Part 3: Extension and Outreach
Extension and outreach are essential to the college’s mission because they disseminate information based on the faculty member’s professional expertise to the public outside of normal academic venues. Faculty will determine if their activities can be defined as service or extension and outreach when preparing the portfolios. Extension and outreach will be negotiated as part of a faculty member’s allocation of effort.
Evaluation of Extension and Outreach
To evaluate extension and outreach for non-Cooperative Extension Services, the following guidelines are recommended. Faculty must provide evidence of extension and outreach in order that these efforts are recognized. The documentation should provide evidence that the work is:
- creative and intellectual;
- validated by peers;
- communicated to stakeholders; and
- have an impact on stakeholders and the region.
Components of extension include:
- developing programs/projects based on locally identified needs, concerns, and/or issues targeting specific audiences;
- setting goals and objectives for the program/project;
- reviewing current literature and/or research for the program/project;
- planning appropriate program delivery;
- documenting changes in clientele knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and/or skills;
- conducting a reflective critique and/or evaluation of the program;
- validation of the program by peers and/or stakeholders; and
- communication of results to stakeholders and decision makers. See Glossary for definitions that distinguish Extension from Outreach.