4-H & Families

Duo adds layer of security to online accounts

As many of you are aware, preparations are underway for UC ANR to implement UCPath in the spring of 2019. UCPath is a systemwide initiative launched by the University of California to modernize its current payroll system. Using new technology, UCPath will standardize the Division's workforce management effort, and payroll, benefits and human resources systems for all UC employees, and will enable the formation of UC ANR as a distinct financial structure within UC, which is a critical step for our organization.

The formation of UC ANR as a stand-alone financial structure provides us a remarkable opportunity to improve efficiency, and strengthen compliance, accountability and security. Additionally, UC ANR is responsible for protecting a vast amount of electronic information ranging from personal data to highly valuable original research.

In order to protect personnel payroll records that will enable UCPath, as well as critical research data, we have collaborated with UC Davis to implement a multi-factor authentication (MFA) service called Duo. Duo adds a new layer of security to your online accounts. A more comprehensive description of Duo is available at http://ucanr.edu/mfa.

To support ANR-wide adoption of Duo MFA, I want to encourage all managers, supervisors and directors to make staff aware of the Duo initiative and actively encourage them to enroll. Your participation in this initiative will help protect UC ANR information assets and help us comply with laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of personal and confidential information. Thank you for your support as UC ANR implements this critical cybersecurity initiative.                                

Sincerely,

Tu M. Tran
Associate Vice President, Business Operations

 

Lindcove REC citrus attracts a crowd

Lindcove Research and Extension Center hosted its annual citrus variety tasting for growers and other industry members on Dec. 14. The following day, they welcomed members of the public to sample over 100 different citrus varieties. 

“We had nine high school FFA teams of 6 to 8 students each and lots of other people,” said Beth Grafton-Cardwell, Lindcove REC director. “I am guessing we had at least 250 people.”

Matt Rogers, district representative for U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, attended the event.

 

Nominations open for Experiment Station Diversity and Inclusion Award

The Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP) is seeking nominations for the National Experiment Station Section Diversity and Inclusion Award.

The award recognizes experiment station research initiatives that support the creation of diverse and inclusive efforts and is dedicated to individuals, teams or organizations that go beyond meeting equal employment opportunity/Affirmative Action program requirements. 

To view or download nomination details, visit http://escop.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DCC_AWARDCALL_FINAL_2019.pdf.

The award comes with paid travel to the Annual ESS/SAES/ARD meeting, recognition with a commemorative plaque and a $1,000 cash award.

For questions about the nomination, contact Rick Rhodes, executive vice chair, ESCOP Diversity Catalyst Committee, (rcrhodes@uri.edu or 401-874-2468). Submit nominations by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on March 29, 2019, to rcrhodes@uri.edu.

 

Apply for 2019 WEDA Award of Excellence by Feb. 15

The Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) seeks applications for the 2019 Award of Excellence. This award recognizes Cooperative Extension outreach education programming that has achieved outstanding accomplishments, results, and impacts in addressing contemporary issues in one or more of the 13 states and 4 territories in the western region. Mature programs with documented impacts are encouraged for submission. Please note that 30 percent of the evaluation score is based on a clear assessment of program impact.

Three programs that represent the work of an individual or multidisciplinary team within a single or multistate/territory setting may receive the WEDA Award of Excellence. If warranted, a multistate/territory program will win one of the awards.

Anyone in UC ANR may recommend potential awardees by completing and submitting an application package. Self-nominations are appropriate.

Only Extension directors may submit applications to WEDA. As the Extension director for California, Vice President Humiston must submit all UC ANR applications to WEDA for consideration. Vice President Humiston may submit up to two applications per year. The Academic Assembly Council (AAC) and Strategic Initiative (SI) Leaders will review all applications. The AAC and the group of SI Leaders will each submit their top 4 nominations to Vice Provosts Bell and Lagrimini and Associate Vice President Powers for final recommendation to Vice President Humiston.

Submit applications for the internal competition to Mark Bell, vice provost of strategic initiatives and statewide programs, at mozbell@ucanr.edu on or before Feb. 15, 2019, using a specific format http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/295422.pdf. See attached for format instructions.

Previous WEDA Award of Excellence winning programs are not eligible for consideration. Programs previously nominated for WEDA Awards of Excellence but not selected can be resubmitted for consideration, including those recognized as Honorable Mention.

Please see the attached guidelines http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/295422.pdf for preparing an application package. For more information, contact Bell directly at (530) 750-1288 or mozbell@ucanr.edu.

Given the strength of UC ANR programs throughout the state, I suspect California will be very competitive again this year. The WEDA Excellence in Extension Award is an outstanding opportunity to have your efforts recognized!

How might we connect better?

Being able to connect is key to the success we in UC ANR enjoy in developing and providing solutions to help the people of California. 

Please provide your input (see #3 under "Where are we?) to see how we might do this even better.

A summer survey to program team leaders and workgroup chairs asked for input on how we currently connect (and our current structure). 

The three main findings were:

1. Our current structure [roles of Workgroups (WG), Program Teams (PT) and Strategic Initiatives (SIs)] is - shall we say - somewhat “fuzzy.”
2. Even with the lack of clarity on WG, PT and SI functions, people greatly value the opportunities to engage and interact.
3. There is a desire to identify which of our (80+) workgroups are active and still needed.

Where are we? What are the actions in play?

1. Workgroups: Frequently Asked Questions” A fact sheet on our structure was developed to help clarify roles – your feedback is welcome.
2. Identify active Workgroups. This week, we are doing a follow up survey with WG chairs to seek input on the level of WG activity and connections.
3. Your input welcome. We welcome your input through this simple survey - 5-10 minutes can help us all move forward. Please complete the survey https://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=26325 by Jan. 4.

What's next? After receiving input from you and the workgroup chairs, we will revisit our structure (program teams, etc.) and see how we can better connect.

Thanks for your efforts to help us positively impact the lives of all Californians.

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