Anthony Allegretti

The meeting covered several key updates and discussions, including personnel changes within the College and Extension due to retirements and new hires for key leadership roles in Agriculture & Agribusiness, Natural Resources, Environment and Energy, and the Integrated Health Disparities program. Organizational review models are being developed, and there was an update on the groundbreaking for the Doris Kelly Christopher Extension Center, anticipated to open in 2024 or early 2025. Financial updates highlighted stable funding streams, leverage opportunities due to state funding receipt, and investment in new faculty start-up, central unit support, and collaboration grants. Discussions also focused on off-target herbicide movement, particularly Dicamba drift, emphasizing the need for increased education via Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists. Updates were provided on Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) strategic intent focusing on food, family, finance, and health, with significant work in delivering online sessions due to the pandemic and addressing food insecurity. The 4-H Youth Development segment reported returning to in-person activities, focusing on DEIA strategy, and launching a new Alumni Manager role. Census data was presented, highlighting population changes and diversity shifts in Illinois. IT updates included the migration to Moodle and preparing for MS Teams transition, while Communications reported increased press releases and social media reach. The Chair noted plans for ESAC members to engage with legislators during Springfield drop-in days.

The strategic plan for Allerton Park & Retreat Center outlines its mission to sustain and promote the legacy of Robert Allerton by engaging the University of Illinois community and Illinois citizens through nature, arts, and landscape ecology. It is guided by principles emphasizing revenue diversification, infrastructure investment, community empowerment, customer satisfaction, collaboration, and inclusivity. The plan pursues four main goals: fostering scholarship and innovation, providing transformative learning experiences, achieving significant societal impact, and stewarding resources, all aimed at inspiring the community to utilize and value nature, history, and the arts through accessible programming and facilities.

This 'Student Transition Skill Checklist' outlines essential competencies to facilitate a smoother transition to college. It categorizes skills into personal independence, covering areas like self-care, navigation, and technology use; personal empowerment, focusing on self-advocacy, appointment management, and financial literacy; and important considerations, including assistive technology, governmental services, stress reduction, and extracurricular involvement. The checklist serves as a guide for students preparing for independent living and academic success in a college environment.

The meeting agenda included a tour of the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center on the preceding Sunday. Key discussion topics for the main meeting session covered the Director's Update, a Financial Update concerning Budget, Finance, & Workforce Development, a Colors Training session, and a discussion regarding Extension Strategic Planning. The agenda also listed an update and site tour for the Doris Christopher Kelly Extension Building, followed by ESAC Business.

The University Senates Conference discussed proposed changes to the University of Illinois Statutes and General Rules regarding administrative restructuring. The conference expressed general support for the goals of the Board but voiced concerns about the proposals, including the title change for campus chancellors, the addition of 'Research' to the title of Vice President for Technology and Economic Development, and the creation of a Vice President for Health Affairs. The USC also discussed the clarification of the portfolio of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and changes regarding the Provost.