Tag: Mar15

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.

Dr. Christopher Eck will be offering a series of professional development workshops related to virtual program delivery, accessibility, and effective program delivery throughout the
summer. Programs begin in May.

• Tuesday 5/18/21 from 10:00am to noon – Zoom Level 1
• Monday 5/24/21 from 10:00am to noon – Zoom Level 2
• Wednesday 5/26/21 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm – Zoom Level 1
• Friday 6/11/21 from 10:00am to noon – Hybrid Programming
• Wednesday 6/16/21 from 9:00am to 11:00am – Program Accessibility
• Tuesday 6/22/21 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm – Zoom Level 2
• Monday 7/13/21 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm – Hybrid Programming
• Thursday 7/29/21 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm – Program Accessibility

Please contact Becca Thompson at rthomp7@clemson.edu or 864-656-0436 with any questions.

Zoom_Level_1 Flyer

Zoom_Level_2 Flyer

Program Accessibility Flyer

Hybrid Program Delivery Flyer

Mars Madness Continues…
This past year has been quite an adventure with South Carolina 4-H’s Journey to Mars and National 4-H’s Mars Base Camp. This summer, we watched the Mars Perseverance Rover take off from the same launchpad that sent Apollo 11 to the moon. The rover was aptly named by students in Virginia that submitted their ideas into a NASA contest — One more example, among many, of the power of youth voice!

Journey to Mars explored the relative distances between the two planets and their orbits. Since Mars and Earth only get close to each other roughly every two years, timing is everything. The pandemic only increased the pressure and motivation to meet the anticipated launch window. Perseverance hurdled through space at an amazing speed of 24,600 miles per hour for over seven months to reach its destination. South Carolina 4-H spent that time training educators and sharing resources for Mars Base Camp and Journey to Mars programs. A watch party for the anticipated landing, called Mars Landing Couch Conversation, was scheduled for Thursday, February 18th at 2 PM EST in the South Carolina 4-H STEM Facebook Group.

Leading up to the event, at-home activities were shared from Journey to Mars and Scratch, as well as current happenings like an interview with a NASA mathematician to celebrate Black History Month and a one-day-only special by Krispy Kreme – Mars Doughnut, to promote engagement. Participants watched NASA’s live-stream video coverage, asked questions, and followed along with South Carolina 4-H during the watch party; there were 73 comments and 16 shares during the social media coverage. Even though NASA and its partners have had great success lately, the historical success rate of missions to Mars is 50%. Perseverance is the biggest, heaviest, and most complex instrument ever attempted to land on Mars. The landing site of the Jezero Crater is the most hazardous location ever attempted.

Needless to say, there were a lot of relieved people celebrating after the successful landing. The public is now starting to notice hidden messages related to Perseverance. For instance, the parachute used during the landing had a pattern of binary code with GPS coordinates for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, “Dare Mighty Things”. Coincidentally, both Journey to Mars and the South Carolina 4-H newsletter featured binary coding activities. If you would like to explore binary coding, follow this link to a simple activity: https://clemson.box.com/s/wc2gk3o4jsbqisub4qkth2nc28i9283w

South Carolina 4-H looks forward to more space-related adventures in the future!!!

Submitted by: Dr. Ashley Burns, 4-H Assistant Director

While the annual FFA Legislator Appreciation Day Ceremony was virtual this year, FFA Chapters from around the state were still able to meet with legislative representatives and hear a message of support from Governor, Henry McMaster, Superintendent of Education, Dr. Molly Spearman, Senator, Wes Climer, and Representative, David R. Hiott.

The ceremony’s link was released on February 24 on the South Carolina Agricultural Education website, www.scaged.org. The ceremony began with a welcome from State FFA President, Gracie Helms followed by the remaining State FFA Officers introducing the prerecorded videos from State Legislators.

South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, began by welcoming the agricultural education students to the ceremony. He then discussed the importance and strength of agriculture in South Carolina. Governor McMaster read and signed the Governor’s Proclamation of February 20-27, 2021 FFA Week. The Proclamation states that FFA members set a positive example for their peers through leadership skills, work ethic, excellence in academics, patriotism, and community service. FFA members are recognized for their success in promoting agricultural education, natural resources conservation, and healthy living at the local, state, national, and international levels.

Dr. Molly Spearman, State Superintendent of Education, applauded the FFA organization for its hard work and concern for the community’s welfare. She encouraged FFA members to consider offering their time and dedication to public service. Superintendent Spearman also stated that she is a firm believer in Career and Technical Education and how students learn citizenship and leadership in classes such as Agricultural Education.

