The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

  
Vol. 10, No. 7   December 23, 2003

IN THIS ISSUE...

...University Holiday Schedule
...OzNet Holiday Schedule
...KSRE Strategic Plan Update - Reviewing LTIO Statements and Preparing Action Plans
...Michigan Did Not Eliminate Extension or the Agricultural Experiment Station
...Best Wishes
...Pick Up Publications and Visit Duplicating Center During Annual Conference
...The University's eID Password Change Deadline is February 11, 2004
...Specialists' Quarterly Reports
...Is Community Involvement in Watershed Issues in Your Program
...New One-Stop Shop for Federal Grants
...Microsoft Kansas Class Action Settlement
...Thank You
...Workshop Descriptions -- National 4-H Camping Institute
...State 4-H Discovery Days
...Master Schedule

...Tuesday Letter Archives

UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The University will reduce activity from the close of business on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 through Friday, January 2, 2004.  Although the University will close during this period, a few offices, such as the University Police, will keep a normal schedule.  Since December 25, 26 and January 1 are holidays, the only normal workdays affected will be December 29, 30, and 31, 2003 and January 2, 2004.

K-State Research and extension's policy will be the same as the University: to close campus offices and encourage employees not to work during this period, although some employees may be asked to work.  Prior approval from the departmental supervisor is required.  Buildings will be locked and heat may be reduced to conserve energy.  Mail delivery and processing in Umberger Hall will not be available during this time.  --George Ham gham@oznet.ksu.edu 

OZNET HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
A reduced holiday work schedule (December 25, 2003, through January 4, 2004) is in effect for most people on campus.

OzNet services including e-mail and web functions will be available, but IET staff may not be in the office. If OzNet services are interrupted, please contact IET staff by first calling 785-532-6270. Otherwise, call us in the following order should you need assistance: 

Larry Havenstein, 785-537-0131
Roger Terry, 785-537-2245
Gamage Dissanayake, 785-323-1608

No one will be available on December 25, 2003 or January 1, 2004. Technical support staff (students) will not be available from December 25 through January 4. Normal operations will resume January 5, 2004. --Roger V. Terry rterry@oznet.ksu.edu 

KSRE STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE - REVIEWING LTIO STATEMENTS AND PREPARING ACTION PLANS
K-State Research and Extension has nearly completed work on our new 5-Year Strategic Plan. If you have not yet done so, we suggest you review the long-term intended outcome (LTIO) statements before Annual Conference so you are prepared to participate in the discussions and to offer meaningful suggestions. Consider ranking the strategies and tactics within relevant LTIOs with the intent of helping us determine priorities from the viewpoint of our audiences. These documents can be viewed at http://intranet.oznet.ksu.edu/5yp04_08/draft.htm . Printed copies of the LTIO statements will also be available at the conference.

The 5-Year Strategic Plan will now be implemented through the Action Plans of individuals and/or teams of faculty and staff. Because we are building on what we have already established, a number of you may need to update -- rather than replace -- your current Action Plans. Updating your Action Plans so they align with the new 5-Year Strategic Plan is important because agents and local Program Development Committees employ these Action Plans as a key component in determining their focus for the next several years.

Faculty holding extension tenths need to update their Action Plans. Researchers who are participating in team projects with extension faculty should collaborate in updating Team Action Plans. Researchers who are due to submit new projects should use the recently updated K-State Research and Extension Action Plan template, and make sure that their Action Plans align with the new 5-Year Strategic Plan. As always, researchers and extension faculty are encouraged to find ways to collaborate, particularly through integrated team activities.

Action Plans for state and area extension faculty must be submitted by the end of February 2004. Planning and Reporting must have them by this time so that they can be distributed in a timely manner for use in discussions that involve local Program Development Committees (PDCs) and subsequent Spring Action Conference feedback sessions. Counties have until October to complete Action Plans relevant to commitments they will make. As indicated in previous communications, research faculty who are due to submit new 5-Year Action Plans should deliver them to the K-State Research and Extension Contracts and Grants Office by March 15.

The template for new individual and team Action Plans is posted at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/prev/ . The documents can be retrieved in Word and WordPerfect formats. The template has been posted on the Web site for some time; recent modifications have simply made it align better with the new 5-Year Plan. Action Plans should be submitted in electronic form to facilitate distribution. --Randy Higgins rhiggins@oznet.ksu.edu  and Forrest Chumley fchumley@oznet.ksu.edu 

MICHIGAN DID NOT ELIMINATE EXTENSION OR THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Several of you heard or read that the governor of Michigan was quoted recently as proposing that state funding be eliminated for MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). Recent conversations with our K-State Research and Extension ombudspersons indicate that the rest of the story is not necessarily well known across our system, hence I agreed to summarize what happened. The short answer is that this recommendation was not implemented because the value of their CES and AES systems became obvious upon closer inspection. Clientele and advocacy groups in Michigan provided intense, appropriate feedback as to the essentiality of these complementary agencies when the issues were raised at the executive and legislative levels. 

