Associate Dean Position

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Professor

Functional Title: Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

& Associate Director, University of Maryland Extension

Position Number: 114399

Category Status:  Faculty Tenured

Unit:  AGNR-UME-Associate Director

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland seeks to hire an outstanding, collaborative, and experienced leader to assume the role of Associate Dean and Associate Director (AD/AD) of University of Maryland Extension (UME). This position is headquartered on the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) campus and reports to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, who also serves as Director of UME.  Working in tandem with Extension faculty and county-based extension staff, the AD/AD provides visionary and engaged leadership for a robust and impactful organization that addresses the complex needs of the state in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer science, and 4-H youth development.  In addition, the AD/AD will work closely with the College leadership to engage and convey a ‘can do’ message to our many stakeholders at the local, state, national, and international levels. The AD/AD will build upon the College’s efforts to serve as a resource and problem solver for residents, from translation of science into practical application to advance and sustain agriculture, to protect our environment and preserve our natural resources, to enhance the economic vitality of our rural and urban communities, to help develop youth into productive and informed citizens with outstanding character, and to help improve the health and well-being of our citizenry.

The University of Maryland is a top tier public institution ranked 60th among all U.S universities and 20th among all public universities in the 2017 U.S. News and World Report for Best Colleges. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources was ranked 5th nationally among all colleges of agriculture as a ‘Best Value College’. Close proximity of the College to both Washington D.C. and Beltsville, Maryland allow for a competitive advantage of partnerships with many federal and state agencies including the FDA, USDA-ARS, EPA, NIH, and Maryland Department of Agriculture.

The UME is a large organization with 204 faculty and 321 support staff located on the University of Maryland College Park campus, on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) campus, and in 23 counties including Baltimore City, at four (4) regional centers, and as part of the Maryland Sea Grant Program. On the College Park campus, the majority of Extension positions are located in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, although UME also supports positions within the College of Computer, Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the School of Public Health. The Extension program in Maryland is joint between UMCP and UMES and is headquartered out of the UMCP campus. UME supports programs in Maryland with a total expenditure of approximately $30 million – comprised of state general funds, federal formula funds, and county appropriations. UME is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas.

Responsibilities:  

• Providing visionary leadership and helping establish strategic direction for development of an extension program to meet the current and future needs of the citizens of Maryland.
• Serving as principal leader to ensure that UME excels in statewide public outreach and research-based practical application across all program areas of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H, Sea Grant, and Economic Development.
• Elevating UME’s reputation for providing impactful educational experiences on regional, national and global levels through close collaboration with Extension faculty and extensive networking of county-based staff.
• Developing effective, clear, and accessible messaging about the impact from UME programs.
• Leading UME recruitment and retention of faculty and staff and fostering a supportive environment of mentoring and professional development.
• Providing effective fiscal management and appropriate use of funds to support people and programs.
• Interacting with and supporting the efforts of the county extension advisory councils in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Operations and City/Area Extension Directors.
• Providing statewide communication with the agricultural industries, extension user communities, and key statewide stakeholders.
• Fostering strong relationships with county/city, state and federal government agencies.
• Fostering an environment that is collaborative in interdisciplinary programming with the research and academic missions within the College and across campus.
• Seeking extramural funding for the organization.

Qualifications:

Required–

The successful candidate must demonstrate excellence in leading and managing a complex and large scale program to a high level of excellence; provide evidence of developing a positive and supportive working environment with faculty and staff that resulted in relevant and impactful Extension programs; describe the development and implementation of a shared organizational vision; have excellent communication, planning, organizational, personnel and fiscal management skills; and have a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in all settings and circumstances. The successful candidate must possess a doctorate degree and outstanding record of accomplishment to merit tenure as a Professor or equivalent in an appropriate department within the University of Maryland, College Park campus. The candidate must demonstrate a deep understanding of, passion for, experience in, and commitment to the Land Grant mission. This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Applications:

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of application, a statement of philosophy, a curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and five (5) professional references (including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address). The statement of philosophy should describe the attributes of a 21st century Extension organization and how the experiences, traits, and style of the applicant would lead that program to maximum impact. Applications and nominations should be addressed to Dr. Robert Jackson, Chair, Search Committee, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Electronic application is required and must be submitted through eTerp at https://ejobs.umd.edu.

Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Closing Date: For best consideration, apply by February 24, 2017. Position open until suitable candidate is identified.