Mr. Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, said he is proud of FFA for sending a positive message of agriculture’s future. The FFA promotes the positive skill sets necessary for a successful career. Commissioner Weathers speaks highly of the future of agriculture in South Carolina because of the SC FFA members.

Senator Wes Climber, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, provided a welcome on behalf of the Senate and is looking forward to working with South Carolina FFA members in the future.

State Representative David R. Hiott, of Pickens County, Chairman of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee, provided remarks to the FFA members and presented a Resolution of Recognition and Commendation to the State FFA Officers on behalf of all the members of the SC General Assembly.

While FFA members around the state could not physically attend the ceremony at the State House, many chapters reached out to their Legislators by holding a virtual meeting with them. Chapter officers were able to interact with their legislators by asking them questions, discuss their concerns related to school openings, and COVID and thank them for their support of agricultural education during this difficult time.

The week of George Washington’s birthday was designated as National FFA Week in 1947 at a National FFA Board of Directors meeting. FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Washington’s Birthday.

The FFA positively influences the young people of America by developing character and leadership skills and preparing members for successful careers. FFA members are the leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural education and hands-on learning, FFA members are preparing for more than 300 career opportunities in the food, fiber, and natural resources industries of agriculture. With more than 760,000 members, the organization has a history of service and a legacy of leadership.

Submitted by: Jillian Lash, SC FFA Executive Director

Last year we mostly used the word ‘fluidity’ to brace for uncertainty. Now fluidity means an increasing uptick in activity, moving us forward towards the ‘new normal’ we have been seeking. Based on the SC DHEC activity data, almost half of the state counties are designated as ‘green’ due to the low level of virus incidence, and nearly all remaining counties – save two – are designated in the yellow, medium level. We can help keep this shift moving for Extension programming by continuing to adhere to safety protocols. There are several things to be acutely aware of at this point regarding public interaction during modified operations:

• The Modified Operations Guidance: 90 Day memo outlines the logistics of public interaction during the green stage of modified operations as defined by the Extension Return to Work Framework Plan. If you are unclear or have any questions, please contact your supervisor for clarification.
• The Clemson University Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Health and Safety Directives for Extension/Outdoor Lab Meetings and Events was developed with the overarching priority of ensuring the health and safety of our students, employees, and the surrounding community. We encourage everyone to continue to plan virtual Extension engagements as we move into Spring, but we are optimistic about a gradual transition to in-person. You must fill out the Extension Meeting/Event Request Form as a pre-registration for any program (virtual, in-person, or hybrid).

Vaccination efforts are in full swing as we have moved into Phase 1b, and as you know, Clemson Extension and University employees are now included in this phase. The SC DHEC Vaccine Locator website provides vaccine locations in the state. More appointments will become available as vaccination supply increases.

Positive news is apparent around us. On the commercial Horticulture side, virtual grower meetings have been very successful, and more are scheduled. Agronomic Crops and Horticulture specialists and agents continue to develop new technology to support row crop and vegetable producers, with innovations such as the Clemson Center Pivot Fertigation and Clemson Drip Fertigation calculators. It’s no surprise that home gardening has become the most popular hobby in our country, and the Horticulture Program Team is rolling out a slew of new seasonally appropriate webinars. Women looking for agricultural education can register for the 2021 South Carolina Annie’s Project-Online, which is a very popular program and part of a national initiative. Additionally, there is loads of seasonal information coming out of Extension, as Spring is a very busy time. We are receiving an abundance of inquiries about the upcoming peach season, and the Forestry and Wildlife team is busy dealing with the Bradford Pear Tree Bounty project. The Bradford pear tree is the worst invasive plant species in the Southeast. Both HGIC and Land-Grant Press continue to churn out publications to promote research-based information. Our efforts across Extension continue to be highlighted by different news outlets. The Morning Ag Clips editors support our efforts and frequently share our news in their daily e-letter.

While it may be a challenge to adjust to daylight savings time this week, I hope you will take the time to admire the beautiful spring foliage and soak up the warmer weather. Now is undoubtedly the time to do so before the pollen descends. This coming Saturday, March 20, is the spring equinox. Spring is known as the season of new beginnings, and this year, that holds more promise than most of us have ever known or wished for. Stand strong, share hope, give grace, support those around you, and do not take the gifts in your life for granted.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension. I am grateful for our Extension family.

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.