1. New Employee Orientation
March 13, 2019

2. UT Extension Strategic Plan
Advancing Tennessee: UT Extension Strategic Plan
Become the employer of choice to attract and retain a diverse and highly qualified workforce.
Develop a world-class Extension team.
Competency-Based System Initiative Team
Launched in 2015
Made up of agents, county directors, specialists, and faculty.

3. Research
Delphi Study
Solicited feedback from 36 county directors and agents representing all program areas and regions
Three rounds of surveys
73 competencies emerged as key areas to be addressed for staff development.

4. Developing the Assessments
Competency assessments were developed by Skillsoft in consultation with a subcommittee and expert panel
Use realistic Extension scenarios.
Piloted with agents with 2-4 years of experience.

5. Competency Areas Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Professionalism
Leadership
Educational Design
Partnerships
Organizational Systems
Volunteers

6. Purpose
The purpose is to identify professional development needed to help you do your job.
NOT used for hiring, disciplinary procedures, or performance appraisal.

7. Handbook
Tiny.utk.edu/newemployees

9. Process Assessment is assigned at New Employee Orientation.
Agent completes assessments in order, following timeline.
If “needs training” score is received, Regional Program Leaders will work with the agent to identify training needs.
Agents will be assigned e-learning in
All courses must be completed within one year.

10. Timeline
March: Assessment assigned when agent attends New Employee Orientation.
March - April: Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Professionalism
May - June: Leadership, Educational Design, Partnerships
July - August: Organizational Systems, Volunteers
September: Meet with RPL and CD if needed.
September - February: Complete any identified professional development courses.

11. Important to Note Scoring
80% and above is “proficient”, below 80% is “needs training”
Only the first score is recorded.
It is not the expectation that everyone receives a proficient score on every assessment.
The scores will not be used for performance appraisal, but completing the EXCELS process is an expectation.
If professional development needs are identified, e-learning courses will be assigned.
Skillsoft courses taken in count toward professional development hours. Most of these are 30 minutes to 2 hours in length.

12. Tips for the Assessments
Set aside time.
Review the competencies beforehand.
Read the scenarios carefully.
Think broadly, rather than by program area.
Pay attention when a question asks for “all” answers that apply.
Many questions have multiple answers.
Partial answers are scored as incorrect.
Set aside sufficient time
Don’t try to speed through the assessment.
Pay attention to the individual competencies that are being assessed.
Read the scenarios carefully before proceeding to the questions.
Don’t get stuck on the program area used in the scenario if it is different from yours. Think more broadly.
Pay attention when a question asks for “all” answers that apply. Many questions have multiple answers. Partial answers are scored as incorrect.

13. Accessing the Assessments
Kate.tennesseee.edu
Assessment will appear on Transcript after assigned.
Each assessment will list the appropriate due dates.
You will receive an when the assignment is ready.

15. Contact Information
Brandi Berven Extension Specialist Extension Evaluation and Staff Development

16. Questions?