As you know, OSU Extension released a new strategic plan in May. One of the performance goals in the plan is to “Develop and sustain world-class Extension professionals”. To meet this goal, strategy #4 is a transition to a competency-based approach to human resources. A first action step in this strategy is development of a competency model. The model developed will contain descriptions and illustrations of core competencies.  

From earlier communication about this project, several of you have shared resources or ideas that have been helpful. We will need more help to successfully meet this goal!

For the first step, research is needed to develop and validate a competency model for Ohio State University Extension. The model we develop will contain descriptions and illustrations of core competencies (basic knowledge, skills, attitudes, and observable behaviors that contribute to excellence in the workplace). The research will consist of multiple phases to review existing information and to gather input from key internal stakeholders and individuals from across the organization. There will be opportunities for a number of individuals to be involved. Graham Cochran will be conducting the research to develop a competency model for OSU Extension.

Look for information in the next few weeks about the Competency Study and the project overall. Later stages of the Competency Project will involve aligning many of our human resource functions with our competency model. If you have questions, please contact Chris Igodan (igodan.1@cfaes.osu.edu) or Graham Cochran (cochran.99@cfaes.osu.edu) who are leading this project.

Keith

Keith L. Smith
Associate Vice President, Agricultural
Administration; Associate Dean FAES;
Director, Ohio State University Extension and
Gist Chair in Extension Education and Leadership
2120 Fyffe Road, Room 3 Ag Admin
Columbus, OH  43210
614-292-4067 * fax: 614-688-3807
www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~extension/