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University of Illinois Extension Orientation Program

The Human Resource Development Committee feels it is important that Extension staff is provided comprehensive orientation to enable them to better fulfill their role. This is accomplished through an integrated, sequential, year-long process.

All new employees attend a one-day Introduction to Extension. In addition, each new employee attends four two-day trainings (components two, three, four, and five) in their first year of employment. The sequence for attendance of these components may be different for each employee. New employees do not participate in other Professional Development Opportunities except when determined by their Regional Director.

An explanation of each component follows:

Component One: Introduction to Extension

Introduction to Extension features a basic overview of Extension:

• Its origins, philosophy and legal authorization;
• Introduction to organizational methods and key competencies;
• Basic information on finances, core program areas, reporting, and accountability;
  Orientation to life in Extension.
• Professionals attend this one-day orientation within the first six months of employment.

Component Two: Program Development & Evaluation

An overview of the program development process and evaluation is provided, as well as an evaluation and design of needs assessments. Learning styles, developmental stages, development of learning goals, designing learning experiences to meet goals, and teaching methods are also covered. Additional time will be spent on evaluation, which includes methods, techniques, and using the results.

Component Three: Working in Communities

Information is provided in the following areas: collecting community information; working with councils and communities; networking with other organizations; developing community leadership; community issues; community conflict; community information networks; financial and volunteer resources; working with diverse audiences.

Component Four: Communication and Marketing/Volunteerism

Topics presented include: building media relations; internal/external public relations; working with local mass media (newspaper, radio, TV, cable and web pages); matching the message with the medium; satellite and teleconferencing; digital cameras; marketing plans and strategies.

The volunteerism component is also covered in this training. Subjects included are: background of volunteerism, utilizing volunteers; roles of volunteers; locating volunteers; selection and screening; training; supervision; support; recognition; and resources available.

Component Five: Team Development

Information on group dynamics, skill building for conflict management, and team meetings are covered, as well as an explanation of kinds of teams and stages of team development. This includes understanding team input into the program planning process.

Explanation of the four Core areas (Agriculture and Natural Resources; 4-H Youth Development; Family and Consumer Services; Community and Economic Development) is featured. This component also includes: planning; interdisciplinary efforts; how grassroots programming and emerging issues identified by program and professional development teams interrelate; working with councils; and working with research institutions.

Component Six: New County Director Development

Training is offered twice yearly, the day before the Spring and Fall County Director meetings, which include two days of training. This is two additional days of training which only County Directors participate in.

Component Seven: Mentoring

The mentoring program, developed by the Human Resource Development Committee in 1998, creates a professional relationship between new employees and experienced staff. A goal of the Mentoring program is to reduce job stress and turnover by providing an open atmosphere for dialogue and positive support while allowing experienced staff an opportunity to share their professional expertise. Regional Directors are responsible for providing training.

Component Eight: Professional Development Opportunities

Professional development opportunities, which enhance personal and professional skills, are offered to staff members. Travel, per diem, and lodging are paid through Central funds. New staff members do not participate in additional PDOs in their first year of employment unless suggested by their Regional Director.