at ALL times, during any situation – to not only keep moving towards the reopening of offices – but more importantly, to ensure safety is our priority for the sake of all.

June 4, 2020 Email from Dr. Dobbins
Extension Personnel:

I want to share a passage from my favorite book that guides me in all I do. “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” More than ever, it is time for us as Clemson Extension employees, to think before we speak or comment in writing. We have had so many situations occur over the past few months that have created significant stress and anxiety worldwide. Sometimes people do and say things that they would not or should not otherwise say. The COVID-19 pandemic and the variety of consequential issues that have resulted are causing extreme distress, and now, the incidents that have led to the current nationwide protests have created additional anguish. For many, this is more than they have known during their lifetime.

We in Extension have had to alter programming through virtual solutions, and worse yet, events have had to be canceled. These situations have caused disappointment among our stakeholders, as well as us. For example, in response to the cancellation of the Junior Beef Round-Up, there are some who have expressed their frustration through social media posts. We must remember that responding to negative and, at times, misinformed comments, would not serve any of us and would most likely further exasperate the issue at hand. Instead, we should listen so that we understand the basis of their frustration and not react to the manner in which it is expressed. Listening is key and should be the response from all of us.

I am asking that we refrain from posting or commenting through social media in a way that would stoke additional negativity. Our job as Extension employees is to provide unbiased, research-based information through our programs to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. Our actions and communications should always support that mission.

Clemson University provides some guidelines and best practices on the Clemson Social Media Resources website (https://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/social-media/resources.html). Their guidance with regard to negative comments states, “If you find yourself in a position where the communication becomes antagonistic, avoid being defensive. Please be respectful of other’s people’s opinions. Having thoughtful discussions on important topics is a great way to build your community and is a very important aspect of having a successful social media site”.

May 4, 2020 – From Dr. Dobbins, Extension Town Hall Meeting Announcement
I invite you to join us for an Extension Town Hall Meeting on Friday, May 15, 2020. Members of our Clemson University Administration and the Extension Leadership Team will bring greetings and updates to the system.

The town hall meetings will be divided into three groups. Please use the zoom connection information below to attend your designated meeting from 1:00-2:00pm. Please see the attached flyer for further details. I realize that there may be various questions; however, because of limited time in each meeting, we will only be able to accept these in a chat room. I also encourage you to email any advance questions to Heather Repec at hrepec@clemson.edu by May 8, and I will respond to these as soon as possible.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the town meeting, and I appreciate all of your hard work and dedication as we navigate through our modified office operations.

May 4, 2020 – From Dr. Dobbins, Evaluation Process
I hope all of you and your families are doing well during our modified operating procedures. COVID 19 will not slow down our yearly evaluation process. I want to make sure that each of you have ample time to get prepared and to turn in requested material to your Extension District Director (DD) and Program Team Director (PTD). I am asking that you SELF-RATE each of your job duties and objectives and turn in with your accomplishments. This will assist the DD/PTD with their evaluation. During our Modified Operating Procedures, I want to make sure we capture all of the good work you have done.

It is very important that we conduct a very comprehensive evaluation this cycle. The timeline is as follows:

• June 1: Actual Performance and Performance Level due to the Extension District Directors/Program Team Directors- electronic
• June 15- July 31: Individual evaluation conferences to discuss evaluation and sign
• August 1: Evaluations are due in the Director’s office
• August 15: Evaluations due to CUHR

For Extension District Directors and Program Team Directors

• July 1: Actual Performance and Performance Level due
• August 1-15: Individual evaluation conferences

I want to encourage all of you to start now and send in a complete package. This is your opportunity to make your case for your evaluation outcome. I know that each of you have been completing the Google Docs form (or other work logs) during our modified operations period and I hope this exercise will give you a jump start on this evaluation cycle. If you have any questions about the evaluation process, contact your DD and/or PTD, or other direct supervisor.

*Special note: Next year ( 2020-2021) CUHR is requiring a self- evaluation section on the EPMS form, this will be discussed during your planning stage.

April 27, 2020 – From Dr. Dobbins
As you well know by now, we have been working very closely with the University’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on many issues related to the COVID-19 situation. We made them aware of all the planned 4-H activities around the state and the logistics that our 4-H coordinators have worked very diligently to develop. On Monday, April 27, Clemson University Administration announced the decision to cancel all University campus camps and student gatherings. Although it is a very difficult decision, I feel that we must also cancel all statewide 4-H activities until August, unless they are held virtually.

I truly realize this is a very disappointing decision for many. It is one that I did not take lightly. I consulted with many others who I felt could provide knowledgeable feedback. However, at the end of the day, I am certain that this was the decision that had to be made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

County 4-H programs/activities will have to obtain approval through EOC to open. Dr. Matt Burns is keeping a list and will ask for approval. If you have not sent in the dates of your county activities to Dr. Burn’s Goggle doc, please do so as soon as you can. If program/activity by EOC you cannot host.