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Second Majors and Second Degrees Information

Second Majors and Second Degrees

Second majors

A student who wishes to complete a second major concurrently with his or her primary major of record must obtain written permission in advance from the appropriate departments or programs and colleges. As early as possible, but in no case later than one full academic year before the expected date of graduation, the student must file with the department or programs involved and with the appropriate deans, formal programs showing the courses to be offered to meet requirements in each of the majors and supporting areas as well as those of the college and general education programs. A student who wishes to add a Limited Enrollment Program as a second major must do so at the earliest possible opportunity to assure that specific credit and GPA requirements can be met. In order to obtain approval, students must complete all of the requirements specified for both the primary and secondary major. Courses taken for one major may be counted as appropriate as part of the degree requirements for the general education programs. If two colleges are involved in the double major program, the student must designate which college will be responsible for the maintenance of records and certification of general education requirements. Final approval of a double major program must be obtained from each of the appropriate departments and college(s).

Second Degrees Taken Simultaneously

A student who wishes to receive two bachelor's degrees simultaneously must satisfactorily complete the regularly prescribed requirements of both degree programs and a minimum of 150 credits (180 credits if one of the degrees is in Special Education). At least 18 of the credits applied to one degree must be in course work not applied to the requirements of the other degree program. As early as possible, but in no case later than one full academic year before the expected date of graduation, the student must file with the department or programs involved, as well as with the appropriate deans, formal programs showing the courses to be offered to meet the major, supporting area, college, and general education programs. If two colleges are involved in the double degree program, the student must designate which college will be responsible for the maintenance of records and certification of general education requirements. Final approval of a double degree program must be obtained from each of the appropriate departments and college(s).

Second Degrees Taken Sequentially

A student who has completed the requirements for, and has received one baccalaureate and who wishes to earn a second degree from the university must satisfactorily complete all of the prescribed requirements for the second degree and enough additional credits so that the total, including all applicable credits earned at the university or elsewhere, is at least 150 credits (180 credits if one of the degrees is in Special Education). At least 18 of the credits applied to one degree must be in course work not applied to the requirements of the other degree program. In no case will a second baccalaureate be awarded to a student who has not completed a minimum of 30 credits in residence at the university.

Post-Baccalaureate Second Degree

Students who matriculate to the University with a bachelor's degree from any regionally accredited college or university will be considered to have satisfied the University's general education requirements, regardless of when the degree was received.

Horticulture Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Coordinator

Functional Title: Coordinator (Digital Horticulture Education)

Position Number: 122648

Category Status:  Exempt Contingent Category 2

Unit: AGNR-UME-Home and Garden Information Center

Location: Central Maryland Research & Education Center, 11975-A Homewood Road, Ellicott City, Maryland

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The new Coordinator position will further HGIC’s goal of fully integrating the Master Gardener, Grow It Eat It, and Home & Garden Information Center programs. The successful candidate will provide stability to the Ask an Expert service, ensure accuracy and consistency of answers, and manage and share information across programs and across social media and software platforms. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute content to web pages and MG training materials. The unit and position are located in Ellicott City, MD at the Central Maryland Research & Education Center.

The Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) is a national leader in garden/landscape and pest management education. Master Gardeners, schools, agencies, non-profits, and residents use HGIC’s information and answers across multiple digital platforms- web pages, social media, blog, e-newsletter, and YouTube.

HGIC provides direct answers to residents who submit questions via the “Ask an Expert” widget found on UME web pages. The Coordinator for Digital Horticulture and IPM Education will 1) answer questions posted by clientele, 2) manage and evaluate the “Ask an Expert” service, 3) capture, organize, and re-purpose “Ask an Expert” questions, answers, and photos, and 4) create new digital content.

Responsibilities:

• Provide horticultural and pest management expertise and education by answering the questions of Maryland residents via the national “Ask an Expert” system (web-based q&a). This includes making plant and pest problem diagnoses and recommendations, identifying plants and insects, and educating clients about best practices for sustainable horticulture.
• Develop practices and protocols to ensure that “Ask an Expert” questions are answered accurately and efficiently. Develop relationships with Extension faculty and other experts who can assist with difficult questions.
• Create new content (including fact sheets and articles) and repackage and re-purpose questions, answers, and photos submitted via Ask an Expert, for use on all HGIC teaching platforms (blog, web pages, e-newsletter, social media).
• Work with UME and eXtension professionals to master search techniques in the “Ask an Expert” database.
• Analyze “Ask an Expert” trend and usage data. Develop and implement surveys to measure client satisfaction and impacts.

