Chancellor's Commission on Extension

3. Research-Based Information and Education Programs U of I Extension programs should be based on research and information resources of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and other public and private research institutions. Relevant topics for programs should be identified by local Councils, Extension professionals, and university subject matter experts in a cooperative interactive process.
The University of Illinois Cooperative Extension System must provide programs which give citizens information and help citizens develop problem-solving skills that improve their lives. Extension and public service are central and critically important to the land-grant responsibilities of the UIUC. They provide Illinois citizens access to the vast research and information resources within their land-grant university, other research institutions, and the USDA (representing the federal partner).

While the administration of U of I Extension is within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), Extension is encouraged to draw on the information resources of the entire UIUC campus, including but not limited to the colleges of Applied Life Studies (ALS) and Veterinary Medicine, to deliver quality, research-based programs that meet the needs of the people of Illinois. Of equal or more importance, however, is the need for adequate subject matter expertise in Extension that is dedicated to the development and delivery of the highest quality and most effective Extension programs in the four core program areas throughout Illinois.

Extension must use communication and information technology to enhance learning opportunities and to capitalize on the ever-increasing amount and complexity of information. While the mission of Extension is broad, Extension must be selective in the use of its resources and avoid attempts to deliver all things to all people.

Recommendations

All programs should have a clear foundation in objective, research-based information.
For the Colleges of ACES, ALS, and Vet Med, research needs and priorities should reflect input from organizations, groups, and individuals representing the four core program areas. This objective may be accomplished through an effective advisory committee system for academic departments and the College; by effective liaison with local Extension Councils, individuals, organizations, groups, and agencies; by working closely with the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR); and by other appropriate means deemed effective.
The connections between research and U of I Extension must be rich and seamless for programs in the four core areas to be solidly grounded in the most current and the best information available.
An adequate number of subject matter experts in U of I Extension is essential and fundamental to the development and delivery of excellent research-based programs in the four core program areas. These experts may be located on the Urbana-Champaign campus or strategically located in the field, depending on subject matter, audience, and availability of funds. The minimum number of subject matter experts necessary for effective Extension programs in the four core program areas is 176 specialists. Currently there is capacity for an estimated 154 subject matter experts (see Table 1, p. 20, for details by core program area).
Subject matter experts, located in the field and on campus, should be organized into effective and appropriate teams. They are charged with the responsibilities of (1) conducting applied research, (2) developing and delivering programming, (3) serving as a specialized subject-matter resource, (4) supporting Extension professionals in local offices with needs assessment and program delivery, and (5) effectively integrating research and education programs.