Guide Sheet #3

Many Extension administrative activities are annual events. This fact sheet provides an overview of what has happened traditionally in statewide and regional events and is intended as an overview of timelines. Be certain to request additional information from local and regional colleagues. Regional meeting dates for program staff, County Extension Directors and deadlines for performance appraisals will vary.

January

• Performance appraisal of all staff – Check updated information on the County Extension Director website.
• County Extension Directors will work with the Office of Government Relations and local leaders to arrange meetings with members of the Ohio General Assembly to advocate for Extension and OARDC funding in the state biennium budget. Meetings with House members are typically held during from January until mid-March. Visits with Senate members are conducted during April and May.
• Unified Reporting System (URS) information is due January 15.

February

• County Extension Directors identify local leaders to meet and host their state Representatives or Senators at the event. If a legislator represents more than one county, Arrangements are made to identify which county will provide the hosts.
• Three counties in each region annually participate in an on-site diversity review. Announcement is usually made in February.

March

• Latest date to submit county billing information to OSU Extension Business Office.
• State Extension Support Committee Legislative event held in Columbus.
• OSU Extension and OARDC Legislative Luncheon held annually in downtown Columbus. County Extension Directors identify local leaders to meet and host their state Representatives or Senators at the event. If a legislator represents more than one county, Arrangements are made to identify which county will provide the hosts.

April

• Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference held in Washington D.C. is attended by representatives of OAEP and ESP, along with volunteers from State Extension Advisory Committee.
• Statewide County Director Workshop may be scheduled.
  

May

• Each year 22 counties participate in the diversity review process. This usually occurs during May – August with announcement of selected counties usually made in February.

June

• County Extension budget requests are generally due to county commissioners by June 1 for the coming year.

July

• Information is usually provided to County Extension Directors related to anticipated cost share of county Educators for the coming year as well as benefit rates to assist in budget development.

August

• Salary recommendations for county staff are due to Human Resources.
• County Commissioner’s Day – A two-day event hosted in a different region each year features tours and special programs. County Extension Directors receive packets of information to invite commissioners. You should make every effort to encourage your commissioners to attend. If they plan to attend, you or someone from your office should be there to host them.
• Congressional Assistant’s Tour – Two-day event introduces Congressional staffers to local and state Extension programs. You may be asked to help host or arrange a day of tours.

September

• Vice President’s Luncheon at Farm Science Review. Local elected officials are invited to participate as well as County Extension Directors.

October

• The Dean’s Golf Outing held at the OSU courses to raise funds for advocacy efforts.

November

• Defense of the county Extension budget request normally occurs between November and March, depending on county practice.
• Training for volunteer advocates who will assist with legislative contacts is held each year.

December

• Two-day statewide meeting of Extension professional organizations and recognition event.
  

Written by: Dr. Barbara Ludwig, District Director, May, 1998
Reviewed by: Dr. Nikki Conklin, Dr. Gail Gunderson, Dr. Garee Earnest, Bill Owen, Lou Fourman and Linda Kutilek
2005 Revisions: Gwen Wolford, Brian McClain, Kathy Lechman, Debby Lewis
2009 Revisions: Elizabeth Merkowitz intern), Dr. Garee W. Earnest, Dr. Gwen Wolford, Brian McClain