Qualifications:

Required –

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with, garden and landscape plants, identifying plant and pest problems, and understanding the principles and practices of sustainable horticulture and integrated pest management.
• Ability to work independently and to function as part of a unit team.
• Strong oral, written, and electronic communication skills are essential.
• Computer software skills are essential, including Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word).
• Demonstrated experience in social media and website management.
• Valid driver’s license. Must provide personal transportation for meetings and conferences.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the Criminal History Record Check.

Additional Certifications:

• Must obtain Pesticide Applicator and Certified Professional Horticulturist certifications from the Maryland Department of Agriculture within 18 months of hiring date.

Preferences –

• Degree discipline preferred in plant sciences, horticulture, botany, environmental sciences, entomology, landscape architecture, or related field.
• Master’s degree in a related discipline.
• Experience in Drupal and Adobe Creative Suite
• Teaching experience (face-to-face or digital)

Salary & Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience, with base salary of $44,800. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Application Process:

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu  A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled. For best consideration, apply by February 3, 2017.

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Student Proposals for the Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference

The call for proposals for the Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference Student Summit has been extended to this Sunday, February 5. The Summit takes place on Sunday, March 26 at the College Park Marriott & Conference Center. 

So far, the summit has not received any submissions from UMD students. 

For more information

​ on how to apply, please see:​

https://smartandsustainable.umd.edu/sessions/student-summit

If anyone is interested but isn't sure which track you could fall under

​, please contact the Office of Sustainability Communications Coordinator Andrew Muir at ​

asmuir@umd.edu

​.​

Advising Frequently Asked Questions

Q:   What is a HOLD FILE?

A:  HOLDFILES are a “Waitlist for Waitlists.”  Holdfiles "protect" classes for incoming students.  To be sure new students have something left to choose from, the University does not "release" at the same time all the seats it has available in popular classes. 

·         Over the weekend, “holdfiles” will be “dumped” into all remaining openings and a single “Waitlist” is generated.

·         Usually, students placed high on Waitlists get the classes they want, provided the "ratio" of seats available to waitlist is good. In other words, a HIST 200 class with 150 students and #15 on the HOLDFILE is a better bet than an Art Studio class of 25 that has 37 on the HOLDFILE.   Already, students are returning from Break and moving their schedules around. As soon as they drop a class, the next person on the Waitlist gets in – so you might even get your desired schedule before classes begin!

NOTE:  Virtually everyone who wants one, will get a MATH class.  The Math department has a sophisticated enrollment management system – do not be discouraged by closed courses!  Add yourself to the needed Waitlists, and go to class!

 

Q:  How do I add myself to a Waitlist?

If you try to register for a class, and the computer says “NO OPEN SECTIONS” – here’s what you need to do.

1. Find a specific closed section that fits with the rest of your schedule and try to add that specific section. 

2. The computer will say “No open sections. Add to Waitlist? (or holdfile)?” 

3. Say “yes.” 

4. Then the computer will show you all the sections of your desired course… and there will be a little asterisk * next to the sections that conflict with some part of the rest of your schedule.

5. Select each class you want to Waitlist.  You can then add yourself for up to 6 sections of a particular course. 

6. Once you have checked the various Waitlists, hit “Return sections” at the bottom of the page.  This is an odd way of saying: “put me on the Waitlist for the sections I’ve indicated.”  Or maybe it means “Return me to the previous schedule with these courses Waitlisted.”  Who knows?! But it works.

Beware:  Only add yourself to sections you would take, if you got them.  If you decide not to take the one offered when it comes, it’ll drop you from all 6 and you have to start all over again!

RELATED QUESTION:  Can I be on the Waitlist AND in a (less-desirable) section of the same course?? 

• No, you can only be on one or the other; sorry :+(

Q:  HOW DO I TAKE MYSELF OFF A WAITLIST?

Go to Waitlist Check-in to DROP the sections/classes you no longer want. http://www.testudo.umd.edu/

• There are probably several students who will be your friend for life because they can now move up the list. 
• On their behalf:  thank you :+)

Q:  Okay, I’M ON A WAILIST, WAITING.  Now what do I do?

