Two award opportunities are available this year through the Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA). Please note that applications for both are due March 1, 2021.

The WEDA Awards of Excellence was created in 2005 to recognize Extension outreach education programming that has achieved outstanding accomplishments, results, and impacts in addressing contemporary issues in one or more of the 13 Western states and Pacific Island US Territories. The Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) Awards of Excellence is offered annually to individuals or multi-discipline teams for single state or multi-state programs. Awards are presented by the Chair of the WEDA. Winners receive a plaque, certificate and monetary stipend in support of their program. The award recipients present a brief seminar at the time of the award presentation, typically during the Western Regional Joint Summer meeting. UCANR can make up to two program submissions. Vice President Humiston will make the final selections. Reception and initial screening of applications will be made by the Academic Assembly Council Program Committee. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the AVP.

The WEDA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Extension Award was created to recognize Extension professionals in the Western Region who have demonstrated excellence in reaching diverse audiences, especially minority and/or traditionally underrepresented populations. Any client or Extension employee may nominate an individual. Self-nominations are also accepted. UCANR can submit one program. Vice President Humiston will make the final selections. Reception and initial screening of applications will be made by the Academic Assembly Council Program Committee. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the AVP.

Submit your applications by March 1, 2021, to Joan Taylor Warren (jtwarren@ucanr.edu).

https://ucanr.edu/sites/UCAAC/Western_Extensio__Directors_Association_Awards_of_Excellence

The Annual Staff Performance Evaluation process will begin on March 2, 2021.  The annual performance evaluation is an opportunity for staff and supervisors to recognize accomplishments, identify opportunities to build skills, and align individual efforts to high-level unit and division goals. After an interruption in 2020, the annual cycle is resuming for the review period that runs from April 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021.

On March 2, all staff employees and their supervisors will receive an email notification that evaluation documents are available in UC Path ePerformance. The email will contain a link to take you directly to the electronic form. You may also locate the form by accessing your Dashboard in UC Path, and selecting Performance Work Center. The UCPath log in page is found at http://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu/.

In March, ANR Human Resources will host webinars for staff and supervisors to review the process and describe available support tools. The webinars will be recorded and available on the HR website for those unable to attend in person. 

Employee role: March 15, Mon., 2 p.m.-3 p.m. 
Zoom link: https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/91426260492?pwd=bmdpc1luejlmQVd1OHlzcEppdVlGQT09

ID: 914 2626 0492; Password: 788112

iPhone one-tap:  US: +16699006833,,91426260492#  or +12532158782,,91426260492# 

Telephone: 669 900 6833; International numbers available: https://ucanr.zoom.us/u/abVT80noAd

Supervisor role: March 17, Wed., 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Zoom link: https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/92243428611?pwd=QUoyQThEdzZSK3dOOHpDS0VQZVRHZz09

ID: 922 4342 8611; Password: 767271

iPhone one-tap:  US: +16699006833,,92243428611#  or +13462487799,,92243428611# 

Telephone: 669 900 6799; International numbers available: https://ucanr.zoom.us/u/axqa8gHi

If you are a supervisor, you only need to participate in a supervisor session.

More information about the annual process, including timelines, guidelines and Performance Appraisal Tools are available on the ANR Human Resources website http://ucanr.edu/sites/ANRSPU/Supervisor_Resources/Performance_Management.

Note: ANR staff based at the Office of the President will follow the UCOP-HR performance process with separate trainings, timelines and forms.

If you have questions regarding the appraisal process, please email humanresouces@ucanr.edu.

The UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center (SFREC) is soliciting proposals to support new and continuing research on rangeland and oak woodland ecology and management, beef cattle health, production and management, as well as related agricultural and natural resource themes important to California.

Basic resources and facilities to support research include 5,000 acres of northern Sierra foothill oak woodland–annual grass rangeland as well as irrigated pastures, riparian areas and access to the Yuba River. An approximately 160 head cow-calf herd and access to up to 300 head of steers/heifers is available to support animal production, animal health and grazing research. SFREC maintains a dry lab for sample processing, a dormitory as well as large and small conference rooms.

The Center's Research Advisory Committee will evaluate proposed research for scientific merit and regional need. Approved projects will be eligible for center-provided support, which includes land, labor, technical assistance, equipment and facilities.

Proposals may be submitted through the REC Manage System via the SFREC website at http://sfrec.ucanr.edu. 

For further information regarding research opportunities, contact Dustin Flavell, SFREC interim director at (530) 639-8803 or dkflavell@ucanr.edu, or visit sfrec.ucanr.edu.

At UC ANR, we make recommendations based on science. Our intent is not to convince people to get vaccinated, but to present information to help them make informed decisions.

We have collected resources to help you promote health and wellness during the pandemic such as reference links, PowerPoint slides and suggested messaging for email signatures. Some examples are at https://ucanr.edu/sites/safety/files/345583.pdf.

Below are some facts and resources about COVID-19.

Myths and Facts (UC Davis)

CDC Vaccine Guidance

Fact Check: Are there microchips in vaccines? No.

Fact Check: Is there a sterility risk? No.

Fact Check: Are there fetal cells in vaccines? No.

Fact Check: Were vaccines developed too fast to be safe? No.

Join these famous people in being vaccinated:

• President Joe Biden
• Vice President Kamala Harris
• Former President George Bush
• Former Vice President Mike Pence
• Journalist Stephanie Elam
• Dr. Anthony Fauci
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres
• Former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Celebrity Martha Stewart

More on why vaccination is safe and important:

• Sadly, Jan. 21, 2021 was the day when the COVID death toll in the U.S. reached, and then exceeded, the 405,399 Americans who died in World War II. On Feb. 22, deaths in the U.S. due to COVID-19 passed 500,000.
  
• While many are concerned about the vaccines, even back in December, communities were growing in confidence that the vaccine is safe. By December 2020, numbers intending to get the vaccine had already grown to above 60%. (Pew Research December 2020)
  
• Centers for Disease Control: How to Protect Yourself and Others
  
• California Department of Public Health Covid guidance (CDPH) 

• Make vaccination appointments, check your eligibility, or sign up for alerts at https://myturn.ca.gov/

• For more links and resources, see COVID-19 Vaccines