New Faculty The Professional Development plan for New Faculty consists of eight components: Welcome Packet Introductory Video Peer Mentoring Program Resource Notebook Orientation Guidelines for CEDs and DEDs to use with new faculty Faculty Orientation Website Modules Orientation and Training Modules Graduation and Recognition for Completion

The First Day New Extension employees will receive a welcome packet, introductory video, and a resource notebook on their first day of work. These tools will prepare them for their new position as an Extension agent, as well as provide important information for future reference.

Welcome Packet The welcome packet includes necessary forms, policies, information about New Faculty Orientation and Professional Development, and other general information. This packet is available upon the first day of employment in Extension.

The introductory video includes: Introduction Welcome from the Dean Understanding IFAS Understanding county, state, and federal partners Organizational goals Extension program areas Resources needed to become a highly effective Extension educator Introductory Video

Peer Mentoring Program This program provides non-evaluative support for new employees in an open atmosphere, with an opportunity to develop potential for professional growth and development. This is also an opportunity to develop continuing sensitivity and practical competencies to deal with social, economic, and political changes affecting the Extension organization and personnel. District Extension Directors will assign a mentor for new faculty prior to their beginning date. (This program is currently in the developmental stage.)

Resource Notebook The resource notebook provides important references and information needed for Extension faculty. The notebook provides an overview of the Extension system, including the mission and philosophy of Extension, history of Extension, and program areas. The notebook will be used throughout an agents career.

Orientation Guidelines for CEDs and DEDs to use with new faculty The orientation guidelines are being developed so that CEDs and DEDs may provide more structured, consistent training to new faculty throughout their Extension career. These are being established so as to promote long-term career development.

New Faculty Web-Modules The website contains modules pertinent to Extension, UF and basic Extension Programming. It enables expedient self-paced orientation for new faculty. It serves as an informational resource for all faculty. New Faculty should start working on these modules within their first few days of employment, and finish within the first three months of employment

On-Campus Orientation and Training There are three On-Campus Orientation Training Sessions. New County Faculty attend all three. New Faculty who have been employed for at least two months may attend. The sessions are two months apart and consecutive. Completion of these sessions is required within the first year of employment.

Session One: Orientation to UF and Extension, Basic Program Development Session Two: Implementing Extension Programs, Extension Methods, Teaching Techniques Session Three: Evaluation, Accountability, Communication, and Marketing The On-Campus Orientation and Training Sessions are:

Graduation and Recognition for Completion A recognition program is provided for new faculty after completing all phases of the New Faculty Orientation program. Included is a ‘graduation ceremony’ with Extension administrators held at the end of the third session of On-Campus Orientation and Training. This is an opportunity for new faculty to know how important and appreciated they are to the established Extension community, and it conveys the significance of proactive professional development.