Check out the following weblink for a story that MSU Extension Administration forwarded to colleagues at Land Grant Universities located around the region - http://www.mlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-0/1069256881201270.xml . 

Some obvious lessons: Never miss a teachable moment that provides you the opportunity to share something positive about what K-State Research and Extension does for the benefit of our taxpayers (marketing) nor doubt the power of a determined and informed collection of clientele groups. Remember that a few years ago it was determined that every dollar invested in K-State Research and Extension returns approximately 17 dollars to the state's economy. --Randy Higgins rhiggins@oznet.ksu.edu 

BEST WISHES
It has been another remarkable year full of opportunities and challenges. Have a great holiday season and take time to reflect on the good things that we have accomplished. Your investments and suggestions are appreciated at all levels. --Randy Higgins rhiggins@oznet.ksu.edu 

PICK UP PUBLICATIONS AND VISIT DUPLICATING CENTER DURING ANNUAL CONFERENCE
While attending the K-State Research and Extension Annual Conference January 6-9, be sure to visit 24 Umberger Hall to pick up any publication orders or other materials that might be ready for you. Then walk down the hall to 11 Umberger to visit the Duplicating staff to see how they can help with your printing and copying needs in 2004.

On Thursday, January 8, Parking Services has reserved the entire section along the sidewalk behind Umberger Hall as a 30-minute pickup zone. (This INCLUDES the spaces marked "Service.") You should have plenty of time to pick up any materials waiting for you and to warm up with a cup of coffee and light refreshment in the Duplicating Center.

If you are hoping to pick up publications that are not yet ordered or request copying, please order now! The campus is closed December 25-January 2. We will do our best to prepare orders placed by noon, December  24, but will not be able to fill new orders "over the counter" during the conference. If you have last-minute needs during conference, please call ahead to see if your order can be prepared for pickup the next day. (Call 785-532-5830 or e-mail orderpub@lists.oznet.ksu.edu  for numbered publications. For printing/copying, call Greg LeValley at 785-532-1158, or e-mail glevalle@oznet.ksu.edu . In either case, be sure to note that  you are requesting conference pickup.)

We appreciate your business during 2003 and look forward to working with you in 2004! --Nancy Zimmerli nancyz@oznet.ksu.edu  

THE UNIVERSITY'S eID PASSWORD CHANGE DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 11, 2004
Please change your KSU eID and OzNet passwords between January 1 and February 11. On February 11, all KSU eID accounts with unchanged passwords will be deactivated.

OzNet users began following the university policy to change passwords semi-annually this past fall. We hope this will be the last time you will need to change your KSU eID password and your OzNet password in separate places. We are working with the university to have one place to change both passwords. Next fall, If you forget to change your KSU eID password several things will happen:

* You won't receive your OzNet or your KSU e-mail
* You can't log onto any of the OzNet servers if you are on campus or at an office connected to the University with a T1 line.
* You can't log in to the Intranet, the Support Downloads page, the State Fair Site, EzWeb2, Distance Diagnostics, WALK Kansas, FNPRS, and many other sites.
* You can't author web pages on any of the Research and Extension web servers.
* You can't connect to the University's dial-up service.

In the meantime... To change your KSU eID password, log in to your eID profile at http://eid.k-state.edu . Even if you don't use KSU computing services you need to change this password. To change your OzNet password go to http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/changepassword . For more detailed instructions on changing your passwords for these systems and other locations go to http://accounts.oznet.ksu.edu/password . --Roger Terry rterry@oznet.ksu.edu and Kat Burton kburton@oznet.ksu.edu 

SPECIALISTS' QUARTERLY REPORTS
The Specialists' Quarterly Report is online at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/prev/ . Please submit your report to the database soon after the end of the reporting period in December. If you have questions or need assistance, please call the Planning and Reporting office at 785-532-6775. --Marie Blythe mblythe@oznet.ksu.edu 

IS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN WATERSHED ISSUES IN YOUR PROGRAM?
Are you already doing, or do you foresee doing community involvement with watershed issues? Watershed issues and programs have flowed forth in recent years. In the future it is expected they will become more important. 

