Commission on Outreach
March 30, 1999

Present:  Eldridge Collins, Lynn Gray, Clark Jones, Dave Barrett, Irene
Leech, Doug McAlister, Bill Murphy,  Marie Paget, Jim Johnson, Peter
Sforza, Ted Settle, Mary McFerren.  Terry Swecker presiding.

Terry Swecker called the meeting to order.  Unanimous vote taken to
suspend the rules due to lack of a quorum.  (Note:  a quorum was established
about 15 minutes into the meeting.)

The agenda was accepted.

Clark Jones presented an amendment to minutes of last meeting.  This
amendment was approved and submitted.

Doug McAlister gave a progress report from the Public Service Awards
working group that meet on March 29.  They are working on a re-draft of
guidelines that will be ready by our next meeting.  It was decided that the
Vice Provost for Outreach will assist in the process management in the
future.  It was proposed to change the name of the award to the Excellence
in Outreach.  This was voted on and passed.   The Vice Provost for Outreach
will host an award luncheon in the future for award winners with the
Commission.   Lynn Gray was nominated and approved as chair person of this
working group.  Judith Jones was added to the committee as a consultant.
They welcome any suggestions during these improvements.  Clark Jones will
talk to Charles Steger regarding the source of funding for this award
process.

Clark Jones distributed Policy #13,005:  Interdisciplinary Research Centers
dated 11/5/91.  Terry Swecker asked the working group that was formed at
the last meeting to review and revise Outreach Center guidelines by May 10.

Dave Barrett gave an update from Virginia Cooperative Extension.  Since
1996 extension agents were required to have a masters degree or one to be
imminent according to the AP requirements.  In the future, new hires can be
exceptions with the understanding they will complete a masters in six
years.   Also, agent specialization seems to be working.  New hires will be
placed for six months with a senior agent to form technical skills.  The
position of Director is being advertised with dossiers due June 15.

It is time to elect a new chair person for the Commission on Outreach.
Terry Swecker asked for nominations or volunteers in the next two weeks.
If he does not receive any, a nominating committee will be formed.

Clark Jones led a discussion of where outreach should be going in the
future.  He welcomes any comments for a reaction team that is forming.

The next meeting date has been changed.  Instead of April 19, the
Commission will meet May 10, 10-12 in 325 Burruss.

Meeting was adjourned.