--  Usually, there will be much movement on the Waitlist the days before classes begin.  Sometimes, you'll go directly from the Waitlist into the class!  If so, you will see “AW” on your “Unofficial Transcript.” 

--   Check TESTUDO here: http://www.testudo.umd.edu/ and go to “Waitlist Check-in.”  The course isn’t formally added to your schedule until the system “knows” you’re aware it’s been added.

--  Waitlists are updated only once daily.  Even if 400 people drop a class at 10AM, you will not see the update on Waitlists until 7:30 AM the next day.  You can access Waitlist Check-in 7:30 AM-11PM daily, except Sunday, when hours are limited to 5:30 PM-11PM

--  If you are high on the Waitlist (#1 or #2 for a small class, or #3 or #4 for a large class) GO TO YOUR DESIRED CLASS FROM THE BEGINNING.  Instructors spend a lot of time with the course syllabus (your class expectations, requirements, assignments, deadlines, etc.) on the first day of classes.  You do NOT want to miss that class!

REMINDER:   When "confirming" classes off the Waitlist, FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.  

--  The computer will ask you twice if you want the course:  "You got the course.  Click here if you want it." Then: "To CONFIRM this course, click here."

--  After "confirming" your class off the Waitlist, print a copy of your "Student Schedule" to be sure you have done what you intended to do.  If it doesn't match up – go back in to make adjustments.

Patience is usually rewarded.  However, if you have not received a class by the end of the first week of classes, it's best to go with a back-up choice.  Beginning a new class after missing 2-3 lectures is usually not advisable.

Q:  I’M ON ACADEMIC PROBATION – HOW DOES THAT AFFECT ME?

-- If you are Waitlisting one or more classes, please e-mail me ASAP with your name, UID, and the course(s) you are waiting for.  When students are on Probation, each ADD and DROP must be approved on a course-by-course basis.  If you e-mail me in advance, I can put the approvals into the computer ahead of time.

REMINDER TO EVERYONE:

-- If you are close to the top of a Waitlist – ATTEND YOUR FIRST WEEK’S CLASSES.   The first day of class is often the most important one – That’s when professors spend extra time talking about the syllabus, the course content, his/her expectations, and all the “WAYS TO A’s” in his/her class.  You do not want to miss this class!

SERC Internships

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, MD is currently seeking interns. They have a 2,700 acre campus, and 18 research labs that study all kinds of flavors of environmental science. The deadline to apply is February 15. Anyone who has any kind of interest in environmental science, outreach, or education should definitely apply. Interns can be undergrads, recent grads, or master’s students.

Visit serc.si.edu to learn more and apply!

You may also contact Dan Gustafson at gustafsond@si.edu

USFWS Fellowship

Fellowship Announcement
US. Fish and Wildlife Services

In 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will partner with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to administer the FWS Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP) for students interested in a conservation career. The DFP is designed to provide a fellowship opportunity for undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduate students to participate full time for at least 11 weeks on projects that meet the qualification of a rigorous fellowship program.

Application instructions, deadline date, and preview of DFP projects are available:www.fws.gov/workforwildlife/

Questions? Contact a FWS Recruiter at dfp@fws.gov

Apply today!
1. Complete your fellowship application online at the Student Conservation Association (SCA) by Feb 10th 2017: http://thesca.force.com/members/NewRegistration
2. Add the promo code/application code PO-00722397 to your application.
3. Attach a resume and copy of your college transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
4. Once submitted your application is reviewed by SCA for your eligibility for the 2017 DFP
5. Once screened and qualified the SCA will send you an email inviting you to apply to specific DFP projects.

 **NOTE: SCA application questions contact Melissa Fisher: mfisher@thesca.org

Benefits:
• Housing in select areas/locations.
• Living allowance – paid bi-weekly.
• Travel allowance.
• 1 week orientation at the FWS National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.
• Hands-on experience.
• Fellows may be eligible for a permanent position in the FWS after successfully completing their fellowship and degree requirements.

Eligibility:
• US citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, must register with the Selective Service System, unless they meet certain exemptions.
• Students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate (rising seniors) or graduate, or higher degree program. GPA must be 3.0 or higher for undergraduates, graduates, or higher degree.
• Available for 12 weeks (1 week orientation/11 week fellowship) beginning in mid-May or mid-June 2017.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in the conservation field.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: Federal agencies must provide a reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.