K-State Research and Extension is participating in a regional project on community involvement in watershed issues. If you are interested in learning and contributing in this emerging program area, there are opportunities to participate during 2004. To express interest and/or learn how to get involved in the new year, contact Cindy Casper, Extension Biological and Agricultural Engineering, 785-532-5813, or CCaspar@ksu.edu . --Morgan Powell well@ksu.edu 

NEW ONE-STOP SHOP FOR FEDERAL GRANTS
As of November 7, 2003, all Federal agencies are required to post grant opportunities online at www.grants.gov . This new web site contains information about finding and applying for all federal grant programs. Features include e-mail notifications of new grant postings and searches based on key word, funding activity, funding type, and agency. Access the site at http://www.grants.gov/ . --Robert Wilson rwilson@loki.agecon.ksu.edu 

MICROSOFT KANSAS CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT
Many departments have or will soon be receiving notification of this lawsuit.  We are asking that University departments/units not submit any paperwork associated with this settlement at this time.  The appropriate central administrative offices are reviewing the documents.  A recommended plan of action will be formulated for the University.

Further information will be distributed via this mailing list and in future editions of Infotech Tuesday. --Gina Nixon gnixon@oznet.ksu.edu 

THANK YOU
Words are not enough to tell you how much our family has appreciated the many cards, memorials, messages and other wonderful acts of kindness shown to us upon the death of my mother, Vera Bankson. Even though the loss of a parent is very difficult, knowing and hearing from so many of our extension friends has been very comforting for us during this "trying time." Many thanks to each and every one of you for your thoughtfulness. As quoted by Robert H. Schuller, "Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost." With that thought in mind, we really do have a lot to be thankful for, even during the darkest of times. --Cindy Williams and family cwilliam@oznet.ksu.edu 

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS -- NATIONAL 4-H CAMPING INSTITUTE
We are pleased to announce that 49 different workshops will be offered at the upcoming National 4-H Camping Institute, February 7-11, at Rock Springs 4-H Center. Workshops will be presented on Monday and Tuesday, February 9-10. Exhibitors will also be with us on those two days.

A incredible variety of topics will be presented by folks from across the country --- and each workshop will be presented only once! You can access and download this information from the website: www.oznet.ksu.edu/4h/NCI/NCIhomepage.htm .

There's no better time or place for camping groups to have 4-8 agents represented at the institute so that you can gain as much new and exciting information as possible to strengthen your camping program.

Don't forget that the Early Bird Registrations are due January 14, and that part-time and daily registrations are an option that you will want to consider. The full-time registration fee is $250 until January 14; late registration fee is $300, due January 31. Part-time registration fee Information: Monday-Wednesday is $175; Monday-Tuesday is $140. Daily fee is $100

Please contact Shawna Mitchell, 620-241-1523; Jo Ellen Arnold, 785-229-3520; or Pat McNally, 785-532-5800; if you have questions pertaining to NCI or the registration process. --Pat McNally pmcnally@oznet.ksu.edu 

STATE 4-H DISCOVERY DAYS
Planning is underway for Discovery Days 2004, to be held June 2-4 on the K-State campus. "Discover Your 4-H Spirit" is the theme for the conference, with the goal of 550 teens in attendance.

Classes will be offered only on Thursday, June 3, this year. Classes are 2 hours in length, to be offered in the morning or the afternoon. Another option will be a 4-hour class. Obviously, a wide variety of many classes will be needed to handle 550 teens! Perhaps you might be interested in teaching a class? Or perhaps you might be interested in recruiting a volunteer or other resource persons in teaching a class?

Contact Pam Van Horn, 785-309-5850, or pvanhorn@oznet.ksu.edu ; if you have questions regarding potential classes. Please contact Lori Hutchins, 785-532-5800, or lhutchin@oznet.ksu.edu ; to obtain copies of general information, potential subject areas and the class proposal form.

Class proposals must be submitted to Pam Van Horn by January 15. Thank you for your interest and support of Discovery Days. --Pat McNally pmcnally@oznet.ksu.edu 

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS . 

Submit corrections to previously submitted items to jzarger@oznet.ksu.edu .

DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 31, 2003, THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2004:

Thursday, January 1
.... New Year's Day

Tuesday, January 6, through Friday, January 9
.... K-State Research and Extension Annual Conference, Manhattan, Statewide, Robert Zeigler rzeigler@plantpath.ksu.edu

Wednesday, January 7
.... KS Bull Test Mid Weight, Tipton/MC, Multi-state, Twig Marston twig@oznet.ksu.edu

Saturday, January 10, through Sunday, January 25
.... National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO, Larry Hollis lhollis@oznet.ksu.edu

Monday, January 12, through Wednesday, January 14
.... New Extension Agent Orientation, Manhattan, Statewide, 12:30 p.m., Stacey Warner swarner@oznet.ksu.edu

Tuesday, January 13
.... Ag Profitability Conference, Independence/MG and surrounding area, SE, 8:30 a.m., Scott Gordon sgordon@oznet.ksu.edu
.... SWREC Research Advisory Committee Meeting, Garden City, SW Kansas, 8:30 a.m., Norm Klocke nklocke@ksu.edu
.... Nutrient Management Plan Writing, Dodge City, Statewide, Dale Leikam dleikam@ksu.edu

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