We must do everything we can to energize Extension so that hopefully we can operate in a more normal mode as soon as allowable. Your leadership team has been devoting a substantial amount of time to develop a comprehensive ‘reentry’ plan that will allow Extension personnel to safely return to leading activities that are not currently possible. I truly believe that by working together and continuing to move forward without pause, we will come out of this stronger.

April 10, 2020 – From Dr. Dobbins
I know that each of you is growing weary and tired of the uncertainty each day, and the virus seems to be getting worse. I believe that we are seeing more cases because more tests are available, and that is a good thing. The more people we can test for COVID 19, the better we understand the virus and can make sure our safeguards work.

During this Easter weekend, let’s find things to be thankful for; family, friends, and paying jobs. Let’s remember the sacrifices made to allow us to live in the greatest country ever, working for the greatest University and the GREATEST division – Extension. Let’s remember and pray for those who have been affected by this pandemic. Let’s remember and pray for our leaders, not only during this pandemic but afterwards as well, so that they make the right decisions to get us back to our New Normal.

You all have been amazing through this whole ordeal. You have kept up the good fight to keep Extension alive and serving others before yourself, and I thank you. You have created ways to smile and laugh (much needed) through your ZOOM social hours. You have been focused on programs and how to make them better. Together we will get through this and we will be stronger and better, because you care and you matter. May God bless each and every one of you.

MARCH 30, 2020 – From Dr. Dobbins
I know that the last weeks have been very stressful for you and your families. As you know, I have been meeting with Extension District Directors and Program Team Directors, and we are trying our best to plan work and keep you all in the loop as much as possible. As might be expected, the COVID-19 crisis is very fluid and we have to make needed changes daily. The leadership team is working hard to make sure that you are recognized for your efforts to deliver programs and care for stakeholders while practicing social distancing and meeting with no more than 3 people. I want to thank you for all you are doing to keep Extension up and running during the COVID-19 crisis. First and foremost, we want to make sure that you and your families are safe and that your questions get answered. We also worked very hard on a statement to help you plan for future programs. We must make sure we are ready to bust out of the gates in a full run once it is safe to do so, but your leadership team is not sure when that exact date will be due to this situation being so fluid. However, we are doing our best to monitor the situation daily and will make changes as called for by COVID-19.

Please read the statement below carefully.
Extension Staff be advised that ALL in-person Extension programs scheduled prior to May 15 should be postponed, canceled or shifted to an online format. Planning for in-person activities beyond May 15 may proceed, but with the understanding that postponement or cancellation may be required. All Extension programs should be delivered in a virtual or online format until May 15, after which time the organization’s program delivery posture will be reevaluated.

March 17, 2020 – From Dr. Dobbins
Beginning tomorrow, March 18, all county Extension offices are to be closed to the general public. The only staff that should report to the office are to be considered essential and must be approved by their supervisor. I have asked the District Directors and Program Directors to work with their staff to encourage working remotely. This is a measure that I believe needs to be taken in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. While we cannot close down our services to our clientele, we must take every precautionary measure and address their needs through telephone calls, emails and video conferencing.

I realize that some of our agents will have to continue to make individual visits on an as-needed basis (to be approved by their Program Director and District Director). I have asked the District Directors and Program Directors to work jointly to develop a modified operational policy to begin Monday, March 23^rd. Over the next few days, your supervisor will be in touch with you regarding the appropriate forms to be filled out for telecommuting accountability. If you elect to work remotely, these forms must be submitted to your supervisor by Monday, March 23^rd. During this time, Extension Agents, Specialists, and Associates will be asked to complete CUMIS weekly and all Extension employees will be required to provide a bulleted list of accomplishments to your supervisor and complete a daily log of work. The modified operations for county offices will be continued during the COVID-19 crisis and until we are sure that we can provide safe contact with our constituents. Please work with your District Director or immediate supervisor in the pursuit of providing the necessary services to our Extension districts. The modified operations will not be the same for each county due to the following variables: staff size, program implementation and outbreak areas of COVID-19. We will monitor changes in COVID-19 on a daily basis and take necessary steps to protect our employees and our clientele.

This is a very fluid situation. I ask for your patience in working with Extension Administration to speak with one voice. I am asking that you refrain from posting on social media – this may cause us to send out mixed messages. Remember, our first mission is to our families and then to our work. Please use common sense in work-related matters and do not put yourself or your family in a high-risk situation. One other note is that the elderly are the most susceptible to this virus.  When dealing with elderly clientele, please make sure that you follow social distancing to the fullest extent possible.

We also have pledged to be in partnership with SCDHEC to provide our constituents with updated information on COVID-19. We will accomplish this by using our email listserv, social media pages, and individual contacts.

I understand this has been very frustrating and there have been plenty of mixed messages sent, however, I want to thank our Extension Leadership – which includes District Directors, Program Team Directors, Millie Davenport, Kathy Coleman, Brian Callahan, Heather Repec, and Michael Wright. They have been working all day through Zoom meetings to construct a workable plan that will keep our employees safe.