University of Florida Extension Long Range Planning - Requests Your Input

The Florida Cooperative Extension System is in the process of conducting a long-range planning process that will shape Extension programs in Florida for the next decade.

 

It is absolutely critical that we make our voices heard if you believe widllife, forestry and urban forestry education and research programs are valuable to Florida’s future and should be identified as a priority in the long-range plan. This type of input may play a significant role in whether natural resource education and research programs will be prioritized as University of Florida IFAS extension programs in the future.

 

If your voice is not heard, it is entirely possible that the realm of natural resource education programs developed and offered through extension in the future could be greatly reduced or limited to addressing the interests and needs of specific stakeholder groups that do make their voices heard.

 

Please participate by:

 

1. The online survey that is being used in this long-range planning process can be accessed at: https://ufaecd.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5zsTd3yLMDDKDDC

Please take a moment to complete the online survey and encourage others to do so as well.

 

AND/OR

 

2. By attending one of the listening sessions being scheduled around the state. 

 

The listening session in Hillsborough County will take place on

Tuesday, May 10, 2011, from 10 am to 12 pm at the Extension Office

(5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584).

 

 – the schedule for other Listening sessions events can be found at:

 

·         Northwest: May 12 - 13
County Listening Sessions

·         Northeast: June 2 - 3
County Listening Sessions

·         Central: June 30 - July 1
County Listening Sessions

·         South Central: June 6 - 7

·         South: May 23 - 24
County Listening Sessions

 

 

More about the planning process is provided below, and thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouraging others to participate in this important process. ... Rob

 

 

 Florida Extension Long Range Plan

About the Plan

·         What?  

The Florida Cooperative Extension System is conducting a planning process that will shape Extension programs in Florida for the next decade. This joint effort of UF and FAMU will allow us to have a clear path of action as an educational organization to support Florida's economy, environment, and people that is relevant and flexible to meet the changing needs of Florida's communities.

·         Why? 

Three key reasons:

·         1. It has been several years since we had a comprehensive long range planning effort and much has changed in Florida. When we consider our budget situation, advancements in technology and emerging issues, it is critical we reexamine our programmatic priorities and teaching strategies.

·         2. The outcome will guide resource allocation within Extension in the future.

·         3. This is an opportunity to forge new partnerships in support of our programs.

·         How?

Listening will be at the core of Extension's long range planning effort. Extension seeks to acquire diverse viewpoints regarding the future of Florida through listening sessions, interviews, focus groups and surveys, with faculty, community leaders, local government, business, industry/trade associations, state agencies, health care providers, educators, citizens, etc.

After much discussion and analysis, Florida Extension will formulate a statewide plan that reflects the educational priorities and future directions identified during the planning process.

Implementation of the plan will begin with the formation of interdisciplinary faculty teams to support programmatic priorities. These teams will provide leadership to identify appropriate teaching approaches, educational content/materials, and outcome/impact measures for the organization.

·         When?  

January 2011-January 2012. See timeline for more details.

·         Who?  

All Extension faculty will provide input. The Dean for Extension has formed a steering committee to guide this process. Contact any steering committee member if you have questions or concerns.

For more information...

·         Shaping Solutions for Florida's Future (pdf)

·         Message from the Dean (video)

 

 

Rob Northrop
Extension Forester
University of Florida/ Hillsborough Co. Extension
5339 County Road 579
Seffner, Florida  33584

813-744-5519 x106

Value the Individual - Enrich the Community - Restore the Forest