March 2022 
 
Colleagues, 
 
I began this memo intending to focus on happier Texas spring events, but wildfires and natural disasters have intervened. State and local partners that include the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M Forest Service are heavily involved in response and recovery. Disasters like these fires — and efforts like those of our agents — remind us how deeply we feel the core value of service and how important our work is.
 
At the same time, spring is a season for joy, stock shows and county fairs. What I see at these happy events also reminds me of the unparalleled impact of AgriLife Extension. Those of you contributing to these events are giving youth positive experiences in every program area we have in Texas. You are helping build the next generation of Texans.
 
Whether you are working in disaster recovery, agriculture and natural resources, family and community health, economic health or youth development, you make Texas better.
 
Thank you,
Rick Avery 
Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Updates from Around Extension
Helpful Online Employee Resources
Stay up to date with employees across the state with our posting of recent Personnel Updates on our AgriLife Extension Employee Directory page.

Have you seen the 2021-2022 Specialist Directory yet?
Career Ladder Training
Each year, AgriLife Extension hosts a career ladder training for the Extension Program Specialist Career Ladder System. This year's training is set for March 25 at 11 a.m. via Teams. If you would like to attend but have not received a Teams invite, contact your Associate Department Head or Program Leader.
Employee Development
March 1-4 marked the second new employee orientation of 2022. We had 33 new employees attend Discover Extension, the state orientation for new employees of AgriLife Extension. 
Thank you to the incredible discussion group leaders and speakers who made this event so impactful for attendees. 

To learn more about these talented and passionate individuals who have joined our AgriLife Extension family, including some fun facts, click here.  We encourage you to reach out to those in your region or those who serve in similar roles and send them a note of encouragement as they strive to adapt and engage key strategies for success in their first two years.  
Time Management Modules on LinkedIn Learning:
 
Resources on Teamwork:
Professional Services
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Update on the AgriLife Extension web hub

Thank you to those who have completed the survey for county information. While the deadline to be entered into the drawing has passed, we still need to hear from everyone!
To those who have not yet completed this important Extension web hub survey, please do so by March 31.

If you want to read further on the progress or stay up to date with this initiative, visit our Brand, Web and Digital Strategy page on the Extension Employee site.
In case you missed it:
Did you see our presentation on Designing Electronic Newsletters for Extension Education and Programming? Watch the presentation, which covers:
  • How to get started
  • Maximizing free platform features
  • Managing contacts
  • Accessibility
  • Case Study - Texas AgrAbility

For a listing of Tech Tuesday resources, visit our AgriLife Extension Employee site.
AGRILIFE DIGITAL EDUCATION
Update regarding transition from bookstore to AgriLife Learn

As mentioned in previous communication, the old AgriLife Bookstore URL was redirected to AgriLife Learn for six months with an end date of March 1.
AgriLife Digital Education has received questions about the former site URL and wants to ensure that members within the organization are informed of this transition.
Recommendations:
AGRILIFE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
Did you know that you can manage most of your IT services in AgriLife People? 

In addition to maintaining your directory profile, you can request access to existing shared mailboxes, Microsoft Teams and WordPress sites.
You can also request new items such as:
  • Email Distribution List
  • Administrative Computer Account

Requests to existing items require approval from the resource owner. Creation requests (Teams, shared mailbox, etc.) require approval from your supervisor. 

The entire process is automated, so anyone who has to approve a request receives an email with details and instructions on what and how to approve. 

You can find directions on how to request or modify any available IT Service here. 
 
For the few IT Services not listed, such as:
  • AgriLife Active Directory
  • Microsoft Phone Service (if available for your unit)
  • TexasData
you will still need to contact your Unit Account Manager or UAM.
AgriLife Learn online courses are here for Texans, and they can also be valuable educational supplements to your in-person programs.
Check out the latest offerings developed by your colleagues! 
Tomato 101: The Basics of Growing Tomatoes
It's tomato time! This course will take you from planting all the way through the harvest of your tomatoes. Make tomatoes the most delicious addition to your spring garden with this self-paced course. 
Eating Well for Healthy Living
This three-lesson course teaches participants how to reduce stress through meal planning and physical activity, spend less and get more value at the grocery store, and how to store and prepare food safely.
This award-winning course offers Texans practical and helpful information to ease their experience as a new landowner.

Former participants said the course was "the best AgriLife Extension publication and program I've seen in over 30 years involved with agriculture in Texas."
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